Youth project spared from cutbacks

A PIONEERING project in Warrington aimed at keeping youngsters from the “toughest backgrounds” out of crime will continue to receive Home Office funding – despite cutbacks.
The Government will provide £10 million funding so that 91 of the Positive Futures projects nationally, including one in Warrington, will continue.
Kara Hitchin, chairman of the Positive Futures Youth Advisory Board, said: “Positive Futures has been around for 10 years making a difference to the lives of young people from the toughest backgrounds.
“It gives us real hope to think that the Home Office has not only read our positive stories of being involved in the programme but acted so positively upon them.
Continuing with the programme will help make Britain safer and the future brighter for young people.”
The Warrington project works with young people and volunteers throughout the town and is expanding its provision. It runs 12 weekly sessions, with more than 250 free places. Activities range from community sports clubs, street dancing, volunteer training and inter-generational sports sessions.
It works with individuals aged from five to 17 and encourages adult participation and volunteering. Agencies have worked together to target some of the neediest communities to enable young people from deprived background to achieve their potential.