A GROUP of young people have been praised for their voluntary efforts at a local park.
Students from Greenacre School, on Keresforth Hill Road, and Opening Doors, a group which supports young adults, have been taking part in a project at Worsbrough Mill, where they have been able to get creative and make bird boxes and feeders, paint benches, pick litter and create a mosaic.
As a result, they have been put forward for a Proud of Barnsley award.
The 30 students, aged between 16 and 25, participated in volunteering sessions over six weeks and their work was praised at a celebration event on Friday, attended by Kudos, the group which led the project and Coun John Clarke.
Ben March, volunteer co-ordinator at Barnsley Museums, said: “It was wonderful to be able to work alongside Opening Doors, Greenacre and Kudos and allow the students to participate in this project.
“Barnsley museum sites appreciate help from volunteers and for this group it was a fantastic opportunity for them to get involved with the community and leave their mark with the wonderful work they created.
“We can’t thank them enough, and it looks fantastic.”
Nicole Guy, who is part of Kudos, secured funding to head the project and was delighted to work alongside the students.
“The aim of the project was to raise ambitions of the students and get them out and allow them to be creative,” said Nicole.
“It’s been good to work with Greenacre and Opening Doors and we’ve been able to achieve a lot over the last six weeks.
“They have even been able to create a mural and signs which will be a little legacy for them.
“They will be able to return with their families and be proud they have something to show. It works wonders for their confidence.
“To celebrate their success has also been a fantastic opportunity to thank them for the work they have done and they can see their input.
“It’s great to make them feel empowered and let them know that they can contribute to society.”
Lynsey Bloomer, service manager at Opening Doors, said: “We support students aged 19 to 35 with learning difficulties and this project has been wonderful for our young people.
“This project has boosted the self-esteem and confidence of our students because they have been able to complete meaningful tasks.
“It has also allowed our students to improve their life skills.
“We are proud to see what they have achieved, and they feel proud to be able to celebrate.”
