DEDICATED young volunteers have converted an under-used space into a sensory chill-out room after choosing a Chester charity to benefit from their work.
The group of 15 Prince's Trust volunteers from around Cheshire were so moved by young persons charity Live! that they chose to devote their time to improving facilities at their base at New Scene Youth Centre, Newton.
As part of their 12-week personal development programme, the 16 to 25-year-olds were put in charge of completing a community project and, after considering other options, chose Live! as their desired target.
Assistant team leader Joy Hughes, of the Cheshire Fire Service The Prince's Trust Programme, said: 'They get no funds to do this so raise the money themselves as a team. This team went to look at a few projects and see what were the best skills within themselves they had to offer.'
She said the volunteers were struck by Live!: 'After meeting and speaking to the people who desired it they were moved. They wanted to do something for the group of people that would be using the room. They said they would design a sensory room and went to look at different types available.'
The volunteers researched the concept by visiting similar rooms at different facilities and using the most suitable ideas for their project.
Joy said: 'They had to plan, design and complete it within 12 days. They also did a refurbishment of the pottery room while they were at it - two of the guys took that on as a personal project.'
She congratulated the team on their contribution: 'This particular team has been really quite fantastic. They have pulled out all the stops against all the odds. They took a shabby little room and they gutted it, fitted a new carpet, twinkly lights, painted it, installed a mirror ball - it's beautiful. They are very talented, I'm really proud of them.'
Sandra Pollitt, Live! co-ordinator, said: 'We work with approximately 150 children and young people, a lot have severe communication, physical and learning difficulties - and we have mainstream young people as well. We needed a quiet room for young people with sensory difficulties. Since opening, it has been used regularly on Friday night sessions as the chill-out space. They think it's wonderful.'
She said members were grateful to the volunteers: 'The Prince's Trust volunteers have worked so hard and all the members at Live! really appreciate what they have done. The room has given young people an opportunity to chill out. All the members would like to say a huge big thank you to all the Prince's Trust volunteers.'
Live! is a registered charity that works with young people with and without disabilities. Funded by Cheshire County Council and Chester City Council, the organisation provides activities for children and young people during school holidays.
Organisers also run Friday night and Saturday morning clubs where members get together and enjoy social activities - they plan their own programmes, and organise quizzes, bowling trips and residentials. Between 85 and 90% of young people in Cheshire who take part in the Prince's Trust go on to either full or part-time employment or further education. Anyone aged between 16 and 25 who would like to join The Prince's Trust should contact Lee or Joy on 01244 315167.
