Y-Zone offering hope to young people

Carla Lockhart MP • April 4, 2022

Local MP Carla Lockhart has visited the Y-Zone in Portadown to meet Campbell and Gail Best, and see the new Youth Hut Initiative that is the latest addition to the work of Portadown Elim in the town to engage with young people.

Carla Lockhart said:


“Campbell and Gail have such a heart and zeal for transforming the lives of local young people. I know of many examples of people who were on a downward spiral, came along to the Y-Zone, and turned their lives around. What an amazing legacy to give to a community!


The new Youth Hut Initiative is the latest addition to the work of the Elim Church in this area through the Y-Zone scheme. It is very much focused on helping young people who are maybe going through a difficult period, need some support, need some practical interventions and skills, and can then gain those skills to live their lives fulfilling their potential. 


I am delighted to have helped the group secure funding for this scheme and I want to thank funders like Live Here Love Here, ASDA, NIHE, for their support in making this really positive vision and reality. 


Of course I would also encourage young people to engage with Campbell, Gail and the team here. It is a step you will not regret, but will only benefit from. 


Portadown is blessed to have such wonderful people in Campbell and Gail Best who just have the best interests of our young people at heart, and get on with doing all that they can to help people. I wish them many more years of blessing in this work.”

Share

By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled Early Day Motion 2028 in the House of Commons, calling on the Government to reject any proposals to introduce mandatory digital identification (ID) cards across the United Kingdom.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strength and determination of those living with Parkinson’s following her attendance as guest speaker at the County Armagh Parkinson’s Group.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the strong sense of community across the area following a busy Saturday spent visiting local events in support of two fantastic causes.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils, staff, and community of Hart Memorial Primary School, Portadown, following a special 90th Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving held in St Columba’s Church, Portadown.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed a series of decisive steps announced by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA to tackle the growing impact of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) across Northern Ireland, including here in Upper Bann.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 22, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed news that three local bands have been awarded a total of £26,514 under the Department for Communities’ Funding for Marching Bands Scheme. 
By Carla Lockhart MP October 21, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has once again voiced her strong support for the Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) campaign, standing with women from across the United Kingdom who continue to seek justice after being unfairly impacted by changes to the State Pension age.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 19, 2025
New Title
By Carla Lockhart MP October 17, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart was honoured to join the McKeever family from Long Meadow Farm, during this week’s Royal visit by the Prince and Princess of Wales.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 15, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has expressed deep concern following confirmation that an invasive Asian Hornet was discovered recently in the Dundonald area.