Team courses which have changed the lives of young people are being run out of The Bedford College Learning Centre on the High Street.

Well known as a destination location for 1,000s of adults, the upstairs of the building is now home to the Prince’s Trust Team programmes run by The Bedford College Group. 

The most recent, Team 4, outlined their experiences. Individuals who were unemployed, experienced anxiety or were failed by their school system, joined in and rose to the various challenges incorporated into the programme that aims to improve people’s self-confidence. As a result, they are now signing up for full-time college courses, or seeking apprenticeships

One team member commented:

“I grew up in Spain but the school system made no allowances for my autism. Jobs are scarce in Spain and so I was glad to come to the UK and sign up to this course. It has really improved my life.”

Another added:

“I left a course as I was suffering from anxiety and depression. I was persuaded to join the Prince’s Trust Team and it has been pretty cool. I hope to join a Public Services course at Bedford College.”

The 12-week course included an introductory week followed by a team-building residential course in the Peak District with canoeing, abseiling, climbing, weaselling and more. The participations who had never undertaken anything of the sort were ALL encouraged to join in when they saw others taking “the plunge”.

The team also took part in work placements with organisations working in marketing, construction, recruitment, education and at The Higgins Bedford.  

Team challenges followed with the young people working with Living It Up, a performing arts charity for adults with learning disabilities. They took part in singing events and helping at the 30th anniversary Bedfordshire Games.

Team 5 starts on September 30th and anyone wanting to learn more can contact Mark Williams on mwilliams@bedford.ac.uk or visit the Prince’s Trust office within The Bedford Learning Centre on the High Street, Bedford (near the crossing to Lime Street).