Seven teenagers proud

News story published: 27 August 2010

Young people have successfully completed a three month programme to improve their career opportunities.

Police and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service supported the Prince’s Trust Team programme, where young people had the chance to improve their lifetime skills including team building and self confidence.

The teenagers really made a difference in the community by raising £396. They carried out a car wash at Thetford Fire Station and a bag packing activity at Asda in Bury St. Edmunds. The money they collected went towards equipment that they used to repair and refurbish jumps and fences at the World Horse Welfare – a local horse charity.

The team worked closely with elderly residents from Fryers Walk Care Home and assisted in a day trip to Great Yarmouth.

To gain experience for future job opportunities they also took part in a three week work placement at local businesses and agencies in the Thetford area.

Attleborough PCSO Gary Szabo, who spent 3 months on secondment with the project, said: “The programme was a success and it was nice to see the progression young people made from week one to the end of the project, especially developing their skills and confidence.

"We worked in close partnership with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and the Prince’s Trust to mentor the team of enthusiastic teenagers.”

Fay Crangle, Youth Development Team Leader, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The seven young people aged between 16 to 19 years old have developed confidence, team working skills and problem solving skills through a variety of different challenges.

"These included fundraising for a local community project in which they had to also conduct the regeneration work themselves.

"The team were also involved in three week individual work placements, out of which two young people emerged with jobs. Following this the seven young people organised day activities for different members of the community, including taking some residents from Fryers Walk Care Home to Great Yarmouth for the day.

"To finish the course the young people planned and organised a final presentation event to highlight their journey and fantastic achievements.

“The team worked incredibly hard and benefited massively from having PCSO Gary Szabo with them. Many young people on the team looked up to PCSO Szabo and he was a fantastic asset to have for 14 weeks.”

The next Prince’s Trust Team programme will be starting on Monday 4 October with a taster day being held at 10am on Monday 20 September at Keystone Enterprise Factory, 39 Brunel Way, Thetford, IP24 1HP.

All young people aged between 16 to 24 years old who are interested in taking part in the next programme should contact Fay Crangle on 07920 792226.