YOUNG people in need will be able to get free advice to help address their needs and concerns under a £25,000 pilot scheme.

Citizens Advice Taunton is launching the new young people's advice service project thanks to a donation from the Martin Lewis Fund.

The initiative will complement pastoral support provided in schools and colleges and ensure that young people are aware of its free, reliable, confidential and non-judgemental advice.

YCAT will use the experience of Citizens Advice and the expertise of partner youth agencies to address the needs and concerns of young people in our area.

Citizens Advice Taunton will be able to share its learning, and potentially encourage other local citizens advice to run similar projects tailored to young people in other parts of the country.

Chief officer Jon Shoesmith, of Citizens Advice Taunton, said: “We’re delighted to receive this award through the Martin Lewis Fund.

"This grant gives us the opportunity to run a project we have already tested with young people through Somerset-wide surveys, interviews with local young people, and consultations with a range of key statutory and voluntary agencies.

"Our research showed that vulnerable and anxious young people in Taunton Deane can find it extremely difficult to access appropriate and timely advice to deal with their worries.

"The project will focus on providing the help and support our young people need.”

Money saving expert Martin Lewis said few people realise that Citizens Advice is a charity.

He added: "I’ve met many people who were suicidal over legal or money life challenges they couldn’t cope with, yet a visit to their local Citizens Advice put them on the path to dealing with it.

"As a huge fan of the organisation, I wanted to do something to help it pioneer new ways to reach out and improve people’s lives, and I’m excited to see where this takes us.”

Citizens Advice Taunton is one of 25 services across England and Wales to receive £25,000 following an initial award of £1,000 last September to test initial project ideas.

Projects had to fit into categories including making people more digitally skilled, working closely with health and social care providers, and future opportunities for volunteers.