Part of the Etc.
A spot of animal magic has been working wonders for this team of young people who have given their time to help revamp kennels at a rescue centre in West Auckland.
The Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary is now a step closer to being able to reopen its doors to dogs in need thanks to the efforts of the team of Prince’s Trust students.
The hardworking bunch, who are all currently out of work, dedicated two weeks to painting walls, making window frames and generally lending a hand, at the sanctuary in Bildershaw.
“Their efforts will make a real difference to the sanctuary and the animals here,” said the centre’s Colin Plummer, who has been working hard to get the new-build kennel block fit for purpose.
A not-for-profit organisation, Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary provides shelter for a wide variety of animals and wildlife.
Among its current residents you’ll find everything from ponies to pigs, alpacas to racoons, owls to coatimundi. But the one thing you won’t find are dogs.
“We are currently in the process of replacing our old wooden kennel block,” said Colin.
But as with anything, the new facility takes time and money and with all funds raised going towards helping the animals, the development of the new kennels has had to rely on donations and goodwill.
That’s why, Colin said: “The young people’s work has been amazing, it has fast forwarded our work on the kennel block considerably.”
For the students, Prince’s Trust Bishop Auckland Team Leader, Lee Manley, said the team have learnt a lot from the project.
“Not just painting and decorating skills and a few basic joinery techniques, but they have also learnt things like teamwork and organisation.”
For many, he said, this is the first time they have done something for the wider community and often working out in the elements, proved a further test of their mettle.
The young people, however, “rose to the challenge” and enjoyed working in the sanctuary environment.
Lee said: “For some it was probably a bit of a shock to see the animals and hear their harrowing stories from the volunteers here, but it has shown them the importance of the sanctuary’s work.”
Prince’s Trust student Liam McFadden, 23, of Aycliffe, said: “It has been really good. I’ve loved working with the animals, and it has helped to build our confidence.”
While Amber Dougill-Logan, 18, of Bishop Auckland, added: “Everyone here has been so kind, it’s good to know what we are doing will really help the animals.”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Bishop Auckland is a self-development course delivered by Stockton Riverside College. It offers opportunities for young unemployed people aged 16 to 25 to build their skills, helping them return to education, training or employment. For details about the course visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/
The Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary is now a step closer to being able to reopen its doors to dogs in need thanks to the efforts of the team of Prince’s Trust students.
The hardworking bunch, who are all currently out of work, dedicated two weeks to painting walls, making window frames and generally lending a hand, at the sanctuary in Bildershaw.
“Their efforts will make a real difference to the sanctuary and the animals here,” said the centre’s Colin Plummer, who has been working hard to get the new-build kennel block fit for purpose.
A not-for-profit organisation, Kays Hill Animal Sanctuary provides shelter for a wide variety of animals and wildlife.
Among its current residents you’ll find everything from ponies to pigs, alpacas to racoons, owls to coatimundi. But the one thing you won’t find are dogs.
“We are currently in the process of replacing our old wooden kennel block,” said Colin.
But as with anything, the new facility takes time and money and with all funds raised going towards helping the animals, the development of the new kennels has had to rely on donations and goodwill.
That’s why, Colin said: “The young people’s work has been amazing, it has fast forwarded our work on the kennel block considerably.”
For the students, Prince’s Trust Bishop Auckland Team Leader, Lee Manley, said the team have learnt a lot from the project.
“Not just painting and decorating skills and a few basic joinery techniques, but they have also learnt things like teamwork and organisation.”
For many, he said, this is the first time they have done something for the wider community and often working out in the elements, proved a further test of their mettle.
The young people, however, “rose to the challenge” and enjoyed working in the sanctuary environment.
Lee said: “For some it was probably a bit of a shock to see the animals and hear their harrowing stories from the volunteers here, but it has shown them the importance of the sanctuary’s work.”
Prince’s Trust student Liam McFadden, 23, of Aycliffe, said: “It has been really good. I’ve loved working with the animals, and it has helped to build our confidence.”
While Amber Dougill-Logan, 18, of Bishop Auckland, added: “Everyone here has been so kind, it’s good to know what we are doing will really help the animals.”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Bishop Auckland is a self-development course delivered by Stockton Riverside College. It offers opportunities for young unemployed people aged 16 to 25 to build their skills, helping them return to education, training or employment. For details about the course visit: www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/
