Douglas Leaf project receives almost £50,000 of Lotto cash

A PROJECT aimed at helping young people gain employment through gardening skills has received a bumper grant from the Youth Start programme.
Great chance...for youngsters to learn new skillsGreat chance...for youngsters to learn new skills
Great chance...for youngsters to learn new skills

The £49,810 granted to the Leaf Project will deliver a training and skills programme, entitled Our Community Grows, for 64 young people aged 15 to 24.

Based in Douglas, the project will offer participants the opportunity to learn new skills, gain work experience and improve their employment prospects.

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The young people will attend weekly activities for 12 months, with referrals and support from a large number of local organisations.

Sammy Smith has been involved with the project for 12 years.

He said: “We give those taking part training in skills such as monoblocking and drystane dyking. You can see the benefits straight away in many of the young people.

“Thanks to the support we receive from local schools we take young people out and show them these practical skills. But we also get them re-engaging with the education system; if they don’t go to school they can’t be part of the project.”