04 May Homelessness charity teaches local students new skills
Lexden Springs students are receiving on the job training from the upcycling team at homelessness charity, Emmaus Colchester.
Billy, one of Emmaus Colchester’s chief up-cyclers, has been coaching student Owen Saunders to improve his social and practical skills, as well as giving him experience of responsibility in the workplace.
Billy said: “At the moment we are working with Owen, but we will be working with more students in the same way over the coming months. The students have varied abilities, so one to one sessions have to be tailored to ensure each student is able to work to their strengths, as well as gaining new skills and building their confidence”.
Owen currently attends the Colchester workshop once a week where he works a full day helping the upcycling team to restore and renovate items of furniture that are donated to the charity.
Billy added: “His tutors and parents have both commented how much Owen has benefited from this experience in the workshop”.
Nicky Peters, Post 16 Teacher at Lexden Springs and avid supporter of Emmaus said: “I wanted to come up with something for the students to do, which embraced all elements of work related learning in a meaningful and purposeful environment.
