Posted on 17th May
As part of its work to help young people access new opportunities, Newark and Sherwood District Council has awarded Volunteer it Yourself (VIY) £60,000 of UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money to complete two further volunteer skills development projects.
VIY is a Community Interest Company that works with young people who are disengaged from mainstream education provision or currently unemployed.
Trades skills mentors support those who participate and can gain Entry Level City and Guilds accreditations and access to further training, work-readiness, and employment opportunities.
The first project to be delivered by VIY this year is in progress at the Boughton Community Hub site. Fourteen volunteers will gain accredited trade qualifications while supporting the creation of a community garden and outdoor space.
The new Boughton Community Hub will create a multi-purpose facility for community use and access to opportunities for residents.
The funding comes after the most recent successful project at Newark Orchard School last year, which saw them create an outdoor sensory garden for students, including a hardcore pathway, bespoke seating, and child-friendly planters.
Coun Matthew Spoors, portfolio holder for Sustainable Economic Development, said: “It is excellent news that we can continue supporting Volunteer it Yourself through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The projects that VIY organise within the district are fantastic opportunities for young people to learn vital skills, gain experience and work towards qualifications.
“The young people volunteering to help with the community garden at the Boughton Community Hub are doing a fantastic job creating a welcoming, inviting space that residents can enjoy.
“It is vital that we continue to champion and support the younger generations in finding meaningful careers they will enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing the finished garden and to the next exciting VIY project.”
Katie Booth, programme manager for the East Midlands at VIY, said: “It’s been great to see our VIY mission expand across Nottinghamshire thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, boosting more vital community spaces and places, whilst helping more local young people learn trade and employability skills.”
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £2.6b of new funding that local authorities were able to bid for and invest in their districts and boroughs by March 2025.
In December 2022, it was announced the council had successfully secured £3.28m to allocate to eligible local organisations.
