Essential support for youngsters

Photo: Tim Bradley

Summer of Excellence at Madhlo. Paul Scholes leading coaching sessions

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IT is five years since Mahdlo Youth Zone first opened its doors ­- and the centre is going from strength to strength.

There have been 250,000 visits since the Egerton Street youth centre opened, from more than 12,000 members. The membership now stands at 4,800.

The registered charity opened in 2012 and provides activities and support for young people aged from eight to 21, or up to 25 if they have a disability.

Dancing, boxing, cooking, archery and music production are some of the many fun things on offer at the state of the art building.

In 2015, Mahdlo stepped up to become a key provider of services for young people. As of May last year, more than 1,000 young people have accessed its district provision, which is developing with six sessions in five community venues each week.

One of its big successes has been its role in helping to curb antisocial behaviour (ASB) in Failsworth. According to Greater Manchester Police, the district saw up to 200 young people on the streets and in parks, partaking in drugs and alcohol, leading to ASB and tensions in the community.

But in April last year, police reported no incidents of ASB had taken place on one weekend, compared to 15 to 20 each weekend in 2014.

The decline in ASB has been down to Mahdlo's partnership with the police and youth workers from Oldham Council.

Every Friday evening, Mahdlo hosts a session for youngsters at the Failsworth Town Hall, where dedicated staff lay out activities and support sessions for youngsters not only from Failsworth but also from even further away in Manchester.

As part of Mahdlo's Get Active programme, the youth centre held a Summer of Excellence last year to inspire youngsters.

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes and Olympic Gold Paralympic archer Danielle Brown talked to Mahdlo members to help them keep fit and to raise their aspirations.

Mahdlo runs inclusive Ability Zones, which are also catered to those with visual impairments or physical disabilities ­- 22.72 per cent of members have a disability and the youth centre does all it can to include them in activities.

Its Get a Job Programme has seen the centre work with more than 140 young people, and 83 per cent of those attending secure employment, training or education.

Mahdlo chairman Terry Flanagan said: "As chairman, I feel proud to have met so many inspiring young people and built positive and fruitful relationships with our local partners.

"We are excited by the potential to reach even more young people."

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