Redditch Borough Council

We’re being funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to renovate three community spaces with the help of local NEET and at risk young people in Redditch, in partnership with Redditch Borough Council. This is alongside nine community spaces in neighbouring Bromsgrove. Spaces/clubs offering sports or physical activity are also match-funded through our national partnership with Sport England.

This new programme follows the successful launch of W.I.S.E youth hub, a derelict unit transformed by VIY into a thriving space for youth outreach underneath the Kingfisher Shopping Centre in 2022, supported by Redditch Borough Council and our Trade Partner, Toolstation.

Here’s a round-up of our work here so far.

Part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Reach CIC

Reach CIC are based in the Winyates Centre, in one of the most deprived wards in Redditch. They were relocated by the council to smaller premises in a former chemist following flood damage in their previous building – a community organisation providing groups/services like baby, youth, fitness & family activities, English speaking classes, counselling and housing services to the most isolated and vulnerable people in their community. In December 2023, We revamped their entire space to make it fit-for-purpose and to enable more people to benefit from their services, including adding a kitchen, donated by Toolstation supplier, Bushboard – see this project here.

Project match-funded by Sport England, Travis Perkins Plc, Toolstation, Dulux.

See more in the Redditch Standard here

“The work that VIY has done for Reach will forever change our community centre. Without the refurb, we never would be able to reach our full potential as a community group. Because of the work done, we now have the capacity to hold full groups again. We are able to expand our reach in the community and look forward to all the new prospects this refurb can bring. VIY were amazing throughout the whole project and the feedback we have had from our service users has been amazing. We can not thank VIY enough for what they have done!“

Rachel and Shannon, Directors, Reach CIC

Woodrow Community Rooms

The refurbishment of the Woodrow Rooms has given the whole building a complete new lease of life. With a new committee taking over at the time of our project, their aim is to increase its use within the local community. Large redecoration has given it a much fresher, cleaner look for it to be much more welcoming for outside hire, and for new planned activities such as karate and fitness classes. We also installed a new kitchen and built outdoor furniture and planters, which has meant hot drinks and basic food preparation, and an outdoor social area, can attract new people, private hire and socialising for their classes/groups.

See the hugely positive impact this project had on the community at Woodrow

“Thank you to each and every on of you that gave Brad this amazing opportunity and for supporting him to gain an accreditation. Your support of Brad is very much appreciated by myself and Young Solutions. Hopefully this opportunity will inspire Brad to continue his journey in the future and enter the world of work.”

Sarah Whitehead, Seek and Reach Co-ordinator, Young Solutions Worcestershire

The Old Needle Works Foundation

A wonderful wellbeing centre in the heart of Redditch, who host a range of organisations who work together to support people of all ages, including wellbeing coaches who provide 121 talking therapy and support groups. In September 2024 we helped to relocate their kitchen to enable disabled facilities at the venue and split out a larger space to create smaller fit-for-purpose rooms to better host confidential wellbeing services – with full redecoration and hands-on support from our friends at Dulux Decorator Centre.

See our visit from MP for Redditch & The Villages, Chris Bloore

“The Volunteer It Yourself initiative in Redditch exemplifies the transformative power of community-driven projects. By renovating three vital community spaces, including The Old Needle Works, we’re not only rejuvenating our town but also investing in our youth’s future. This program, supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, offers invaluable hands-on experience to young people, equipping them with practical skills and qualifications. It’s inspiring to see how these projects simultaneously address local infrastructure needs and youth unemployment. VIY’s work in Redditch demonstrates that when we invest in our communities and young people, everyone benefits. This is localism at its best.”

Chris Bloore MP, Redditch and the Villages