A youth club for people from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community has opened its doors in Merton.

The club, which is aimed at 13-19 year-olds, is the first of its kind in the borough offering a safe space for young people to meet and, if necessary, seek advice and support.

The club successfully bid for a grant of nearly £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All initiative and has the backing of Merton Council which is actively involved in tackling discrimination and hate crime against members of the LGBT community.

Chris Lee, Director of Environment and Regeneration for Merton Council, said: “It is important young people have a place to go where they feel safe and can share their experiences.

“The club welcomes any young people who have and haven’t come out and meets every fortnight at the Endeavour Youth club in Martin Way.”

For more information about the club and additional activities and events, go to mertonlgbtforum.org.uk