Leading charity challenges unemployed youngsters to transform garden

A group of 12 unemployed young men from Glasgow have created a beautiful garden in the southside of the city for disabled children and their families to enjoy.

The group, all aged 16-17, was set the task of transforming the garden at Stoneside Short Breaks service by Action for Children. The work took place as part of the leading charity's Inspiring Scotland Challenges programme, which provides young people who are who are not in employment, education or training - and are deemed by the Scottish Government to be in need of 'more choices, more chances' - with opportunities to participate in activities that benefit their local community.

The regenerated garden will be of huge benefit to Stoneside Short Breaks - providing a peaceful and pleasant place to play outdoors; and allowing green fingered children to grow their own plants and vegetables. Based in Eastwood, the service provides support and respite care to over 80 disabled children and their families across the city every year.

Paul Carberry, operational director of children's services at Action for Children Scotland, said: "Staff from our Stoneside Short Breaks have big plans for their garden and have worked extremely hard to raise funds for its regeneration. I am very pleased that young men from our Challenge programme have been able to lend a helping hand.

"As well as making a positive difference to the service, the young men have developed skills and gained experience that will stand them in good stead for the future - including working as part of a team, timekeeping and basic construction skills. The group should be proud of what they have achieved - the hard work and effort put in over the past few weeks have made a real difference and will be hugely appreciated by the children and families who use the service."

Over the course of six weeks, the young men transformed the garden by constructing a play swing and shed; painting a fence; placing decking, flower and vegetable pods; and creating a seated area, surrounded by colourful flower boxes.

All of the young men are unemployed and involved in a 'get ready for work' programme delivered by Training Initiatives Generating Effective Results Scotland (TIGERS). Taking part in the Challenge has given them the opportunity to develop new skills and gain work experience.

Jordan McCann, 17, said: "I have been unemployed for six months and have really enjoyed taking part in the Challenge. It has been great to meet new people; learn new skills and have something to focus on. At times it has been tough but we have worked on despite the rain - it has been worth it. I am really proud of what we have achieved and I hope the children who use Stoneside Short Breaks service are pleased. Now I just hope we see a little sunshine this summer so that they can get out and enjoy the garden!"

The Stoneside Challenge was supported by Dobbies in Milngavie, which provided gardening equipment, compost and raised bedding.

A total of 250 young people from across Scotland have been involved in Action for Children's Inspiring Scotland Challenges programmes to date. The Challenges are designed to benefit both the young people who participate, who often go on to further training and development; and local communities - with the regeneration of communal areas forming the core of the challenge. Young people who take part in Action for Children's Inspiring Scotland Challenges programme also have the opportunity to complete a Barclays Money Skills course designed to help build financial skills.

Action for Children's Inspiring Scotland Challenges programme is supported by European Structural Funds (ESF).