Young Adults Receive Life Skills Training at The Salvation Army in London

Teenagers in London are gaining valuable life experience to help them live independently through the Skills4Life program offered by The Salvation Army London Community and Family Services.

The eight-week session for those aged 14-18 provides the tools and knowledge needed when the time comes to move out on their own, for school or work. Each week, participants learn a specific skill, including sewing, financial literacy, healthy eating, cooking, mental health and career planning.

“I loved getting to know everybody and the conversations we had! Learning the few sewing skills was cool and I really liked getting to make my own handwarmers. These are useful skills that I can use later in life,” said a participant in the sewing session.

In the first hour guest speakers and presenters are brought in to instruct in each skill set. During the second hour of the program, participants hit the kitchen to make themselves a fresh, healthy and nutritious meal, learning food safety, food preparation and meal planning in the process. Skills4Life also includes a visit to a local market in London to learn about buying fresh ingredients.

“I loved making tacos, pancakes, and chicken soup. I learned new skills with handling the oven and kitchen tools for all of them. I’ve been making my own pancakes for breakfast!” said one participant.

The first Skills4Life program ran last fall, and increased demand this year has expanded the sessions to two Salvation Army locations in London – Hillcrest Community Church and Westminster Park Church.

“The goal is to provide participants with some direction in life, to be better at managing finances, learn about healthy eating and improving their overall wellbeing,” said Nicole Pelcz, London Community and Family Services Outreach Worker.

She says both parents and teens had great things to say about the program and would recommend it others. Skills4Life returns this fall to Hillcrest Community Church and Westminster Park Church.

To sign up or learn more about Skills4Life, and other London Community and Family Services programs, please call 519-660-5884, ext. 101.