HOMELESS young people in Pendle are to receive a boost of more than £50,000 to improve the services available to them.

Pendle Partnership has agreed to provide £51,288 for SafeSpace, a charity which provides short-term accommodation, advice and support to homeless 16 to 25-year-olds in the borough.

The money will be used to help develop a disability suite and contribute to the salary of a floating support worker.

The charity has been working in Pendle since April 2000 and about 200 people are referred for support, advice and accommodation every year.

About 50 people a year will benefit from the extra floating support worker, who can help young people find accommodation and maintain their independence.

Other support available includes advice on tenancy issues, benefits and help with getting into education or employment.

The grant will also enable homeless prevention and awareness work to be carried out among young people and the agencies who work with them.

This should ensure that potentially homeless young people receive help before they actually become homeless.

Cash will go towards a disabled suite to improve access to the facilities.

Improvements will include a ground floor bedroom and bathroom, easy entry and exit facilities, ramp accesses and accessible light switches and windows.

Claire Bennett of SafeSpace said: "Homelessness is not just a big city issue. It clearly exists in Pendle but is sometimes hidden. Our approach is to confront the homelessness issues and provide the young people with help, support and assistance."

Anne Taylor of Pendle Partnership added: "This is a very worthwhile project that helps young people when they most need it."