- The Screwfix Foundation supports renovation at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre, with works taking place from Monday, 24th August until the 4th September.
- The project is being delivered in partnership with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), providing young people with hands-on construction experience and trade skills.
- Local Screwfix volunteers will join VIY volunteers to support local community transformation
A Community hub supporting local residents in North Edinburgh is set to benefit from a major courtyard refurbishment, with works planned from 24th August and 4th September.
The renovation project will also give young people who are facing barriers to employment, the chance to gain hands-on construction experience and entry-level trade skills through a partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY).
Located in the heart of North Edinburgh, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre acts as a hub for the local community, providing facilities to people of all ages and abilities, including a sports hall, sensory room and outdoor area.
Funded by The Screwfix Foundation, the community centre courtyard will be fitted with new outdoor flooring, and the area will be opened to incorporate their café/kitchen space, allowing all community groups to safely access the outdoor area. Local Screwfix colleagues will also be volunteering on-site, helping to transform the community space alongside young people participating through VIY.
This project forms part of a wider partnership between The Screwfix Foundation and VIY. Across the first seven completed projects funded, 129 young people have taken part.
Following this participation, half of the young volunteers have said they would consider a career in construction and 98 went on to achieve at least one City & Guilds Entry Level 3 accreditation across areas including carpentry, painting and decorating, conduct at work and health and safety. 93% of young people involved felt more confident about getting a job in the future.
Claire Flory, Screwfix Foundation Manager, said, “Royston Wardieburn Community Centre is an important hub for the local community, and we’re proud to support its renovation through our partnership with VIY.
As well as creating a safer and more accessible outdoor space, the project will give young people the opportunity to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience that could inspire a future career in the construction industry.”
Hannah Denny, Communications & Partnerships Director, VIY, said, “We’re really excited to be bringing VIY to Scotland for the first time through this project at Royston Wardieburn Community Centre.
“It’s a great milestone for us as we continue to expand our reach and impact across the UK, made possible through the collective support of partners including The Screwfix Foundation and George & Annette Bell Foundation.
“We’re looking forward to giving local young people the chance to gain practical skills, experience and qualifications while making a real difference to their community.”
VIY is a not-for-profit community interest company that combines impact in three areas: youth, community and volunteering. Challenging young people to learn skills in construction trades, they support youth in boosting their employability whilst also helping to transform local community spaces.
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