Rochdale projects get a slice of Lloyd’s cash

Commissioner Tony Lloyd

Prison Me! No-Way!, a project that uses mock cells to shows teenagers the realities of life in prison, has been awarded £25,000 by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd as part of his Youth Aspiration Fund.

A partnership between Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and No Way Trust, the project uses replica prison cells to show young people the consequences of criminality. Secondary school pupils are escorted as inmates through a series of workshops delivered by police, fire service and serving prison officers. Serving prisoners and ex-offenders also share their stories on the harsh realities of prison life.

It is one of three youth groups and organisation that have won a total of £65,000 to work with hundreds of young people across Rochdale to build their life skills and encourage them to make the right choices.

Mr Lloyd said: “Young people have the innovative solutions to our future. All they need is to be given a voice and the tools to make the right choices. That’s exactly why I launched the Youth Aspiration Fund, to empower young people and give them the opportunity to develop their confidence, team-building and to respect themselves and their communities – essential skills for making the best start in life.

“I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the bids and I want to thank everyone who has applied. It reaffirms my belief that the enthusiasm and passion to support every young person in reaching their potential and bring about real change in their community is engrained throughout Rochdale.

“To hear first hand from people who have experience of the criminal justice system is really impactive and will help young people see the consequences of getting involved in risky behaviour and encourage them to make the right choices. This is one of many innovative projects the fund is helping to deliver and I look forward to seeing the impact on the youngsters involved and the wider community.”

Other successful projects include:

• Depaul Trust - £20,000 – Working intensively with young people aged 16-23 who are at risk or are victims of child sexual exploitation by encouraging them to access positive activities and lifestyle choices, raising awareness if issues that impact on them and building confidence.
   
• Rochdale Connections Trust – £20,000 – Working with Bury and Rochdale’s Youth Offending Teams and Children’s Services, the Trust will support young people with violent and aggressive behaviour, using a restorative justice approach to help them recognise and change their behaviour.