Heywood young people team up for change

A group of young volunteers have completed a three month Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team course in Heywood. The 12 week self-development course, for 16-25 year olds, helped them gain skills and qualifications so they can go on to further achievement or gain paid employment.

Peter Ashworth, 20, Prince’s Trust team member, said: “Before Prince’s Trust I was stuck in a rut and not really doing anything with my life but this course has really opened my eyes.”

The Groundwork Prince’s Trust programme is a mixture of informal learning and practical team building and community based activities. During the course volunteers work towards nationally recognised qualifications in QCA Key Skills and a City & Guilds Certificate. The course is an opportunity to meet new people, boost confidence and challenge yourself.

After an initial week of induction, team building, health and safety training and food hygiene training, week two saw the team on an action packed team building residential in The Peak District. Activities included, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, orienteering and problem solving.

After the residential week the team planned and completed their Community Project at Queen's Park in Heywood. The team worked for two weeks, rain and shine, to enhance the BMX track in the park. They cut back encroaching weeds and bushes and also handmade a planter to brighten up the rear entrance of the park, working closely with the rangers from Queen's Park.

Tom Mills, Groundwork Prince’s Trust Team Leader, said: “Over the course of the programme many people help the Team members with their projects. Our thanks go out to all these supporters and in particular to Park Warden Cameron Baines for supplying us with plants and giving us advice and instructions.

During week 7 and 8 of the course the Team went on work placement. They found various work experience roles including places at Rochdale Council, Bury Youth Service, Queen’s Park in Heywood and at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale. The placement offers individuals a great chance to find out about the world of work, get out of their comfort zone and gain a good reference.

When the team returned from their placements they worked towards their next steps for when the course finishes. They drafted a CV, carried out mock interviews and searched for jobs and further education courses.

Week 10 of the course is team challenge week. The volunteers took a group of elderly people from Sandon House in Heywood to the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester.

The team have raised money for their Community Project and Team Challenge by a variety of different fundraising methods. They carried out a car wash at a garden centre in Rochdale, cooked a meal for Groundwork employees and undertook a sponsored walk around Dovestones Reservoir in The Peak District.

Roxana Khan, 20 said: “I would recommend this course because I have really enjoyed it and believe that everyone that does it takes something positive away with them.”

The climax of the course is a final presentation where the team celebrate their success and achievements in front of an audience of family, friends and people involved with the programme.

Chris Simpson, 16, of Heywood said: “I would recommend that young people join the Prince’s Trust because it can really change their lives.”

Tom Mills, Prince’s Trust Team Leader, said: “The team have achieved a fantastic amount in such a short space of time. I am really proud of them and wish them all the very best in their future lives.”

Another Prince's Trust Team programme is due to start in Heywood in the New Year. The course is scheduled to begin on the 9 February. For further details and information please contact Team Leader Tom Mills at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

Email: Tom.Mills@groundwork.org.uk

Tel: 0161 624 1444 or 07717457431.