HC Deb 02 May 2001 vol 367 c696W
6. Ms Blears

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office what plans she has to involve more young people in Positive Futures projects in the north-west region. [159100]

Mr. Ian McCartney

We have set aside an extra £5 million over two years to help expand the scope and scale of Positive Futures. Up to 80 new projects will be set up and we aim to expand those already in place including Blackburn, Bolton and Salford.

To help with this expansion major sports stars, including Sir Alex Ferguson, Tammi Grey Thompson and Andy Cole, have offered their support and will act as role models for the kids. There is no doubt that the participation of heroes from the world of sport can make all the difference in helping a vulnerable young person reach their potential.

The areas being earmarked for expansion include Coventry, Leicester, Sunderland, Liverpool, Leeds, north London, Brighton, the West Country, Essex and South Wales.