Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk
Growing West Norfolk with stronger communities, hands-on skills, and brighter futures
7
community spaces
renovated so far
86
young people
took part so far
97%
of young people
felt more confident about getting a job in the future as a result of the skills gained during the VIY project
We’re making a positive difference in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk by partnering with West Norfolk Borough Council through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund. So far, we’ve worked on 7 impactful community projects: Docking Village Hall, North Wootton Village Hall, Wootton Park Recreation Association, Springwood Family Centre, North Lynn Family Centre, St Augustine’s Family Centre and Gardening 4 Health.
These renovations are revitalising vital community spaces while empowering local young people with trade skills. NEET and at-risk young people are gaining hands-on experience, industry accreditations, and the confidence to pursue future employment opportunities.
Part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Docking Village Hall
The village hall is a well-loved village hall serves as a community hub, hosting activities such as bowls, badminton, scouts, and brownies, providing a vital space for social and recreational events.
We carried out essential internal redecoration to create a more welcoming and appealing space for the local community. Additionally, we rebuilt a damaged brick and flint wall at the entrance to improve the venue’s first impression. These improvements aim to enhance the experience for existing users and attract new groups to the popular village hall.
I am very pleased and grateful for what has been achieved at the hall in the last two weeks, the instructors and students have done a great job. The village is also very grateful too, there has been lots of good comments.
Venue Feedback
Wootton Village Hall
Wootton Village Hall is a vibrant community space hosting activities like dance and yoga classes, table tennis, coffee groups, and mother-and-toddler sessions. We helped transform the hall by building a new external storage unit, doubling storage capacity, and enhancing the exterior with fresh decorations. These improvements will help the hall accommodate more groups and boost its income potential.
Over 15 local young people participated, referred by partners such as YMCA Norfolk and Norfolk Youth Justice Service, with 10 gaining City & Guilds accreditations in Carpentry or Painting & Decorating. Boost Norfolk continues to support these young volunteers in their next steps.
See more about this programme here
The team did a fantastic job and were a pleasure to have here. It’s invaluable to have an organization like yours offering young people the chance to try construction. As someone who’s run a business for over 30 years, I know how important teaching skills are. VIY has been a huge help in restoring our 87-year-old hall and bringing it back into the community. A job very well done.”
Bob Angell, Lead Maintenance at North Wootton Village Hall
Wootton Park Recreation Association
The project at Wootton Park focused on upgrading the pavilion and enhancing outdoor facilities at the club. We built a large decking area with handrails, providing a fantastic viewing platform overlooking the park and playing fields. Additionally, we constructed outdoor furniture to create a more welcoming and functional space.
As a hub for football, running, and fitness, the club also hosts events like car boot sales throughout the year. These improvements will help attract more visitors, boost financial stability, and add value for members and the wider community.
Springwood Family Centre
At Springwood Family Centre, which provides childcare and activities for young children, we focused on improving outdoor play and accessibility.
We rebuilt a leaking shelter to create a more suitable covered space, allowing for greater play opportunities in all weather conditions. We also upgraded a disability access ramp to ensure safety and refurbished play frames to enhance outdoor stimulation for children. Additionally, we constructed two timber play walls and installed protective covers for tyre sand pits, increasing their usability after wet weather.
These improvements help create a safer, more engaging environment and support the venue’s mission to provide quality childcare and learning experiences.
North Lynn Family Centre
At North Lynn Family Centre, where various groups and activities take place, we focused on improving outdoor accessibility and learning spaces.
We built four external entrance shelters to provide much-needed cover for parents waiting to collect children, ensuring they are protected from the elements. Additionally, we constructed timber planters at the entrance, both to brighten the space and to give young children hands-on learning experiences in growing food and plants.
These improvements enhance the centre’s facilities, creating a more welcoming and practical environment for families while supporting children’s development through outdoor learning.
St Augustine’s Family Centre
St Augustine’s nursery and community venue is home to various groups, including a Snooker Club, Kings Trust, and Dad’s Matter, providing a space for learning, recreation, and support.
To enhance the environment, we focused on redecorating the heavily used common areas and welcome space, giving them a fresh and inviting feel. By improving first impressions, this project aims to attract more users and increase venue hire, ensuring the space continues to serve the community effectively.
Gardening 4 Health
Gardening 4 Health in King’s Lynn is a community-focused venue that promotes well-being through outdoor activities and horticulture. The space supports mental and physical health by encouraging people to engage with nature, learn new skills, and enjoy the benefits of gardening.
Our project focused on enhancing the venue’s outdoor facilities, creating a more functional and inviting environment. By improving these spaces, we’re helping Gardening 4 Health expand its reach and impact, ensuring more people can benefit from the therapeutic and social aspects of gardening.
