Bedworth Sports Club

Bellingham Leisure Centre

Bemrose School

Bentley Urban Farm

Betton Farm

At the workshop barn, VIY delivered a series of retrofit improvements to make the space warmer, more energy efficient and easier to use year-round.

Key works included:

• Roof insulation improvements to reduce heat loss
• Thermal upgrades to improve energy efficiency and lower running costs
• Internal refurbishment to improve workflow, comfort and usability

Together, these improvements have created a warmer, more efficient and more welcoming space for future use.

The young people:

20 young people took part in the Betton Farm project, referred by North Yorkshire Council, Scarborough TEC, Supporting Choice and the Youth Justice Service.

They gained hands-on experience in retrofit and construction skills, including insulation work, while working towards City & Guilds and NOCN accreditations.

Community engagement

As part of the wider programme, a community open day was also held at Betton Farm, welcoming 59 attendees including local residents, partners and industry guests. People took part in tours, discussions and a retrofit survey, with most saying they left feeling more informed about retrofit and its benefits. It was a really positive sign of growing interest and understanding around greener buildings.

➡️ If you’d like to find out more or talk about working with VIY on retrofit, get it touch with our Retrofit and Green Skills Director at tom@teamviy.com.

Bibbys Farm Scout Activity Centre

Biddulph High School

Bilal Junior Sports Hub

Birchwood Care Home

Birchwood Care Home is a residential facility in Chesham, Bucks, and the project was recommended by the local Wickes Store Manager, Kelly Murch. The main aim of the project was to make the home’s garden more accessible to wheelchair users. This included creating/laying a new paved path around the perimeter of the building, plus the creation of new wheelchair accessible planters and raised flower beds to give all residents the chance to practice their gardening skills and help maintain the garden.

Kelly explains: “In 2017 I met an amazing lady in our store called Anita who volunteers at Birchwood Care Home. She was working tirelessly to improve standards for the residents and had a big project in mind. I made contact with VIY who were so supportive and blew me away by saying they would happily look at what they could do. Alan, a Lead Mentor with VIY, visited the home and put a plan of action in place, and then the project started.”

Over eight days, nine young people referred into the project by nearby Stoney Dean School (and deemed at risk of disengagement) contributed more than 270 volunteer hours on site, supported by VIY Lead Mentors, three members of staff from Wickes Chesham, and also residents at the home – and all of the young people ultimately achieved an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds carpentry accreditation as a result of their efforts.

Birmingham Association of Youth Clubs

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