The Successes of the Evolution Project
Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) has helped support a number of local young people to take part in the inspirational Evolution project.
The Project combines a programme of educational activities, voluntary work and team building, and is aimed at deterring youths involved in anti-social or criminal behavior from their current lifestyle before it is too late and they end up in prison.
The awards ceremony was attended by special guest Deputy Crime Commissioner Jim Battle, who commended and presented the young people with their certificates. He said, “I’d like to congratulate all the young people who have taken part in the Evolution project. These exceptional young people have gained new skills and knowledge, about the importance of community and crime prevention. I hope they continue to take lessons from their experiences on the programme and take full advantage of the mentor programme provided.”
Group Chief Executive of WCHG Nigel Wilson said, “Projects such as this have massive impact, they give participants the chances to learn new skills, travel to new places and look at things from a different viewpoint. I must congratulate Craig and the team and all the partners involved who do a fantastic job, in helping and guiding young people to the right path. This is a fine example of partnership working and the work that Housing Associations in the community. The young people that are involved are potentially our future tenants, so we see this our support as an investment to help us create our vision of ‘a community where people choose to live and work, having pride in their homes and services’.”
Craig Fletcher, set up The Project in 2008 after completing a prison sentence for supplying drugs. He wanted to try and deter young people away from a life of crime, address offending behaviours and working to change attitudes by offering them different choices, he said, “I want to dispel the myth that prison is a cool place where prisoners play video games, have pool tables and TV in their rooms. This programme is about debunking and de-glamorising some of these myths, and also about increasing their awareness of victims and the impact their behaviour has on their lives.”
WCHG work in partnership on the Evolution Project with the Youth Team and Community Safety Team, for more information contact Craig on email: fletch-the-world-is-yours@hotmail.co.uk
