YOUNG JOBSEEKERS PUT SUNSHINE BREAKFASTS ON THE MENU

November 27th 2013

People struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, some of them homeless, are now enjoying sunshine breakfasts thanks to the fund-raising and decorating efforts of unemployed young people in Middlesbrough.   

A twice-weekly Breakfast Club is one of the services provided by Middlesbrough Recovering Together, a charity launched last month after six existing organisations involved in helping addicts merged. 

The 16 youngsters, aged between 16 and 25 and on a 12-week Prince’s Trust Team Programme aimed at helping them into work, won £2,000 of funding for their chosen community project from UK Steel Enterprise’s Community Support Fund.

The team fund-raised to decorate and furnish a room used for the charity’s Breakfast Club at its Middlesbrough base as well as an office and a group activity space, providing everything from comfortable seating to a stereo and crockery.

UK Steel Enterprise, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary has now backed more than 12 Prince’s Trust Team projects in the Tees area from its special fund set up to help improve life for people living in steel areas.

Peter Taylor of UK Steel Enterprise, said: “The young people on these programmes invariably impress us with both their presentations and the work they do during their 12 weeks. We are pleased to play a part in helping them into employment and supporting a very worthwhile charity at the same time.”

Middlesbrough Recovering Together provides a whole range of services from counselling, support and treatment to advice on practical matters such as housing. 

“The charities that have now come together helped more than 600 people last year and 90% of those who receive support stay in recovery,” said Ronnie Rowbotham of the new organisation.  “Our peer mentors are people in recovery who support existing drug or alcohol users and we hope to recruit more. 

“Bright comfortable surroundings definitely improve people’s chances of recovery and also create a pleasant workplace for our mentors and volunteers so they play a vital role in our success. 

“It has been an absolute pleasure working with the Prince’s Trust as the young people have been so enthusiastic. Their hard work has made a huge impact on everyone here. Fund-raising is not always easy for us and we are very grateful to them and to UK Steel Enterprise,” he added.  

Claire McGarvey, Prince’s Trust Team Leader at Stockton Riverside College, said: “Each team of young people chooses a community project to help and it develops a range of skills from communication and presentation to teamwork, budgeting and confidence. Their self-esteem receives such a boost when they win the funding from UK Steel Enterprise and then see just how much difference their hard work makes to people who need support.”

Details of UK Steel Enterprise’s support for businesses and steel communities is on 01642 777 777 and at www.uksteelenterprise.co.uk. The Prince’s Trust is at www.princes-trust.org.uk