Projects

Holt Youth Project

Completed: 2022
Location: Holt, Norfolk
Region: East of England
Other local partners: Dulux, GAP Norwich, Norfolk County Council, Travis Perkins Holt, UK Government

About the project

The project: Holt Youth Project (HYP) was our ninth project in partnership with Norfolk County Council, through the UK Community Renewal Fund. Here we transformed an overgrown, disused outdoor space into a new wellbeing garden and allotment for the local young people who attend HYP as a safe space to meet, socialise and involved in different activities. The space will be used for horticultural lessons and growing projects for these young people to be involved in.

It was a true team effort, with those who weren’t outside learning trade skills were inside hands-on in the kitchen preparing lunch for everyone!

The young people: 14 young people volunteered to transform this space, most of whom attend HYP and will benefit from the garden themselves

The impact? Lisa from HYP said: “We are very grateful for VIY coming to our venue and revamping our space alongside our young people. VIY were very helpful throughout the process. The project has impacted our young people inspiring them to plan new projects such as making a pallet herb planter, making a scarecrow and researching what they can grow at certain times of the year. All of these new skills will help our young people at home and here in the project. We also hope to run more horticultural projects throughout the year thanks to this renovated space.”

Shortly after we completed our project, Oscar award-winning actress Olivia Colman and her husband Ed, as local residents, have become patrons of HYP. Olivia donated a ‘buddy bench’ to which was given to her by Disney.

Accreditations earned: 11 City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditations earned in Carpentry and Painting & Decorating

Funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund.

*speaking to VIY Lead Mentor, Jasper, whilst sawing wood together*: "Jasper, you're like the BFG!" Emma, VIY young volunteer