Young people taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team programme have cleared the garden of a care home so residents can enjoy the great outdoors.
The group from the Fenland Team programme transformed a disused swimming pool and patio area of Langley Lodge in Wisbech as part of their work in the community.
Participants on the 12-week course identified the project, raised funds to support it, then planned, managed and carried out the transformation in just two weeks, along with help from Wisbech firefighters.
Steve Lucas, leader of the Prince’s Trust Team programme in Fenland, said: “The young people have really got stuck in to this project from all angles. “It has been a real learning curve as every person had to project manage at some point, helping them to develop skills and overcome personal challenges to bring the team together.
“It was a big project to take on. The swimming pool was disused and the patio was all broken so the young people have really made an impact by clearing the area and re-laying the patio. It’s such a big project that we’ve only been able to do the basics but we still hope it’ll pave the way for some residents to enjoy the outside a little easier.”
The team raised £350 with a bag pack at a Wisbech supermarket to help fund the project and local companies, including Ridgeons in Chatteris and Wisbech, Buildbase in Wisbech and B&Q, also made donations.
Ben Mauremootoo, manager at Langley Lodge, said: “The team have been a pleasure to have here and they have really been working hard. As the two weeks have gone on, the young people have become more and more enthused as they’ve seen their project progress and they’ve taken great pride in what they’ve accomplished.
“We really couldn’t be happier with what they’ve done for us.”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12-week personal development course for disadvantaged, unemployed 16-25 year olds which aims to increase confidence, motivation and skills.
Three in four young people who are helped by The Prince’s Trust move into work, education, or training.
The scheme is delivered by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and is run in partnership with Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, Cambridgeshire Constabulary and the College of West Anglia and includes team building activities, work placements, careers advice, presentation skills and team challenges along with a week-long residential stay at Graffham Water.
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