A team of unemployed young people got to see firsthand the real impact their efforts can have in the community.

The youngsters, who are taking part in The King’s Trust Team programme, helped transform the outdoor space of a much used and loved community hub.

Now, thanks to the team’s efforts, the Middlesbrough Salvation Army Outreach Hub in Acklam boasts an outside play area that will provide additional space for toddler and family activity groups to enjoy.

“It is a lovely clean and safe environment, particularly for the toddler group,” said Corps Officer Naomi Kelly. “The team has certainly worked hard, and it really shows in the beautiful space that they’ve created for us.”

The King’s Trust Team programme, delivered by the Education Training Collective (Etc.), is a 12-week course that offers young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to build employability and life skills.

Taking part in a series of tasks and challenges, the squad, who are not currently in education, training or employment, build confidence, self-esteem, alongside essential work-based skills such as teamwork, leadership and motivation.

Middlesbrough Team leader Marty Freeman said: “The two-week community project is an important part of the programme. It is often at this stage we see individual skills really start to emerge and flourish.”

Working with a local organisation or group, the young people plan their ideas, pitch for funding in a Dragon’s Den-style presentation and then deliver.

UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary and a long-term supporter of Etc.’s King’s Trust team programmes, provided £1,200 from its Community Support Fund to cover the cost of the revamped play area at the hub.

“I was incredibly proud of the students in their pitch, particularly as they were still in the early stages of the course,” said Marty who supports the team alongside assistant team leader Andy Buckley.

He explained that presenting their community project to UKSE for the funding also helps the students improve their presentation skills and teamwork.

As for the project itself, he added: “These can be challenging times for families. Many don’t have a lot of money to pay for clubs and activities, so the hub has an important role to play.”

Middlesbrough Salvation Army Corps Officer Naomi explained: “The hub is there to engage with the community through toddler groups, bowls clubs, craft groups and family activities.”

The outside space was previously filled with weeds and wasn’t being used.

“It's the kind of area that we always meant to get around to changing but there never seemed to be the funds or the people power to do it,” said Naomi.

The eight-strong King’s Trust crew put in the heavy lifting to remove the top layer of shale, put down a membrane base and a layer of bark, before adding a sandpit, toys and accessories. A discount provided by Joseph Parr building merchants helped to bring the project in right on budget.

Alfie, 17, said: “When we saw the outdoor space we knew it was going to take some effort and now it is finished I am proud of what we have done.”

Ellis, 17, said: “It’s great to know it will make a difference to parents as it is a safe place for their children to play and enjoy.”

Making the most of the opportunities the course is giving him, Sam, 25, explained: “It is giving me so many skills that you need in life, like people skills and confidence.”

Describing himself as a practical person, he added: “The hard work outdoors on this project is right up my street, but for me it’s the admin side I usually struggle with. The tutors have given me the confidence to want to give it a go.”

The Etc. delivers The King’s Trust Team courses in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington and Bishop Auckland. To find out more visit: Stockton.ac.uk/kings-trust