Princes Trust Success For Leicester Care Home Resident

Jason Fitzhugh, who lives at the Halifax Drive care home in Leicester, is celebrating after completing the Prince’s Trust ‘Team’ programme.

Jason, who has a learning disability, has lived at the Craegmoor-owned home for five years. Halifax Drive Care Home provides care for up to 34 adults with learning disabilities and challenging behaviour.

He participated in the ‘Team’ programme, which is a 12-week personal development course, offering work experience, qualifications, practical skills, community projects and a residential week.

Young people join a team of up to 15 participants, including around 12 unemployed people and one or two employed people sponsored by their employers.

As part of the project, Jason undertook voluntary work assisting the maintenance man at Halifax Drive.

During the 12 week programme, Team members:

• Spend a week away at a residential activity centre

• Undertake a project based in their local community

• Complete a work placement

• Participate in a team challenge, involving caring for others

• Stage a team presentation, during which they recount their experiences

Mark Lilley, manager at Halifax Drive care home said: “Being a part of the Prince’s Trust Team programme has been life changing for Jason.

“His self-confidence has increased tremendously and we have noted very positive behavioural changes. To be able to stand up in front of a large group of people and talk about his experiences would have been unthinkable for Jason a short while ago.

“At Halifax Drive we aim to help and support people to live as independently as possible so they can gain self-belief and a good quality of life.

“The experience has been so constructive that Jason is actively encouraging other residents to sign up.”

Jason said: “I have had an amazing time with the Prince’s Trust and made some great new friends.

“It has made me feel much better about myself and I want to carry on learning and working."

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