The Screwfix Foundation And VIY Team Up In Nottingham

• The Screwfix Foundation and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) supported St Ann’s Foodbank with a two-week project to transform a former launderette into a welcoming and functional space.
• 20 Screwfix volunteers from Nottingham stores and a superstar local tradesperson modernised the space with new lighting, improved storage, and a refreshed interior.
• The renovated foodbank will also operate as a low-cost larder to provide long-term funding to support families in one of Nottingham’s most deprived areas.

The Screwfix Foundation and Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) joined forces again to support St Ann’s Foodbank, located in one of Nottingham’s most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.

Over two weeks, a team of 20 Screwfix volunteers from Nottingham stores, alongside local tradespeople, transformed a former launderette into a warm, functional space for a well-used foodbank - connected to the Chase Community Centre next door.

The project also provided an incredible opportunity for 13 local young people, referred by the Prince’s Trust Employability Programme and Nottingham College, to volunteer and take part in the VIY experience. Over half of the participants earned an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in Painting & Decorating while gaining hands-on experience and contributing to a meaningful community project.

The updated facility will not only continue to operate as a foodbank but will also host a low-cost larder, creating a self-sustaining source of funding to support its vital work.

The team replaced outdated ‘60s-era lighting with energy-efficient LEDs, with help from local volunteer Will, who responded to the call-to-arms in his local Screwfix Store, Nottingham Basford. Will, from JB Weir Property Ltd, went the extra mile by adding a drop ceiling to improve insulation and lighting. Storage was upgraded to be more practical, floor holes and damaged walls were repaired, and the space got a fresh coat of paint to make it warm and welcoming.

Rachel, Community Engagement Coordinator at the Chase Community Centre, which operates the foodbank, said: “VIY have helped us modernise our foodbank space, which had seen a lot of deterioration over the years. They’ve brightened it all up, created more storage opportunities, and made it a more welcoming space for the families we support. We rely solely on community donations, so this transformation means so much to us.”

The Screwfix Foundation Manager, Claire Flory, said: “It’s fantastic to see the impact of this project in St Ann’s. We’re proud to support a space that will make such a difference for families in need, and it’s great to see our volunteers and tradespeople coming together to give back to their community.”

Sofija, a Nottingham College Foundation student and VIY young volunteer, said: “It feels great to support the community and hear how much people appreciate it. VIY has given me new skills, boosted my confidence, and taught me things I never thought I could do, like helping to paint an entire building.”

This marks the second successful collaboration between The Screwfix Foundation and VIY, following a recent project with Outreach Homes in Dagenham.

Source : Screwfix and Volunteer It Yourself

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