The Social Inclusion Programme was established in January 2004, looking to work with young people in our local community, including centre-based and detached youthwork, through partner-ships with primary and secondary schools, the police, the council and other youthwork, community and faith-based organisations.

Since its inception, we have carried out a wide range of activities and initiatives.

Our aim is to build positive relationships with local young people at risk of social exclusion to:

divert anti-social behaviour
explore values and decision-making
improve self-esteem
offer support and constancy
promote interdependence
strengthen community and citizenship
challenge injustice.

These objectives embody our vision of work with young people. The Social Inclusion Programme represents the commitment of St Mary's to our local community. Our work is relational, holistic and long-term. We believe that work with young people needs to be built on stable foundations, committed to the needs and growth of the individual, in the context of an affirming yet challenging community. Based at St Mary's Centre, the Social Inclusion Programme seeks to help young people in our area reach and celebrate their full potential.