A charity store in the West Midlands village of Rubery was recently given new shelving by a group of construction trainees named the B Team. The Barnardo’s outlet underwent a transformation of its storage area and staff rest zone when students taking part in the project arrived to put their DIY skills to the test.
The youngsters from Redditch are involved in the Barnardo’s initiative, which is based on the 1980’s US television series the A Team and sees participants learn mechanics and construction skills.
Those who are involved in the alternative education service, which is referred to as the Barnardo’s Wheels Project, were struggling with academic studies or were excluded from mainstream education.
As well as learning practical skills, such as how to make shelving systems, they also cover numeracy, literacy and social skills in a bid to prepare them for the work environment.
The new shelving and other work was conducted at the Barnardo’s store over a period of three days.
Commenting on the project, store manager Jeanette Smith said: “I think it’s a great idea. So many youngsters don’t get the chance to learn these types of skills nowadays.”
In addition to the shelving systems, the group built and fitted a sorting table and installed a work desk, as well as redecorating. They also conducted alterations outside the shop, fitting guttering, mending a broken gate and painting windows.
Barnardo’s has roots tracing back to 1867, when Thomas Barnardo set up the Ragged School to help abused, vulnerable, forgotten and neglected children in the east London area. By the time the philanthropist died in 1905, his charity ran 96 homes and cared for more than 190,000 children, young people and their families.
These days, the organisation has a vision that the lives of all children and young people should be free from poverty, abuse and discrimination.