A campaign is being launched to teach young people how to be good parents.

The Odsal Residents' Association and Odsal Community Centre in Crawford Avenue, want to run the course for single parents in the Odsal area of Bradford.

They have submitted a bid for £9,500 in Government cash to provide advice and support in child care, early learning and healthy living for single parents.

Centre manager Malcolm Walters said the project had stemmed from the needs of the community.

"We run a successful parent and toddler group and some who attend are single mothers," he said.

"They have said they want to learn more skills surrounding parenting from cooking to healthy living and child care."

Mr Walters hoped the health initiative project would combat some of the area's problems which included a lack of provisions and facilities for residents.

Mr Walters said he had applied for a slice of £800,000 Government cash from the Health Action Zone to fund the project.

This scheme targets inequalities in health in deprived areas across the city. Mr Walters said his bid was a three-pronged attack to provide support to young and elderly residents throughout the area.

If successful it would:

Offer single parents supports and tips on raising children.

Provide support for the elderly, including extra luncheon clubs.

Provide benefit advice in the home and cooking for one classes for the elderly.

Launch a service for young people to promote drugs awareness, issues surrounding sexual health and youth-led activity programme.

A survey undertaken on the estate in 1997 revealed there was a lack of provisions and facilities in the area.

It also illustrated a high level of youth unemployment and lack of opportunities for them.

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