Giving kids hope again
JJ TATTEN IS HELPING YOUNGSTERS WHO’VE FACED HOMELESSNESS, ABUSE AND OTHER SERIOUS ISSUES
I’m really pleased to be nominated for a National Lottery Award
“Homelessness, abuse, domestic violence, and family and relationship breakdown – the young people we deal with face a lot of challenges,” says JJ, 51, director of Hull’s The Warren Youth Project, which is funded by The National Lottery.
“We have the longest-running LGBT support group in the city, and we also assist young people who have been the victims of sexual abuse.
But whatever challenges they face, the “crumbling” old fire station in Hull city centre that houses the Warren offers a safe and welcoming space to young people aged 11 to 29. It’s also a place where they can harness their creative talents.
“In Hull, youth unemployment is around 10 per cent, and it’s one of the last places in the UK to see investment,” says JJ.
It’s this dedication that has now seen JJ nominated for a National Lottery Award, which recognises those making a difference to their community.
“I’m really pleased to be nominated for a National Lottery Award, but it’s based on the efforts of my colleagues as well. Along with our young people, we’re all in this together.”
As well as offering counselling services, the Warren’s youth employment initiative runs workshops including stage management, sound engineering, writing and graphic design.
Thanks to players of The National Lottery, around £30million a week funds good causes like The Warren Youth Project. A National Lottery grant helped it adapt its services and continue supporting young people throughout the coronavirus crisis.
“Prior to lockdown, we put in place an online and text counselling service as well as a Covid-19 phone support line, and converted the downstairs of the Warren into a food parcel production line,” adds JJ.
“The Warren is open access – there’s no CCTV or reception area, and our young members walk straight in. We’re run by a youth parliament called ‘The Thing’ that meets twice a month.”