Middleton youths shine at Groundwork Prince’s Trust final presentation

Members of the Middleton team at the Groundwork trust presentation event.

A group of 12 young people from Middleton are the latest to have completed Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team programme, concluding with an emotional final presentation earlier this month.

The final presentation, with attendees including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, provided a detailed account of the team members' journey over the 12 weeks, with the serious messages of each individual's achievements being clear to all.

Throughout the 12 weeks the team have undergone a team building residential in the Peak District, completed an impressive community project at All Saints and Martyrs Church in Langley, completed various two-week work placements, undergone CV and interview training, planned, funded and delivered a day trip to the Imperial War Museum for a local group of pensioners and prepared their final presentation for proud family members and friends.

Katelyn Parker, Prince’s Trust team member, said: “Doing Prince’s Trust has helped me in so many ways. I’ve learnt how to work with different types of people and done things that I never thought I’d be able to achieve. I’ve grown in confidence and feel more positive about the future.”

Canon Miller and John Duffy from All Saints Church presented the certificates to the young people, after speaking about the positive contribution the team had made to the church grounds.

Canon Millor, added: “It was an unexpected but wonderful surprise to see how committed and enthusiastic the young people were. It was a pleasure getting to know them and I am grateful for the work they did at the Church. It’s a lovely feeling to know that in turn, we have been able to help them make a positive progression and gain qualifications.”

The experiences and skills gained have enabled those on the team to reconsider their future plans with many going on to further education or new jobs.

Jill Eckersley, Groundwork’s Team Leader, said: “The young people that complete the scheme acquire valuable key skills, including Leadership, Communication, Problem Solving and Tolerance. In addition, they receive nationally recognised qualifications such as First Aid, Food Hygiene and a City & Guilds Certificate in Personal, Teamwork and Community Skills.”

The next Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team in Middleton starts on Monday 20 October at the Community Training Centre (next to the Boars Head). If you would like to join or know of a young person that could benefit from the programme, contact Jill on 0161 624 1444 or 07739 978794.