VIY combines volunteering and DIY by challenging young people aged 14-24 to learn trade and building skills, on the job, by committing to help fix local youth and community centres, grassroots sports clubs and other community facilities in need of repairs, refurbishment and improvement.
The majority of young people who take part are disengaged or excluded (or at risk of disengagement/exclusion) from mainstream education and training, and/or unemployed.
VIY learners are mentored by professional tradespeople and work towards gaining City & Guilds vocational accreditations as well as, where relevant/possible, access to further training, work placement and employment progression opportunities with VIY partners and local project supporters.
A typical project lasts between 1-4 weeks and scope of works can include tasks such as: partitioning larger spaces to create new spaces including plastering, retrofit works to boost energy-efficiency, building wooden storage and seating, simple brick structures including BBQs, kitchen and bathroom works (units, accessibility, tiling etc), outdoor renovation of green spaces and extensive painting & decorating including prep work.
Below are some examples of projects that we undertake:
-Creating or adapting facilities to boost inclusion and accessibility, just like we did for
Telford RFC in the West Midlands and The Fulford Arms
here in York-Completing vital retrofit works to boost energy-efficiency and reduce energy costs in Norfolk -Separating and creating spaces for new activities including podcasting and digital arts
here in Cardiff-Boosting events and catering spaces for clubs and community places like
Hunslet Warriors RFC in Leeds to become more financially sustainable
-Using art and the power of paint to transform tired spaces and boost community pride here in the
East Midlands
Whilst completion of this form does not guarantee a successful project application, this does allow us to find out a little more detail to help us determine if your proposed project would be viable as a VIY project or in a location in which we operate. A member of our team will be in touch should we wish to take your project proposal forward.
