Project will help youngsters

Nottinghamshire County Council is working in partnership with Barnardos to implement a £180,000 project which will see the children undergo a range of activities to boost their skills and self esteem.

The funding has been secured from public health funds by the county council with around 20 children on the Coxmoor estate in Kirkby among the first to benefit over the course of the next 12 months.

Coun Liz Plant, committee vice-chairman for children and young people’s services, said: “We are very pleased to be working with Barnardo’s.

“The charity has a proven track record supporting vulnerable children.

“As project commissioners, we can ensure that the project is delivering on the outcomes set out at the start to support the children who take part.”

The county council has commissioned Barnardo’s to deliver the project which will run until 2016.

The project begins this month and also has the backing of Nottinghamshire Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping.

Sue Whitehead, children’s service manager for Barnardo’s In Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said: “Here at Barnardo’s we believe in children and this project will underpin our work to transform the lives of vulnerable children.

“We will actively work with local services, and with the support of the local community, make a lasting difference to disadvantaged children and their families.”

The project will help children aged between eight and 12-years-old who are at risk of offending, are disadvantaged and struggling with school attendance.

They will take part on a programme of indoor and outdoor activities, with support from a range of partner agencies, to boost their self-esteem and skills.

For more information visit www.barnardos.org.uk