Students on The King's Trust Team Programme at The Sheffield College have planned and completed an environmental project in the city.
The Whirlow Hall Farm project was part of a wider personal development programme set up by His Majesty King Charles III to develop confidence and employability skills.
The initiative supports 16 to 25-year-olds including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The aim over the 12-week course is to build young people’s confidence and skills so that they can succeed and move onto work, education and training.
The scheme seeks to tackle youth unemployment and involves students taking part in a community-based initiative.
Hayley Kingston, Assistant Team Leader, The King’s Trust Team at The Sheffield College, said: “We're really proud of the team and their hard work and enthusiasm.
“Their work involved rejuvenating the space to improve access and biodiversity by introducing new plant species to the area. This project gave our young people the chance to gain hands-on experience, develop teamwork skills and give back to the local community.”
Whirlow Hall Farm Trust is an educational charity that offers educational and therapeutic activities on their working farm with a focus on supporting children and young people who are struggling due to complex and debilitating disadvantages and acute trauma.
Whirlow empowers young people facing mental health challenges, providing them with support and a sense of belonging.
The Barn, one of the residential spaces which was the focus of the work of The King’s Trust project, is used by school groups who stay for a night or two and support children to grow in confidence, gain independence and develop relationships with both peers and adults.
Students set to work cutting back dense shrubbery, clearing weeds, restoring the residential driveway and reintroducing a flower bed of vibrant plants and flowers. Benjamin Baugh, 20, said: "I greatly enjoyed the residential and the water activities we did, which helped me overcome my fears of the water. Before the course, my anxiety had grown so that I could barely leave my house. Since starting the course, I can do things I never thought I’d ever be able to do."
Jen Donnolly, Education and Facilities Coordinator, Whirlow Hall Farm Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support from The Kings Trust. We rely on volunteers to support our work and teams like this make a massive impact. The work of The King’s Trust supporting disadvantaged youngsters aligns with our charitable work so we are delighted to support their project.”
The King’s Trust was previously known as The Prince’s Trust. Find out more about our courses and apply now.
