Toolstation has joined forces with Travis Perkins and Places for People to support Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) and transform the Bilal Sports Centre in Harehills, Leeds.
The project, which was carried out over three weeks, included redecorating, creating a new changing room, building extra storage shelving and strengthening dividing walls. The project has also been match-funded by Sport England as part of its national partnership with VIY to refurbish active community spaces.
A statement said that this not-for profit initiative is helping more young people learn DIY skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry, while renovating a space they use and benefit from. Toolstation is funding and helping the volunteers gain City & Guilds qualifications as part of its ongoing partnership with VIY.
The statement added that the project saw 35 young volunteers between the ages of 14 to 18 from East Leeds Specialist Learning Centre and Broomfield School, all of whom are supported with special educational needs, collectively spend 15 days working on the project, with learners being awarded a City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation in skills like Carpentry, Painting and Decorating and Health and Safety.
Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation, said: “At Toolstation and Travis Perkins, we believe that supporting the community involves creating positive change where it’s needed most. Partnering with VIY means we can help improve living conditions and share valuable skills with the young volunteers from the local area.
“We believe that this project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills and to consider a career in the trade. We’re looking forward to supporting more projects over the coming months by supplying materials, volunteering and working collaboratively with the Group businesses.”