THE future of a scheme which helps women overcome difficult experiences and increase their self-confidence has been secured for at least three years after its leaders landed a £74,000 grant.

Thirsk and District Community Care Association said the Lloyds Bank Foundation money would enable it to expand its Catalyst project and provide more bespoke support from volunteer mentors, across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Annette Greenwood, who launched the project in 2011 with a £2,000 grant from the Probation Service, said she was also hopeful of winning more funding to extend the scheme for a further two years.

She said securing the funding had taken almost a year and had involved the scheme's clients being interviewed to explain how the project had helped them.

Mrs Greenwood said: "In the past we have been getting donations and grants of £500 or £1,000, so this funding is going to help us plan for the future."

Catalyst offers a woman-centred approach for individuals and their specific life challenges, such as job losses, mental health issues or relationship break-ups, by providing one-to-one coaching, delivered by a team who help set goals and offer emotional support.

It also seeks to build skills and community engagement, through volunteering on community projects, work experience, education and training, career development and improving wellbeing.

Alongside the life coaching, women can attend fortnightly support group sessions, at Zion Church Hall, in Northallerton, which feature guest speakers, art and craft sessions and light lunches.

Taster sessions are run throughout the year covering well-being subjects such as indian head massage, aromatherapy and personal safety.

Mrs Greenwood said women attending the project could expect to receive encouragement each time they suffered a set-back.

She added: "It makes a difference for people who do not have a social network and don't have the confidence to meet new people.

"It could be people who don't need counselling, but need some help moving on with their lives."

She said the grant would enable the project, which is also funded by York and North Yorkshire Probation Trust, Hambleton and Richmondshire Community Safety Partnership, The Brelms Trust and European Social Fund, to help people referred to it by agencies such as GP surgeries.

Mrs Greenwood while women were travelling from a wide area to attend the sessions, if there was sufficient demand the project would launch group sessions in Richmond.

Anyone interested in the service can call 01845-523115, email Annette.Greenwood@thirskcommunitycare.org.uk or visit tscca.org.uk