Shop tranzforms youngsters' lives (From Stroud News and Journal)

Shop tranzforms youngsters' lives

INSIDE the brightly coloured Tranzform shop, the Door Youth Project in Stroud is still very much open for business.

The shop lost some of its funding this year and was unable to continue to open seven days a week. But project co-ordinator Brendan Conboy says: "We are still open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday when members of the public are welcome to come and browse."

The shop - two-years-old this month - is an outlet for goods made by the project's young trainees. All profits are ploughed back into the charity, which provides training for young people between 15 and 25.

An impressive variety of products are available, including Fairtrade goods. Many unique items are made by the trainees, and on some days customers can see them making craft items.

These products include handmade signs, furniture and bird tables as well as gift like candleholders and boxes. Often these products are made using recycled materials, and can also be made to order to suit a customer's tastes.

The project currently has six trainees, but sees about 20 young people a year pass through its doors. The programme's intensity is seen as the key reason for the high success rate - 70 to 80 per cent of trainees will be employed or go on to further education.

Sam Dalton, 18, from Bussage, called the scheme "calming", and the shop has a palpably warm and supportive atmosphere.

The project often finds itself dealing with young people who may have been overlooked at school, and who benefit greatly from developing their sense of self worth.

Another trainee said: "It basically saved my life." Brendan said: "It's all about building the confidence and self-belief that's commonly missing in young people."

Recently, government funding for the project ended, costing the organisation around £40,000 each year.

"Stroud District Council has supported us for several years and continues to support us and we are most grateful to them for awarding us a further £10,000 for this current year," said Brendan.

However, there is still a shortfall of money which means trainees no longer receive a training allowance, and some staff have been made redundant.

*The Tranzform shop is next door to the Door Youth Project at 26, Gloucester Street, Stroud. For more information call 01453 756 745.