True-life stories of inner-city youngsters helped by a Bradford charity are to be told in a new book written by the youngsters themselves.

The book is a collection of experiences that track how The Joshua Project began in 2007 and the impact it has had so far on the Great Horton area of the city.

Charity founder and author Rich Jones said the book titled “Impacting a Generation, Community, City and Nation” shows “hope is rising” among young people in urban west Bradford.

“Those who have contributed to this work with their own unique stories and reflections have all been part of the charity’s journey.

“Each story is real; the authors of each chapter have themselves been permanently changed by their experiences. These stories have the power to turn your life upside down, they have the power to bring tears to your eyes. That’s the health warning.”

The Joshua Project attracts 200 plus young people from Monday to Friday coming to its Great Horton Impact Centre for open youth clubs, drop-in sessions, music and media workshops.

It also has an advice and guidance drop-in, a boxing academy, football training sessions, a small group mentoring network and can give one to one support.

“Crime, drug and alcohol abuse, violence, and dysfunctional family life crushes the hopes and aspirations that young people should have.

“The Joshua Project is positioned to invest into the lives of young people from a variety of backgrounds but it prides itself on its ability to engage with the hardest-to-reach young people,” said Mr Jones. For more information on Impacting a Generation, Community, City and Nation, log on to joshuaproject.org.uk/book.html The official book launch is on Saturday, December 30.