Two Bucks charities have been given cash by Wycombe District Council to help support troubled teens.

Action4Youth and Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust are the first two charities to receive funding through the council’s new young people mentoring grant.

Action4Youth says it will use the cash to fund engagement activity to identify and work with ‘at-risk’ young people, supporting them in overcoming their challenges and connecting them with positive pathways that will help them achieve their potential.

Cllr David Carroll, cabinet member for youth and external partnerships at Wycombe District Council, said: “Our vision and goal is to help young people facing exceptional challenges, and as a result lacking the opportunities, to achieve their goals in life.

“These are great organisations carrying out outstanding work, and together we can build hope and focus on a more positive future for some of our most vulnerable young people.”

The two organisations were selected following an application process that included a business proposal.

Jenifer Cameron, CEO of Action4Youth, said: “Action4Youth is delighted to be involved in this innovative and imaginative initiative working with Wycombe District Council and Cllr Carroll. We know that many young people in Wycombe District will benefit from our mentoring programme and as result the community will be strengthened.”

Paul Foley, head of Wycombe Wanderers Sports and Education Trust, said: “Wycombe Wanderers Sports & Education Trust are extremely grateful to Wycombe District Council for awarding this grant to us.

“Everything we do revolves around helping local people to reach their full potential and we’re confident that the Young People Mentoring Grant is going to allow us to facilitate significant positive impacts on the many local youngsters who will be engaged throughout its delivery, and hopefully give them the best possible chances to thrive as they get older.”