AN innovative scheme that provides role models for youngsters has has had "a magnificent response" from caring local people.

Bolton Lads' and Girls' Club launched its personal mentoring scheme earlier this year to give guidance to young people who may need a helping hand.

After 70 initial inquiries about the scheme, 36 people from all walks of life completed a comprehensive selection and training programme to become qualified mentors.

Project co-ordinator Karen Davies, explained: "Some of the youngsters involved in the mentoring project may be alienated and causing problems in the community, they may be on the fringes of or already involved with the criminal justice system, they may be excluded from school or they may just need some help and guidance in making the right choices for their future."

Young people, aged between 14 and 18, are referred to the programme by the probation service, youth workers, teachers, parents or they may just refer themselves.

The mentors went through an induction evening involving role play, group work, drug awareness, child protection and counselling.

Along with the youngsters they then took part in various activities including a weekend away at Wortley Hall, near Sheffield.

Karen added: "During the weekend many of the youngsters and mentors gelled and we now have quite a few who have been paired off.

"We are extremely pleased with the way the mentoring project is going and we are now looking towards a new programme in October.

"It is a fairly big commitment for mentors. We ask for one hour per week over a 12 month period."

Over the year the mentors will help young people set goals for their future and have a more positive outlook to help steer them down the right path.

And Karen stressed that as well as helping youngsters, the scheme aimed to give volunteer mentors a feeling of greater self awareness and personal development.

If you would like more information about the mentoring project about the October project contact Karen Davies on Bolton 396668.

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