Community and Team building
Both groups undertook community projects, fund-raising and a challenging team-building residential trip to the Peak District taking part in abseiling (one said: ‘Those who were most scared were the most keen to do it again’) and water sports, as well as arranging their own catering and evening entertainment.
They also had to undertake work placements to prepare them for employment.
Preparing for the next steps
At the presentation event by the Wellingborough and Rushden Team held on July 25th at Rushden, the Team each stood up in front of a room of guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Rushden Cllr David Coleman, and told their personal stories and described how The Prince’s Trust course helped them prepare for college courses or employment.
One was re-joining his carpentry course, another looking for work alongside his football training, a third is seeking an apprenticeship.
Community links
Team Leader Ryan Darnell and Assistant Michael Lyman ensured that the community links to Wellingborough were maintained through the activities such as redecorating parts of All Hallows Church in Wellingborough. The Team had to fund the painting materials and produced work of a high standard – which means rooms at the church could be used by others for group and social activities.
At the Daylight Centre in Wellingborough, they cleared up the grounds and gardens so they could be used by local people. Further fun was had when they took part in a soap box derby event helped by Rushden Town Council.
Said Ryan:
“I would like to thank all those companies and organisations who sponsored and supported our young people including NDT Equipment Ltd and The Rotary Club of Rushden Chicheley.”
Inspiring progress
The Bedford Team held their presentation at the hidden jewel of the Leslie Sell Activity Centre off Mollivers Lane, Bromham.
Team Leader Alix Waddington and her assistant Charlotte Coulton said:
“Seeing these young people come so far in such a short space of time has been so inspiring. I am so proud of them.”
Part of a Team
Josh Filby, just 18 of Elstow, undertook his work placement at the Leslie Sell location with Activity Centre Manager George Gordon and hopes to come back and volunteer at the countryside facility.
The woodland setting was a wonderful contrast to the Bedford High Street offices where the Team is based, above the Bedford College Learning Centre. There they prepared for their various activities including painting and decorating some of the buildings at the Bromham facility, which is used by scouts and more for adventure activities.
Naomi Barlow, aged 16, of Sharnbrook, is now joining Animal Management at Shuttleworth College, part of The Bedford College Group, which has a unique tropical biome and a wide range of species.
She said:
“The Prince’s Trust course taught me to work as part of a team. I would definitely recommend the course to others.”
