York young people struggling to get education, training and job opportunities have had a chance to learn new skills by redecorating a community centre.
Young people working with the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) organisation helped refurbish Door 84, in The Groves, as part of projects supported by York Council with Government funding.
They repainted the youth and community centre’s offices and also provided ideas based on their personal experiences of York which were used to create a mural commissioned for the refurbishment.
Council economy Cllr Pete Kilbane said those involved had learnt a range of skills and breathe new life into a venue which meant so much to residents.
The VIY projects in York, supported by UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash, has so far seen more than 40 young people redecorate three community spaces in York.
Funding for the scheme has been extended and is now due to run until 2026 after it was originally set to end next year.
The VIY projects work with young people who are classed as not in education, employment or training (NEET) and with those at risk of becoming so.
They include young people who who been in the youth justice system or pupil referral units, looked-after children, those receiving free school meals, among others.
The three VIY projects in York have seen volunteers learn skills including joinery, plastering, tiling, painting and decorating, with Dulux donating paint for the refurbishments.
They are mentored by professionals and gain Entry Level City and Guilds accreditations which they can then use to find further opportunities.
‘Deep-rooted deprivation’
Gemma Torr, VIY’s youth engagement lead for the north, helps to find young people at risk of being out of training or work long-term and brings them on to the projects.
She said it had opened doors for struggling and disadvantaged young people from a range of backgrounds.
Ms Torr said: “Most of the young people who’ve done projects say they feel more empowered and capable afterwards, if they’ve been on a project they’re able to get an interview for another opportunity.
“If they don’t think that particular skill is for them then we have other opportunities and we can find them alternatives.”
Artist Kiana Morris created a mural of York landmarks as part of the community centre’s refurbishment.
They said the design was inspired by what York meant to the students.
The artist said: “The mural shows the landmarks of York but in a more playful, abstract and modern style.
“I’ve managed to get to the point where I can do art as a full-time job, having an opportunity like this is so good, I wish things like this were more mainstream.”
Council interim director of city development Claire Foale said the projects allowed young people to get new skills while also helping to improve community facilities.
“Volunteers have helped to refurbish all sorts of facilities in York, that builds community engagement and a sense of pride.
“York’s perceived as an affluent city with high levels of employment and education, but that masks deep-rooted deprivation in some areas.
“If we keep doing the same things we’ve done before we won’t be able to change that and make people’s lives better.
“We don’t know yet what’s going to happen after the funding ends in 2026.
“But the extension gives us another year to support small and medium-sized enterprises and help young people the confidence and skills to go into different industries.”