THE Consett Churches Detached Youth project has received a top award for their work with young people on the streets in the town and surrounding villages.

Groups of dedicated workers reach out to challenging and marginalised young people – to improve their quality of life and build a brighter future.

The young people they help are usually found hanging around parks, streets and bus shelters, as they have nowhere else to meet up.

They are offered diverse learning opportunities in a safe and friendly environment with a team of professional youth workers who listen to their needs, help them face their fears and address their issues.

Through informal workshops, they are offered new skills, all aimed at raising self–esteem, physical and emotional wellbeing as well as building a positive future.

Alcohol awareness and binge drinking are issues that are addressed and the youngsters are encouraged to take part in a range of activities to alleviate boredom and prevent anti-social behaviour.

The ultimate goal is to help the ‘hard-to-reach’ groups make a successful transition into adulthood, preventing crime and anti-social behaviour and ensuring that the young people are active and valued members of the community.

Support youth worker Toni Lovett said: “We are delighted. We do all sorts of things – going out and working with young people on the streets and through drop-ins.

“One of our drop-ins has 15 young people in it.”

Project manager Jackie Forbes said: “We thought going along today to make the numbers up.

“Getting this award is a real surprise. It means we will be able extend our summer programme for summer activities.”