YMCA Training Norwich awarded £5,000 by Norfolk Community Foundation to continue work on Whitlingham Lane Country Park

The Foundation Learning programme at YMCA Training Norwich has been awarded a £5,000 grant from the Norfolk Community Foundation to continue its valuable work at the Whitlingham Lane Country Park.

This is the fourth successful year YMCA Training Norwich has managed to secure funding, in partnership with the Broads Authority, and will allow young learners on the Foundation Learning programme to continue their work until at least May 2012.

On a weekly basis, young learners travel down to the site using a hired minibus. They are all provided with steel toe cap boots, safety gloves, and waterproof clothing which has been provided from previous grants.

The young learners are taught how to use a range of tools and equipment which is hired from the park to help undertake specific tasks under supervision. The tasks include installing new fencing, footpaths, benches, pond dipping platforms, laying wood chip pathways and tree planting.  Recently they have spent a whole week installing a 14 foot long footbridge with the supervision and guidance of qualified staff.

Russell Wilson, Countryside Manager, at Whitlingham Lane stated, "I am delighted that the £5,000 funding will help towards the continuation of the valuable project. I have seen huge personal development with the young people who have attended over the past four years. It has been a pleasure to be involved in a worthwhile project like this." 

Adam Savvas, manager at YMCA Training Norwich, said: "Our young learners have made a massive contribution to the countryside park over the last four years. Every time I visit the area, I am surrounded by good memories and can see first-hand the valuable contribution the learners have made to the local area."

Learners on the Foundation Learning programme at YMCA Training Norwich, said: 

Joe Mahony, 19: "Whitlingham Lane has helped improve my team working skills and see my potential and others in the group. I really enjoy working outdoors and I have made new friends and improved my confidence."

Wayne Page, 17: "Whitlingham Lane has introduced me to a new interest that I really enjoy doing and I feel my team building skills have improved."

Chantelle Goss, 17: "I really enjoy the experience of Whitlingham Lane as it is an outdoor activity. I have learned how to use different equipment properly with the help of Whitlingham Lane staff. The staff help make the day enjoyable and I look forward to attending each week as we do something different."