Reformed character Lee puts young on right track

LEE Marsland with youngsters who are on the youth project Street Link

PRIDE IN OLDHAM:

FROM football sessions to nail and beauty bars, there’s nothing Lee Marsland won’t do for youngsters in Limeside, Failsworth and Hollinwood.

And the 32-year-old’s dedication to making his community a better place has earned him a Pride in Oldham Award nomination.

Lee launched Street Link in October, 2008, after Pastor Elijah Boswell, from the New Life Church in Failsworth, asked him to lead the project.

There are now more than 100 young people involved with regular activity sessions, including sports teams, youth clubs and computer courses.

Street Link also organises weekly visits to pensioners in the area.

Youngsters drop in on the old folk and make them a cup of tea, help tidy their homes or do odd jobs.

The team conducts walks round the area on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights to talk with youths, resulting in an estimated 50 per cent fall in crime.

Lee, a married father-of-five who lives in Limeside, said: “We try and change negative perceptions into positive ones to make people see that a group of youths does not always have to be seen as threatening. We are always up for new challenges and we like to involve young people as much as possible and help them to see that they can change their future.”

With Lee’s help, local youngsters set up a website at www.streetlink.org  where members of the community can find out what they have been doing and discover upcoming events. Lee started his role on a voluntary basis while he held down various jobs. He now receives a small wage but most of his role is still voluntary.

He said: “I have had a colourful background but I changed my ways so I am speaking to these young people with a knowledge of what they are going through.

“I want to help them realise that there is another way to go through life. My life experience has taught me a lot.

“It is an honour to be nominated for Pride in Oldham. Myself and the rest of the team love what we do so it’s nice that someone has recognised what we do.”

John Norris, Failsworth and Hollinwood neighbourhood manager, who nominated Lee, said: “He is an inspiration to the entire community.

“The young people in the are think Lee and his team are fantastic.”

l If you would like to nominate someone for an award, fill in and return the nomination form (left).