Young people transform day centre’s outside space

Youngsters who built a patio and garden area at a day centre for people with disabilities as part of a project to improve their employment prospects have been presented with certificates.

The ceremony, at Hawtonville Community Centre, Newark, recognised the work of 14 people who completed a 12-week Prince’s Trust course, coordinated by Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service.

As part of the course, the team had to complete a community project.

They created an accessible patio and garden area for users of the Holly Lodge Day Centre, on Harcourt Street. They also repainted the centre’s sensory room.

They also raised money for the project and organised bag-packing at Morrisons and Asda.

The team leader, Mr Pete Hales, said: “They were a committed group and we had a 100% completion rate on the course, when usually we will have one or two drop out, which is testament to them.

“They have all developed fantastically and we have seen their confidence grow.”

The course also included a residential trip to Derbyshire, where activities included climbing, abseiling, canoeing and caving. The group then all took part in two-week work experience placements at shops, schools and businesses, and did CV workshops and mock interviews with staff from the fire and police services.

Other activities included first-aid training and a fitness test at Newark Fire Station

The week finished with a team challenge, when the young people led trips to Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Sconce and Devon Park with groups from Holly Lodge and the Oaks Care Home at Balderton.

Shane Marshall, 22, of Railway Court, Newark, said: “My family was on my back because I was unemployed and I needed the opportunity to do something.

“I have learnt practical skills like laying patios and planting trees, but I have also improved my confidence and social skills I have lots of things to go on my CV.”

Laura Williams, 20, of Newark, said the skills she learnt had helped her secure a place on a childcare course at college.

“It has been really good for me because I was doing nothing before,” she said.

“I also overcame my fear of heights to abseil down a 90ft bridge.”

The next Prince’s Trust course starts on June 2. It is open to 16 to 25 year-olds.

For more information contact Mr Hales on 07967 690791 or peter.hales@notts-fire.gov.uk