An anonymous donation of £15,000 from within the Bridport community has enabled a long-running support project for young people to continue for a further year.

The ASPIRE Project, a free service provided by voluntary company Bridport Enterprise Supporting Training Ltd (BEST), working in partnership with the Bridport Young Persons' Action Trust Charity (BYPAT), and previously nominated for an award from the Centre for Social Justice, has been supporting local young people struggling with life for 14 years.

Founded in 2009, ASPIRE was initially funded by BBC Radio Solent, Comic Relief and Dorset County Council but, in order to meet a wider need, and with a particular emphasis on the mental wellbeing of young people, the project became independent in 2017. 

Since then, funding has relied entirely on support from the Bridport community. This support continues, with project organisers expressing their immense gratitude for the anonymous donation, and relief their work will be able to continue at least until August 2024.

ASPIRE continued its operation throughout lockdown, at which time award-winning co-ordinator, Charlotte Storey, stated: "Many are finding motivation a real issue… there will be a massive spike in mental ill health when lockdown ends." 

So it has proved, and it has proved to be a matter of national concern.

Charlotte said that young people knew exactly what they wanted, commenting: "Support that's accessible when buildings are closed, without time constraints and, given the vulnerability of these young people, with total confidentiality. Basically, they told us they wanted a self-referring, 365 day a year service, with no time limit on engagement hours.  This is exactly what we provide, and it works."

Based on this feedback, the approach largely moved from face-to-face work, impossible during lockdown, to a medium that young people prefer – the internet.

Support sessions for individuals are sometimes expanded to include members of the wider family group, whilst a weekly Team Meeting involving young people who choose to join in helps build an online community of mutual support amongst those experiencing similar issues.

ASPIRE strives to help enable young people to own their own wellbeing and to become their own best selves.

For more information, contact [email protected]