THE Wiveliscombe-based ‘In The Mix Project’ has been confirmed as a registered charity thanks to the hard work of staff and volunteers.

The project was set up by former Somerset County Council youth workers, Nick Harvey and Paul Black, in response to the austerity budget cuts to professional Youth Services in Somerset.

Their vision was to save these services for the area covering the ‘Kingsmead School catchment area’.

Over the past three years volunteers and paid workers have done important work to establish the project, which has also enlisted the support of key members of the community and a growing band of volunteers to sustain the organisation and to plan for transforming it into a charity.

A statement from ‘In The Mix’ said: “We have been successful and are pleased to announce that since April 25 we have been a registered charity: registration number (1161486).

“The new name is In The Mix Youth Project (ITMYP) and the project now takes the form of a charitable company limited by guarantee.”

Although still mainly focussed on the original area of benefit, its objects now cover the areas of Taunton Deane Borough Council and West Somerset District Council.

Nick Harvey and Paul Black, the directors of the former CIC, have given valued support to the new board of Trustees, who have taken full control and responsibility for the future of the organisation.

Jo Finlinson, apprentice youth worker, said: “I am really pleased In The Mix Youth Project is now a charity, I have been working hard to establish our Young Leader programme, alongside our team delivering and promoting our services - and now I am confident that we are in the best position to develop our programmes that Nick Paul and John and the rest of the team have worked hard to establish.

“Sponsorship, sustainable funding and community support however, is key - and I hope everyone will rally around in support.”

Becoming a registered charity creates a much wider opportunity for securing sustainable funding, as well as opening the door to benefits such as the gift aid scheme.

Young people need access to services that can offer them professional support as they develop through their childhood and teenage years into adulthood and this is the main focus for the new Charity as it plans for a successful future.