Latest News

This year, for the first time, Prime8 took part in the Ordsall Scarecrow Festival. Local businesses, groups and households can enter by placing a scarecrow scene outside their address for the weekend. Members of the public buy maps and walk, cycle etc. the route to spot the scarecrows before voting for their favourite in each category. Although Prime8 did not win this year, the students enjoyed creating the scarecrows with Amanda and we feel that the scarecrow scene was a good reflection of some of the things we undertake at Prime8. 

Our new building with full kitchen has made a big difference to the life skills we are able to offer our students. 

The cooking has been varied, thoroughly enjoyed and the results very tasty!

We were lucky enough to have some Visitors to Base last Thursday who came to talk to us about their life in Jamaica.

Jane and Roy have lived in Jamaica for over 40 years and were previously local to the area. They helped to set up a school in Hannah Town, one of the ‘ghettos’ (poor areas) of the country’s capital Kingston.

Prime 8 Education and Mel Nathan School are hoping to set up a link to talk about what it is like at the different schools and how life differs between the two countries.

They brought some artefacts with them and talked about all aspects of Jamaican life including the hurricanes, mangoes, shops, the markets, tourism, and Bob Marley! Some of the us even had a go at carrying things on our heads like the Jamaican ladies do at market – none of us are quite ready for a tray of eggs yet!

It was lovely to receive this email from Jane and Roy the following day:

Dear Alison, 

What a wonderful time we had with you, the children, and the other staff yesterday. It was great to talk with you all and to be part of such a welcoming and encouraging environment. I'm sure the work is very demanding, but you are all making a difference in the lives of the children and young people. 

Best wishes to you, the children and staff and please pass on our thanks to all of them and tell them how much we enjoyed our visit with you. 

Jane and Roy

We really look forward to finding out more about life in Jamaica and talking to the young people that live there.