Addiction counselling charity Motiv8 has launched an urgent funding appeal, saying that if at least £150,000 is not raised then its services risk facing closure.

’We are reaching out to funders, trusts, corporations and companies to help reach our funding goal’, to fund their work with children, young people and families,’ the charity warned.

The two main services are at risk are the Young Persons’ Drugs Service and the Family Alcohol Service, which had both been funded by Manx Lottery Trust grants, which have now expired.

As these grants cannot be applied for twice, these services - which have both seen a spike in demand since the Covid lockdown - require more funds if they are to continue operating.

Alcohol and Mental Health week takes place from November 16 to 22, and the charity says there is a ’well known and widely researched’ significant link between alcohol misuse and mental health.

Motiv8 director Thea Ozenturk said: ’We have so many children and young people that rely on the support they receive from our service and there are many more that will continue to need it in the future. For this service to no longer be there for them is unthinkable. That is why we are launching this funding appeal, because we need your help so that we can continue to help them.’

The charity also highlighted the increased importance of their community work, as shown by their level of activity during lockdown.

A spokesman said: ’Covid-19 saw us adapt our services to meet the needs of the local community and over the lockdown period, sessions with children and young people increased by over 50%.

’Working with mental health and substance misuse has always been a vital part of our services and the impact of Covid-19 has made this aspect of our work more important than ever before.’

By the end of 2020, the Motiv8’s family service will have offered more than 5,000 appointments.