A HARD-hitting project that gives young people a taste of life behind bars has won a share of a £600,000 fund to empower Greater Manchester’s youngsters and give them the best start in life.

Challenge 4 Change, based in Trafford Park, has been awarded £25,000 by Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd as part of his Youth Aspiration Fund.

The ‘Team-mates not Inmates’ project will work with young people to educate them on the consequences of getting involved in risky behaviour. Delivered using a purpose built prison, youngsters will experience what life is like behind bars, hearing real-life stories from ex-offenders, ex-prison service staff and families of prisoners.

Working with police, local authorities, schools and the third sector, the project will help young people choose a life away from crime by developing their confidence, self-esteem and team-building skills in an open and hard-hitting environment.

It is one of three youth groups and organisation that have won a total of £65,000 to work with hundreds of young people across Trafford to build their life skills and encourage them to make the right choices.

Mr Lloyd said: “Young people have the innovative solutions to our future. All they need is to be given a voice and the tools to make the right choices. That’s exactly why I launched the Youth Aspiration Fund, to empower young people and give them the opportunity to develop their confidence, team-building and to respect themselves and their communities – essential skills for making the best start in life.

“I’ve been really impressed by the quality of the bids and I want to thank everyone who has applied. It reaffirms my belief that the enthusiasm and passion to support every young person in reaching their potential and bring about real change in their community is engrained throughout Trafford.

“The Challenge 4 Change programme is an impactive way to show young people the consequences of crime while building their confidence, self-esteem and team-working skills."