Community space transformed by volunteers through UK Shared Prosperity Funding

Thanks to skills funding through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) was awarded £60,000 by Newark and Sherwood District Council to provide skills development opportunities for local young people.

Volunteer It Yourself is an organisation that challenges young people to regenerate community spaces while learning new vocational skills. Their projects support local young people aged 14-24 by equipping them with employability skills and qualifications, including City and Guilds accreditation.

Learners are mentored by professional tradespeople, and projects are developed through engagement with the local community to identify improvements that will benefit local residents.

The final project at Balderton Scout Hut was selected by VIY, with renovations undertaken by local young volunteers with support from Trades Mentors. A total of 26 young residents participated in the latest project, gaining practical skills whilst also supporting improvements to a valued community asset. The works included painting and decorating to the interior and exterior, as well as participation in joinery activities and the installation of a pergola.

The previous three projects selected by VIY were at Newark Orchard School, creating a sensory garden, at Boughton Hub, building a community garden for residents and community groups, and at St Andrew’s Mission Hall in Blidworth to make improvements to the interior or exterior area.

A total of 89 young volunteers participated in the four projects, with 65 gaining accredited trades qualifications because of the experience.

All projects are sourced by VIY based on their criteria, which includes a consideration of health and safety, the scope of possible works requested by owners, and the ability for young people to be able to achieve accredited skills. The improvements undertaken for each project are agreed between the owners and VIY, with young people supporting the development of plans, where possible.

Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Development at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “Through the four projects, this programme has enabled young volunteers to develop vital new skills and accreditations that can help them pursue future careers or interests, in addition to providing the local community with an enhanced valuable space they can take pride in. It has been a real asset to our district.”

This project was made possible with the support of funding received from Newark and Sherwood District Council as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

For more information on the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, visit the Newark and Sherwood District Council website: UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Applications are currently open until 16 July for a further round of funding opportunities.