DIY project 'opens doors' for young people

Door 84 Youth and Community Centre was refurbished by the young people involved in the project

A DIY project has "opened doors" for struggling young people in York, a volunteer organisation said.

The initiative by Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) has seen more than 40 youths get involved with redecorating Door 84 community centre in The Groves.

As part of the project, those who are out of education and work have learned skills such as joinery, plastering, tiling, painting and decorating.

The group repainted the community centre's offices and helped to inspire a mural commissioned for the refurbishment.

Designed by artist Kiana Morris, the mural depicts York landmarks in an abstract way and represents what the city means to the students.

Supported by UK Shared Prosperity Fund cash, the VIY projects have seen three community spaces renovated in York.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the participants were mentored by professionals and gained entry-level City and Guilds accreditations, which they could then use to find further opportunities.

Artist Kiana Morris created a mural of York landmarks as part of the community centre's refurbishment

Gemma Torr, VIY's youth engagement lead for the North, helps to find young people at risk of being out of training or work long-term and brings them on to the projects.

She said: "Most of the young people who've done projects say they feel more empowered and capable afterwards - if they've been on a project they're able to get an interview for another opportunity.

"If they don't think that particular skill is for them then we have other opportunities and we can find them alternatives."

The mural represents what York means to the young people

The council's interim director of city development Claire Foale said the projects also helped to improve community facilities.

"Volunteers have helped to refurbish all sorts of facilities in York, that builds community engagement and a sense of pride," she said.

"York's perceived as an affluent city with high levels of employment and education, but that masks deep-rooted deprivation in some areas."

The funding for the projects has been extended until the end of 2026, after originally being set to end next year.

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