A JOINT community project in Farnworth has been set up to support children and families.

Raise the Youth Foundation will work alongside Bolton at Home to provide an intervention programme aimed at tackling social issues for youths in the area.

The not-for-profit social enterprise is running a number of activities, including new girls groups, youth football and netball teams.

Jason Steele, CEO of the foundation, said the work was about raising a community spirit in the area.

He added: “Work is already under way and the initial response from partners, local people and young people in the community has been phenomenal, with a real desire for positive change to the social problems that the community faces.

“The spirit of the community is at the forefront of everything Raise does and Farnworth and New Bury’s passion and drive to invest in their own community is inspiring.”

Based on a cooperative mutual approach, the partnership funding for the project includes, Farnworth elected members, Bolton at Home, Bolton Council, Onward, Greater Manchester Police and is fully supported by Bolton and Farnworth Council officers and local grassroots group, New Bury Youthie.

The project will look to move on from activities by training volunteers in Farnworth and New Bury to become qualified youth workers, sports coaches and mentors.

The foundation implemented its scheme after another volunteer run youth club organised by the local learning centre was closed last June.

Initially, this caused an increase in nuisance levels, but the group is attempting to combat this by helping children to have a positive effect on the community.

For further information, or to help support or work with the project, contact 01204 431946 or email: hello@raisetheyouth.co.uk.