Special celebrations at The Hinge

Published on 8th November 2007 in News

The Hinge Centre hosted a party for service users last week to celebrate the successful completion of The Ladder Project funded through The Princes Trust Big Boost Award.

The Hallowe'en party was organised, planned and facilitated by the young people who have made use of both the Ladder and ESOP projects, preparing all the decorations, party games and a menu of homemade pumpkin soup with cream and croutons, chicken curry with baked potatoes and a Halloween chocolate cake. A number of the young people also dressed in Hallowe'en costumes.

Strategic manager Martin Crossland said: "The idea of the party came direct from the young people involved in the projects in order to celebrate the success of both the Ladder Project and ESOP (Employment Skills and Opportunities Project).

"The young people wanted to organise, plan and run an event in order to demonstrate all that they have learned. The afternoon was a resounding success and was enjoyed by young people and staff."

The Hinge are also hoping that, with support funding from the Virtual Integrated Management Team (VIMT) Social Inclusion Fund, they will be able to hold a Christmas project during December which will be organised by four young people acting as volunteers to the centre, all of whom will use the practical experience and knowledge gained through Ladder and ESOP.

This will involve session planning, delivery and monitoring and evaluation, a Christmas lunch prepared by the young people, as well as an organised trip to York to see Sinbad the Sailor in pantomime for up to 24 of the projects participants.

Martin added: "The young people have learned so much through their participation of the projects we deliver, within the centre providing them with vital independent living skills and giving them the self confidence and ability to deal with their issues as young adults."

Pictured from left are: Andy Robson, Becky Challenger (Young and Social Inclusion Support Worker), Abbey Bollon, Michelle England (Resettlement Worker), Steff Abbot, Stephen Chamberlain and Becky Smethurst. (08-11-42 SU)