South Tyneside Council
We’ve been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to renovate community spaces in South Tyneside since 2024.
See below our first four community projects, transforming valuable community spaces to build pride in place and community cohesion, all whilst boosting skills and employability amongst young people, those who are unemployed or at risk of disengagement. Projects impacting sports and physical activity will be match-funded by our National Partnership with Sport England.
Harton Westoe Miners Welfare Club
A sports club supporting the wellbeing of all people in their local community and helping to make life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience. Their sports and recreational facilities host many different sports including football, gymnastics, bowls and cricket, as well as a function room. However there was little storage for all of the different sports to safely store the equipment at the venue. We created a stud wall across the full length of the function room, split into four lockable storage cupboards.
“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity that VIY allowed our students to engage in. I have witnessed first-hand the growth and development of so many young people who have gained valuable skills, built confidence, and formed strong connections with others. The support, guidance, and mentorship provided by the team behind this project have been truly inspiring. It’s been amazing to see how the program fosters an environment where young people feel empowered to explore their potential, take on leadership roles, and overcome challenges.
One of the standout moments for me was when I saw a disjointed group come together and work as one supporting each other, which showed just how much the learners have grown since the start of the programme. It is clear that Volunteer it Yourself has created a safe and encouraging space where these individuals can thrive and build a foundation for a bright future.”
Hayley Cartagena, Work Placement Officer, South Tyneside College
NECA Community Garden
We’ve helped NECA Community Garden in South Shields to regenerate a disused part of their gardens prone to flooding to create safe outdoor male and female changing facilities for their volunteers, who run accessible environmental classes/community groups, so they’re able to change out of muddy gear and store kit and materials in a raised up wooden shelter.
Boldon Colliery FC
This sports club is linked to Boldon village hall, which recently reopened and offers vital services including a food bank and £3 meals to serve those most in need in the community.
The sports club currently have 2 junior boys football teams on site, with ambitions to bring on another junior boys team and a junior girls team, alongside their cricket teams.
We helped create safer/more welcoming changing environments for the young players, and new players, by adding privacy screens, doorways & frosted glass (which face directly onto the pitch), as well as redecorating to create more professional team spaces.
Co-funded by Barclays Community Football Fund and Sport England.
Bilton Hall Community Trust
Bilton Hall Community Trust, based in Low Simonside, Jarrow, has been a vital part of the community since 1979, offering a wide range of educational, recreational, and social activities. The centre was recently devastating by flooding last year so support to help them get back on their feet was much-needed.
We supported the Trust with a two-phase project to revitalise the space. Here we repainted and enhanced a multi-use space, showcasing artwork created by the community. We also focused on building garden planters and structures, turning a new outdoor area into a community garden for growing plants and vegetables.
“The students have gained so much in such a short time! It’s been an incredibly valuable experience for them, helping to build both their skills and confidence.”
Kate Lamb Assistant, Head Teacher Epinay Business and Enterprise School
