DREAMS have become a reality after a training and learning centre for young people in Lowestoft was officially launched.On Saturday Waveney MP Bob Blizzard opened The Yard Project and the Brickyard Caf�.
DREAMS have become a reality after a training and learning centre for young people in Lowestoft was officially launched.
On Saturday Waveney MP Bob Blizzard opened The Yard Project and the Brickyard Caf�.
Back in 2005 The Yard, situated between Ashby Road and Norwich Road, was a disused builder's yard strewn with rubble. Today it has been transformed and also includes a specially built drop-in community caf�.
It is the brainchild of Peter Grubb and John Squire, who conceived a six-month pilot project to take NEET (not in employment, education or training) young people, and help give them skills and a positive attitude to life. Mr Grubb was so convinced of the value of the project that he bought the yard. And together with Geoff Young the pair sought funding to be able to develop the project.
Community action group Lowestoft Together kick-started interest by awarding money for the training centre and for the Brickyard Caf�, and subsequently other groups joined in funding the project.
Fifty-seven former NEETs have now passed through the Yard Project. Fifty have either gained employment or moved into further training and apprenticeships. These trainees developed the training centre and caf�, working under the direction of Mr Grubb and others.
Sue Henderson, the chairman of Lowestoft Together, said the board was delighted to have been able to kick-start the project.
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