THE Bury branch of Yorkshire Building Society is supporting homeless young people this Christmas with a special campaign.

The campaign, launched with the Society’s partner charity End Youth Homelessness (EYH), will give 35 young people a home thanks to a funded rent deposit scheme, alongside a £200 home essentials grant and dedicated support with financial advice and life skills.

It is the first of its kind to be rolled out nationally, providing practical help to homeless young people in the UK who are ready to move out of supported accommodation.

Nick Connolly, Managing Director of End Youth Homelessness, said: “I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all the customers and members of staff at Yorkshire Building Society who have contributed so far to our charity partnership.

“Through their donations and support we are able to help more homeless young people this Christmas.”

Latest figures show that 45 young people in Bury received homeless support from their local authority in 2015/16, while 83,000 people in the UK are estimated to be homeless.

To take the fight to this crisis the Society hopes to raise over £750,000 to support over 700 young people in their own rented homes, over a three year partnership with EYH.

People in Bury can get involved by buying EYH’s Christmas tree decorations for £1 per design, from the Building Society’s branch, on The Rock.

James Fenton, manager, said: “As Christmas is traditionally a time for giving, we want to give homeless young people the best gift of all, a home.

“Through our partnership with End Youth Homelessness we are providing help for young people in need, but this is only possible thanks to the support we receive from customers and the public in Bury.

“By buying a set of our Christmas decorations or making a donation, you will be helping homeless young people at one of the most difficult times of the year.”