Dot Dot Dot

Doubletrees School

Dragon Hall Community Centre

Dr M’z Youth Club

Droitwich Spa High School

Dukinfield Cricket Club

The Dublin Castle

In January 2022, we renovated the iconic Camden music venue, The Dublin Castle, which has been home to the early careers of British music legends like Madness, Blur and Amy Winehouse (who could sometimes be seen serving behind the bar too!) 

The pub opened in 1857 to serve the workmen at the nearby railway and slowly transformed from occasionally hosting Irish folk music sessions to now hosting their popular weekly Tuesday night jam, including appearances from major bands such as The Libertines.

Our first project of the year was also our first in partnership with Allianz Musical Insurance, who are helping to revive music venues hard hit by the pandemic. We created new accessible toilets, re-soundproofed the staging area and gave the interior a fresh lick of  black and their iconic red paint.

Two great local referral partners nominated 12 young people from New City College and a London-based training provider called ELATT, who were really engaged and enjoyed working on the project. Overall 12 young people earned 23 accreditations between them.

We also worked with UK Trade Association Federation of Master Builders having previously worked with them at The Sound Lounge. Two of their local members volunteered as Trade Mentors, and our young volunteers also received a work readiness talk by a local Contracts Manager from Avondale Construction. A real inspiring, collaborative industry effort – thanks team!

The Dublin Castle is now ‘back to black’ and ready to welcome gig goers back into their newly renovated space. Venue owner, Henry Conlon, is thrilled to have worked with VIY on their renovations:

“We’re overwhelmed to see the enthusiasm of young people who were actively engaged and involved within this project.

The students dedicated their days to the projects under the expertise, reassurance and the guidance of the VIY mentors. The VIY project stimulated the minds of the young as they could see that the work they were doing was actually helping the continuity of live music performance here at The Dublin Castle.

They’ve gained new skills and honed their craftsmanship in several areas of the venue. Often under the watchful eye of mentors, the projects built shall last for decades. The result is continuity of the venue for audiences and musicians to enjoy for years to come.

VIY’s work is essential, as it physically helps young people re-engage with work and their essential contribution to Grassroots Music Venues who struggle financially to maintain their venues.”

Earlstown Cricket Club

Eastmoors Youth Centre

Eastmoors Youth Centre, based in Cardiff, offers a wide range of youth clubs and development opportunities. The centre supports young people through initiatives such as digital skills training, creative workshops, youth support services, and inclusive social spaces.es.

The project

The project, funded by Morgan Sindall, supported the transformation of the garage recording studio to create a safe and inspiring space for creativity. Works included: 

• • Purpose-built recording booth and mixing booth
  • Chill-out seating area
  • Soundproofing with a new false wall
  • New internal doors and custom storage
  • Full interior fit-out with timber framework and plaster boarding
  • Feature mural by Fresh Creative.

Impact

• This modern space now gives young people a lasting creative outlet to explore music and media. The transformation also builds community pride, shows local investment, and creates opportunities for collaboration with local artists and volunteers. 
• 5 volunteers from the local community also helped out during the project with various jobs 

Young people

• 19 young people took part in the VIY experience at Eastmoors Youth Centre, referred by Willows High School and a few independent referrals from the local area
• 16% NEET, 84% at risk, inc. those on Free School Meals, in Alternative Education/Excluded/ Poor Attendance and ESOL learners
• 17 young people gained at least one accreditation:
  • 1 x Conduct at Work, 
  • 13 x Painting & Decorating
  • 4 x Carpentry
• VIY continues to work with and track young people’s progression over a period of 12 months, so we can report back on their positive next steps in due course

Young learner: “Enjoyed every aspect of it, cutting wood, fitting wood, learning life skills.”

Elliot’s Story 

Elliot joined during the first week of our project at Eastmoors Youth Centre in Cardiff.  He had previously become disengaged with education after being excluded from school and wasn’t sure if this opportunity would be for him. However, after just 3 days he achieved his City & Guilds Intro to Carpentry and Joinery. 

He then chose to volunteer his own time to return for the entire second and third week, showing real dedication and passion. After those first few days, Elliot told the team he felt so inspired by our mentors that he now wants to pursue a career in Carpentry – a brilliant outcome from his time on the project.

With support from the VIY Youth Engagement team, he secured his CSCS card, and through relationships built on the project, VIY helped open the door to paid work experience with Morgan Sindall. A few months later, he was working on site with their Carpentry contractors.

His update: “Absolutely loving it – believe I’m pretty good at it also.”

East Norfolk College

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