Bexhill community hall renovated by unemployed young adults

A community hall in Bexhill has been given a new lease of life through a project helping unemployed young adults learn new skills and find a job.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Jul 2016, 14:47 BST
Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:29 BST

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The 15 unemployed young adults learned DIY skills by renovating All Saints Community Hall. Photo by Amicus Horizon SUS-160725-132709001The 15 unemployed young adults learned DIY skills by renovating All Saints Community Hall. Photo by Amicus Horizon SUS-160725-132709001
The 15 unemployed young adults learned DIY skills by renovating All Saints Community Hall. Photo by Amicus Horizon SUS-160725-132709001

Build Yourself is a community project run by Fresh Visions, the charity hosted and supported by housing association AmicusHorizon.

A group of 15 unemployed 18-24 year olds spent six weeks redecorating All Saints Community Hall, All Saints Lane.

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Father Michael Bailey, of All Saints Church, said: “This project has offered great opportunities, both for All Saints – in having a new fresh look to its hall which is used by various groups in the community – and seeing young people’s skills and confidence grow.

The 18-24 year-olds designed the colour scheme and redecorated the hall themselves. Photo by AmicusHorizon SUS-160725-132657001The 18-24 year-olds designed the colour scheme and redecorated the hall themselves. Photo by AmicusHorizon SUS-160725-132657001
The 18-24 year-olds designed the colour scheme and redecorated the hall themselves. Photo by AmicusHorizon SUS-160725-132657001

“I fully endorse the course for enhancing people’s lives.”

The group completely renovated the hall, including fitting wood paneling, repainting and brightening the room.

The colour scheme was designed by the trainees, and approved by the hall’s committee.

A celebration event was held earlier this month to toast their achievements.

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Family and friends were in attendance as the volunteers were presented with toolkits and vouchers.

Build Yourself gives low-waged and unemployed 18-24 year-olds the opportunity to learn DIY skills.

There are even opportunities to gain a Construction Skills Certification Scheme card, the leading skills certification scheme within the UK construction industry.

AmicusHorizon’s senior programme coordinator Naomi Mileham said: “It’s brilliant to see how far our volunteers have come in such a short space of time.

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“Their confidence has grown immensely and they’ve gained lots of new skills.

“And three of them have since secured employment which is fantastic news.”

The Heart of Sidley community partnership also helped encourage local people into the activity.

Build Yourself is funded by AmicusHorizon, Comic Relief, Orbit Housing Association and BSW Heating.

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The project is also keen to hear from community venues in the Hastings, Rother and Eastbourne areas who would like to be considered for improvement works and redecoration.

To find out more contact Naomi on 01424 776613 or 0800 121 60 60 or email [email protected].

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Related topics:Bexhill