Toolstation helps fund new youth hub in Redditch

Toolstation has completed its latest tie-up with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise, helping fund the repurposing of vacant units in Redditch town centre into a Youth Hub.

Wise Youth Centre, which is based at Market Walk, Redditch, officially opened its doors to members of the community on August 15. The renovation project, which began on July 18, was delivered in partnership with youth services provider Young Solutions and North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership. It took 14 days to complete and was taken on by 17 volunteers from youth support organisations in the local area, including YMCA Redditch, Bromsgrove District Council and UP Foundation.

Volunteers were challenged with converting two existing units into one, for young members of the community to make their own. The indoor space has been repainted and refurbished with a new kitchen and storage facilities for future communal events and classes, whilst the outdoor space has been renovated with outdoor seating and will host regular sporting activities. The Youth Hub will also feature a kitchen area for young people to learn cookery and provide free meals to people participating in sporting activities.

By completing the construction project, 12 Entry Level 3 City & Guilds Accreditations were awarded in carpentry, health and safety and painting and decorating. The City & Guilds accreditations, skills training, and mentoring of the volunteers were funded by Toolstation, with match-funding from Sport England and materials donated from the local branches of Travis Perkins and a Benchmarx kitchen.

Lesa Stanton, PR and charity manager at Toolstation, said: “We’re delighted to continue our support of the VIY team by helping refurbish a fantastic community space at the Youth Hub in Redditch. This project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills and earn a qualification.”

Tim Reading, CEO and co-founder of VIY, added: “This is a prime example of a VIY project where young people from the local area are not only learning hands-on trade and work-readiness skills, but transforming a safe space to call their own that they’ll use and benefit from. We’re proud to be back in one of our key hub regions transforming communities here in the West Midlands.”