Council awards £40,000 to Volunteer It Yourself for youth-led community projects
West Lancashire Borough Council demonstrates its strong commitment to Volunteer It Yourself by securing £40,000 through council and government funding.
Volunteer It Yourself helps young people learn trade skills whilst helping to renovate vital community facilities.
The funding will be used to support young people deliver volunteer-led community facility improvement projects across the Borough, providing valuable opportunities and skills accreditation.
The programme focuses on refurbishing community facilities throughout West Lancashire, with the refurbishment work undertaken by a dedicated team of at least 20 young volunteers.
Aged 16 and above, the volunteers are not currently in work, education, or training. Through this programme, they will learn and practice vocational trade skills on the job, gaining hands-on experience while being guided by professional tradespeople.
The mentoring team includes both local volunteer mentors and VIY Lead Mentors, providing young participants with guidance and support from experienced professionals.
Each young volunteer will have the opportunity to gain Entry Level 3 City & Guilds trade skills accreditations, providing them with a recognised qualification to enhance their prospects.
In addition to learning practical skills, the programme offers support in helping the volunteers progress to employment, further training, or apprenticeships, opening doors to brighter futures beyond their VIY experience.
Councillor Vickie Cummins, lead member for Communities, said: "We are delighted to support Volunteer It Yourself with this funding. This initiative helps improve community facilities across West Lancashire and provides invaluable opportunities for young people in our area.
“By learning trade skills on the job and receiving mentorship from experienced tradespeople, these young volunteers are building their confidence and paving the way to future employment and training opportunities. It’s a fantastic investment in both our community and our young people."
The projects aim to positively impact local communities by improving essential facilities while tackling youth unemployment and disengagement. VIY's unique approach combines volunteering, skills development, and community improvement, creating a model that benefits individuals and communities alike.
VIY Programme Manager for the North, Matt Mellor, added: “The funding allows us to engage local young people who might not otherwise learn these skills. Working on real projects that benefit their own communities gives them a sense of ownership and pride, and the skills they acquire can set them on a path to a brighter future."
The team and volunteers have already supported the Fairhaven Park revamp in Skelmersdale recently, with several community facilities identified for improvement across West Lancashire in the pipeline.
For more information about Volunteer It Yourself and how to get involved, please visit https://volunteerityourself.org/
