THE JUICE Project has helped with a nationwide training and volunteering campaign that helps those furthest from employment.

The community facility, in Market Place in Great Dunmow, welcomed a group of young people from the Personal Best course at Seevic College in Benfleet.

The group worked with manager, Katy Patrick, in order to fulfil their 20 hours of volunteering work.

The Personal Best programme aims to prepare people for London 2012 by offering training and volunteer opportunities in the lead up to 2012 and beyond – ultimately aiming to encourage 20,000 people into work.

The college offers a 10-week programme that implements life skills for the participants so they become more employable.

Charlotte Brown, a tutor from Seevic College, said: “The course is geared towards young people who are unemployed and not in education.

“The course is aimed to boost their confidence and make them believe in themselves so they can move into employment and education.”

One of the students, Katy Peatling, agreed, saying: “Personal Best has made me realise my ability levels. I am much more capable than I thought I was.

“I not sure where I will go from here; I had some of my own ideas before the 10-week programme but I will definitely try to do some volunteering after this experience.”

For Sean Eagle, another of the Personal Best group, this opportunity has pushed him towards coaching as a volunteer or as a career.

He said: “I have really enjoyed being here and this will help me when I look for a job in the future.”

Manager of the Juice Project Katy Patrick said: “It has been great having them here. They have done loads of work and really helped out.”

The group has made a promotional video for the Juice Project which Mrs Patrick intends to send round to the local schools. They have also made posters and flyers as well as organise a Wii competition in early next year.

“This is the first group we have had here but I would certainly consider it again,” added Mrs Patrick.

The Wii competition will start on January 15 and run from 7pm until 9pm at the Juice Project.