An LGBTQ+ youth support group will be set up in Andover as councillors approved a £2,000 grant for the project at a full council meeting last week.

The Breakout Youth charity’s support service is due to start in the first week of October, after receiving backing from Andover Town Council (ATC) to match fund Test Valley Borough Council’s multi ward £2,000 contribution.

While debate was heard in ATC’s meeting over spending £1,000 from reserves to support the group in a large grant, nine councillors carried the majority vote to provide a safe space for the town’s LGBTQ+ young people, which without the immediate funding would have fallen through.

Funding proposer ATC councillor Andy Fitchet said: “I’m really glad the motion has been passed. Now some of the most marginalised young people in our town can receive good and professionally supported help and a safe space in which to be affirmed.”

The grant will be handed out over the next two years, £1,000 from this year’s reserves and £1,000 from next year’s budget.

While proponents of the Breakout Youth grant said internal auditors encouraged the spending of reserves, other councillors wanted a better-established and fair procedure for large grants and who is awarded them.

Winton ward councillor Richard Kidd, who voted against the grant, said: “I did speak to members of my constituency and I believe I voted the way the majority wanted me to.”

Breakout Youth will use the funding to run a regular youth group in Andover for LGBTQ+ people aged 11 to 21-years-old.

A Breakout Youth spokesperson said: “The group will create a safe space for young people to build friendships, opportunities for peer support, and a focus on relevant issues such as tackling prejudice and sexual health.

“The young people in our community really need Breakout as young lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are particularly vulnerable. Lack of understanding from family, friends and services can make growing up risky, confusing and isolating, and can put them at higher risk of much poorer physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

“National and local evidence shows LGBTQ+ young people are disproportionately at risk of crime, suicide, homelessness, family breakdown and substance abuse when compared to heterosexual young people.

“Once the group is established we hope to offer other elements of the Breakout service including 1:1 support, groups for 7-11 year olds, a Gender Identity group, a music group, support for parents and LGBTQ+ training for professionals.”

If you or a young person that you know are interested in joining the group, contact Breakout Youth on enquiries@breakoutyouth.org.uk or 02380 224224. More information about Breakout is available at www.breakoutyouth.org.uk.