Charity 'devastated' after being told to move

The charity needs to find a new home by early December

A charity has launched an "urgent" appeal to raise £300,000 to secure a new home.

In Charley's Memory has been told it needs to leave its current location in Highbridge, Somerset, as the building's owner is selling the property.

The charity, which offers mental health support to children and young adults, said it needs to find new premises by early December. Launched a decade ago it currently provides support for more than 200 people across the county each week.

Dawn Carey, CEO of In Charley's Memory said: "I'm devastated for the staff and children, where are the kids going to go if we're not here?"

In Charley's Memory, set up in memory of a young man by that name who took his own life in 2014, said it needs the support of the local community to avoid closure and help it find an appropriate location in the Burnham and Highbridge area.

Ms Carey added: "The likelihood of us finding somewhere that not only can accommodate the sheer number of people we see but is going to be an adequate space is nigh on impossible."

In Charley's Memory offers mental health support to children and young adults

The charity said it needs to raise £300,000 to adapt any new building it finds and to run the service it provides through 2026.

Bridgwater and Burnham MP Sir Ashley Fox said he is doing what he can "to support them through this challenging time".

"I hope a solution can be found that secures the charity's future and enables them to continue their lifesaving work.

"I would also encourage anyone who is able to contribute to In Charley's Memory's urgent appeal to do so," he added.