Youngsters transform Middlesbrough Salvation Army community space
published on 11 Mar 2026
A Salvation Army community space has been transformed thanks to the hard work of young people taking part in a scheme that helps build employability skills.
As part of The King’s Trust Team Programme, the group of eight were tasked with overhauling the underused space at Middlesbrough Salvation Army Outreach Hub in Acklam, creating a safe space that will be used for family activities and toddler groups.
Over two weeks, the 16 to 25 year olds put in the heavy lifting to create a colourful safe environment with a sandpit and accessories in an area that had been overgrown with weeds and not used previously.
Captain Naomi Kelly, who leads Middlesbrough Salvation Army with Captain Chris Kelly, said: “We absolutely love it. It’s a lovely clean and safe environment, particularly for the toddler group. Sadly, the local park has experienced some vandalism so this is an alternative safe space for children.
“The team certainly worked hard, and kept going through some pretty cold and miserable weather. It really shows in the beautiful space that they’ve created for us.
“The area was previously filled with weeds and was not at all used. It's the kind of area that we always meant to get around to changing but there never seemed to be the funds or the people power to do it. We're so incredibly grateful to them.”
The King’s Trust Team programme, delivered by the Education Training Collective (Etc.), is a 12-week course that offers young people aged 16 to 25 the chance to build employability and life skills.
Taking part in a series of tasks and challenges, the squad, who are not currently in education, training or employment, build confidence and self-esteem, alongside essential work-based skills such as teamwork, leadership and motivation.
UKSE, the Tata Steel business-support subsidiary and a long-term supporter of Etc.’s King’s Trust team programmes, provided £1,200 from its Community Support Fund to cover the cost of the revamped play area at the hub.
The group removed shale, put down a membrane base and a layer of bark, before adding a sandpit, toys and accessories.
Middlesbrough Team Leader Marty Freeman said: “The two-week community project is an important part of the programme. It is often at this stage we see individual skills really start to emerge and flourish.
“These can be challenging times for families. Many don’t have a lot of money to pay for clubs and activities, so The Salvation Army hub has an important role to play.”
The Etc. delivers The King’s Trust Team courses in Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington and Bishop Auckland. Find out more here
The Salvation Army hub provides not only toddler and family activities but has a bowls club and hosts craft groups.
To find out more about the work of The Salvation Army in Middlesbrough here
