A new project has opened in Stocksbridge aimed at those struggling with people and self esteem skills.

Social Squad was set up by Mark Wetton, 49 and Rose Durant, 36 and operates alongside IKON church in Stocksbridge. Their aim is to use activities and experiences to teach social skills to the people that need it most in a way that’s suited to their interests.

This consists of activities such as day trips to places like: arcades, parks and nature and community centres.

They also run community action projects like litter picking or their door to door delivery idea, delivering goods to those isolated from going outside such as the elderly community.

Ms Durant said: “The goal is for people who currently are excluded, are included within the community of Stocksbridge.”

Mr Wetton first had the idea for the organisation after having ‘social and emotional’ issues throughout his time at school. This firsthand account of the problems faced by members gave him the idea to help others deal with those same issues.

He went on to become a support worker and then teacher at Derby college for 16 years, gaining necessary experience. After meeting Ms Durant she had the idea to set up social squad as a charity to allow for it to be cheaper for members, doing so using her background in charity admin work.

They have only been open for eight weeks , and are running only one session a week but aim to be eventually open ‘five or six’ days a week.

At this point they only have three regular members, but the group is eager to recruit more as the word spreads, urging people that know someone struggling to tell them to come along and join.