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Toolstation, is celebrating its 200th City & Guilds accreditation with the Volunteer It Yourself social enterprise. The retailer funds the qualifications as part of its partnership with VIY, who help disengaged young people learn DIY and vocational skills whilst helping repair and refurbish community facilities, helping them to consider a career in the construction and building industry.
The latest tie-up with VIY includes helping fund the redecoration of TPF Gymnastics Club in Norwich, to create a more vibrant space that reflects the energy and positivity happening in the club.
As well as a home to gymnastics, parkour and free-running, the space is also used by a local cubs and scouts group. In total the facilities are currently used by around 200 locals aged between 4-20 years.
The colour scheme using bright paintwork including yellow and orange was chosen following feedback and requests from users of the facilities. The paint was donated by Dulux, another key VIY trade partner, with the colour scheme being chosen from Toolstation’s Dulux Paint Tinting Service.
The aim of the project was to improve the surroundings for all users and attract new members. As well as the brightly coloured paint work, improvements were also made to the male and female WC areas by installing glazed tiling, mirrors and a new coat of paint.
Forrest Brown, Regional Manager at Toolstation says: “It’s brilliant to witness VIY enriching lives with passionate mentors helping to develop young people not in employment or education. This project had a real community feel and its great to see the engagement with younger people. VIY offers an excellent environment to learn new skills, share stories and get advice.”
The logo and mural artwork were created by Kevin Parker, a local community street artist.
The project saw over 20 young volunteers between the ages of 16-20 pledge up to a week’s work on the project, with 60% of participants being awarded a City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation in Painting & Decorating. Eight volunteers from the club and local community also helped to prepare the venue before the works began.
