Youth project to showcase talent

ENGAGING young people in music has led to a reduction in anti-social behaviour.

And to celebrate, youngsters at the Youth Inclusion Project will showcase their talents at a special event on Thursday.

The scheme involved Positive Steps Oldham, First Choice Homes Oldham and Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale joining forces to bring together dance and music performances by young people from St Mary’s and Fitton Hill.

Weekly evening sessions allowed the young people to practice and develop their performances while increasing their confidence and meeting new people.

The results will see street-style dances and a rap song created by the young people being performed in public for the first time at Groundwork Environment Centre.

Paula Green, neighbourhood officer at First Choice Homes Oldham, said: “First Choice Homes is working very closely with Groundwork to encourage youths in the area to engage in positive activities.

“As a result, residents in the area have commented that there has been a reduction in anti-social behaviour, which is what we set out to achieve with this excellent partnership working.”

Hayley Connolly, assistant scheme leader at Groundwork, added: “Bringing Fitton Hill and St Mary’s together on these projects has been a huge success.

“I am very proud of all the young people who took part.” For more information, visit the website at www.gwor.org.uk  or call Becci West, project manager for St Mary’s Youth Inclusion Project at Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale on 0161-624 1444.