The brains behind a pioneering after-school programme in Wigan are celebrating after it was crowned best in the North West last week.
Supported by Wigan and Leigh Housing (WALH), Nowt2Do? was the brainchild of Wigan school-based police officer PC Andy Wright, who wanted to provide schoolchildren with facilities for extra-curricular activities.
And four years on the scheme has been named the Excellence in Youth Involvement winner for the North of England at the prestigious Tenant Participation Advisory Service awards.
PC Wright said: “Everyone involved in Nowt2Do? are exceptional people doing exceptional things.
“Engaging the young tenants of today and the future tenants of tomorrow is a priority for everyone involved in the project.
“Greater Manchester Police, Wigan and Leigh Housing and local schools are demonstrating that by working together we can get young people engaged in safe, meaningful activities.”
The awards – open to all social housing providers – aim to highlight individuals and organisations who go the extra mile to get young people engaged.
PC Wright founded Nowt2Do? with the aim of providing free activities for every child aged 11 and older to take part in safe, meaningful and varied out-of-school activities.
Having started as a 10-week pilot project in 2009, it now offers activities as varied as dance or bricklaying to hundreds of children and young people.
And now, after beating off stiff regional competition at the presentation event at Manchester’s Palace Hotel, the project will be entered into the national finals on July 11.
Wigan Council’s cabinet member for housing, Cllr Chris Ready, said: “Nowt2Do? thoroughly deserves this recognition and we’d like to congratulate everyone involved with the project.
“It is one of those initiatives that has become an essential part of life for children and young people in the East of our Borough.
“Now in its fourth year there will be many young people who have grown up being part of the project. Crucially Nowt2Do? listens to the young people and responds to their needs.
“Over the years it has provided them with the activities they want to take part in and has encouraged many to lead happier, healthier lives.”
“We wish our partners the very best of luck in the national competition and we hope that Nowt2Do? continues its great work for many years to come.”
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