Estate champions praised

Young people who have overcome adversity to turn their lives around have been rewarded for their efforts.

Trophies were given out to five young people at an awards night organised by the Saffron Young People's Project (SYPP).

Natasha Taylor, 17, was among the winners.

The teenager told how she clashed with her mum, left home, quit college and was unable to find a job.

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But after coming into contact with the SYPP, she is now back at college, back at work and back at home.

Natasha was given the Ted Cassidy Award, named after a former chairman of the project.

"I am delighted and honoured to be given this award," she said. "I don't really know what I have done to deserve it but I am very happy to have it.

"I would like to thank every single person involved with SYPP because without them I would not be here. My life was in a bit of mess and they helped me sort it out."

Natasha left home and quit college after rows with her mum.

She said: "I was feeling at a low point in my life. I started clashing with mum and arguments started. I decided to leave.

"One day I was on my way back from town when I saw the Saffron Lane Resource Centre sign above a house and decided to see if SYPP could help me.

"The people at the project supported me and helped me sort out issues between me and my mum. Thanks to them, I have patched things up with mum, I am back home and at college and even have a part-time job. They really helped me turn my life around and I will be forever grateful."

Other award winners were Tendai Daire, Joshua Unsworth, Arron Bradshaw and Anesu Mutara.

Arron, 17, who has completed a level one football coaching badge and has been appointed warehouse manager at work, said: "It is great to get an award.

"I wasn't doing much with my life until I went to the SYPP. They have been brilliant and helped me sort myself out."

SYPP manager Gary Fox said: "Increasingly, young people are facing significant barriers. Against all the odds, these barriers are often overcome with resilience, skill, creativity, intelligence and humour. The young people we have given awards to have overcome obstacles in their lives and have all gone on to achieve, develop and grow in confidence."

Deputy city mayor Rory Palmer attended the awards night at the Aylestone Leisure Centre. He said: "I used to be on the board of SYPP and am well aware if the fantastic work they do.

"There has to be a lot of credit given to the young people too."