Staff and Students at Community Project Named Unsung Heroes by Local MP

A Bishop Auckland based community project has been recognised by local MP Dehenna Davison for their ‘outstanding work’ supporting young people and making a difference in the community.

Trades4Care have been awarded the title of Unsung Hero(es) by Dehenna Davison MP after receiving countless nominations from local residents and members of the public the students had helped.

The project, dedicated to bridging the trade and maintenance gaps for health care, social care, the education sector, local community projects, charities and trusts, has become a well known and respected group in the community. Recognised previously for their work to refurbish the Raff Yardhouse at Raby Castle, re-decorate the lounge, dining room and corridors at West Lodge care home, as well as work at Butterwick hospice in BA, Stainton Village Hall, and Henknowle community centre, the project has been working flat out since it’s creation to support the elderly and help students gain skills to help them into employment.

The company pairs students form Bishop Auckland college with qualified trades people to work on maintenance projects in the healthcare, education and community venues across the region as part of their wider life skills and employability programme.

Commenting, Dehenna Davison MP said: “I am so pleased to be awarding this title to the team at Trades4Care, and it’s great to see so many in the community nominate them to recognise them for the outstanding work they do across our community.

“I recently met up with Trades4Care during the summer recess at Auckland Youth & Community Centre, and I have seen first-hand how hard working and professional the students are. The project is a fantastic opportunity for students, by bringing together qualified tradespeople and students participants are able to get true real life experience and develop skills you might not get in the class room. Alongside all that, the project is also able to help bring together young and old.

“This is a truly well-deserved award, a huge well done to Trades4Care and thank you to everyone who sent in nominations.”

On receiving the award, co-founder Charlie Wright said: “This is great news for Trades4Care and the students that have worked so hard and done so much in and around our community.

“We have more great projects coming up for Raby Estate, Copley and Winston village halls and we go back to the Auckland youth and community centre in the new year. These projects will support more young adults with life and functional skills work experience and CV and interview skills while at the same time supporting our care, community and education buildings.

“We've also had great support also from the Gaunless Gateway big local, the AAP and Aviva over the last 12 months as we begin to grow our community interest company in Bishop Auckland.”

Nominations for this month’s Unsung Hero are now open and can be made via Dehenna Davison MP’s website: https://www.dehennadavison.com/our-unsung-heroes.