A PROJECT which has helped give more than 100 youngsters a brighter future has celebrated its fifth birthday.

Lewisham Positive Options Project (POP) has given socially-excluded youngsters the opportunity to take on an alternative educational programme since it was set up in 1996.

The scheme, with tailored educational, vocational, sports, leisure and social training, gives them the support needed to build a brighter future.

Its main aim is to give youngsters, from age 14 to 16, the ability to control their social, personal and educational development.

Ward Councillor for Crofton Fiona Crichlow, who has been heavily involved with the project, said: "Positive options has played a crucial role in the lives of many young people from Lewisham.

"As a result of their work, many young people have gone on to gain qualifications and employment. It is clear investment in helping young people at a crucial time in their lives has had a real benefit."

In the past five years POP has provided classes, taster courses and workshops in a wide range of subjects including food and nutrition, photography, DJ mixing, health, radio production, key skills, literacy and IT.

The project takes referrals from a variety of bodies including Lewisham's Out of School Panel, the Youth Offending Team, education social workers and the Pupil Referral Unit.

July 6, 2001 14:53