A CHARITY founded by Brighton and Hove Albion chairman Tony Bloom has thrown its support behind a substance misuse service.

The Bloom Foundation has donated £40,000 to the Brighton Oasis Project (BOP) over a two-year period.

The money will be used for the charity’s young women’s therapy project.

This is aimed at young women who have experienced significant problems in their early lives and are struggling with their mental health now as a result.

The money will cover the cost of a qualified, experienced therapist to work two days a week from BOP’s central Brighton location.

BOP provides women-only groups and support to people experiencing problems with drugs or alcohol.

Children and young people affected by substance misuse in the family are also helped.

Last year, BOP directly supported more than 500 women and 250 children and young people.

BOP’s director Jo-Anne Welsh said: “We are extremely pleased to have been awarded funding from the Bloom Foundation to continue and expand our therapy provision for young women.

“The young women we’re seeing have had a very difficult start in life.

“Many of them are care leavers who experienced early neglect and abuse.

“Some experience self-harm and have thoughts of suicide.

“Mental health is more important than ever and we see first-hand the links between poor mental health and substance misuse.

“Yet for our clients, finding accessible provision to address their mental health and wellbeing can be challenging.

“What is required is a specialist approach, which BOP is well-placed to deliver.”

Mr Bloom said: “The Bloom foundation is pleased to support BOP as a key service organisation.

“It delivers an evidence-based approach to support positive behavioural change and growth in women affected by substance misuse.

“This project fits with the foundation’s guiding mission, which includes strengthening the local Brighton community as well as mainstreaming a preventative approach to health, including mental health.”