Youth Justice Fund - Tameside

The Youth Justice Fund worked to engage with young people (aged 10 to 17) who were vulnerable to getting involved in criminal activities, displaying anti-social behaviour, and engaging in violence by engaging them in community physical activity and sport.

Here's what happened in Tameside:

Focus areas: Hyde, Denton, Stalybridge, Ashton, Hattersley

Partners: Military Mentors and local schools

Military Mentors are an organisation dedicated to nurturing personal growth and community development. Their project has not only bridged the gap for struggling parents during half-term holidays but have also brought essential after-school activities to young minds in primary schools .

The introduction of free after-school clubs served as a beacon of positive change for young individuals. By engaging in these clubs, children experienced the benefits of physical fitness and teamwork.

The military mentors recognized the potential of these clubs to cultivate personal fitness and valuable life skills that would serve these young individuals well into their futures.

"It is good to make some friends while on the expeditions."

The pinnacle of Military Mentors' impact, however, rested in their ability to extract young people from their comfort zones. Guiding them on expeditions through challenging terrains like the peaks of the district's mountains, the mentors aimed to instill resilience and self-confidence.

Beyond the physical challenges, these expeditions provided opportunities for learning survival techniques and map reading, empowering the youth with skills beyond the classroom.

"I feel more connected in a positive way, how nice the staff and other kids are. They also let us walk at a slow speed and don’t rush us on the walks."

Thanks to the funding secured by Military Mentors, these initiatives have been executed seamlessly, providing much-needed opportunities to young people through positive experiences during school breaks. The young people were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, breaking away from screens, and embracing outdoor adventures.

The mentors found immense satisfaction in sharing the journey's progress with parents, recounting tales of youngsters leading their peers up mountains and conquering challenges, both physical and mental.

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