YWCA work in Hull has begun.

Our work in Hull has begun. It is based at Preston Road Women's centre. Kim Hutchinson is the Hull participation worker. Kim has been working on some really interesting projects to keep young
people busy in the summer holidays and get them involved in the local community.

The girls have been getting green fingered clearing our allotment and planting a range of fruit and vegetables, which will be distributed to elderly residents in the local community. A gardening service has also been set up to keep the estate clean and tidy.

The girls attended a youth parliament session in which the theme of the day was
making Hull a healthier place. The girls came up with ideas such as; a bike to school scheme and a city wide sports day. Both ideas were passed by the youth parliament board.

Sarah Payne, the Chief Executive of YWCA, is to chair the new Reducing Re-offending Third Sector Advisory Group at the Ministry of Justice.

Before joining YWCA Sarah was previously the Regional Offender Manager for the South East in the National Offender Management Service. In this position she was responsible for commissioning prison and probation services in 27 prisons and 5 probation areas. She therefore brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in relation to reducing re-offending.

"I am honoured to be selected as Chair of this working group. Although relatively new to the Third Sector, I have always worked with charities in my previous roles" she said. "This group will provide advice to Ministers and senior officials on reducing re-offending and will be an important part of the Government's focus on developing strategies to keep people out of prison."

Tina Jenkins, Head of the Third Sector team within the Ministry's Partnership Strategy Unit, commented: "We had a number of strong applicants from across the Third Sector on the group, and the selection panel had to make some very difficult decisions on appointments. The individuals selected as members, and Sarah in her role as Chair, will help make the group an effective and influential Third Sector voice on reducing re-offending and the role of a diverse third sector."