Green scheme is branching out

THE planting team take a break from duty

Seeds of hope for the unemployed
CARING conservationists from Oldham showed that the path back to employment is a green one when they descended on Dovestone.

Volunteers lent a helping hand at the local beauty spot to plant new cherry and oak trees and learn new skills in the process.

The group were taking part in the Neighbourhood Community Involvement Skills project (NCIS), which aims to motivate Oldham’s unemployed and boost their confidence to help them find a job.

Skills such as team building, practical conservation skills and communication flourished during the green event.

Kim Gallaher, a graduate volunteer at Groundwork, who helped to deliver the project, said: “It’s important to be tackling unemployment in Oldham, allowing the team to experience new skills.

“The volunteers said they enjoyed being outdoors, putting something back into the environment and the difference it will make in the future.

“In 50 years time they can go back and see the changes they’ve made.”

The programme is run in conjunction with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale.

Organisers are now appealing for volunteers for the next programme starting on Tuesday.

Anyone unemployed and aged 19 or over is eligible to join by contacting Gemma Russell on (0161) 624-144 or email gemma.russell@groundwork.org.uk.