A new project designed to help build confidence among young people in the Broadland district of Norfolk has been launched.

Eastern Daily Press: Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB’s Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography.Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB’s Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

Roots to Routes is a new project, launched at Acle Youth Club, which aims to help young people celebrate who they are and work through the issues which impact their lives the most.

Launched by the Broadland Youth Advisory Board (YAB) the project will consist of a series of workshops in youth clubs and schools covering a range of topics - such as self-esteem, bullying, confidence, friendship and staying safe online.

The workshops will be delivered by youth organisations Mancroft Advice Project and Lol Stafford Consulting Ltd and the project has been designed by YAB's young commissioners.

Nathan Kird, one of the young commissioners, said: 'Feedback from a survey showed that positive friendships, cyber-bullying and self-esteem were all really important to young people.

Eastern Daily Press: Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography.Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Simon Finlay)

'We wanted to design a project that would let young people like me openly discuss important issues and get advice on how to manage them so they can get to where they want to be.'

Judy Leggett, chairman of the Broadland YAB, said: 'Everything we do at the YAB is led by our young commissioners. After much discussion, the young people created the aim, theme and name of the Roots to Routes project and played a central role in its commissioning.

'I'm very pleased with how the project has come together and looking forward to hearing feedback from participating young people.'

Workshops will be held in various locations across the Broadland area,

Eastern Daily Press: Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography.Acle Youth Club Broadland YAB Roots to Routes Project Launch. Photos by Simon Finlay Photography. (Image: Simon Finlay Photography)

Jacqui Starling, of Lola Stafford Consulting Ltd, said: 'The project aims to celebrate diversity, inner potential and to create a safe and supportive environment for young people to really awaken their inner wisdom and help them see the truly amazing people that they are.'

Robert Lancaster of MAP added: 'We're looking forward to running workshops for young people in schools and community venues across the Broadland area. MAP and the YAB are committed to providing young people with accurate, no nonsense information that will help them to take more control over their lives.'

For more information, email broadlandyab@ymcanorfolk.org