"IT has changed my life."

Coran Oxley credits The Edge project in Holme Wood, Bradford, with helping him stay on the straight and narrow. He initially walked over the threshold as a 13-year-old boy.

Seven years later he is now a youth worker passing on the benefits to other youngsters who drop-in to this safe haven providing activities and support for young people on one of the city's largest social housing estates.

Says Coran: "When I got involved with The Edge they believed in me. They showed me it was possible to change your life around and get off the wrong road and on to the right road," he explains.

From the age of 14 Coran became his Mum's carer after she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a neurological condition affecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord.

"It pushed me off the tracks," says Coran, referring to his mum's diagnosis.

But Coran soon turned his life around in a positive way. In 2011 he received the Outstanding Contribution award in the Telegraph & Argus backed Young Citizen Awards - part of Bradford Council's B-Someone campaign aiming to raise the aspirations of young people in the district.

Coran clinched the award not only for his carer's role; he also raised funds to provide IT equipment at The Edge and has been involved in raising awareness of young carers.

He talks about the impact The Edge has had on his life - the benefits of which he is now busy passing on to others.

Two years ago Coran travelled to Uganda helping out in local schools and orphanages - a trip he wouldn't have experienced had it not been for The Edge.

"It was a big eye opener for me - a massive life experience," says Coran.

This demonstrates the benefits of this youth-focused organisation are literally far reaching beyond Holme Wood where it launched in 1999.

Initially based within a parade of shops within the very heart of the estate, two months ago The Edge moved into its new home - the former Hopes Centre at the back of Holme United Reformed Church in Madison Avenue.

With the help of staff from Provident Financial in Bradford, who helped with painting and gardening in preparation for the project's move to its new location, the young people now have a safe space to socialise, participate in activities and seek the information and help they may need.

And the support for the project continues after The Bridge Church, The United Reformed Church in Otley, donated £14,250 to enable the project to continue its work and fund activities, such as the sailing experience, recently enjoyed by some of the project's young people.

Adam Woodhouse, The Edge's senior youth worker, expresses their gratitude to the church which, he explains, selected their project as its chosen charity for two years.

A spokesman for The Bridge Church, The United Reformed Church in Otley, explains its fundraising year begins in October following the Harvest Supper fundraiser. "For several years our annual charities have been chosen on a 'home' followed by 'overseas' pattern."

It became involved with The Edge in October 2014 after it was featured in the URC monthly magazine 'Reform.' Church members felt it was very much a 'home' project and supported it for two years through various fundraisers including coffee mornings, cake stalls and social evenings."

Adam explains the aim of The Edge is literally to stop young people falling over the edge with issues such as anti-social behaviour, crime and drug abuse.

Through the project, young people are being encouraged to lead positive lives as well as contribute to the community in which they live.

"That is why we support people like Coran who has been on the other side but has turned his life around," says Adam.

In straitened times when most charities are struggling to attract financial support the donation has given the project a very much appreciated funding boost.

"It is great for us and it is amazing that someone a distance away has been willing to support us," says Adam.

"It has just been a boost to the project and also for the young people - seeing someone else caring for them has really lifted their self esteem."

This the second cash boost after the project received £5,000, donated through the Safer communities fund, from West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns-Williamson.

The money will also be used to continue funding the project and enable it to provide experiences for the young people involved.

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