A caring charity helping communities find practical solutions to the challenges they face has been busy helping renovate a home for sheltered housing in Offley near Hitchin.

Groundwork – with a motto of ‘Changing places, changing lives, one step at a time’ – has sent a team under supervisor Chris Houghton to Clarion House in Offley to help rejuvenate the site.

Chris, 29, explained: “We are providing a programme to help youngsters between the ages of 16 to 24 who are classed as NEETS – not in education, employment or training – to get qualifications, training or a job.

“We’ve been helping residents here by building an outdoor activity area and planting new trees and shrubs, too.

“People are referred to us from North Herts Homes, local Jobcentres and probation services.

“The feedback we’ve had from people who have benefitted from Groundworks schemes has been so positive – and thanks to North Herts Homes for funding this project.”

Volunteer Ian Saunders from Westmill added: “I’ve already learned loads of things, and I’m really enjoying getting jobs done with the team – I would highly recommend it.”