A new charity is set to be launched in Huntingdon to support young people across the county.

The new venture, organised by town resident Daniel Laycock, aims to provide for those aged between 5-25, suffering with social, behavioural and financial problems, through a number of activities: from sports and arts to employment and mental health guidance.

Mr Laycock, 30, was inspired to launch the charity because of the number of young people he saw falling behind both in education and day-to-day life.

He said: “According to a report of the health and well-being of children and young people in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough by Cambridgeshire County Council, the number of pupils that have special educational needs is around 1 in 7.

“Also, according to the report, the development of pupils in Reception and Year 1, including those on free school meals, is far worse locally. Inside this report it estimates that 4,800 primary school children and 5,300 secondary school pupils have a diagnosable mental health problem.”

Mr Laycock used to chair Natural High Experiences, a charity which also supported young people by offering creative and leisure activities.

During his time with the group he noticed that there were many charities across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough aimed at helping young people suffering with mental health issues and behavioural and social issues.

He added: “With this new venture I’d like to put all of those services from the voluntary sector into one so we can help as many young people from disadvantaged backgrounds as possible to achieve their aspirations.”

The charity will be primarily based in Huntingdon, but the aim is to open a number of ‘hubs’ across the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area.

On Saturday, there will be a meeting at Huntingdon Library between 11am-1pm, for anyone looking to get involved. Those interested in becoming a member of the board of trustees can contact Mr Laycock at daniel.laycock@icloud.com, or call 07983962393.