Young volunteers transform 116-year-old working men’s club
Young volunteers have transformed a working men’s club, giving the century old community centre a much-needed facelift.
The group of 27 workers, aged between 14 and 24, spent 10 days refurbishing the interior of Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club in Kirkham Street.
The club, which first opened its doors 116 years ago, serves the community with regular darts tournaments for the London Youth National League.
In just over a week, the team of volunteers updated the youth darts arena and adults dart space, transformed the main entrance area by sanding the wooden flooring, repaired damaged walls, doors and skirting boards and repainted the interior.
Funded by Tool supplier Toolstation, the volunteers come together from youth referral partners including London South East College, Newhaven School and Shooter Hills College.
Toolstation joined forces with social enterprise Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) for the project.
The initiative is helping more young people learn DIY skills and to consider a career in the construction and building industry, while renovating a space they may use and benefit from.
More than 75 per cent of the young people involved in the project were 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.”
Pictured top: The team spent 10 days refurbishing the interior of Plumstead Common Working Men’s Club (Picture: VIY)