A mental health support hub for young people is set to expand its services as demand "continues to grow".

Since opening its doors earlier this year at the site of a prestigious former retail store, The Junction in Lowestoft has provided vital mental health and wellbeing support to scores of youngsters.

With the service delivered by regional charity Access Community Trust as "the first of its kind in this area", it is based on Bevan Street East in Lowestoft.

And after transforming the former Clapham Arms pub and family retail store Coes of Lowestoft - which shut its doors in the town in May 2019 after 50 years of trading - The Junction has received a funding boost allowing it to extend activities and expand support.

A significant donation from Suffolk-based housebuilder Denbury Homes has secured the future for the centre.

The Denbury Charitable Fund has supported The Junction with funding since it unveiled its facilities - and this latest donation will allow the centre to further expand provision to meet local needs.

This includes extending the upper age limit and enhancing LGBTQi+ and neurodiversity support.

In its first six months, the centre has achieved more than 120 positive outcomes for young people through one-to-one, group, and walk-in sessions with youth workers.

Emma Ratzer, CEO of Access Community Trust, said: "The lingering effects of Covid-19 lockdowns combined with the pressure from the cost-of-living crisis are having a profound effect on young people and their families.

"Demand for our mental health support services continues to grow.

"This latest donation from Denbury Homes will help us extend our activities and expand our support with the confidence that we can continue to provide these much-needed services."

Joshua Hopkins of the Denbury Charitable Fund: “The work the team at The Junction is providing, alongside the young people who use the service is making an important and significant impact to so many lives, not just the young people but also their families and friends."

The donation from Denbury Homes was facilitated by Suffolk Community Foundation.