A BRATHAY Trust initiative was raised in the House of Commons as an example of a successful youth project. 

The Westmorland and Lonsdale MP Tim Farron raised the Youth Matters project during Home Office questions on May 22 as a means of ultimately tackling antisocial behaviour by engaging young people.

Youth Matters was launched by Mr Farron and Brathy to provide after-school groups based on suggestions made by young people themselves on a board made up of students from Kendal College, Queen Katherine School, and Kirbie Kendal. 

The scheme is funded by grants from Better Tomorrows, My Lakeland Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation and South Lakeland District Council's Fairer South Lakeland Fund. 

Mr Farron encouraged the Home Secretary Suella Braverman to increase funding for youth work in the country to tackle anti-social behaviour. 

Mr Farron said in the chamber: "In Kendal we are proud of the recently set up Youth Matters project, which is about engaging young people with worthwhile activities to do with their time.

“Does the Home Secretary agree that as well as tackling antisocial behaviour by firm and adequately resourced policing, it is important that she works with her colleagues in the Department for Education to boost youth work, in particular detached youth work, to help give young people worthwhile things to do with their time?

“What is she doing to improve funding for that part of our armoury against antisocial behaviour?”

Home Secretary Suella Braverman responded: "Tackling antisocial behaviour is one of my priorities. That is why I launched the plan with the prime minister.

“It requires a multifaceted solution, and a lot of work must be focused on youth diversion.

“I was pleased to visit a boxing project a few weeks ago, in which money from the Home Office was diverted to encourage young people off the streets to take up a sport, work with mentors, and learn a new skill. It is a great way of reducing crime.”