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 November 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart joined with members of Banbridge Free Presbyterian Church and the wider community at a Coffee Morning on Saturday, organised by Mrs June McComb.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the work and community spirit of Banbridge Rugby Club, following her visit to the club’s Big Breakfast on Saturday morning. 
By Carla Lockhart MP November 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in Parliament recognising Porter’s Fine Furnishings, Banbridge, as the family-run business celebrates an incredible 75 years in operation.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 5, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has paid tribute to the pupils and staff of Gilford Primary School following a visit to judge the school’s scarecrow competition. Each class designed and built their own scarecrow for the school’s community garden, with entries reflecting a wonderful mix of imagination, colour, and fun.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 4, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson, Carla Lockhart MP, has raised serious concerns about Avian Influenza and is calling for DAERA Minister Andrew Muir, and chief vet Brian Dooher, to introduce a mandatory housing order for poultry flocks across Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP November 3, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has welcomed confirmation from the Prime Minister that the Government will meet with the families of those who lost their lives in the 1994 Chinook helicopter crash on the Mull of Kintyre, which claimed the lives of 29 senior security and intelligence personnel alongside the dedicated RAF crew.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 30, 2025
DUP Agriculture spokesperson Carla Lockhart MP, has described the Ulster Farmers’ Union’s vote of no confidence in DAERA as a momentous and damning indictment of Minister Muir and his department’s total failure to stand with, and support farming and rural communities in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 30, 2025
Reports that brand new all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and GPS units will be lawfully required to carry forensic markings, has been described by Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart as an important step forward in the fight against rural crime and farm thefts.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 30, 2025
A recent Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) decision to uphold a complaint against an old Red Tractor advert has been branded as misguided and unjust by Upper Bann MP CarlaLockhart.
By Carla Lockhart MP October 30, 2025
Debate urges government to engage with farmers over ‘tax heist’