Construction trainees put their skills into practice at St Helens Mind’s Community Allotment
by Educate Magazine October 7, 2021 · Sixth Form & College News
A group of construction trainees have been putting the skills they are developing at St Helens Chamber’s Construction Training Centre into practice at a local community allotment.
St Helens Mind run a community allotment where service users can come and take some time out, working on the allotment or just enjoying the peace and quiet. St Helens Chamber’s trainees have created a patio that will provide a place for visitors to sit and socialise.
Neil Rigby, young people’s development team leader, said: “We think it’s very important for trainees to put their skills into practice outside of the construction centre, and what better way to do this than by supporting a fantastic cause!
“We look forward to working closely with St Helens Mind on making improvements and additions to their allotment, and I’m really proud of the work the trainees did on the patio.”
St Helens Mind’s allotment is in Cabbage Hall Allotments and can be accessed by any of their service users. The allotment is designed to help people with mental health issues connect with nature and take some time out in a peaceful space.
Visitors can work on the allotment doing maintenance and planting or can simply relax and socialise with others during their time in the gardens.
Gill Ellison, St Helens Mind, said: “Thank you so much to the trainees for all their hard work on the allotment, you don’t know how much this means to everyone at St Helens Mind.
“The trainees did an amazing job, and the allotment truly is ‘a place to grow’ – thank you!”
St Helens Chamber offer a range of construction training courses at their Construction Training Centre in Parr St Helens, with Fast Track to Apprenticeship courses for young people and free short courses for adults aged 19+.
Neil added: “There are plenty of opportunities to learn and develop at the construction centre, and we have an expert training team who are dedicated to teaching anyone who wants to build their skills.
“We offer courses for all abilities and work closely with local authorities and employers to help trainees move into work once their course has finished.”
