Volunteer scheme credited with changing man's life

A 27-year-old Shawbury resident has credited an employability initiative designed for individuals with additional needs with transforming his life. Michael Reynolds, who previously worked in the catering industry, was made redundant during the coronavirus pandemic.

Nine months ago, Reynolds began volunteering at Fordhall Farm in Market Drayton, a step his family said helped rescue him from a difficult place. Reynolds shared that the experience helped him "get away from day-to-day life," and functioned as "a day out."

He is one of more than 1,350 young people who have found support through an employability and enterprise programme operated by four