MORE young people will be able to receive free counselling after an abuse awareness charity scooped a £500 grant.

Jacqui Kershaw, of Clacton-based Sweet Ways To Stop Abuse, is a one-woman band providing supporting to youngsters from 11 to 19 whose lives are affected by abusive and toxic relationships.

For the past 16 months, Jacqui has been working with Tendring, going into schools and was also working with the Youth Enquiry Service.

She has now won £500 from the Provident Good Neighbour Community Programme, which will fund at least 25 sessions which are up to 50 minutes long.

She said: “It’s been a dream of mine for a long time to prevent young people from getting into abusive situations.

“Unfortunately, they are getting younger and younger – I’m talking 11-year-olds.

“Kids don’t get to escape bullying at all because it’s 24/7 with social media, which is why I do what I do."

The charity, based in Great Clacton, was nominated for the award by an anonymous member of Anytime Fitness on North Road.

The gym is letting Jacqui continue fundraising by completing a treadmill half marathon on a treadmill.

She said: “The gym management has been very supportive. I’m still in the dark about who it was and so are they but it’s likely to be someone whose had contact with the service.

“I’m really proud of the fact someone has validated Sweet Ways To Stop Abuse as a good idea. Let’s help these young people and prove to them life doesn’t have to be about abuse.”

To support the fundraiser click here

Contact Jacqui Kershaw on kershawj@sweetwaystostopabuse.org.uk or call 07954 586836.