The launch of the Thurrock Council Community Transformation Programme took place at the Park Inn on Tuesday
Cllr Sue MacPherson, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for Integrated Youth Services said: “Young people have a major influence on the way our communities are now and how they will be in the future.
“The council’s transformation programme will reach young people who have been excluded from or opted out of education, are unemployed, young offenders, misusing drugs and alcohol or involved in gangs or are young parents.
“It sets out to reframe their views of themselves and their life choices through intensive personal development training and coaching support.”
She added: “The programme will not simply work with the young people, but with professionals from a range of youth services, voluntary organisations, stakeholders, local businesses, parents, carers, family networks, in fact, the whole community.”
“This is where the good people of Thurrock come in, if you care about the future of the borough and are passionate about transforming it, it would be great for you to come out and be a part of this life changing project.
“This is a big chance for the young people to have their voice heard. It’s no good in the future complaining when they have the chance right now to get things right not just for them but for the future generation.”
Project Manager, Vinny Musters, said: “Youth at Risk’s community programmes have been transforming the lives of young people since 1992 – turning them away from destructive behaviour, enabling them to recognise they have potential, building their self-esteem and self-confidence, empowering them to take control of their lives and raising their aspirations. This in turn has helped to restore and revitalise the communities in which they live.”
Volunteers are needed to be part of the project team. They will be trained by Youth at Risk in the skills required to support the young people on the programme, which they can also apply in their business and private lives.
No prior experience is required – but what is needed is a genuine interest in the future of young people and their community and bags of energy and commitment.
For further information, contact Vinny Musters, Project Manager, on 07717 320246.
