Members of a Prince’s Trust team have transformed an outdoor area for Dukinfield-based Youth Adventure Tameside.

Young people from across the borough have been taking part in a 12-week self-development programme which gives them the qualifications and skills to progress into the working world. 

One element of the programme is the ‘Princes Trust Award in Employment, Teamwork and Community Skills’ which requires the group to select a community project which needs some support.

The group of 16 young people chose to support Youth Adventure Tameside (YAT), a charitable organisation that delivers the Duke of Edinburgh scheme. 

Due to the impact of Covid, the charity’s grounds at its HQ had become extremely overgrown and the outdoor space unusable.

Thanks to the help of the young people on the Prince’s Trust TEAM programme, which is delivered by Groundwork Greater Manchester, the grounds are now fit for outdoor activities again, as well as being an inviting space for those visiting.

The community project was a challenging yet rewarding experience for the young people involved. 

They had a number of tasks which needed to be completed within two weeks, including cutting down a huge bramble bush, trimming hedges and general gardening work.

Each young person took on a specific role and responsibility, including project managers Laura Sharp and Caitlin Williams who made sure everything ran smoothly and ensured everyone was rested and well. 

Within each role, everyone was provided with an opportunity to work on their communication and teamwork skills.

The work was achieved using only hand tools and a lot of grit and determination. A large volume of waste was created during the two-week project so the young people were extremely thankful to Sheridan Skip Hire, who donated a skip to keep the residential area clean.

The young people were asked about what they thought about the work they did.

Project manager Laura, 20, said: “I am so happy with what we accomplished to change this area to help the youth of Tameside and the wider community.”

Assistant manager Caitlin, 22, added: “It was a great way of using our spare time to do something so beneficial for the community and for the scouts having an area to continue their outdoor activities.”

Sean, 21, said: “It was tedious work, however the goal after completion was worth it.”

Lauren Thompson, Prince’s Trust Team Leader at Groundwork, was pleased with the work completed by the young people.

“The team worked really hard to achieve a lot of clearing work and it was amazing to see them put so much effort into improving this space for Youth Adventure Tameside.”

Jamie Findlow, an instructor at YAT said: “As Youth Adventure Tameside enters its 50th year, we are extremely appreciative of the hard work and transformation that the young people have delivered. 

“The charity’s grounds became neglected during the pandemic and as YAT’s volunteers were focused on activity provision, the grounds didn’t receive the attention they required. 

“I have been impressed by the young people and how they have collaboratively worked to completely renovate our grounds. 

“Due to their support and help we will now be able to recommence using the grounds for delivering YAT’s role of providing activities to the young people of Tameside.”