The South Derbyshire Forum (formerly the Swadlincote District 50+ Forum) is now taking on two young people who are under achievers from a local school to work within their drop in centre for older people.

Councillor Gill Farrington (Chair of the 50+ Forum) said:

'They will be put through their hygiene certificate which will enable them to serve and cook safely in our cafe.'

But the learning and training isn't one way, as the Young People will help teach the Members of the 50+ Forum basic computer and internet skills, as part of Derbyshire Conservatives, 'Digital Derbyshire' drive to connect older people from across our communities, the Forum are currently running four classes at the moment.

They will also work with people in a singing group, this group has members who have suffered throat cancer, COPD, and other health related problems, and the Young People will also receive administration training from Forum staff.

The Swadlincote District 50+ Forum aim is to provide valuable work experience opportunities which can be added to Young Peoples' CV's to assist in their individual employment searches.

Councillor Gill Farrington commented:

'Our Forum is equally committed to our local Young People and as part of this initiative to break with intergenerational divides, we are also hoping to take on an apprentice very soon.'

She added:

'I feel that our Forum and Volunteers are doing a wonderful job within South Derbyshire and I am extremely proud of the work we do, our current membership is 785 older people who all feel part of this big society and very proud of it too.'  These Young People are seeing first hand and benefiting from the hard work which we all feel rewarded by.'