TROUBLED youngsters, stepping onto an award-winning and unorthodox route to a hopefully brighter future, have received a £1,000 “shot in the arm”.

Go The Distance (GTD) operates outside the traditional school environment, using a mix of sport and education to build users’ confidence and enhance their skill set to help them find a pathway to the workplace.

The five-year-old community interest company, based in Belmont Business Park, Durham, relies on a mix of public and charitable funding.

It has particularly found the discipline cultivated by boxing plays a key role in the delivery of its training.

To that end, the Durham Freemen’s body has made a £1,000 award to GTD, enabling it to buy essential equipment, including new gloves and helmets, to pursue the sport.

(Image: Geoff Kitson)

The company’s managing director, Paul Lysaght, welcomed the Freemen’s support.

He said: “The youngsters we work with are both boys and girls, aged between eight and 17, who, for a variety of reasons, are not embraced by the traditional school system.

“They may be held back by autism, ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), anger management issues, violence at home, suicidal thoughts, self-harm and other mental health issues.

“We believe our system offers what they need to find employment and make something of their lives.”

GTD has received the backing of local, regional and national organisations to cover the cost of six specialist staff, along with leasing and running costs of their premises.

There are now 45 young people on the company’s roll who share the 15 places available each day.

Their daily routine starts at 9 am and begins with English and maths tuition.

Boxing is also a daily feature, as well as a range of other individually tailored supportive options.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

The centre’s two eight-seater mini buses give attendees the opportunity to travel to take part in a range of off-site activities, including swimming.

A recent £140,000 grant from Sport England has underpinned expansion into the first floor of the building, extending the range of support which includes a counselling service, a dancing facility and a 15-bed hair and beauty unit.

Access for all, including wheelchair users and those with pushchairs, is provided by a lift.

Among the latest additions to the service is the provision of one-to-one support for youngsters from around the county who, for various reasons, have not been in school for 18 months.

“We have achieved everything we originally set out in our first business plan and are now redefining our targets for the future within the second phase,” said 61-year-old Mr Lysaght, who, during his 34 years in management with Durham County Council was, at one time, responsible for the running nine leisure centres.

The work of the team has earned a number of awards, including accolades from the county’s High Sheriff and Durham University, whose own boxing club use the facilities.

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Eric Bulmer, chairman of the freemen’s charitable trustees, said: “We are pleased to be able to support Go The Distance, whose important work in our community often goes unnoticed.

“The company provides an invaluable service, offering hope to troubled and vulnerable young people at what is a critical time in their lives.”

Following the confirmation of the funding, John Booth, Theresa Ford and Alan Ribchester, of the Freeman’s Charitable Trust, visited GTD’s Belmont base and were given a tour of the facilities by Mr Lysaght, including stepping into the boxing ring.