Stockport County and Help the Hatters are delighted to announce that we have entered into partnership with colleges in the Borough of Stockport, for the mutual benefit of Stockport County and the colleges in question.

At present, students studying for National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs), undertake most of their practical work at college. This sometimes means that walls are built by trainee bricklayers, only to be dismantled; rooms are decorated by trainee decorators, only to be decorated over; and water appliances plumbed in, only to be deplumbed.

Well, from now on, these students will get the opportunity to put their skills to use at our training facility down at Manor Farm (under the supervision of college staff), where the results will form a lasting legacy of their efforts.

All the materials required are provided by Help the Hatters, so understandably, the colleges are delighted as it doesn't cost them a penny. The students are also over the moon as they get more than just a photograph as a souvenir of their efforts, i.e. they get to see their end result stay in use for the benefit of all at Manor Farm. Far more satisfying.

So, there is now the potential for student landscapers, joiners, plumbers, electricians, builders, roofers, plasterers and bricklayers all to get stuck in at Manor Farm and improve their skills. With colleges providing the manpower, and Help the Hatters providing the materials, we are really looking forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.