A GROUP of young people showed their green-fingered skills to help transform the garden of a vital service better.
The 10 members of Groundwork’s Princes Trust Team programme worked alongside Tameside School Music and Library Service to make the space a more appealing and accessible place for its users at its site on Birch Lane, Dukinfield.
The young people trimmed bushes and trees, painted posts and fences, planted beautiful flower beds, and created a footpath through a previously inaccessible area.
Over two weeks, the team was also responsible for planning and delivering the project and sourced donations from Whitehead’s Timber, DB Garden Nurseries, and from employees at Groundwork Greater Manchester.
Wednesday, July 13 saw the team celebrate its work with a small launch event, where friends, family and members of the community could hear about and see their work undertaken by the volunteers.
Groundwork’s Princes Trust Team is a 12-week personal development programme which supports young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment, or training to achieve a nationally recognised qualification.
Councillor Leanne Feeley, Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Education, Achievement and Equalities was in attendance and commented: “I’d like to thank the volunteers from the Prince’s Trust for all their hand work in transforming this space into an amazing garden, as well as the organisations that gave donations.
“It looks fabulous and will make a wonderful venue for Tameside Music Service’s renowned concerts and sessions and for the Library Service’s outdoor activities.”
Alex, 21, one of the young people in the team, added: “I have loved every second of the Community Project and turning the garden area around.
“We had lots of ideas and managed to do all of it. The feedback and faces of the staff at Tameside School Music and Library Service has made it all worthwhile.”
• Groundwork Greater Manchester delivers the Team programme in Ashton, Rochdale & Oldham with opportunities to participate in future programmes available to young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment, or training.
To find out more or to apply for the next cohort email Jill Eckersley, Prince’s Trust Manager, on
jill.eckersley@groundwork.org.uk