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Lyle Mentoring Space
In 2023 Tate and Lyle Sugers funded the Lyle mentoring space which converted an old unused dented storage container into a luxury mentoring space. The work was completed over a 6-week project and incorporated over 600 hours of construction work conducted by young people within an Alternative Provision in Newham. All the young people that took part have been or are at risk of permanent exclusion from mainstream school.
More than 20 young people aged 11-16 took part in the project and each of them said they had never done anything like this before. Each week they looked forward to finding out what tasks needed completing and they were all eager to have a go with the tools.
It was interesting to see how few of the children had used tools like this before. DIY was once an activity that parents would pass down to their children in the home, but these young people did not seem to have this experience.
Although the aim of the project was to build a mentoring space to be used for years to come, what the funders may not have realised is that it was the construction workspace itself which was the actual mentoring space.
The container project is the ideal environment for mentoring young people
Hands-on experience
Construction projects involve practical, hands-on work, which can be a great way for young people to learn new skills and gain real-world experience. Through this process, they can also receive guidance and feedback from more experienced workers, which can help them improve and develop their skills.
Varied tasks
Construction projects involve a range of tasks, from planning and design to construction and maintenance. This allows young people to explore different areas of the project and gain a broad understanding of how everything fits together. They can also work on tasks that align with their interests and strengths.
Collaborative environment
Construction projects require teamwork and collaboration, which can be a great opportunity for young people to learn from more experienced workers. They can observe how different people approach tasks and learn from their expertise. This can also help to build relationships and foster a sense of community within the team.
Challenges and problem-solving:
Construction projects often involve unexpected challenges and obstacles, which can provide valuable learning opportunities for young people. Working with more experienced mentors can help them develop problem-solving skills and learn how to overcome difficulties.
Safety awareness:
Safety is a crucial aspect of any construction project, and young people can benefit from learning about and practising safe working practices. Mentors can help them understand the importance of safety protocols and how to apply them in their everyday lives.
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In summary, the container project provides a dynamic, hands-on environment for mentoring young people. It allows them to gain practical experience, explore different areas of the project, learn from more experienced workers, develop problem-solving skills, and practice safety awareness. The collaborative and challenging nature of the work also helps to build relationships and foster a sense of community within the team, which can be a valuable experience for young people
Phimfinch are actively seeking new sponsors to conduct more projects like this.
If you or your company would like to sponsor a smilier project,
please email us at info@phimfinch.co.uk.
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