Young People Invited to Help Transform Ipswich Community Hub

A new project coming to Ipswich this November is offering local young people the chance to gain practical skills, build confidence and achieve a recognised qualification, all while helping improve a much-loved community space.

Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) is partnering with CHiP Community Hub on Princes Street for a hands-on refurbishment project that will see young people working alongside professional tradespeople to give the community venue a fresh new look.

Funded through Ipswich Borough Council’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, the initiative combines learning, volunteering and community improvement, creating opportunities for young people to develop valuable skills in a real-world environment.

Building Skills and Confidence

Taking place over two weeks in November, the project is aimed at young people aged 14 to 24 who are interested in learning about construction trades, gaining work experience or simply trying something new.

Participants will work alongside experienced mentors on a range of improvement works at CHiP Community Hub, including:

• Refurbishing the kitchen
• Creating a more accessible bathroom
• Painting and decorating the main hub space
• Supporting wider renovation work around the building

The project gives young people the opportunity to experience life on an active worksite, developing practical skills while contributing to a community facility used by local residents.

A Qualification With Real Value

One of the standout benefits of the programme is the opportunity to gain a City & Guilds Entry Level 3 qualification in as little as three days.

Alongside hands-on experience in areas such as carpentry, painting and decorating, health and safety, and exposure to trades including plumbing, participants will receive guidance from industry professionals who can help them explore future career pathways.

For many young people, it could be a first step towards further training, apprenticeships or employment within the construction sector.

A Project That Benefits Everyone

What makes schemes like this particularly special is that everyone gains something.

Young people leave with new skills, increased confidence and a recognised qualification, while CHiP Community Hub receives important improvements that will help enhance the facilities available for staff, volunteers and visitors.

It’s a practical example of community investment in action, helping people and places thrive together.

No Experience Needed

Organisers are keen to hear from schools, youth groups, support organisations and families who know a young person who might benefit from taking part.

The programme is designed to be welcoming and supportive, and those who may be nervous about committing can attend a taster day first.

Sometimes all it takes is one opportunity, one mentor or one new experience to help a young person discover a path they hadn’t previously considered.

Project Details

📅 Project Dates: 2-13 November
👷 Learner Participation: 3-12 November
🕙 Daily Sessions: 10am-3pm
📍 CHiP Community Hub, 15 Princes Street, Ipswich, IP1 1PH

Interested?

Referrals and enquiries can be made by contacting:

Mia@teamviy.com

With around eight learner places available each day and flexibility for group bookings, organisers are encouraging anyone working with young people to get in touch.

For young people looking to gain practical experience, build confidence and make a genuine difference in their community, this Ipswich project could be an opportunity not to miss.