About the project

The Boston Local Community Centre is a great community hub which hosts a variety of groups including yoga, dance troupes, coffee mornings, health and hospice groups. We were funded through the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund with Boston Borough Council.

The project:

As a longstanding venue with very little funds to maintain or improve the building, VIY, along with local young people and community volunteers, redecorated the main hall and entrance areas of the building, including constructing planters to create a fresh, bright and welcoming entrance.

The impact:

• 19 NEET/at risk young people took part on the project, referred from local youth organisations including Nacro, Thomas Middlecott Academy, Springwell Academy and Future For Me
• 17 Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations were achieved by the students in Carpentry and Painting & Decorating
• Usage of the venue increased by around 30% following the project to make the venue more attractive to current and new users
• One of the young learners enjoyed the carpentry so much he was inspired to investigate a career in construction
• Strong, positive feedback and demand for more from 3 students referred by Middlecott Academy:
• “Great fun, enjoyable and a really great experience. I enjoyed helping other people and being able to work with other people as part of a team. I made new friends. I would definitely like to work with Team VIY again if I had the opportunity to do so. It’s given me independence and confidence to try different things. I was always happy when I got home because I had had such a great time.”
• “I enjoyed the freedom from school and a change of scenery, I could try something different.  Great experience and would like to work with Team VIY again in the future. I really enjoyed painting and making a difference to the community.”
• “Great fun, enjoyed having the independence. I really enjoyed painting the Community Centre and making it look a better place for people to go to. I would really like the opportunity to work with Team VIY again.”
• Feedback from the Board of Trustees: “The centre looks lovely now it’s had a refresh. The planters outside are really well made by the group, I can’t wait to see the plants in the summer.”
• Richard Tory, Trustee at The Local Community Centre, Boston, also volunteered alongside the young people on the project: “I thoroughly enjoyed the couple of days that I worked alongside your team and the young people they were supervising and instructing. The team were knowledgeable, helpful and supportive, whilst the students were enthusiastic, motivated and willing to attempt their tasks. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with all involved.”