More than 60 young people across Wiltshire will receive help to access to vital training and employment thanks to a new grant of £43,824 provided by Wiltshire Freemasons.

Specialist training and support will be provided by a Young People’s Employability Coach at the charity Alabaré, who have been supporting disadvantaged and homeless adults and young people in the region for 30 years.

With unemployment rates rising to their highest rates in over a decade as the impact of COVID-19 continues to hit the jobs market, young people have been disproportionately affected with many losing positions in the retail and hospitality industries.

The grant from Wiltshire Freemasons comes through the Masonic Charitable Foundation, which is funded by Freemasons, their families and friends, from across England and Wales.

Rob Gibson, training development manager at Alabaré said: “We’re very grateful to Wiltshire Freemasons for their generous grant, which will allow us to support young people who need somewhere to live and help to find a job.

"The new Employability Coach will be helping them find the confidence to present their existing skills and experience to the best effect, and help them access training and qualifications to gain the jobs they so ardently want.”

Philip Bullock, head of Wiltshire Freemasons, added: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to help Alabaré with their hugely important work supporting local young people into the world of work.

"They help young people in living up to their potential rather than existing on benefits.

"What Alabaré does is literally life-changing.”