Part of the Etc.
A team of unemployed young people pulled out all of the stops for a Stockton charity working with those seeking asylum in the Tees Valley.
The group, who are taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team programme, volunteered to transform the outdoor space at Justice First, in an effort to help improve the facilities available to its clients.
The charity provides advice and support to people in the final stages of the asylum process and often facing destitution.
Case worker Kath Sainsbury, said: “There is so much public misinformation around refugees and asylum seekers. To find these young people with open minds, wanting to know more and to help us was brilliant.”
The Prince’s Trust Team students revamped the charity’s yard by clearing the area, repairing and smoothing the walls, before decorating it with colourful murals.
Assistant Team leader Chris Smith explained: “The students carried out their own research in order to create a mural that symbolises various themes.
“It includes a multi-coloured tiger to represent different people, cultures and personalities, as well as symbolising courage and strength. There is also an English rose and jasmine, considered the national flower of Syria.”
Team member Emma Wilson, 25, of Thornaby, said: “We wanted the designs for the mural to be very symbolic. We hope that people find it meaningful and inspirational.”
With funding from North Star housing group, the eight-strong team were able to transform the space, provide food supplies that will be distributed to struggling individuals and families and even took the time to reach out to visitors to the charity.
Kath said: “It was wonderful to see the young people engaging with our clients and overcoming the language barriers.
“These young people have gone beyond all the misinformation, done their research and looked for the truth.
“They have learnt why people have to flee persecution and have produced something that gives hope for the future.”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a free 12-week personal development scheme delivered by Stockton Riverside College offering young unemployed people aged 16 to 25 the chance to develop their skills and boost their employment chances by taking part in a series of tasks and challenges, including a community project.
Formed in 2006, Justice First works with people seeking asylum whose appeals have been rejected by the Home Office, by offering practical and emotional support as they re-engage with the legal system and avoid destitution.
For more details about The Prince’s Trust Team courses running in Stockton, Billingham, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Catterick, visit www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/ or to find out more about Justice First go to: http://justicefirst.org.uk/
The group, who are taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team programme, volunteered to transform the outdoor space at Justice First, in an effort to help improve the facilities available to its clients.The charity provides advice and support to people in the final stages of the asylum process and often facing destitution.
Case worker Kath Sainsbury, said: “There is so much public misinformation around refugees and asylum seekers. To find these young people with open minds, wanting to know more and to help us was brilliant.”
The Prince’s Trust Team students revamped the charity’s yard by clearing the area, repairing and smoothing the walls, before decorating it with colourful murals.
Assistant Team leader Chris Smith explained: “The students carried out their own research in order to create a mural that symbolises various themes.“It includes a multi-coloured tiger to represent different people, cultures and personalities, as well as symbolising courage and strength. There is also an English rose and jasmine, considered the national flower of Syria.”
Team member Emma Wilson, 25, of Thornaby, said: “We wanted the designs for the mural to be very symbolic. We hope that people find it meaningful and inspirational.”
With funding from North Star housing group, the eight-strong team were able to transform the space, provide food supplies that will be distributed to struggling individuals and families and even took the time to reach out to visitors to the charity.
Kath said: “It was wonderful to see the young people engaging with our clients and overcoming the language barriers.
“These young people have gone beyond all the misinformation, done their research and looked for the truth.
“They have learnt why people have to flee persecution and have produced something that gives hope for the future.”
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a free 12-week personal development scheme delivered by Stockton Riverside College offering young unemployed people aged 16 to 25 the chance to develop their skills and boost their employment chances by taking part in a series of tasks and challenges, including a community project.
Formed in 2006, Justice First works with people seeking asylum whose appeals have been rejected by the Home Office, by offering practical and emotional support as they re-engage with the legal system and avoid destitution.
For more details about The Prince’s Trust Team courses running in Stockton, Billingham, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Darlington, Bishop Auckland and Catterick, visit www.stockton.ac.uk/princes-trust/ or to find out more about Justice First go to: http://justicefirst.org.uk/
