Supporting young people in the UK into work

The Halcrow Foundation has supported young people in the UK who are not in education or training by funding projects that teach practical skills to improve employability. Below are two initiatives run by Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), an organization that combines trade skill training with community space renovations.

Gardening 4 Health – King’s Lynn, Norfolk

Gardening 4 Health is a community garden and education space offering activities, courses, and events for local residents. Young people referred from a local college and a special educational needs school participated in a VIY project to build a new shelter for the garden.

• Provides weather-protected space, increasing accessibility for more users.
• 32 young people took part; 24 earned carpentry skill accreditation.
• Boosted participants’ self-confidence, social skills, and employment prospects.

Gardening 4 Health staff noted: “We really enjoyed working with VIY and the young people that came along to help build the shelter. They all engaged in the project and seemed to really enjoy it, which was lovely to be a part of.”

Be The Change – Bolton, Lancashire

VIY collaborated with Be The Change, an award-winning youth organization, to renovate its new, larger space in Bolton. The expansion will allow the organization to support 400 young people, up from 200.

• 11 young people, referred by Be The Change, created two new spaces:
  • A music and podcast studio for learning and practicing music skills.
  • A private counselling room for youth workers and young people.
• The VIY team also decorated a games room.
• Eight participants earned accreditation in carpentry and work skills.
• Provides a safe community space and fosters a sense of ownership among young people.

Be The Change shared: “Having young people involved in this way helps to give them ownership of the centre and it is something they will forever cherish and be proud of.”