VIY receives Awards for All funding for projects across Wales, England and Northern Ireland

We’re pleased to share that VIY has received National Lottery Awards for All funding in England, Wales and Northern Ireland – helping us deliver more projects where young people can learn trade skills while giving back to their local communities. This will mark our first project in Northern Ireland!

National Lottery Awards for All supports grassroots projects that bring people together and make a difference locally – whether that’s through activities, refurbishments, or help with running costs. For VIY, this support means we can continue to create practical opportunities for young people, while improving the spaces that matter most.

One of these first projects made possible thanks to National Lottery players was an outdoor project at Gabalfa Youth & Community Centre in Cardiff.

The centre was already a busy hub indoors as we previously helped create a multimedia studio there last year, but the outdoor space had plenty of untapped potential. Working with VIY mentors, local young people who regularly use the centre stepped up to transform the garden into a more welcoming and accessible space for everyone.

This was also our first project completed in Wales this year, delivered with support from National Lottery Awards for All, Cardiff Youth Service and Dulux. There’s more to come in Wales as we work with the Moondance Foundation and other partners on projects in Barry, Swansea, Treorchy and Wrexham. Get in touch if you’d like to talk to us about our work in Wales.

Together, the team built raised planters, installed new ramps, added a tool shed, and created a summerhouse-style shelter, painted with Cuprinol spring shades, making the area fit for outdoor learning, socialising and community use all year round.

New projects coming soon in England and Northern Ireland, thanks to Awards for All support.

• In Worcester, we’ll be working at St Paul’s Hostel, improving facilities for people experiencing homelessness. Talk to owen@teamviy.com about this project.

• And in Belfast, we’ll be teaming up with St Peter’s Immaculata Youth Centre, where local young people will help to upgrade their community space. Talk to owen@teamviy.com about this project.

These projects bring together everything VIY is about – giving young people a chance to build confidence and skills, while making a real difference in their communities.

A big thank you to #NationalLottery players for helping make these projects possible – and to all the local partners and young people getting involved. There’s more to come, and we can’t wait to get started.