Programme provides positive impact

A dozen youngsters have benefitted from a wellbeing and mindfulness programme funded by GMLPF.
Each one of the North Liverpool Community College students has been awarded a certificate as recognition of the progress made.
Their studies took place at North Liverpool Community College, the education arm of Alt Valley Community Trust.
Out of the twelve teenagers, two are now registered with the Stop Smoking Service and one has been encouraging their whole family to eat a more healthy and balanced diet.
The programme was delivered alongside a Key 2 apprenticeships course over six weeks. Called ‘You Only Live Once’, it focuses on encouraging young people to think again about how and why they make choices that affect their lives.
Abbie, aged 18 from Norris Green said: “We loved every minute, there was lots of practical help and advice.
“I didn’t think healthy eating was something for me but since nutrition was explained to me in more detail I’ve got  my mum cooking healthy meals for the whole family!’
Elliot, aged 16 from Croxteth added: “I’ve more than halved my smoking as a result of the advice I got on the course. It’s my aim to give up completely and I’m finding new ways to deal with day to day stresses.  The YOLO programme is really valuable to young people like me.”
To signify the progress made, James Glendenning, chief executive of GMLPF presented each participant with a certificate.
James said: “Every one of these young people can be proud of what they have achieved.
“GMLPF has long been associated with impacting the social and economic state of young people and those in learning across Merseyside.
“We are now set to champion wellbeing in broader terms – mindful as an organisation of how a positive psychological, physical and spiritual state of mind can have a lasting positive impact.”
Everybody who successfully completed the six week course was previously NEET.