The Skill Mill
Young People
We want to purchase equipment, materials and plants to develop a community garden for public use in the Sandyford area of Newcastle.
About this cause
The Skill Mill is a not for profit social enterprise that employees ex-young offenders (16-18yrs) in contraction, horticulture, flood risk management and water course works. We provide a minimum of 6 months of paid employment, with training, to four young people at any one time and use the network of supporting organisations and partners to provide follow on employment fro them. We contract for work in a commercial environment because release on grant aid is not a sustainable business model. We are successful in supporting young people to desist from offending. We have a track record and an evidence for the work that we do in supporting those further from the labour market in to work,
How this cause brings people in the community together
The project brings local residents of all ages and young people together in the design, development and construction of a community garden. It will promote intra generational relationship building and the transfer of knowledge and skills (gardening, DIY and construction skills). Future maintenance and use of the developed space will enable these relationship to endure and new ones to flourish.