Zink is an organisation that supports young people affected by unemployment, poor mental health, disability and neurodiversity. The charity gives young people in the High Peak area the opportunity to take steps themselves, so they become more resilient and able to cope in the future.

Zink applied for a grant from the Hays Travel Foundation to pilot a new project to support people affected by unemployment and poor mental health towards a better future. The project entailed five participants travelling to Buxton’s twin town of Bad Nauheim, Germany. When the participants arrived, they were welcomed by the town mayor, and they were given an introduction of what their time in Germany would include.

Over the course of the visit, the participants took part in projects such as preparing a catering wagon for community use, building a small website for a community group and clearing a community orchard. The project helped the young people to overcome their anxiety, and to increase their self-confidence. The project was so beneficial, that participants have made plans to start training for new careers.

Participants all thoroughly enjoyed the project with some stating how they were made to feel ‘important’ and how they were delighted with the kindness from the people of Bad Nauheim.