Bovington BMX Track Community Project
A group of 12 young jobseekers from Dorset
faced trouble with the law and academic struggle before turning
their lives around with the help of The Prince’s Trust.
Their experiences had a devastating impact on their self-esteem
and the young people were seeking direction and motivation to get
into work, when they signed up to The Prince’s Trust Team
programme.
As part of the 12-week personal development course, which gives
unemployed young people the skills and confidence to find work, the
youngsters chose to undertake a project that would benefit their
community.
After identifying a long-standing problem with vandalism and a
desperate need in the community for a safe space for young people
to use, the team decided to create a BMX track in a deprived area
of Bovington.
From the start of the programme, the group showed great
dedication, organising numerous fundraising events including bag
packing to raise £483 to go towards materials for the project.
The youngsters showed great team work to design and build the
track as well as painting and constructing a barbeque area. They
also showed great initiative, by building a wooden billboard
specifically for graffiti to discourage vandalism of the track.
The project was completed in under three-weeks and an opening
ceremony was held with more than 150 attendees, which showed the
youngsters that their hard work was recognised by the
community.
The Prince’s Trust course gave the young people an opportunity
to grow in confidence and identify their personal strengths - which
were central to the success of the project.
Young people in the community now use the track all year round
and the space has had no incidents of vandalism since its
opening.
Since finishing the course, all the youngsters have gone on to
successfully seek out further training, education or
employment.
Champions
We would like to acknowledge the individuals or organisations
who have played a key role in helping these young people achieve
success through their Prince’s Trust programme.
- Adam Moss, Seconded Team Leader,
Dorset Fire and Rescue Service
- Marie-Clare Nicholson, Dorset Fire and Rescue Service