Great Scot nominee Backchat is helping change lives

Jun 29 2008 By Heather Greenaway

BACKCHAT Youth Project is more than a place where teens play pool...it has changed lives in one of Scotland's most deprived areas.

The group is up for our Great Scot Community Champions award but they are already winners - at indoor rowing.

Backchat helps keep kids off the streets in Helensburgh's Kirkmichael area.

They were invited to get fit on rowing machines - and ended up winning medals at the Scottish championships.

The group, a lifeline for 160 kids aged eight to 18, has been nominated for a Morrisons Community Champions Award.

The scheme, based in St Margaret's Church, is run by youth workers Jenny Crumless, 28, and Michael Yeoman, 43, and an elected council of youngsters.

Jenny said: "Backchat has been running for the last eight years and it has gone from strength to strength.

"The project gives kids something to focus on instead of hanging about the streets."

Each year the children pick a theme they feel is important to them and 2008 is the year of health and wellbeing.

For the last six months members have been taking part in a range of workshops on healthy topics such as misuse of drugs, fitness, diet, relaxation and massage.

Jenny said: "They love the health theme and even banned the tuck shop one night in favour of a smoothie bar.

"They then go home and pass on the healthy eating advice to their families."

The club receives support from the local community. Every Tuesday, the kids get to go into Faslane naval base to use their climbing wall and sports facilities.

Liam Butler, 11 and his sister Hanna, 10, have been attending the project for a year.

Liam said: "I love it.

There is always something different to be involved in."

Backchat, who received a £250 cheque from Morrisons store manager Kevin Keay, is the first of four Community Champion nominees. David Gardner, Morrisons Director Scotland, said: "Backchat is a great example of people working together to deliver a positive change."

TO order tickets or book a table for the Great Scot awards night on September 20, call 0141 309 1438.