Knockout success for young people learning work skills

Young people have helped transform a well used sports venue into a renovated facility to be proud of. The council-owned Boxing Gym in Moulsecoomb has been painted and decorated, including new insulation, wiring and plumbing, with help from young local volunteers learning work-based skills. The gym is set to re-open this week (Wednesday 7 August).

Council contractors supervised the young people in a scheme designed to provide practical workplace experience. The young people enthusiastically took to the challenge of learning new skills and working hard to meet the deadlines.

Charlie, Mason and Curtis stayed with the project for all three weeks, working in some of the hottest weather possible to deliver results on time. The trio were involved in all aspects of the renovation and also learned about project management as part of the process.

The opportunity has proved valuable to the participants who gained an insight into working as part of a team and discovered skills they can use for the future. They are now looking at gaining more training and employment in the building industry.

Young people aged sixteen to twenty one were offered a place to take part in this joint project set up by the Residents Involvement Team and YES (Youth Employability Service). The Lewes Road Consortium tenant forum funded the project using the Estate Development Budget. The project is an example of tenants supporting residents.

Cllr Bill Randall, chair of the Housing Committee, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved in this excellent project with so many positive outcomes. The gym looks great! There has been much praise of the young people’s attitude and abilities. I wish them all every success in the future.”

The project brought in a total of £11,000 in terms of free labour and materials. Much of the support was provided by Mears ‘Serving Our Community’ (£5,500) and Fraser Edmonds Building (£2,500). The scheme also benefitted from backing by City Electrical, Buxtons, Wolseley and Greenacres.

James Cryer, Partnership Manager for Mears, said: "Moulsecoomb Boxing Club been given a new lease of life thanks to Charlie, Mason, Curtis and the other volunteers who worked really hard to transform this much loved community resource."

More information:

Press release sent out at the start of the scheme last month