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Bus That's Transforming a CommunityYoung people from deprived areas in Bradford are benefiting from a mobile youth club on a bus.Previously used by the police for raising awareness of gun crime, the @the Bus Stop project bought the bus and transformed into a mobile youth club with a kitchen, computers, tv and table top activities. The project was the brainchild of youth charity e:merge, Bradford Diocese and Holme Christian Centre. It currently operates in two areas, soon to expand to five. In Bierley up to 70 young people come to the bus for each evening session and the activities are geared at addressing anti-social behaviour, low self esteem and boredom. A recent survey showed that many people in the area think it is a safer place to be since the bus has started coming. Youth workers also work with local volunteers to help them set up their own youth facility. Tim Elgar, e:merge’s managing director, said, “We go into areas of the city where needed and empower the community to ensure a long-term sustainable youth service". Community groups are encouraged to apply for funding and the mobile bus comes along to help support the facility. One 13-year-old says; "I used not to go home at night because I just got shouted at. Then the bus started coming and I have calmed down loads and am not as angry. My mum still shouts at me but not as much and I stay in much more.” Warren, a Bierley Life Centre manager, said: “Bierley had nothing happening for young people and it was rife with problems. The bus has been a catalyst for activity with young people and the estate is buzzing with their excitement.” Chris, a Youth Worker at St John's Bierley, "I never thought we'd get any of these kind of kids to engage with stuff in our church, but three of them have started coming". |  This Week's Prayer DiaryNext Week's Prayer DiaryMorning Prayer (CW)Evening Prayer (CW) Recently updated pages:Bradford Diocese Home Page |
