We have created a learning, practical, positive and community based environment, which will help to prevent young people from carrying out anti-social behaviour, disengaging from education and society, joining gangs and committing violent acts. We support the young people to think more positively about their future opportunities and involvement in community activity.
Community Projects
Rainbow Workshop engages with local organizations, groups and charities to plan and produce carpentry projects for the Harlow community.
In the past, we have worked with Parndon Wood Nature Reserve who donated oak for our young people to make bat and bird boxes which we later installed at Oakwood Pond. It was an opportunity for the young people to make something of considerable value to our environment and be involved with the end result of the boxes being placed in the trees.
Our young people have also built and supplied picnic tables for Harlow Rock School’s garden. On the day of installation, Harlow Rock School hosted an event for Rainbow’s young people to experience, and get involved in, the music creation process.
Qualifications
Rainbow Services’ Workshop is now offering young people aged 14-17 the opportunity to work towards the Gateway qualification Level 1 Award – Skills for Construction.
This is a 12 week funded course covering health & safety in construction and carpentry hand tools.
What we offer
Supported by volunteer mentors, young people create, build and learn using wood as a medium in our supportive and fun workshop. Working with Essex Youthbuild, young people can now gain the Gateway qualification Level 1 Award—Skills for Construction.
Through a portfolio of written and practical work participants will:
- Build new woodwork skills
- Develop a sense of team work and self-worth
- Feel that they are giving back to community
- Build skills based on interests and manual and physical activity
Following this, young people are signposted to activities in the wider community which helps to prevent anti-social behaviour, disengaging from education and society, and becoming involved with gangs and violence. We support the young people to think more positively about their future opportunities and involvement in community activity.
The following short video contains feedback from young people and staff involved in the project:
Referrals
Referrals can be made at any time.
We accept referrals from any agencies working with young people, including schools and alternative education provisions. Parents can also refer their young person. For referrals, please contact jason@rainbowservices.org.uk
Ever thought about volunteering?
The workshop is looking for volunteers to help supervise, instruct and support the service users to make items out of donated wood. Ideally, you will have an interest or some knowledge of DIY or woodworking, have good communication skills. For an informal conversation contact Jason Shaves jason@rainbowservices.org.uk
