March 15, 2016 12.45 pm This story is over 101 months old

Teenagers spruce up Lincoln house for homeless

A group of teenagers have transformed a house for the homeless in Lincoln from shabby into chic. The enthusiastic youngsters from across Lincolnshire set to work on the city centre ‘move on’ house, in support of East Midlands’ homeless charity Framework, choosing colour schemes, painting the interior and sprucing up the garden. The project, completed…

A group of teenagers have transformed a house for the homeless in Lincoln from shabby into chic.

The enthusiastic youngsters from across Lincolnshire set to work on the city centre ‘move on’ house, in support of East Midlands’ homeless charity Framework, choosing colour schemes, painting the interior and sprucing up the garden.

The project, completed on Saturday, March 12, was championed by the National Citizen Service (NCS) as part of its spring programme.

Jacob Swinbourne, 17, said: “I was doing up the kitchen, and it was good to create a room that those in need will be able to use that has a positive and bright feel to it.

“I was really shy before I went on NCS and they help with your confidence and I met new people who are similar to me.”

17-year-old Jacob Swinbourne. Photo: NCS

17-year-old Jacob Swinbourne. Photo: NCS

Tracey Cook, who manages the accommodation for the charity, said: “Framework work hard to tackle homelessness locally, and support 159 people every night across Lincolnshire.

“The property the students have decorated supports four people every night for around six months, helping them on their journey towards living independently.

“It says a lot about these young people that they have given up their weekends to this project.”

Bell Group, one of the largest contract painters and decorators in the UK supported the project by providing decorating skills workshops for the teens and volunteers as well as help on the day.

Craig Bell, operations director, said: “Being a family owned and operated business, supporting underrepresented youths within the communities where we work is very much a part of our core values and company culture.”

Jamie Smyth, social action project co-ordinator for NCS said: “Creating a social action project is just one part of the NCS programme which takes place over two or three weeks and also includes outward bound activities and a week away at university-style accommodation, learning important life skills.

“We hope the event will encourage more young people to take part in NCS this year.”