A STOURTON charity has received crucial funding that will allow it to provide refuge for young mums.

Living Springs will receive £30,000, spread over two years from Lloyds TSB Foundation.

The charity, based at Barratts Coppice Farmhouse, Bridgnorth Road, will use the money to fund a floating support worker who will help provide refuge for young mums aged between 16 to 25 and equip them with basic life skills to allow them to live independently.

Jane Chapman, centre director at Living Springs, said the cash boost will allow the charity to extend its services.

She said: “Many of the women that use our services have a number of issues including drug, violence, criminal activity and mental ill health.

“We provide support up to and immediately after pregnancy but with this new funding we will be able to help new mums further down the line when they move into their own homes and provide support and advice on independent living, reducing the likelihood of failure and keeping families together.”

Peter Cunnison, grant manager for the West Midlands branch of the Lloyds TSB Foundation, added: “Young women living in disadvantaged areas in the West Midlands can face a number of challenges in coping with everyday life, especially if many are facing other issues.

“Living Springs provides vital support for young mums and our grant will enable more young women to move on and live more independent lives with their families.”