PCC Meets Mentoring Volunteers at Carlisle Youth Zone

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall, today visited Carlisle Youth Zone and met some of those involved in the hugely successful Mentoring Project.

The Mentoring Project is in its second year, and was funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in 2014 by way of a £90,000 grant over three years.  The aim of the Project is to keep youngsters out of trouble, and Carlisle Youth Zone had developed a holistic preventative approach, targeted at those young people who are experiencing difficulties in their life, and who needed a positive role model.

Peter McCall said: “I am so impressed with the great work that is being done here at Carlisle Youth Zone, especially so given that the premises were hugely impacted by the flooding last December.  The Mentoring Project is already producing great results and has helped many youngsters who in some cases have been having to cope with very difficult family circumstances.  It is very rewarding to see projects such as this already beginning to make a real difference to lives.”

Carlisle Youth Zone’s Mentoring Coordinator Abi Reed said: “We are so grateful to be supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner. The funding has helped more than 100 young people since August 2014 and has supported them to improve their own lives, recognise their self-worth and make a positive contribution to society. If the mentoring programme wasn’t in place a lot of the young people past, present and future would have a much bleaker future. We are delighted with the relationship with the Police and Crime Commissioner and how this brilliant programme continues to change the lives of so many young people.”