VIY Impact Report 2023-24
Growing partnerships, boosting impact
VIY Impact Report 2023-24: a snapshot of our impact and growth
Collaboration is in our DNA and we’re now working with more partners than ever before.
From our national partners, who help underpin everything we do, to our purpose and place-based programme partners and local project supporters, we’re all fuelled by the same impact goals and objectives; to boost the life chances, employability and wellbeing of young people, and help local community spaces become more inclusive, accessible and sustainable.
See how we’ve been doing #SomethingConstructive together this year below.
If you think there’s a way we could do #SomethingConstructive together, hit whichever button fits you best in the footer below or get in touch here if you’d like to discuss other ways of working together.
Just like Lil
Lil, 17, was referred to our VIY project at Mancetter Memorial Hall in North Warwickshire in March 2024 by the council’s youth support teams. She was initially so nervous on day 1 of her VIY project she wouldn’t leave the car. She eventually thrived so much, thanks to being mentored in carpentry and decorating, we’re now supporting her to find an apprenticeship – a new part of our progressions offer in 2023-24 to help young people take positive next steps post-VIY.
Helping valued community spaces become more inclusive, financially secure & sustainable
Supported by our cross-sector partners, we’ve renovated local facilities n the most deprived and under-served communities in UK, from youth & community centres, to supported accommodation, to arts & cultural spaces and grassroots sports clubs. Like here at Wigan Sports Club, building a decking area to boost their events and community offer – 1 of 21 projects we’ve completed on the Inspiring Generations cricket strategy with Lancashire Cricket Foundation and 1 of 130+ sports clubs and active community spaces renovated by VIY and match-funded by Sport England since 2020.
Helping young people like Jack gain vital qualifications and a positive future
Jack attends a Pupil Referral Unit on a reduced timetable and was first referred into our project at Coventry Saracens FC by Coventry Police for being at risk of crime. He not only went onto gain 3 x Entry Level City & Guilds trade skills accreditations on 3 VIY projects across Coventry, his only qualifications of the year, he also successfully moved into paid decorating work with a family member immediately after this first project.
Supporting young people like Archie to gain experience in construction
The figure above relates to the progression of all NEET young people aged 16+ who took part in a VIY project in 2022-23. We track the progress of our learners over 12 months, allowing time for further steps to be taken by young people to build their confidence, develop further skills/experience and feel fully prepared to enter their positive next chapter in education, employment or training.
Like Archie, pictured right. After he was referred by Construction Youth Trust to our project at Aaja Music in late 2022, a project supported by Barclaycard helping to create a new long-term music venue in South London, we know that Archie has moved into a Drylining Apprenticeship at Lewisham College. Hear Archie speak about his VIY experience in this film.
Building better communities, together
Volunteer tradespeople, colleagues from our cross-sector partners and local people from the local communities in which we work have given their time, skills and experience to support a local VIY project and give back to a community near to them.
Just like 5 regional colleagues from our Trade Partners at Toolstation, including their Managing Director Angela Rushforth, who volunteered at our project at Strong Roots in Norwich in July 2023, helping revamp this green space used for therapeutic services.
