Young volunteers make a big difference in Spotland

A group of 13 young people, aged between 16 and 25, have recently supported a community project at the Spotland Community Centre on Spotland Road in Rochdale. The participants in a Prince’s Trust Team Programme gave the centre’s main meeting room and communal corridor a much need facelift by repainting the areas, including bespoke designs created by the team themselves.

Supporting community projects is a cornerstone in the Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which is delivered in Ashton, Rochdale & Oldham by Groundwork Greater Manchester. The 12-week personal development programme supports young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification – ‘Prince’s Trust Award in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills’.

Krystian, aged 20 and Zain, aged 21, both from Rochdale are two of the young people currently taking part in the Team Programme who have recently taken part in the community project in Spotland.

Krystian said: “We chose it (Spotland Community Centre) as we felt it would have the greatest effect in our community. It benefits the local community by creating a better working environment for people who use the area. I’ve learned that I can pick up new skills easily and that I work well in a team, which will help me get in to work.”

Zain said: “We picked this project because it was the option with the most creative freedom and therefore we would be able to help the community better. It benefits the local community as the room will look a lot more appealing and therefore they’re (community centre users) more likely to be more engaged and focused. I’ve discovered that I have good leadership skills, developed my confidence and as a result become more employable.”

 

 

Asghar, the centre manager, was impressed with the work the young people produced and their attitude throughout the three week-long project.

He said: “I am really impressed with the work the team have produced in such a short period. Their designs have brightened up two highly used areas of the centre. They’ve created a positive working and learning environment for the local people who use the centre for various different classes and projects. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments about the work they’ve done.”

As well as volunteering on a community project, Prince’s Trust Team Programme participants undertake a variety of learning opportunities and experiences to enhance the life skills and aspirations of the young people.

Groundwork Greater Manchester deliver the Team programme in Ashton, Rochdale & Oldham with opportunities to participate in future programmes available to young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment or training. To find out more about the programme or to apply for the next cohort please contact Jill Eckersley, Prince's Trust Manager on jill.eckersley@groundwork.org.uk