Bridget Phillipson MP hosts Youth Almighty group at Parliament.

Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson last weekwelcomed members of the Youth Almighty Project to the House of Commons.

The Sunderland-based project is run by the young people of the city with the help and support of local youth workers and volunteers. It provides young people with a welcome and safe environment to learn new skills and engage in activities together.

It also works in the local community to help young people involved in alcohol abuse, drug abuse and anti-social behaviour.

Members today visited Westminster after accepting an invitation by Bridget Phillipson MP to tour the parliamentary estate and Houses of Parliament.

The visitors, accompanied by the Project Lead Worker and Silksworth Ward Councillor Phil Tye, then held a meeting with Bridget to discuss their visit, their experiences of the project, and to learn more about her work as a Member of Parliament.

Speaking after the visit, Bridget Phillipson MP said:

“It was great to meet members of the Youth Almighty Project today and to discuss my work in Parliament with them.

The young people were very interested in how Parliament works and I hope today’s visit will motivate them to get more involved in the future.

With youth unemployment still a major concern in our area, Youth Almighty’s work to inspire young people and provide them with the skills needed to get into work is absolutely essential.

The team at Youth Almighty are really working hard to bring young people off the streets and into the project centre. I commend Phil and the volunteers for their efforts.”

Project Lead Worker and Silksworth Councillor Phil Tye said:

“It was fantastic to visit Parliament today and I would like to thank Bridget for giving the young people from Youth Almighty the opportunity to learn more about the work of an MP.

I know that they were really inspired by the tour and our discussion with Bridget. It is important that young people understand how Parliament works, and how decisions made in Westminster can have a direct impact on their lives.

They also wanted to talk about why youth work is so important to them and the difference it makes. Visits such as this also help broaden their horizons and provide them with new perspectives.”