A disused community centre in Daventry has received a refurbishment with the help of students from the Foundation’s HITZ and Engage Plus Programme.
The project saw Toolstation, one of Britain’s fastest growing suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, link up with Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) to provide new hands-on experience helping young people become more employable in the construction sector.
Over 40 days, 24 students volunteered over 200 hours to transform the centres main room, offices and adjourning rooms. They were joined by Foundation Ambassador and Northampton Saints Player’s Tom Wood and Alex Waller, from Waller and Wood Woodworks, who used their carpentry skills to build furniture giving a special handmade touch.
Throughout the project students used the values of rugby to stay focused and worked as a team to achieve City & Guilds accreditations in Painting and Decorating and Health and Safety.
‘We’re very proud of our young people who worked incredibly hard on the refurbishment to gain new skills and qualifications making them more employable for the future. We would like to thank Toolstation and VIY for the opportunity and say a special thank you to Tom and Alex who were fantastic with our students’
Craig Phillips, Employability Lead
The community centre will be used for activities including judo, gymnastics, a bike recycling project and enjoyed by residents for years to come.
If you would like to find out more about the Foundation’s award-winning HITZ programme or the Engage Plus Programme, which is in partnership with Northampton College, please contact Craig Phillips.
