VIY Impact Report 2022-23
Growing our reach and impact, working at greater depth in our hub regions across the UK
VIY Impact Report 2022-23:
Our impact and growth across the past year
Our latest report gives a snapshot of our work across our key regions and reflects how VIY combines national reach, with a regional approach, ultimately delivering local impact for people and communities.
It’s how we’re doing #SomethingConstructive, as we like to say, for young people, communities and volunteering, all in partnership and with huge thanks to our growing ‘teamsheet’ of funders, partners, supporters and our core Team VIY, including our invaluable Trade Mentors.
Young people like Aaron in Nottingham
As a NEET young person referred to us by Groundwork Nottingham, Aaron volunteered with us at our project redecorating Evolve Community Centre, our first project on our new programme with Nottingham City Council, co-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. After gaining his Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in Painting & Decorating, and demonstrating a warm, hardworking attitude, we supported him to find paid employment with a local decorating firm.
Places like this skillshare shop in Norwich
We transformed a disused shop unit on Drayton Road, part of our programme with Norwich City Council, into a space fit for purpose as a community skillshare shop with fitted storage, lockable cupboards, shelving, new flooring and an accessible ramp. Since our refurbishments, the space has been used for clothes repair, arts & crafts and energy saving advice workshops. The ambition is for this to be used as a skillshare space for the community on a permanent basis, to deliver employability support, reduce isolation and promote connectivity.
A positive next step for young people like Alfie in Surrey
Alfie [not pictured] volunteered with us through the Surrey Youth Offending Team to renovate The Boileroom, a music venue in Guildford, in partnership with Allianz Musical Insurance. Initially Alfie was concerned about being assessed but he was very quickly put at ease by the assessor and listening to the early years story of our Lead Mentor, Alan, which Alfie could relate to. Alfie now feels his City & Guilds certificate will benefit him in the future and plans to work within the construction industry.
Like Honey, pictured right here
Honey was previously home-schooled then found herself NEET at 16. She joined the Aspire NEET re-engagement provision at City College Norwich to build her confidence and explore progression options for the future, having struggled in the classroom environment and staying focused. Having pushed herself out of her comfort zone to give VIY a go, she loved it so much she’s now volunteered on seven projects, achieved five Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations, and has since joined a Level 1 Decorating course in Norwich.
Like our partners at Dulux
One of our National Partners, Dulux, also sponsors of Channel 4’s, Changing Rooms wanted to make sure the leftover paint from the show was put to good use. We worked together with 26 partner volunteers from Dulux, including their Creative Director, Marianne Shillingford and Changing Rooms production team members, along with young residents and staff from longstanding VIY youth partner, Amber Foundation to transform their outdoor health & wellbeing buildings at their residential centre in Trowbridge.
If you think there’s a way we could do #SomethingConstructive together, hit whichever button fits you best below or get in touch here if you’d like to discuss other ways of working together.
