An outside play area at the Middlesbrough Salvation Army Outreach Hub has been transformed by a team of unemployed young people on a King’s Trust Team programme.

Thanks to a grant of £1,200 from UKSE’s Community Support Fund the team were able to clear the previously unused area of weeds and create a safe base for a sandpit, range of toys and accessories.

UKSE is a long-standing supporter of the 12-week King’s Trust Team Programmes, delivered by the Education Training Collective (Etc.). They give young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to develop skills, including teamwork, leadership and confidence that will help them into employment.

Middlesbrough Salvation Army Corps Officer Naomi Kelly said “The team has created a lovely clean and safe environment, particularly for toddlers and family activities. They have worked hard and it shows in the beautiful space that they have created for us.”

Sarah Thorpe, UKSE Regional Manager said: “We have supported the community projects that are an important part of these programmes for a number of years now, helping many teams to buy the equipment and other items that they need. The projects not only help the students develop valuable skills but also benefit people living in our local communities.”

Marty Freeman, Middlesbrough Team leader said: “The young people choose a project, plan their ideas then pitch to UKSE for funding in a Dragon’s Den style presentation. The pitch really helps develop their presentation and teamwork skills and I was incredibly proud of the students as they were still in the early stages of the course.”