A NEW youth space at Wembdon Village Hall has been constructed by a group of volunteers with the support of building supplies retailer Toolstation.

The communal space within the village hall will be used by young people living locally for social activities and gatherings.

The construction project was led by the Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) social enterprise and saw 31 local people aged 14 to 24 learn hands-on skills and get involved in the planning process. 

The project was part-funded by Toolstation, and 37 of the company's colleagues from its Bridgwater head office helped build the facility.

Wembdon Village Hall was built in 2017 to bring sports facilities and an event space capable of seating 180 people to the community.

Part of the building was not completed upon construction, leaving a need for a dedicated youth space - so Toolstation partnered with VIY to finish the project. 

Over 103 days, the new youth space was completed following the erection of new walls, installation of storage, laying of flooring, plastering of walls, and decorating.

Bridgwater Mercury: Volunteers helped build walls, install storage, lay flooring, plaster walls, and decorate the new community space.Volunteers helped build walls, install storage, lay flooring, plaster walls, and decorate the new community space.

Volunteers were sourced from local community groups including Bridgwater & Taunton Construction College, which saw the project as a work experience opportunity.

Other community groups involved in the project included The Bridge School, Robert Blake Science College, and The Amber Foundation.

A total of 41 Entry Level 3 City and Guilds Accreditations were awarded in carpentry, health and safety, and decorating throughout the project.

Bridgwater Mercury: Volunteers from local schools and colleges took part in the construction project.Volunteers from local schools and colleges took part in the construction project.

The City & Guilds accreditations, skills training, and mentoring of the volunteers were funded by Toolstation. 

Toolstation's partnership with VIY aims to help more young people learn DIY and trade skills and consider a career in the construction and building industry.

This was the sixth VIY project Toolstation has helped to fund.

 

Greg Richardson, head of marketing at Toolstation, was one of the 37 colleagues who volunteered.

He said: “It was great to see everybody getting involved and doing something so constructive - literally!

“The whole team really enjoyed the day, and we hope this project has encouraged young people to develop confidence and learn practical trades skills and earn a qualification.

“We’re delighted to continue our support of the incredible work performed by the VIY team to build a fantastic community space at Wembdon Village Hall, and look forward to continuing our partnership in the future.”

Bridgwater Mercury: Wembdon Village Hall was built in 2017 - but an area was left unfinished.Wembdon Village Hall was built in 2017 - but an area was left unfinished.

Tim Reading, CEO and co-founder of VIY, added: “This project has been a great example of working with our trade partners at greater depth, with Toolstation colleagues volunteering their time down on the ground to support young people and a vital community space in their local area.

“It's also a great experience for our young people to work alongside and interact with representatives from a local, prospective employer on their doorstep and the opportunities for progression that may be available to them following their time with VIY.”

Toolstation plans to help fund more VIY projects this year and help another 100 young people gain qualifications and consider a career in construction.