York teenagers give community space a makeover

York teenagers have been working with experienced tradespeople and an artist to breathe new life into a youth and community centre in The Groves.

Community interest company Volunteer It Yourself provides free, hands-on work experience opportunities for local young people who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) and at risk of becoming NEET.

Whilst renovating community spaces, the volunteers learn trade skills like joinery, plastering, tiling, and painting and decorating, mentored by professional tradespeople, gain Entry Level City & Guilds accreditations in said trade skills and support towards positive next steps including further training and employment.

Supported by City of York Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, VIY have now renovated three community spaces in York, helping over 40 young people to gain valuable hands-on construction experience.

Working with Stockport-based Kiana The Artist, the students came up with ideas for a colourful mural design for Door 84, reflecting their personal take on life in York. The mural will incorporate iconic York landmarks, from the Minster to Clifford’s Tower, while bold colours and flowing shapes will give the work a powerful modern look.

VIY’s National Partner, Dulux, donated all of the paint and accessories to make this project happen.

Additionally, the students helped to renovate the office area, giving the space a new, brighter look.

Door 84 Youth and Community Centre has provided services for children, young people and the local community in The Groves since the 1960s.

They offer youth sessions, providing a range of activities for young people aged 8-25, and offer creative and social opportunities to adults with additional needs.

Cllr Pete Kilbane, Executive Member at City of York Council, said:

“It’s fantastic to see the impact of the Volunteer It Yourself project and hear about the range of skills the young people involved have learned during the project. The project is designed to grow skills and confidence, boosting opportunities whilst breathing new life into the community venues that mean so much to residents across the city.

“We’re committed to building an economy in York where everyone can access learning and employment opportunities and initiatives like this are a key part of achieving this goal.

“This is Volunteer It Yourself’s third project co-funded by our UKSPF funding here in York and I’d like to thank them for their continued commitment to the city’s young people who benefit so much from this project.”

Matt Mellor, Programme Manager for the North at VIY, said:

 “The aims of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund mirror those of our mission here at VIY; providing valuable opportunity to improve valuable cultural venues hosting arts and music in York, transforming places and spaces in need like Door 84, in partnership with City of York Council, and increasing life chances by boosting skills and employability amongst NEET and at risk local young people volunteering on these projects at the same time.”

 Watch a video showcasing the Door 84 project here: https://youtu.be/5JP_47Bui80