The Lighthouse Group - Changing Lives for Young People in Bradford
Seventeen year old Michelle is, in many ways, like any other girl her age. She struggles with low self-esteem, set boundaries and issues of authority. Michelle has an added complication – she fell out with her mum and was kicked out of home. As a result of being homeless, Michelle was referred to The Lighthouse Outreach project by social services.
‘Since being part of the project I have stopped self-harming and am seeing my mum again. I love it here because people spend time with me and have helped me to find a direction for my life. Now I want to get a career and to be successful like the people who work here.’
The Lighthouse project in Great Horton works closely with disaffected and excluded young people. The project offers services including a drop-in café, training programmes, housing and employment support. Young people can extend their academic skills, take part in sports, music, catering and vocational training to help them broaden their horizons.
Tim Morfin, the Chief Executive says: ‘We intensively invest in these young people and witness deep changes in their attitudes. Everyone needs to know they are good at something and as a Christian organisation, we believe that real transformation is possible. We encourage them to think about life in its entirety.’