Tim Loughton praises CRI's services in Lewisham

2012-03-07 Events

Tim Loughton MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Children and Young Families, has this week visited three services that work with vulnerable young people in Lewisham, run by CRI, a national charity that helps to create healthier, safer communities.

The Young Persons’ Substance Misuse project, the Young Women at Risk Project and the Family Interventions Project are aimed at tackling the complex issues of troubled families, social exclusion, drugs, alcohol, gangs and sexual violence.

Based at Eagle House on Lewisham Road, the services provide one to one and group support that empowers young people and their families to change their lives by building their skills and self confidence. Moreover services are delivered where they achieve the most impact - in the community and in family homes. There is an emphasis on social responsibility, and the ultimate aim is to enable people to play a positive role in their communities.

Tim Loughton met with several of the young people and parents who use the services. He commented:
"It was clear that CRI's Lewisham services are an excellent example of strong integration and inspirational and dedicated project worker involvement. I met service users whose lives have turned around completely thanks to the service, and that was extremely heartening to see."

Kevin Crowley, Director of Operations at CRI, said:
"The projects in Lewisham have an incredible impact, not only on the individuals who use them but on the wider community.

"At CRI, we make sure we address all of the issues that can affect vulnerable people: visible problems such as drug or alcohol misuse cannot be treated in isolation, but must be considered alongside associated issues such as parenting, employment, homelessness, mental health problems and family relationships. At our services across the UK, we have seen an increasing need to consider the impact of gang affiliation."

The projects are funded by Lewisham Council.

Councillor Crada Onuegbu, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said: "Young people are faced with a barrage of pressure from their peers and the music and media world that can affect the choices they make. It is vitally important that we make sure that our young people, and their families, get access to the services that can make a real difference to their lives.

"The young people and families that have used the CRI project have said how important it was for them to have an unbiased place to express their feelings and get help, without feeling like they are being judged. Having the right people with the right skills has been key to building trust with the clients, and so making this project a success."

Seema Khistaria

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