The Yard Project at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds receives £10,000 in National Lottery funding

A Suffolk cathedral project which supports and works with young people has received £10,000 in National Lottery funding.

The Yard project at St Edmundsbury Cathedral in Bury St Edmunds , which is using a piece of once overgrown land on the site to create a safe space for young people, will use the money for its community youth work over the next 12 months.

The space has been designed for young people to can come and spend time, learn new skills, meet new friends and improve their mental health, wellbeing and resilience with activities including scrap-woodworking, eco crafts, firepit cooking and more.

Jane Dow, project lead, said: “Now, thanks to National Lottery players we will be able to support more young people to increase their wellbeing after the challenges of lockdown.

“There is very strong evidence that outdoor projects like The Yard can be tremendously helpful in helping young people to restore mental health and build community.”

The project was officially opened in April last year, by Suffolk’s High Sheriff, Mark Pendlington.