'Safe haven' keeps troubled teenagers away from crime

The youth empowerment project has been set up at the Spital Lane Youth Centre, in the Burngreave area of Sheffield, close to where teenager Jonathan Matondo was killed in 2007.

Organisers said the project, which is funded through the Government's Youth Crime Action Plan (YCAP), is keeping large numbers of vulnerable youngsters off the streets.

The aim of the scheme is to offer a "safe haven away from the

temptations of drugs and crime", and youth workers said it is providing a welcome diversion.

Project leader Omar Mohammed said: "We have a lot of young people, many from ethnic minorities, in this area and there is very little in the way of entertainment for them.

"Our main objective is to keep them safe and off the streets, where people can try to get them on drugs and into crime."

Mr Mohammed, a teacher, said he ensures that the youth centre is open and supervised every night after school and for five hours on Saturday.

He and his team also managed to keep it running on some days during the Christmas holidays and the club will be open during the forthcoming half term break.

Around 20 to 30 young people attend each session. It is open to anyone, although most of the 120 plus members come from the Pitsmoor, Firth Park and Shirecliffe areas.

At the project, they can get help with homework, advice on issues affecting them, play games consoles or table tennis, surf the internet or chill out with friends.

Ibrahim Jama, 15, who regularly attends sessions, said: "This is the best youth project I have ever been to. Here we feel safe, keep off the streets and enjoy free access to games, internet and table tennis. Also, it is good to get advice from youth workers."

Sheffield Council allocated the YCAP cash to the Youth Empowerment Project, and Patrick Meleady of the authority's Youth Support Service said he was delighted with its progress.

He added: "The Youth Empowerment Project engages really well with young people in the Burngreave area and supports them and their families at times when they most need it. They are delivering some fantastic work."