Leyland community group appeals for funding for youth project tackling gang culture

A Leyland community group is appealing for funding for a youth project that helps to tackle gang culture.
By Laura Longworth
Published 30th Oct 2020, 15:45 BST
Byron Highton set up the The J-J Effect following the brutal murder of his younger brother in Preston.Byron Highton set up the The J-J Effect following the brutal murder of his younger brother in Preston.
Byron Highton set up the The J-J Effect following the brutal murder of his younger brother in Preston.

The Community Network and Outreach Service kicked off the project with an anti-knife crime talk led by Byron Highton, of the The J-J Effect. Byron set up the organisation following the brutal murder of his younger brother in Preston.

Sophie Wilding, who runs the outreach service, hopes the project will help give youngsters a more positive role in the community, and boost their confidence and career opportunities.

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She said: "There are gangs in Leyland. There are groups that fight with each other because they are from different estates. People always assume a knife attack is not going to happen again."

Sophie Wilding, who runs The Community Network and Outreach Service in Leyland.Sophie Wilding, who runs The Community Network and Outreach Service in Leyland.
Sophie Wilding, who runs The Community Network and Outreach Service in Leyland.

The project will cater to two age groups: 10 - 14; and 14 and older. Activities will include arts and crafts, grime music sessions, and messy play.

For more information about the project and its activities, or if you can help, search for The Community Network and Outreach Service on Facebook.