Middlesbrough youth charity challenges 'hardest place' report

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 1 Nov, 08:32 · Archive

A Middlesbrough youth charity has disputed a Children's Commissioner report labelling the town the hardest place in England for children to grow up.

The Children's Commissioner for England published a report called The Childhood Lottery, which branded Middlesbrough the hardest place in England for children to grow up. Linx Youth Project, a Middlesbrough-based youth charity, has disputed this characterisation, saying the report ignores young people's strength and potential.

Wayne Mason, chief executive of Linx Youth Project, said the conversation around Middlesbrough focuses on deprivation, poverty and crime but overlooks community. He said the charity's youth clubs give young people space to see friends, join activities, build life skills and form positive relationships with trusted adults. Mason said these experiences matter most to young people facing difficulties and that the report has sparked debate about the town's problems while overlooking positive opportunities available to its young people.

Eilís Sexton, deputy of Linx Youth Project, warned that the report's label could affect young people and families, potentially making young people lose faith in a better future. She said young people deserve honesty about challenges they may face, but also deserve encouragement, opportunity and confidence that their circumstances do not have to determine their future.

How it is being reported

• North East town's youth charity hits back at ‘hardest place’ labelA North East youth charity has hit back at a report branding its town the hardest place in England for children, saying it ignores young people’s strength and potential.The Northern Echo · 1 Nov, 08:00
• North East town's youth charity hits back at ‘hardest place’ labelA North East youth charity has hit back at a report branding its town the hardest place in England for children, saying it ignores young people’s strength and potential.Darlington & Stockton Times · 1 Nov, 08:00

In this story: Linx Youth Project · Middlesbrough · Children's Commissioner for England · Wayne Mason · Eilís Sexton

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