Help is at hand from reopened training centre

First Place Training, in Albion Street, helps youngsters like those with learning disabilities, who have dropped out of education, young mothers and members of the traveller community, and also offers support to adults seeking employment.

The charity has been running since 1996, but recently closed due to the retirement of its previous managers. It has relaunched under the management of Carolyn O’Donnell, chief executive of Develop Education Business Partnership.

Carolyn said: “I was well aware of the great work being done at the centre and I am delighted that we can support the continuation of the charity by offering my services and that of our HR and accounts departments free of charge.”

The launch event on February 2 gave supported learners at the centre a chance to showcase their progress.

‘A’, who did not wish to be named, is a 17-year-old with a passion for rock music, a subject on which he compiled a presentation for guests at the event.

He said: “It was great to talk about one of my interests to the visitors. I was really pleased when the careers programme we use suggested being a presenter as one of my possible careers.”

Many of the learners contributed to the graffiti art that adorns the walls of the centre

“I find being at First Place more relaxed and I can concentrate more.

‘D’, who has been at the centre for three weeks, said: “I am working on my graffiti project, which has helped me settle and be included with the other learners by putting my work on the wall as well.”

‘AH’, who has been with the centre since September, said: “I really enjoyed the launch event day, meeting and greeting everyone and showing them around the centre and telling them about the course I am on and also the other courses that are run at First Place.”

> For more information about First Place Training, call 01582 690597, or email [email protected].