TOWN councillors in Minehead are being asked to give £13,000 toward developing health and wellbeing services for youngsters up to the age of 18 years.
Councillors will be recommended on Tuesday (March 25) to partner with Minehead Eye and the West Somerset Primary Care Network’s Living Better project.
They want to apply for £35,000 from Somerset Association of Local Councils (SALC), which supports parishes in delivering community health and wellbeing projects.
Town clerk Ben Parker said a dedicated young people’s health coach had been working out of Minehead Eye for the past six months who had shown there was a significant need in the community.
Mr Parker said funding was being sought to keep the project running for the next two years to give it time to develop longer-term sustainability, with more than 1,000 young people expected to be reached in the first 12 months.
The plan was to apply to SALC for a £35,000 grant in year one, and to then raise £41,000 from partners in year two, including £13,000 from the town council.
Mr Parker said: “This project combines universal youth services, clubs, events, outreach, with targeted mental and emotional health support, creating an integrated system of care for young people in Minehead.
“Having already received verbal support from the Minehead and Watchet Local Community Network group, there is potential to further develop and expand the project to receive financial support from multiple parishes and towns.”
Mr Parker said the need for the project was evidenced by West Somerset being ranked the lowest district in the country for social mobility, and coastal communities facing higher mental health challenges.
There had been a 25 per cent increase in wellbeing support demand over the past three years and the successful six-month pilot had demonstrated the need for, and effectiveness of, the work.