Harpenden Bowling Club has been renovated by seven young volunteers, thanks to home improvement retailer Wickes and social enterprise, VIY (Volunteer It Yourself). Following the project, each volunteer gained a City & Guilds Entry Level 3 Painting and Decorating Accreditation1, which can help to improve their employability in the future.
The work was carried out in association with VIY, which enables young people to learn trade and building skills by fixing local community buildings. The Wickes store in Luton helped fund the project by donating all materials required and covering the cost of professional tradespeople as mentors on the ground.
The Venture enabled all those involved to boost their DIY skills by helping to refresh various areas of the club. The project, which took place over five days included installing, and painting the new kitchen, and painting the clubhouse to create a bright, welcoming, and practical space for its users. Luton Town Football Club Midfielder, Lawson D'Ath and Striker, James Collins worked alongside the volunteers to help paint and tile areas within the clubhouse.
Lawson D'Ath, Midfielder for Luton Town Football Club, said: "It's great that Luton Town Football Club are helping the local community and encouraging young volunteers to get involved too. It's wonderful to see everyone coming together to complete the project and also the positive impact it has on the students involved."
Taking part in this project will also help open doors for the young people involved, allowing them to find apprenticeships and job opportunities, thanks to their newly gained qualifications.
Lyn Roberts, Ladies Secretary at Harpenden Bowls Club, said: "The project has been a great success and we are delighted with the final result. Our clubhouse looks totally refreshed and are extremely grateful to everyone involved."
Neil Marshall, Store Manager at Wickes in Luton said: "It's great to be involved in such a worthwhile project which gets young people excited. The Wickes team really enjoyed mentoring each young volunteer and teaching them useful DIY skills that they will be able to use in the future."
Alan Dalton, Project Manager and Mentor comments: "The team worked hard and did a fantastic job. They are a testament to how anyone can roll up their sleeves and do some DIY to make a difference. It's a great cause for both the volunteers and users of the club"