29 July 2026 | All News
We’re proud to have been working with Dulux to bring the Dulux Colour of the Year 2026: Rhythm of Blues competition to life across three community projects, combining vibrant makeovers with opportunities for local NEET and at risk young people to gain practical skills, City & Guilds qualifications and confidence.
The work has seen young people work alongside VIY mentors and Dulux volunteers to transform community spaces in West Ham, Newcastle and Pontyclun, with all three projects now complete.
The first project completed was at West Ham Boxing Club, where we helped transform a much loved East London community club, which has been supporting local people for more than 100 years.
Over two weeks, the team completely redecorated the club, from the exterior and reception area to the staff office and parent waiting room. The main boxing hall, home to three rings, became the centrepiece of the transformation, bringing together Dulux’s Colour of the Year with the club’s iconic colours.
The result is a brighter, more welcoming space for members, volunteers and visitors, giving the club a renewed sense of energy and pride as it continues its work in the community. Watch the transformation here.
The West Ham project also attracted some brilliant attention, with former world champion boxer George Groves joining the young people on site to get involved in the makeover and see first-hand the difference the project was making. The project and partnership were subsequently featured across Sky Sports News, TalkSPORT, BBC London Live, Fix Radio and Gateway 97.8 Radio.
But the impact went far beyond the paintwork.
Across the three projects, 39 young people aged 14–21 took part, with 87% of them achieving at least one City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation in Painting & Decorating or Health & Safety. A total of 425 litres of paint was donated, helping to improve spaces that collectively impact around 1,200 people.
The young people involved also reported a positive impact on their confidence, wellbeing and future aspirations. 93% said they felt more confident about getting a job in the future, while 93% reported an increased feeling of happiness or wellbeing.
The work continued at Newcastle Deaf Centre, where key areas including the main room, reception and basement were refurbished to create a brighter, safer and more welcoming environment for staff, service users and visitors. More on this project here.
At Café 50 in Pontyclun, a community hub welcoming more than 700 over-50s every month, young people helped deliver a full redecoration, creating a warmer and more inviting space for socialising, activities and support.
We’re proud to have worked with Dulux to bring Rhythm of Blues to communities across the country, creating lasting improvements to valued community spaces while supporting young people to build skills, confidence and accredited qualifications. Together, these experiences help equip young people with the tools they need to progress into positive education, employment and training outcomes.
