Learning Skills for Life

TEENAGERS in Middlesbrough are cooking up the way to a better life thanks to a new scheme.

Youths hoping to live on their own are donning aprons and rubber gloves to learn a range of skills to help them live life on their own.

Erimus Housing has teamed up with youth project Linx, based in Hemlington, to give the teenagers a better chance of gaining a tenancy.

So far eight people have undergone the ten-week course, which teaches a range of skills including healthy eating, DIY and first aid.

James Dixon, 17, from Hemlington, said: “The course has taught me some new skills and I am confident I could now live on my own.”

Katie Bielby, 19, from Coulby Newham, added: “I think I have gained confidence and new skills and I am proud of the qualification I have achieved.”

A waiting list has now been drawn up for people wanting to take part in the next sessions, which could begin in the next few weeks.

Andy Clark from Linx, which runs the course, said: “This aims to equip the young people for their future life.

“I am pleased to say they have really enjoyed it and have come a long way since they began.”