'Stop focusing on the darker parts of Blackpool'

A group of teenagers say they are determined to tackle negative perceptions of their town and improve young people's lives.

The United Youth Alliance (UYA) has been awarded £200,000 by BBC Children Need to spend on projects designed to help give teenagers in Blackpool more of a voice in their communities.

A report published in July found girls growing up in the Lancashire seaside resort faced some of the toughest challenges in the UK.

UYA member Evie said: "We want to build Blackpool up to be a better place and to make it a safer place and to help young people, especially young women."

UYA, whose community work was recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service earlier this year, runs training schemes and lays on development opportunities in Blackpool.

"Youth social action is so crucial and important, especially in coastal towns or deprived areas," said another group member, Ella.

Community groups help to keep children "away from drugs and gangs", she added, pointing out that the northwest of England had been hit hard by the County Lines drug trade.

A third UYA member, Tilly, said Blackpool "has gone from being a place where no young woman would want to be" to a town in which "young women have places to go and people who support [them]".

The teenager appealed for others to share her positivity.

"It is a wonderful place to live," she said. "I think we need to stop focusing on the darker parts of Blackpool and bring light to some of the more beautiful, beautiful things like this group. It is my joy."

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