Budding decorators launch new community office in Derker

Published by Claire Tinston for IPB Communications in Housing and also in Communities

A group of young people have brushed up their painting and decorating skills by transforming a house into a new community office in Derker which officially opened today.  

The youngsters, all aged between 11 and 16, along with First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) repairs staff, took just three weeks to convert the three bed semi-detached property, owned by FCHO, into a community office at 79 Shakespeare Road.

It has been painted and decorated by youths from the Shakespeare Road area who attend the Derker and Greenacres Youth Inclusion Project which is managed by Positive Steps Oldham.

The project sets out to educate young people to deal with behavioural issues in a positive way.

The pilot scheme will run for three months, providing a central point for residents to engage with FCHO about local issues. Regular surgeries will also be staffed by Greater Manchester Police, FCHO neighbourhood officers and Positive Steps Oldham.

Cath Green, the Chief Executive of FCHO, said: “We are very grateful to the young people of the Youth Inclusion Project for helping to create this resource for Derker residents. 

“The service demonstrates the commitment that both FCHO and its partners have when it comes to tackling any residents' concerns such as anti-social behaviour and housing issues.”

The Derker and Greenacres Youth Inclusion Project which helped set up the community office is a service that engages with young people who are then guided and supported to deal with issues such as anti-social behaviour.

The project uses an integrated approach which recognises that young people may need additional support to overcome the barriers they face in a positive way. They might include family or relationship issues, attainment or offending behaviour.

Johnston and Leyland Paints in Oldham contributed to the project by donating all the paints and materials needed to decorate the property.

Danielle Partington, 14, of Kipling Road, has helped decorate the empty property. She said: “I have enjoyed getting involved and stripping the walls and I’m looking forward to seeing it finished.”

Safir Rafiq, Project worker at the Youth Inclusion Project, added: “This is a fantastic project. Lots of young people from Shakespeare Road and the surrounding area have been involved with the painting and decorating of the new community office. It will provide a central point for young people to air their issues, especially at the surgeries provided by ourselves, FCHO and the police.”