MORE than 600 young people have been lifted from difficult life situations after working with a charity project over the last three months.

Denbigh Youth Project aims to give free and confidential advice and support to young people. It helps them through personal life difficulties, into further education, and collaborates with businesses in the town to provide employment opportunities.

The project was established in 1996 and has developed extensive working relationships with the Denbigh community from its base at HWB Dinbych. It also runs skills workshops and self-employment initiatives which give hope to people who most need it.

Rachel, a young mum who uses the project, said the project has turned her life around. She said: “When I first relocated to Denbigh, my life was all over the place. I had two children and I was in a relationship that had become toxic. I suffered from depression and anxiety because of my home situation and it became hard for me to leave the house.”

Rachel said the project helped her find suitable accommodation for her and her children, and also directed her towards her current college course.

“I am now on my way to finding a job in the field I wanted and I also help out with the Denbigh Youth Project by volunteering in my spare time,” she added.

Phil said he was suffering at home and wanted to find a job, but he did not know how to start. “Before coming to the Denbigh Youth Project, I was sitting at home all day, feeling isolated and under pressure to try and find work,” he said. “I was not sleeping well and had very limited money.

“When I started working with Denbigh Youth Project and gained the confidence to attend mainstream college and now employment. I still pop in to see the Denbigh Youth Project staff, just for reassurance or if I am feeling low or unsure about something.”

Katie, a 14-year-old who got into trouble at school because she was getting bullied, said that her mum sent her to the youth project which has helped her to overcome the difficult situation.

“I stayed away from school when I got the chance, hanging around town, I even got caught shop lifting one time,” she said. “I was always having arguments at home, especially with my mum.

“Denbigh Youth Project listened and I felt they understood. I’m back in lessons and getting ready to do my exams.”