Projects

Norwich Lads Boxing Club

Completed: 2022
Location: Norwich, Norfolk
Region: East of England
Other local partners: Norfolk County Council, Dulux, England Boxing, Travis Perkins Norwich, Sport England

About the project

One of 12 projects in our programme in partnership with Norfolk County Council through the UK Community Renewal Fund*.

The project:

We installed female facilities and changing areas to open the (traditionally male) club up to a more diverse audience, and gave it a good painting refresh to entice new members, across a four week project in Norwich city. We also added a bespoke wall art mural of their logo.

The young people: 29 young volunteers through the Aspire programme at City College Norwich, some of whom are new refugees to the area looking to gain skills and boost their employability.

The impact:

50% more females participating at the club since the completion of the works by VIY to add female facilities

8 volunteers on the project now training at the club, none of whom had been through the door previously

Cadie, one of our female NEET volunteers on the project, has since progressed onto Level 1 Carpentry at City College Norwich after she found a passion for carpentry on this VIY project!

Accreditations gained: 25 City & Guilds Entry Level 3 in Painting & Decorating, Carpentry and Health & Safety

* You can find more information, on the UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund here.

Our young people come with many barriers to education and employment. Many do not see out the duration of the college course and return to being NEET as the classroom environment is not suitable for them. I have found that students who are very disengaged in college have thrived on the VIY projects where they are able to learn in a practical environment, just like Cadie. Cadie was NEET following a move from Birmingham to Norwich. Cadie started on our NEET provision at City College Norwich in January, unsure of her next steps. She relished the opportunity to take part in this VIY project. Not only did she really enjoy the experience, she found a passion for carpentry and is now successfully enrolled on Carpentry Level 1 at the college! Lucy Hughes, Aspire Programme/City College Norwich
Everyone at Norwich Lads Amateur Boxing Club is truly grateful to VIY for delivering what is a major and significant improvement to our club's facilities and infrastructure. Our objective to have separate toilets, showers and changing facilities for both males and females has been achieved. This has brought us first class amenities that will be enjoyed and well used by community members for years to come. Colin, Chairman, Norwich Lads Boxing Club