AN award-winning youth project which turns around the lives of troubled teenagers is coming to Bolton.

Reclaim is a groundbreaking scheme which mentors youngsters and transforms them into “future leaders”.

The initiative is run by Urbis in Manchester and has already helped more than 100 teenagers in the city.

Ruth Ibegbuna, director of learning and community at Urbis, said: “The project has a huge impact on young people. It gives them a fresh start and it challenges them to reach new heights.

“Reclaim allows young people who are at risk of losing self-belief to gain confidence and gain the respect of others in their community.”

The team will work with 31 boys, aged 13 and 14, from five schools in Bolton: St Catherine’s CE Academy, Breightmet; Harper Green, Farnworth; Canon Slade, Bradshaw; Smithills School, Smithills; and Sharples School, Sharples.

The boys have been nominated because they have shown potential leadership.

The project, part-funded by Bolton Council, will start with a four-day conference next month and will continue with six months of mentoring and activities.

Abigail Robertson, community project officer, said: “During the conference they will experience challenging activities, from meeting inspirational male speakers to organising parties for a primary school and old people’s home and the police, as well as learning new creative skills.

“On the final day of the conference, the young men will write a manifesto. It will be a statement of intent for themselves and their communities about how they will grow to be successful, inspirational and empowering men.”

The manifesto will be printed off and the youngsters will deliver 5,000 copies to residents in their area.

After successfully completing the six-month course, the teenagers will graduate at a ceremony at Bolton Town Hall in June.

Reclaim is still looking for volunteer mentors in Bolton to take part in the project. Anyone interested should contact Abi Robertson on 0161 605 8200 or email a.robertson@urbis.org.uk