Week 12 - Final Week - Go-Karting

So finally it's arrived - the last week. What a journey the 12 weeks have been. There's been highs and lows, ups and downs, but overall it has been absolutely fantastic. Many of the team commented that it has been the best thing they've ever done, and they are now ready to progress to bigger and better things. As a reward for all their hard work, the team headed off for a day's Go-Karting. The pre-race challenges were already in place, the engines were ready, now it was time for the talking to end....let the race begin!!!!

As you can see Roy 'no fear' won again (to the dismay of Andy), but it wasn't just about the winning - everone had a terrific day; well deserved too!

So Team 4 move on into the sunset.................the best of luck to everyone!!

Time for a relaxing Christmas and new year.............time to recharge the batteries in anticipation of Team 5 kicking off on 14th January 2008......................bring it on!!

Week 11 - Team Challenges

The Team embarked on a week full of team challenges which included helping out with an Essential Skills awards ceremony, providing food for the homeless, a fun day for pre-school children, and bingo at a local nursing home. They say you get out what you put in, and the team put loads into this week; from the preparation of events to co-ordinating the day itself - it was a great success all round so once again......WELL DONE!!

Weeks 9 & 10

Now that all the work placements are over the team arrived back in the team room ready for a very busy fortnight. The team spent some time looking for jobs and completing application forms; they made up CVs and had mock interviews - all to prepare them for work in the near future. The team also gained certificates in First Aid & Food Hygiene as well which will make us more employable!! We also got our certificates from Darren (FASA), thanks Darren you were great! It wasn't all hard work though - We visited Mr Tayto (and ate a bucket load of crisps!), we spent some time with Billy Murray (World Champ) at Pro-Kick..Andy won the contest, Hugh came runner up. We also went Ice Skating at Dundonald Ice Bowl which was fantastic (we've got the bumps and bruises to prove it!), and Ten Pin Bowling at the Odyssey, Andy won that too!!! In between all this the team had to come up with some ideas for the Team Challenges for week 11, and start thinking about the final presentation which is looming large....

Weeks 7 & 8 - Work Placements

Hi Ho Hi Ho, it's off to work we go.................
The TEAM all got their packed lunches made and headed off bright and early to their respective work placements. Some went to work at a recycling plant, others went to hairdressers & beauty salons, one went to a builder's yard for some hard graft, another went to a local leisure centre, and one even went to the local cemetery for a spot of gravedigging!!
Although the jobs were very different, everyone on the TEAM gave 100% commitment and showed that they are all very capable individuals. Well done everyone!

Week 6 - Gone Fishing

After all the hard work at PIPS (did we mention we got our photo & a write up in the North Belfast News?) the TEAM headed off to Dromore for a day's fishing. It seems that everyone who went had a fantastic day, with plenty of fish caught & had for dinner that night! Some were big, some were tiddlers, but a great day was had by all (as the photos show!).

Community Project Before During & After

FROM THIS (ABOVE).............................................................................................................!!!!!!

TO THIS.............................................. AND EVENTUALLY...TO THIS!!!

The whole TEAM worked extremely hard from start to finish. We are so proud of our effort and are delighted to do this for PIPS which deserves all the support they can get. WHAT A TEAM!!!

Weeks 4 & 5...The Community Project!!

Once the TEAM decided on PIPS it was time for the hard work to start! Firstly we managed to obtain a skip free of charge (thanks to Batesy Skip Hire) to enable us to completely clear the area which was overrun with rubbish. We then had to make a shopping list of materials needed for the job in hand, including paint, brushes, plants, hanging baskets etc. Once the TEAM realised how much money was needed it was off to Tesco at Ards shopping centre for more fundraising!

Week 3

After the action packed week at residential it was back to the TEAM room to discuss a very important issued - the Community Project. The TEAM spent some time visiting a number of potential projects and then had decide what one they most wanted to undertake. After some discussion it was decided that the PIPS (Public Initiative for the Prevention of Suicide and Self Harm) project was the one!

As the project is the TEAM's responsibility - it is up to the TEAM to raise the funds themselves for the project. Much discussion was had to come up with fundraising ideas - this included bag packing at Marks and Spencers at AbbeyCentre (thank you!)

Week 2 - The Residential

The TEAM spent the week in the safe hands of the East Coast Adventure Team in Rostrevor. An action packed week included bouldering, nightwalks, the nightline, canoeing, banana boating, rock climbing, abseiling, an archery competition, and orienteering on the Mournes.

The TEAM worked brilliantly together; some helped those who were perhaps not as confident in certain activities, while others gave encouragement to the rest of the TEAM to help them face and overcome their fears. The endurance of the orienteering helped bond the teams together, as along with the many problem solving tasks, the trek through (and up!!) the mountains was extremely tough and everybody had to dig deep to get through it....and they did so well done!!

A special thanks to the whole team at East Coast for making this a memorable week for all of us, especially Maudie whose cooking was different class and well needed!

Now for the rest of the programme!!!!!!!!!

TEAM 4 up and running

Team 4 kicked off on 17th September with 11 young people aged between 16 and 25 committing to 12 weeks of fun, adventure and learning. The programme includes a 5 day residential, community project, 2 week work placements and a week of team challenges culminating in a final presentation. There will also be a number of guest speakers invited to talk about many different issues affecting young people today.

Every single team member has a lot to gain from, and of course contribute to the programme. Everyone will learn many new skills, some may realise they already had these skills! They will learn how to work effectively as a team, especially during the residential and community project. They will also make decisions around their future career options; this will involve learning new interview techniques, CV writing and telephone skills, and of course a 2 week work placement of their choice.

They will learn alot about different groups of people in their community, and the different needs that they may have. The can also gain a number of certificates throughout the programme.

Oh yes, not forgetting the bucketfuls of fun that they will be guaranteed along their journey.

Bring it on!!

Team 3

Team two are away onto brighter and better things now and recruitment has begun for Team 3. If you are interested in signing up for the 12 week Personal Development Programme please contact us on 07760121970.

Team 3 starts on 23rd April 2007.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

Closing comments from some Team members of the Jan - April Team 2007

Jeff - Team Leader - Thanks guys, you are legends, wont forget you! You've made my last North Belfast Team so enjoyable and memorable. Have a fantastic future.
Natalie - Thanks for everything, you've made me see there is more to life!
Fra - Won't ever forget you all, thanks for the last 12 weeks.
Stephen M - You've helped me change my life. I will miss you all.
Laura - I dont have one highlight of the 12 weeks, it was all a highlight.
Mandy - 2007 is going to be the year I change my life and the Prince's Trust Team has been the start of that. Thank you to Sister Una for recommending it and thank you to my new friends for making it so enjoyable.
Tommy - Everyone should be a PTTM (Prince's Trust Team Member)

Our closing ceremony