Volunteers create new classroom in Chawleigh and earn qualifications

Toolstation, one of Britain’s fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, has announced its latest tie-up with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise, helping fund a renovation project for the Amber Foundation in Chawleigh. The project oversaw the creation of a Health and Wellbeing classroom and vestibule at Ashley Court. It will be used for young people to help them address their personal health and wellbeing issues with professionals in a dedicated space.

The initiative is helping more young people learn DIY skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry.

The VIY programme combines DIY and volunteering and challenges young people to help repair and refurbish community facilities while learning vocational trade skills on the job, helping them become more employable in the construction sector.

This is the third Amber Foundation project undertaken by VIY and Toolstation and residents from the Amber Foundation have previously volunteered to support work at the YMCA in Dickerage and at Wembdon Village Hall in Bridgwater.

The new space will help educate young people and give them the knowledge to make informed choices regarding their personal health. The classes will support young people in goal setting, helping them to start their own personal health, wellbeing and fitness, encouraging them to make changes and lead healthier lifestyles.

Over a total of five days, the project saw six volunteers between the ages of 17-24 years old, learn hands-on skills, and redecorate the dark, dull, and very tired classroom and vestibule spaces in bright vibrant colours, making them a more inspiring space to learn.

These volunteers are residents with the Amber Foundation in Devon, a charity offering supported housing alongside tailored programmes for young people at risk of homelessness, to help build skills, confidence and resilience to ultimately help them move onto sustainable work, a secure home and a fulfilling future.

Four of the volunteers have earned an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds Accreditation in Painting & Decorating. The City & Guilds accreditations, skills training, and mentoring of the volunteers were funded by Toolstation, with match-funding from Sport England to enable health & wellbeing learning and activity from this space.

The construction of a new communal space in Ashley Court is the latest VIY project which Toolstation has funded, with previous projects including the creation of an outdoor social and exercise space for Coventrians RFC, the rejuvenation of a youth centre in Dickerage and the refurbishment of Southbrook community centre.

Toolstation plans on funding further VIY projects throughout the year and aims to help over 100 young people gain qualifications and consider a career in the trade.

Jennie Rubel, Service Manager at Ashley Court says: “We were delighted when VIY said they wanted to continue their work with Amber and help us out at our centre in Devon. It was wonderful to see the young people get involved and learn so much and the space has been transformed from dull and lifeless to bright and inspiring for their learning. We are thrilled!”

Joe, a young volunteer on this project, says: “I've done this before, but it's been really good to revise and make sure I'm doing things to a professional level. I'd really like to do another project like this. Working with my hands makes me feel really fulfilled and makes me feel like I've achieved something in my day, which is something that I'm normally missing.”

Greg Richardson, Head of Marketing at Toolstation says: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the VIY team by helping create this fantastic space at Ashley Court.  This project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills and earn a qualification.”

Tim Reading, CEO and Founder of VIY says: “This project has been another great example of how VIY enables young people to gain trade skills and employment outcomes whilst helping to transform a place they use and benefit from - in this case their home with Amber.”