Two young people have had their lives transformed thanks to New Progress Housing Association and the towns Leyland charity project.
Josh Evenson and Louis Hall, both aged 18, have been unemployed since leaving education and used to spend most of their time hanging around the streets with their friends.
It wasn’t until the Leyland Project opened up a new community centre in Leyland with the support of New Progress that Josh and Louis found something more positive to do with their lives and now volunteer once a week for the Dream Scheme kids club, for local children aged 8-12 years old.
Through volunteering at the new community centre, Josh and Louis have been able to build on their leadership, time management and customer service skills helping to equip them for future employment.
Louis and Josh also gained valuable work experience when working alongside Progress Housing Group’s Property Services Division by helping to build and repair fences around the local neighbourhood.
Maggie Cole, Senior Youth and Community worker for the Leyland Project said:” Since starting both projects Josh and Louis have taken on more responsibility, learnt new skills and had a more positive approach to other activities. By volunteering they are showing other young people the way forward and are acting as positive role models, benefiting not only them but the local community.”
The Leyland Project is based on Wade Hall in Leyland, Lancashire and consists of two community centres and a family support centre offering local residents IT classes, holiday clubs, adult education, health care support, dance and football clubs, coffee mornings and youth groups.
If you are aged between the ages of 13 and19 years old and are not in education, employment or training contact Maggie Cole at the Leyland Project, The Place, Wade Hall, Leyland on 01772 436200 or email maggiecole@leylandproject.org.uk for more information on how you can help volunteer in your community.
