Two Blemain Group employees have achieved their Level 1 Safeguarding Children and Young People certification, as part of the company’s continuing commitment to supporting the community.

Rachel Seedall and Jo Pope, completed the course as part of volunteer training for the Factory Youth Zone, one of Blemain Group’s longstanding charity partners. The four-week course covered vital skills such as spotting the signs of abuse and dealing with disclosure.

The Harpurhey-based Factory Youth Zone is a purpose-built venue for young people aged 8–21 years to access help, guidance and socialise. With a fitness suite, five-a-side football pitches, dance and music studios, the centre is a secure environment for local young people to relax. It also offers information on topics ranging from healthy eating to CV writing.

The two former Blemain Group graduates will now be running weekly sessions at the centre to help members learn new skills such as dance, or arts and crafts for those with learning difficulties.

Blemain Group’ Supporting the Community Committee supports a number of charities in the North West and last year it raised over £20,000.

“I am really looking forward to getting to know the children and watching them develop and progress,” said Seedall. “I think that’s the benefit of attending the centre on a weekly basis, you get to teach them a new skill and watch them develop over time, helping them to gain confidence and in turn improve their self esteem.”

Pope added: “I’m excited to start teaching classes and see how each individual puts their own personality into their dance. I believe this will be a great team building exercise.”

Claire Griffiths, development manager at Factory YouthZone said: “Rachel and Jo have worked really hard to achieve this accreditation and the skills they have acquired will stay with them for life. With all of the support Blemain Group has provided, we have the resources to change so many young people’s lives for the better.”