HIGHFIELD Community Association will spend its £200,641 lottery grant on youth work across the whole of Keighley Central ward.

The project will set out to improve the life chances of teenagers in areas such as Highfield, Knowle Park, Lawkholme, Holycroft and Showfield.

The aims include steering young people away from drugs and anti-social behaviour, providing positive role models, and encouraging teenagers to become young leaders themselves.

The grant is part of a £9 million payout from the Big Lottery Fund to community projects across Yorkshire and the Humber.

Cononley Primary School received £9,997 to provide nature activities for children and the wider community, increasing youngsters’ confidence and developing cross-cultural friendships.

Glusburn Institute received £4,600 to host films and live theatre productions on screen for older people, so they can socialise with each other.

Highfield Community Association received a second grant, for £9,993, to support local women experiencing isolation or mental health issues, particularly those from ethnic minorities.

The association will run sessions where women can discuss their issues, socialise with others and build friendships, improving their confidence and well-being.

The biggest local grant, however, is to the Highfield group for its ambitious plans to provide services for those aged 14 to their early 20s.

The association is based at the Highfield Community Centre in Drewry Road, but in recent years has expanded its activities across Keighley Central and sometimes further afield, including successful Play Ranger activities for younger children, and regular partnerships with 10 primary schools.

Fazeela Hanif, manager of the community centre, said the lottery-funded youth work will involve several organisations and venues. She said there was a massive need for services for young people across Keighley following cuts to Bradford Council’s Youth Service in recent years.

She said: “The aim would be to deter young people away from drugs, crime and anti-social behaviour and offer access to youth provision, within a setting where they are able to feel safe, and learn new activities and skills as well as get support in helping them with their education or employment.

“Young people are provided with positive influences and role models, building resilience to improve their livelihoods, empowering and supporting them to seek positive alternatives and raising aspirations.”

Young people will be given help with their education and employment, and support to improve their emotional, social and mental health and well-being.