Stroud News
MP Carmichael offers full support during youth charity tour
10:43am Thursday 2nd September 2010
NEIL Carmichael said he ‘fully supported’ the work of The Door Youth Project during a guided tour of the Stroud-based charity.
The MP witnessed first hand the range of educational and social services available to young people in the presence of project co-ordinator Brendan Conboy on Tuesday, August 31.
First stop was the woodwork, arts and crafts workshop, where Neil met tutor Nick Stening and 19-year-old Tony Vlahos, who hopes to complete a National Open College Network course in woodwork at the project.
Later he was introduced to music and graphics tutor Danny McKenzie and aspiring young rapper Callum Lees, 15, who was taking advantage of the charity’s musical equipment to record his own tracks.
Project treasurer Graham Gill and chairman of the trustees Peter Gaut then explained the financial circumstances of the organistation, which relies on donations for 70 per cent of its income.
Its ongoing Push The Door appeal to relocate to bigger premises in the town was also discussed, as was the project’s widely-used mentoring services, drop-in coffee shop and activities trips, such as its annual wild camps all over the UK.
"This is an excellent example of an organisation that is making a real difference to young people in our community," said Neil.
"There are 600,000 young people with no qualifications, training or employment prospects in the UK and we can not leave them behind.
"Just like the work of The Door, we have to give them the tools to become happy, successful members of society."
Thanking Neil for his visit, Brendan said: "I hope the project and Neil can develop a long-lasting relationship, regardless of political backgrounds."
He added that the project has found a suitable location to move to in Stroud and he hopes to be able to reveal plans in time for the charity’s 20th anniversary next year.
For more information about the work of The Door visit www.thedooryouthproject.org.uk
More News stories
- High Court rejects review into M5 services' planning permission
- Man guilty of sex with girl, 13
- Mashing it up in Merrywalks
- Editor Sue Smith's Fitness Column
- Mayor due in court for refusal to complete census
- Police hunt graffiti vandal
- Frances Roden column
- Viking axe found in Slimbridge gives historical insight
- Thousands of pounds set aside to fund double celebrations
- Union boss blasts cuts to county's fire service