A CHARITY who looks after Marine Lake, has said their funding application to the North Somerset Community Partnership fund (NSCP) was successful.

The £17,054 grant will enable MARLENS to launch a programme of activity to support the mental health and wellbeing of young people from North Somerset.

The grant awarded by Quartet Community Foundation (who administer numbers of local grant schemes to support local communities) is for £17,054 and will be used to fund activities and staff time to work across a number of organisations supporting young people (especially those at risk of exclusion) so they can benefit from the Marine Lake.

It will be delivered in close partnership with Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS), an independent charity who champion volunteering across North Somerset.

The announcement comes shortly after MARLENS celebrated being awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the two grants will work together to enable a wider range of communities to use the lake more broadly.

Dr Sarah Swash, chair of MARLENS, said: “The funding from NSCP will make a huge difference.

“Our charitable constitution has a strong focus on helping young people realise the benefits of the lake; whether this is being in the water or by the water, research shows that their physical and mental health can be hugely supported.

“The funding is for a period of 12 months, but the legacy will be ongoing, especially through the partnership with VANS, it will enable us to build our confidence and capacity as a small charity to work in this way.”

Built in 1929 and lovingly restored in 2015 (thanks to again to the Heritage Fund), Clevedon Marine Lake boasts a rich history of community spirit and is vital to Clevedon's seafront heritage, offering a safe and inclusive space for recreation, and community connection.

Julie Newman, philanthropy officer at Quartet, comments: “We were really pleased to receive and be able to support an application from MARLENS.

“The NSCP fund has been set up to support community-based organisations responding to the health and wellbeing of disadvantaged local people in North Somerset.

“The project from MARLENS has a real opportunity to make a difference to the lives of young people.”