Volunteer scheme credited with changing man's life

Image source, Charlie Stubbs/BBC Image caption, Michael Reynolds used to work in catering before he was made redundant during the pandemic

A programme designed to get people with additional needs back into work, has been credited with transforming a 27-year-old man's life.

Michael Reynolds, from Shawbury, used to work in catering before he was made redundant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine months ago, he started volunteering at Fordhall Farm in Market Drayton, which his family said brought him out of a difficult place.

Reynolds added it helped him to "get away from day-to-day life," and acted as "a day out".

He is one of more than 1,350 young people who have been supported through an employability and enterprise programme, delivered by four charities across Shropshire.

After being referred by his Jobcentre work coach, Reynolds joined up at a time where he was struggling with his mental health, confidence and a sense of direction.

He originally went with his mother but he eventually gained the confidence to go by himself.

Since then, he said he learned a lot being a part of the group.

"I have done all sorts, all sorts, trimming back brambles, conservation work, tidying up, setting up for events."

He added that since joining, he developed a passion for the environment and wanted to continue working in conservation in the future.

Image source, Community Resource Image caption, Whilst at the programme, Michael learned how do woodwork and has become a "dab hand" with some tools

Fordhall Farm's youth volunteer and conservation lead Alison Fowler said she noticed a massive change in Reynolds.

"His confidence has really increased and he seems to be sort of developing some really lovely friendships with the other volunteers," she said.

"He is a dab hand with the drill, and one thing I will say about Michael, he is here every Friday, regardless of the weather.

Fowler added one of her "lasting memories" was when Reynolds helped her put up a sign in "horizontal rain."

"We wanted to try and buy another piece of an adjacent land and were putting up a call to action sign.

"It was Michael and I struggling against wind and horrendous weather putting up this sign, but he didn't give up at all and together we did it."

The initiative started in 2024 and has seen the charities Community Resource, All About Youth and Shrewsbury Town FC Foundation, work together - funded by the Lintel Trust.

It is aimed to help those facing challenges in their day-to-day lives, including low confidence, poor mental health, social isolation, limited work experience and a disrupted education.

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