Project helping rehabilitate young offenders in Derry awarded nearly £600k in funding

A project which helps to rehabilitate young offenders in the Derry area has been awarded nearly £600k by the National Lottery.

MindWise New Vision’s four year Linked-In Project, has been awarded £599,134.

The project is supporting young people aged 13-25 from Belfast, Antrim and Derry after they have been arrested and released from police custody.

Young people are being supported to reduce the risk of re-offending by developing a plan to address their needs, including improving life skills, attending counselling or addiction services, volunteering and providing peer support.

Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “I am delighted to announce these grants under the Empowering Young People programme and I want to say thanks to all the National Lottery players who have helped make this possible.

“We want to fund great projects that put young people in the lead in increasing their skills and confidence, and support them to have stronger relationships so they can cope better with the challenges they face and reach their potential. We are looking forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will make for many young people across Northern Ireland.”

More information about the Empowering Young People funding programme can be found on our website, www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/northernireland