Our Project Co-ordinator Lindsey gives us an insight into how the young people involved in our Co-operative (ad)Venture Project in Cannock are getting on and the changes that she's seen in them since the scheme first started.

There are no limits on what you can achieve with your life, except the limits you accept in your mind 

Brian Tracy – Motivational Speaker

There isn’t a better statement to sum up the achievements to date of the wonderful young people currently enrolled onto our ad (Venture) programme in Cannock, Staffordshire.

Each and every single one of the young people nervously, hesitantly, (and even apologetically!) walked through the door for week one, convinced that they were “going to fail.

They began the project convinced that they were “worthless”, that they “didn’t have a brain”, that “nobody would like them” and that they were “abnormal”. Sadly, these were the actual words they used to describe themselves!!

Look at them now 

Fast forward 6 weeks and I have seen first-hand the same young people start to flourish, start to stand up a little straighter, start to look you in the eye, start to understand that their opinions count, start to contribute to discussions, start to share ideas and start to talk about their futures and where they want to be and what they want to do.

I have watched on as their confidence has started to blossom, witnessed them make friends and wholeheartedly embrace the values and ethos of the co-operative movement. But above else, I have had the absolute privilege to see these same young people start to believe in themselves and realise that they are capable of much more than they ever believed that they could. It hasn’t all been easy or plain sailing but it has all been so worth it.

I can only start to imagine what the next 10 weeks will bring….watch this space!!!

In their own words 

Don’t just take my word for it. Here's what some of the young people involved have to say about our Co-operative (Ad)Venture project. 

“In the co-operative I have improved my confidence, communication, independence and a lot more things. I have also learned quite a lot of things like on finance, marketing and other things” Tom

 

“This course has been engaging and helped work in teamwork in an easy, fun and welcoming manner with many activities that helped develop confidence in doing so with each week gradually pushing our comfort zones without applying too much pressure” Rhys

“I feel the course has made me more confident in myself. I’ve made lots of friends. Sometimes it challenges me but the group helps me to be a better person” Beth

 

“This course has made me feel more confident and knowledgeable. Hot chocolate gives me the strength and the power to learn. Lindsey has nice biscuits. I like my friends and ball games” Adam

“I’m finding the course great. I’m gaining skills to become a greater person. I am gaining skills to be more organised.” Shane

You can read more about the Co-operative Adventure project here, whilst you can also see all our UK projects via the button below. Without on-going support we won't be able to continue our life changing work like this. Read more about how you can help via our Future Pioneers Fund.

all our UK projects