Woodwork Training Project
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 The project is housed in the barn furthest away in this picture |
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The aim of our Farm project is to raise the skill levels and self-esteem of the people we work with. Training - in land-based skills and woodwork - is a key feature of the project, lead by our qualified intructor Matthew Preston (pictured below with wife Maia). How It BeganAlmost from the very beginning of Good News Family Care it was envisaged that a project like this would form part of the ministry. But it wasn't until March 2005, when Tearfund offered their support, that the idea became a reality. Tearfund generously agreed to fund a project worker for two and a half days a week, to work with clients, setting up and running a In August 2005 we began to renovate one of the derelict barns, to provide a base for the project. The walls needed partially rebuilding (see below) and the roof - what was left of it - had to be completely replaced. By October all this work had been completed, a chipboard floor had been laid and the building was operational. This had a positive impact on staff and client morale - not to mention the improvement it made to The realisation that physical work can be very rewarding - especially when it's in the beautiful countryside of the Goyt Valley - seems to go hand-in-hand with a heightened sense of self worth. Perhaps the fresh air and lovely surroundings help service users gain a new perspective on life? Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: those who access the project seem to enjoy the work and gain confidence in their 'practical' abilities - handling tools and materials. They get that much closer to realising the potential that God has placed within them. |
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woodwork skills training project at Norman Wood farm.
workspace capacity on wet days!