Unpaid Work
Scarborough projects
Harrogate projects
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Birch Hall Field Centre, Langdale Forest

Birch Hall Camp is located within the North Yorkshire Moors and was originally said to be a Prisoner of War Camp and then later a Rehabilitation Centre after the War.

From the late 50’s it was leased from the Forestry Commission by the Scarborough & District Scout Council. Approximately four years ago, the Scouts applied for help from the Community Punishment team in Scarborough for help to renovate, rebuild and enhance the camp to help make it into an Activity Centre for both Scouts and other Community Groups such as schools.

The project has been funded partly from capital funding from the Scouts but also largely from fund raising and sponsorship from local businesses. This has helped to buy the materials required while our Community Punishment team has completed the work as part of offenders unpaid work punishments.

Over the last couple of years, offenders have internally rebuilt one of the derelict huts by making participation walls for new dormitories, plasterboarded, installed new lighting & kitchen facilities and dug foundations for a new toilet and shower block which will be an extension to the existing building. Additionally the Community Punishment team has spent over 11 hours making the site secure by adding new fencing around the site to make it safe for both Scouts and visiting parties.

"Offenders take ownership of this project and take pride in the work they are doing here" Glen Daniels - Site Probation Supervisor and Scout Leader.

"The site is wonderful and feels safe which is very important in this day and age" 5th Spen Valley Scout Group, Yorkshire.

The Malton Foyer Project, Malton

The Malton Foyer Project, “The Sidings” provides safe affordable housing for 17 to 25 year olds in the Malton area.

Although the project is run by the nationally recognised YMCA, it does rely on considerable input for painting and decorating skills from CP work parties.

When accommodation units become vacant, the offender teams completely redecorate them (within 2 days) to the specification of the new tenant, but under the guidance of a YMCA interior designer.

On completion, a high quality of finish is achieved that pleases both new tenant and offender work parties alike.

Dalewood Trust, Whitby

Dalewood house in Whitby is a respite unit for clients with varying levels of physical and learning disabilities.

The CP teams have for some time being involved in the tidying and general upkeep of the gardens. In addition they are also exploring the possibility of becoming involved with the internal maintenance of the building through painting and decorating.

The offenders are invited to join the residents for lunch when on site to the mutual benefit of both groups.

Saxton Sports Field

The Scarborough Community punishment team have for many years helped the Saxton Village sportsfield groundsman Mick Witty keep “his pitch” in perfect order and become recognised as one of the premier sports sites in the Scarborough area. It is well used year round by local football and cricket teams as well as other community groups.

Apart from grass cutting, feeding, weeding and spiking in the summer, the offender work parties also do running repairs and marking out of the pitch during the football season. And the work has not stopped there!

A new children’s play area, new cricket nets, the refurbishment of the tractor sheds, new pathways and the laying of underground electrical cables have all been possible through the efforts of the CP offender teams with their hard work and enthusiasm!

Plans are also well under way to offer to the offenders a formal qualification in 'Ground Maintenance' under the tutelage of Mick who himself has over 30 years ground keeping experience.