Guide hut set for Build Yourself treatment!

08 January 2018

A Guide hut is being given a makeover as it becomes the final venue to be given the Build Yourself treatment.

Build Yourself is a community project which is run by Fresh Visions, the charity hosted and supported by us.

It gives low waged and unemployed 18-24 year olds an opportunity to develop career based skills, while carrying out practical DIY work on community buildings across Sussex.

The funding cycle for the project has now come to an end after three years. During this time 149 young people have benefitted from the project and nine venues around the region have been given a new lease of life.

A group of volunteers will be heading to the Bexhill Guide hut, in London Road, Bexhill from Wednesday 17 January.

The six week course will begin with a taster session covering how to tile, wallpapering, basic carpentry and using power tools. Participants will then move on to refreshing the hut and giving it a modern look fit for 2018!

Naomi Mileham, who helps coordinate the Build Yourself project, said: “The course is a great way for our volunteers to boost their skills and confidence, and meet new people. It has opened up a world of opportunity to our previous volunteers with many finding full time employment straight after their course has ended.”

Previous venues which have undergone the Build Yourself treatment include Hastleon Hall, Hastings, The Pelham, in Sidley, and Pulse School of Movement in St Leonards.

On Friday (5 January), Build Yourself was shortlisted for a TPAS (Southern Region) award in the Excellence in Employment Skills & Training category. The annual TPAS Awards "showcases the compelling and inspirational success stories of tenants, landlords and contractors working together across
the communities of England". The winners will be announced on February 9 at the Hilton London Wembley.

The Build Yourself project is funded by Comic Relief, Optivo, Orbit Housing Association and BSW Heating.

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