Town first for youth programme

For the first time in its 33-year history, The Prince’s Trust is providing a youth development programme in Newark.

On Monday 15 people, aged 16 to 25, started the 12-week programme at Hawtonville Community Centre.

The Prince’s Trust programme is organised in Nottinghamshire by the fire and rescue service, and previously young people from Newark travelled to Worksop to take part.

Team leader Mr Chris Harris said they wanted the first one to be a success so they could prove to the trust that Newark should have its own programme.

He said the programme was designed to give youngsters not in work or education a taste of life skills.

It is aimed at improving communication and teamwork, boosting confidence, and helping young people to find a job or further training.

Mr Harris said some of the young people may have alcohol and drug problems, others may be homeless or have been in trouble with the police.

They can apply themselves to join or be referred by an organisation such as Connexions or the Youth Offending Team.

The programme involves a week at a centre in Cromford, near Matlock, where they will take part in outdoor activities such as climbing and abseiling.

They will have to plan what food they eat and cook it themselves.

There will be a two-week community project at Clumber Park for which they will have to raise money for the equipment they will need.

On a project in Newark they will work for and alongside residents.

During the programme they are also expected to complete a work experience placement.

At the end of the 12 weeks they should all have completed a City and Guilds qualification using evidence of the activities they have taken part in.

The programme ends with a presentation by the young people about what they have achieved.

Mr Harris hoped another programme would be held in Newark next year.