Toolstation And VIY Transform Plumstead Working Men's Club

Toolstation, part of Travis Perkins plc and one of the UK’s largest suppliers of tools, accessories and building supplies, has joined forces with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) for its latest project, transforming and refurbishing the interior of the Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club. The club, which was established 116 years ago, serves the local community and regularly hosts darts tournaments for the London Youth National League.

The space, which was in need of repair and refurbishment, was transformed by 27 young volunteers aged between 14-24 years old. The transformation will help give the local institution a much-needed facelift and make it more attractive to new and existing members, and inspire the next generation of darts players with more modern facilities.

The volunteers and VIY updated the youth darts arena and adults dart space. Other refurbishments included transforming the main entrance area, sanding the wooden flooring with a sander loaned and delivered through Toolstation’s new partnership with Travis Perkins Hire, which means that Toolstation customers can hire products through the counter at their local branch. The volunteers also repaired the damaged walls, doors and skirting boards ahead of them being painted.

The initiative is helping more young people learn DIY skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry, whilst renovating a space they may use and benefit from.

Toolstation has funded and helped the volunteers gain City & Guilds qualifications as part of its partnership with VIY. The project saw 27 young volunteers come together from local youth referral partners including London South East College, Newhaven School and Shooter Hills College, and they spent a total of 10 days working on the project, with over 75% of all the young people being awarded an Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditation in Health & Safety and Painting & Decorating.

Rupert Nichols, Customer and Commercial Director at Toolstation said:

"Luke Littler’s heroics at Alexandra Palace has inspired so many more young people to get behind the oche, so VIY and the volunteers have hit a 180 with the transformation of this club. The refurbishment will encourage the local community to spend more time at this iconic venue.

“At Toolstation, we believe that supporting communities involves creating positive change where it's needed most. Partnering with VIY means we can help improve living conditions and share valuable skills with the young volunteers from the local area. We believe that this project will encourage young people to develop confidence and learn practical trade and building skills and to consider a career in the trade.”

Ed Sellwood, COO and Co-Founder at VIY, said: “We're proud of our long-term partnership with Toolstation, helping to inspire and diversify the next generation of tradespeople, whilst helping to improve spaces that matter to communities that desperately need improvements. We look forward to continuing our great work together this year.”

Toolstation has been supporting VIY since 2020 and is working with VIY on a number of other projects throughout the year. 

Source : Toolstation

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