Date: 27th October, 2017
A group of young people aged 16-25 who are completing the Prince’s Trust Team programme, delivered by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, have recently planned, fundraised and delivered a community project in partnership with the charity Caring for Communities and People (CCP).
CCP provides a range of services aimed at preventing homelessness, strengthening families, and promoting independence. In Bournemouth, it runs the Sevenoaks Foyer supported accommodation hostel, offering 18 individual rooms for homeless young people aged 16 to 21.
In the South West region, the charity supports over 220 young people into training, education and sustainable independence every year, whilst helping them to maintain and rebuild links with their existing family networks.
As part of their Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills qualification, the Prince’s Trust Team decided to redecorate rooms at Sevenoaks Foyer, and two bedrooms plus communal areas were given an overhaul to make them brighter and more welcoming to the young people who use them.
Team Leader Debbie Wynn, from Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The Team members came up with the idea of supporting local young people who may be at risk of homelessness and wanted to make a difference to their peers, in their community. They came up with some fantastic ideas and worked really hard to help create a welcoming space for those who are in need.
“We couldn’t have done this without the support of local partners so we would like to say ‘thank you’ to the staff and residents at CCP for allowing us to carry out the work, Asda Bournemouth and their customers for helping us fundraise through bag packing, Homebase Castlepoint for their kind donation of vouchers, and finally Kinson Hub for their support with a tea and cake fundraising event.”
Paula Groves, CCP Project Manager, said: “It’s been lovely to see residents integrating and showing an interest in the project. Many have mentioned already how the atmosphere has more of a homely feel, something CCP thinks is very important in helping them with their progression.”
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently recruiting young people aged 16-25 who are not in employment, education or training for the next Prince’s Trust Team programme, which starts on Monday 22 January and will be based at Hamworthy Fire Station.
If you would like more information or find out how to sign up, please contact Debbie Wynn, Team Leader, on 07500 066134.