A CHARITY in north Durham is expanding its scheme to help young people find work.

Consett and District YMCA is widening the delivery of its Prince’s Trust Team Programmes by working with with Stockton Riverside College and Derwentside College.

The group is appealing for unemployed young people, aged 16 to 25, to take part in a 12- week course to learn new skills and improve their confidence and motivation.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme will be based in Consett, Stanley, Chester-le Street, Pelton Fell and Langley Park.

Course leader Sara-Jane Heslop said: “Too many young people feel they don’t have any skills and talents, and feel they’ll never amount to anything.

“The team programme really does help them to turn their lives around, helping them into work, education or training.

“We are committed to supporting local people and have expanded across County Durham to bring the Team programme to where it is needed the most.”

Three out of four young people on Prince’s Trust schemes move into work, education or training.

Participants, in groups of 12, will get involved in team building activities, a week-long residential trip, a community project and two weeks of work experience during the course. They will also get advice on how to write CVs as well as gaining nationally recognised qualifications.

Young people will get up to £20 bus fare per week, free lunch and up to £250 cash on completion.

Two teams start at the Burnside Resource Centre in Stanley on May 7, two teams start at the YMCA in Consett with another two at the Brockwell Centre, Pelton Fell and Chester-le-Street Community Centre on May 13.

Another team will start at the Woodview Community Centre in Langley Park on May 13.

For more information call Ms Heslop on 0757-747-1016.