£22,000 for Prison Me? No Way!

Prison Me! No Way! project which deters young people from getting involved in crime by demonstrating the harsh reality of life behind bars

Greater Manchester Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd has announced he will be putting £950,000 into youth projects across Greater Manchester, each designed to raise young people’s aspirations, improve their life opportunities, and divert them away from a life of crime.

Prison Me? No Way! Is outreach work in Rochdale with those on cusp of being involved with crime, and the school workshops demonstrating consequences of a life of crime have been awarded £22,000.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/83121/students-get-a-taste-of-porridge

The projects typically receive funds of between £5,000 and £30,000, and are spread across the region. They use a mix of drama, sport, mentoring, training, and workshops to help young people make better life choices.

Mr Lloyd said: “I’ve been running this scheme since 2014 and I’ve seen the difference it makes. Each project is different, but they are all built around the needs of children and young people.

“If we can raise young people’s aspirations from a young age; if we can show them that life is worth living and living well, then we can help set them on the right path and encourage them to make positive life decisions.”

Some schemes are designed to provide general support and boost self-esteem through activities and guidance, while others have been set up to help children with particular needs or to tackle specific issues such as child sexual exploitation, domestic abuse, and drug and alcohol misuse.

Subject to due diligence checks, nearly £600,000 is to be distributed to 28 Youth Aspiration Fund schemes across Greater Manchester, and a further £350,000 will be used to sustain seven existing schemes that have previously received funding and are now making a real difference to the lives of children and young people.