New course fit for unemployed

Part of the course involves getting fit down the gym

A new course is being held in south Devon to provide help for the area's young, unemployed men.

The Survival of the Fittest course is starting this term at Brixham Community College.

Its aim is to get unemployed youngsters to get in the gym and to teach them valuable skills such as money management and also cooking.

It is the brainchild of college workers Jenny Harriman and Norman Marler and is thought to be the first course of its kind in the country.

You only have to go down to any town centre to see the problems for people without any direction at all

Norman Marler, course organiser

Torbay has one of the highest unemployment rates in the South West.

The course leaders believe that for many young men, being without a job can lead to them becoming disaffected and directionless.

Ms Harriman and Mr Marler both have adult sons and say they know the problems youngsters are facing.

Mr Marler said: "My youngest son has been in the fishing industry for a year and my other son is looking for work.

"I know the problems involved for lads who have recently left school.

"You only have to go down to any town centre to see the problems for people without any direction at all. They are just sitting around talking.

Right direction

"They have not got any real chance of doing anything different unless someone gets hold of them and points them in the right direction."

The course will involve sessions in the gym, circuit training, self defence and boxing.

It will also teach useful, practical skills, including budgeting.

The college has received more than £4,000 in funding from the Awards For All lottery scheme.

If successful, similar courses could be run throughout Devon.