Sir Keir Starmer was full of praise for the Foundation of Light and the charity’s home, the Beacon of Light, on his recent visit to Sunderland.
Sir Keir took the time to meet with staff and young people as part of the Labour party's 'Security Prosperity Respect' tour.
Sir Keir spoke to youngsters on the Foundation’s YOLO programme - funded by Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner’s Violence Reduction Unit - which provides targeted youth work and uses positive intervention with the aim to keep children away from a life of crime.
The Labour leader spent time with the young people in the Beacon’s kitchen and engineering zones and chatted to youngsters using the facility to gain experience and skills to prepare them for work.
Sir Keir said “The Beacon of Light is an amazing project which is giving young people the security and confidence they might not otherwise have.
“The Foundation of Light is doing a fantastic job. The level of expertise and support is really impressive, and I’ve spoken with the young people and I can see the impact it’s having on them.
Lesley Spuhler, chief executive of the Foundation, was delighted that Sir Keir took the time to visit and learn about its vital work.
"He was really impressed with the children and interested in their stories and what they were doing," she said.
"He was chatting to them when they were cooking and in the engineering zone in particular. He was great and very personable. We were absolutely delighted to welcome him and show him just some of the work we are doing in our communities across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham to help people to live happier and healthier lives.”
