Reaching out for peace!

YOUNG people from Warrington who have taken part in a unique peace programme will be demonstrating their skills tomorrow, Tuesday (December 7).
Reach 4 Change, Exploring Communities, Conflict and Developing Youth Leadership will see young people sharing their learning with other young people and professionals from across the town.
The REACH programme is a partnership between the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace and the Warrington Wolves Foundation which is helping young people confront conflict in their own lives and transform their role in their communities.
An alternative curriculum programme aimed at young people aged 14-18 years of age – it incorporates elements of conflict resolution, leadership, mediation and self awareness and identity, as well as practical skills in the areas of arts and culture, sport leadership and health and education.
The young people who have taken part in the first of the two year Big Lottery funded project, will be showcasing their skills at a conference held at the Peace Centre, the living memorial built in memory of Tim Parry and Jonathan Ball, the two young boys killed following the IRA bomb attack on Warrington in March 1993.
Young people will take the lead for the afternoon as they share stories and experiences. With interactive testimonies from young people, reports from agencies that they have worked with in the community and a performance delivered by participants it promises to be an exciting and dynamic event.
Programme worker Phil McClure said: “This conference will be a chance to reflect upon our communities and the role of young people in our town. I’m confident that our young people will do themselves and their peers proud by giving the audience food for thought – Part celebration of youth and part challenges for the future.”