About the project

VIY and Amber Foundation are a match made in heaven. Young people being supported towards brighter futures, independent living and sustainable employment, by both Amber as a charity and VIY, working with VIY to improve their temporary homes in need of renovation and maintenance. See our previous project transforming Amber Foundation Trowbridge’s outdoor spaces here.

This is our fifth project helping to renovate one of Amber’s centres, the second at their place in Trowbridge. All whilst helping the young people at risk of homelessness that Amber support to gain vital skills, accreditations, work experience and confidence improving and renovating the space they call home.

The project

Amber Foundation have been funded by LandAid to help improve their bedspace and living conditions for young people at risk of homelessness. Step in VIY, and Amber Trowbridge’s young residents to take up some of the work.

We helped to repurpose a currently unused upper floor of Amber’s outbuilding into a warm welcoming functional space. We replaced their kitchenette in this area which was previously not fit-for-purpose, secured an unsafe banister, decorated the hall and landing area, upgraded existing storage and created new storage/shelving, decorated the night shift bedroom and bathroom to freshen up these spaces.

The impact

• 11 young people supported by Amber volunteered on the project
• All 11 gained an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in either Painting & Decorating or Health & Safety – one young person gained 2 accreditations
• Laura Fenson, Fundraising Manager at Amber Foundation Trowbridge told us: “We are extremely grateful for the support and expertise that we have received from both LandAid and VIY. It has been a fantastic project so far, renovating a disused space to create welcoming move on accommodation for the young people that we support. VIY worked closely with young people at our Wiltshire centre, supporting them through the renovation process so they could achieve meaningful qualifications which will support them into further education and/or employment. The work completed has transformed the space into a fresh, light and welcoming space that will further aid young people to transform their lives and move on to brighter futures.”