“It’s all about creating the right environment where people can learn, thrive and realise their full potential.”
That’s the ethos behind Percy Street CIC, an organisation which aims to provide disadvantaged young people in South Yorkshire with the skills they need to gain employment.
The group has three directors – Brian George, Hena Aravindakshan and Joe Spriggs – who all have different skills, but one shared goal: to offer support to those who need it most.
Brian’s Dec1mus Joinery workshop on Percy Street is where the magic happens, with small group sessions focusing on woodworking, creativity and confidence.
Engineer and architect Brian decided he wanted to put his skills to good use and share his expertise with the next generation.
He said: “The current education options can be limiting for people who learn in different ways. I wanted to provide a space where young people have the freedom to create something beautiful and in an environment with no pressure or judgement.
“Not everyone is good at desk work or learning from a textbook but that doesn’t mean they are not smart or skilled.”
The group has also formed the Alder Community Garden, based at the next-door bar run by Joe, where pieces created in the workshop are put on display.
Joe, the commercial lead of the group, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity and it feels so nice to be able to give something back. We have the space to showcase this talent and hard work so I’m really happy to be involved.”
While Joe offers the business know-how and Brian the creative experience, Hena acts as safeguarding lead thanks to her work at a local specialist school for children aged from 5 to 18.
Hena added: “What we offer is a sense of community for people who may have struggled in previous educational settings. Our focus is on being understanding, building confidence and helping people to gain the skills they will need going forwards.”
The products made in the workshop are of the highest quality and are currently sold to the public, with plans for an ecommerce site in the future.
But the group’s current priority is working with other businesses in the community to expand the offering and gain the funding needed to keep providing this vital support.
Brian said: “We’re really keen to hear from any businesses who may want to work with us in whatever capacity that may be.
“Any funding or financial support we can get would be amazing, but we would also love for people to order some products from us, like our planters or benches.
“Everything we create is environmentally friendly, we use locally sourced wood and ordering from us means you are helping a young person who really needs it.”
For more information, visit: www.percystreetcic.com
