A PIONEERING project which has helped dozens of Bolton youngsters is celebrating its first birthday in the best possible way - by announcing its expansion.

The Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club mentoring project is set to expand into Bury after recruiting 20 volunteers from the town.

A special event to mark the anniversary was held at Bolton's Mere Hall.

Officials from the club discussed the scheme with senior figures from employment and education.

Mentors and the young people who have already benefitted from the scheme were also present to discuss the innovative project.

The idea of mentoring is to pair a teenager with an older person who acts as a role model.

The type of youngsters taking part in the scheme are those experiencing problems at home or in school or who have been in trouble with the police.

Lads' and Girls' Club president Tony Rink explained that the mentoring scheme increased the "employability" of those taking part.

This facet is central in terms of the attributes employers are looking for, he said.

Sharing in a mentoring relationship also gives young people greater self-esteem and self-confidence.

Delegates attending the meeting heard that the problem of exclusion was a problem for everyone.

The mentoring project was a way of helping those heading for the sidelines of society to play a fuller part.

It was a way to bring about positive attitudes in young people, helping them to make a success of their working lives.

It was asserted that people with the right attitude would always rise to senior positions in companies ahead of those with talent alone.

Although delighted with the progress of the project to date, co-ordinator Karen Davies is keen for it to grow in its second year.

To that end, the scheme will cross the Bolton boundary and embrace mentors and young people from Bury.

She said: "The project has been a tremendous success in Bolton and there is no reason why it can't be so in Bury.

"Mentors from the town have already been paired with young people and the initial feedback has been good."

Delegates from Bury were invited to last Thursday's breakfast-time meeting with a view to becoming founder-members of a mentoring project steering group.

The project is part-funded by the Probation Service and NatWest Bank.

Karen added that although at present mentors have to be at least 20, the possibility of sixth formers taking on the role was being investigated.

The scheme is always looking for volunteers. Further information from Karen on (01204) 396668.

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