Ten young people get help turning their lives around in Watford (From Watford Observer)

Ten young people get help turning their lives around in Watford

11:33am Thursday 7th May 2009 in Search Module By Filip Hnizdo

Ten young people have been given awards for six months of “hard and painful” work in turning their troubled lives around.

During an emotional ceremony at the end of the YMCA's Go Get It project, young people spoke openly and honestly about their pasts, the changes they have already made, and their hopes for the future, which left the audience both moved and inspired by their courage and determination.

They were presented with certificates by Watford Mayor Dorothy Thornhill who congratulated participants on their achievements.

The young people were helped through the project by volunteers who helped them set goals, cope with the process of making change happen, and take control of their future.

The programme also works with the parents and carers of the young people to improve communication and relationships in the home.

It targets young people at risk of failing to achieve their full potential in life due to drug and alcohol problems, or difficulties at school, at home or in the wider community because of their behaviour.

Some of the young people may have been in trouble with the police, or even spent time in prison.

Young people attend weekly coaching sessions, as well as regular Saturday workshops, entirely by their own choice; joining the project is not compulsory.

Project Coordinator, Abbe Waghorn says: “The only person that can change a young person’s life is the young person themselves; they need help sometimes in order to do that, but they have to choose to take on the challenge and commit to it. Go Get It provides a unique and innovative opportunity for young people to do just that.”

The successful project has been funded by Watford Borough Council, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Hertfordshire Community Foundation, the Substance Misuse Team, St Albans Abbey and many others. However, due to the credit crunch, funding for another Go Get It project next year is currently hanging in the balance.

For more information about the project and on becoming a coach, contact Jo Kelly on (01923) 353640. To fundraise for Go Get It, or to make a donation, contact Abbe Waghorn on 07967 886089 www.watfordymca.com