A TEAM of unemployed young people on Teesside, determined not to let the Covid-19 pandemic stand in the way of their future job chances, has stepped in to help a new centre for people with learning difficulties.

The 14 young people, aged between 16 and 25 from Middlesbrough and Redcar, are on a 12-week Prince’s Trust Team Programme run by Stockton Riverside College. They have won praise and £1,200 from Tata Steel business-support subsidiary UKSE to create a sensory area at the new Senses Wellbeing Centre in Skelton.

UKSE is a long-term supporter of the programmes which help young people into employment through work experience, help with interview and job application skills and the completion of a community project. The team chose to help Senses and, with Covid safety measures in place, have been clearing an overgrown area, creating raised flower beds and planting.

The Centre is the result of a major fund-raising effort by the local community. It will provide fitness and wellbeing sessions for every age and ability to make fitness accessible for all, including those with special educational needs, additional needs, disabilities and dementia.

Sarah Thorpe, UKSE’s Area Manager, said: “The young people and everyone involved are to be congratulated on their determination to make sure this programme and project have gone ahead in difficult times. We were very impressed and pleased to help with the funding for something that will be enjoyed by so many people. We have now backed more than 50 of these programmes from our Community Support Fund - they not only help young people into employment but have also benefitted many local charities and groups.”

Craig Murphy, Prince’s Trust Team Leader, said: “UKSE’s support not only helps us financially but the Dragons Den pitch the team makes to them, carried out virtually this time, really helps the young people with communication, budgeting and presentation skills.”