A CHARITY challenging young people to learn vocational construction skills has received a £360,000 Government grant to renovate twelve community spaces across Redditch and Bromsgrove.
Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) will be renovating community spaces including grassroots sports clubs, youth and community spaces, whilst providing free hands-on work experience opportunities for young people not in education.
This funding follows the successful launch of W.I.S.E, a derelict unit which VIY transformed into a thriving space for youth outreach underneath the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in 2022, part-funded by Bromsgrove District Council and VIY Trade Partner, Toolstation.
The first project in this new programme saw VIY, along with 10 local young people, repurpose a brand new space for Reach CIC in Redditch, a community-focused organisation based in the Winyates Centre, who provide local support services such as parenting groups.
Their first project in Bromsgrove saw them redecorate Park Hall in Wythall.
Rachel Ind, Director at Reach CIC, said: “The work that VIY has done for Reach will forever change our community centre and help us reach our full potential as a community group.
“By remodelling the space, installing a new kitchen where there previously was not one and redecorating throughout, we now have the capacity to hold full groups again.
“With a truly impactful external window design, we are able to expand our reach in the community and look forward to all the new prospects this refurb can bring.”
Leader of Redditch Borough Council, Coun Matt Dormer, said:
“This initiative goes beyond bricks and mortar; it is about providing a pathway to success for those who need it most.
“It will bring positive change and unlock opportunities for local young people as well as injecting new life into our community spaces for everyone to enjoy.”
Deputy Leader of Bromsgrove District Council and portfolio holder for economic development, Coun Sue Baxter, said:
“This scheme will not only make our community spaces better but will also help young people learn important skills for work, investing in their future.
“It’s turning empty places into something useful, creating jobs, and making our area better for everyone, which is excellent news all round.”
Tim Reading, CEO of VIY, said:
“The aims of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund mirror those of our mission here at VIY; providing valuable opportunity to improve pride in place in areas like Redditch and Bromsgrove.”
