First VIY Project in Scotland Creates Lasting Impact

When Volunteer It Yourself (VIY) began looking for its first project in Scotland, Bell Group suggested exploring opportunities through the ESES Communities Portal. VIY is a social enterprise that supports young people to develop practical trade skills and confidence by working alongside experienced professionals on real community improvement projects.

At the same time, Royston Wardieburn Community Centre in North Edinburgh had a live request on the portal, seeking support to revitalise its courtyard and improve key indoor spaces used by local residents and community groups.

Thanks to a collaborative effort involving VIY, The Screwfix Foundation and the George and Annette Bell Foundation, a project was developed to transform underused areas of the centre into more welcoming, practical spaces that the community can enjoy for years to come.

 

 

 

The Need:
Royston Wardieburn Community Centre is a vibrant local hub, hosting sports activities, support groups, family services, community events, a weekly community meal and a low-cost pantry. However, several indoor and outdoor areas required improvements to make them more attractive, functional and accessible for the many people who use the centre each week.

The courtyard in particular had become tired and underutilised, limiting its potential as an outdoor space for community activities and social connection.

 

The Support Provided:
Over a two-week period, VIY participants, supported by industry professionals and Screwfix volunteers, completed a wide range of improvements across the centre.

Outdoor works included:

• Removal of existing soft matting and installation of new artificial grass.
• Construction of four bespoke timber planters for growing vegetables.
• Building two new wooden benches to create welcoming seating areas.
• Creation of a ventilated outdoor storage unit.

 

Internal improvements included:

• Repairs and adjustments to the centre's kitchen units.
• Repair of the granite worktop.
• Construction of a new timber storage unit to replace an ageing metal cabinet.
• Improvements to the pot wash area, including repositioning appliances and creation of additional workspace.

Working Together:
The project brought together community need, charitable funding and industry expertise to deliver meaningful change.

Funding support from The Screwfix Foundation and the George and Annette Bell Foundation helped make the improvements possible, while Bell Group's connection through the ESES Communities Portal enabled VIY to identify a project where their unique model of combining practical work with skills development could make a significant impact.

The project also provided valuable hands-on experience for young people working alongside experienced tradespeople, helping them develop confidence, practical skills and employability.

 

The Impact:
The transformed courtyard now provides a more welcoming and usable outdoor environment for residents, families and community groups. The new planters will enable the centre to grow fresh produce for the local community, while the additional seating creates opportunities for people to meet, socialise and enjoy the space.

Inside the centre, the upgraded kitchen and storage areas have improved functionality for staff and volunteers, supporting the delivery of essential community services and activities.

 

 

Community Feedback:
"The donation was an unexpected and hugely welcome boost as the Management Committee considered how best to address a growing list of improvement works, 14 years after the centre first opened. We were absolutely delighted and grateful to be selected as the first VIY projects in Scotland.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Graham, Simon and Andy from VIY for the incredible amount they achieved in such a short space of time. Thanks also to the Screwfix Foundation volunteers, who worked tirelessly both indoors and outdoors throughout the project. We are grateful for the support of the George and Annette Bell Foundation, whose funding helped make so much of this work possible. Finally, a huge thank you to the young people who embraced the opportunity, stepped outside their comfort zones and rose to a new challenge. Their hard work and commitment have left a lasting legacy for our community."

Royston Wardieburn Community Centre Management Committee

Looking Ahead:
This project highlights the power of collaboration in creating stronger, more resilient communities. By bringing together funders, businesses, skilled volunteers and community organisations, a neglected space has been transformed into an asset that will benefit local people for years to come.

From improved facilities to new opportunities for food growing, learning and social connection, the project leaves a lasting legacy at the heart of North Edinburgh.