The Prime Minister has praised a Streatham Youth Centre project that engaged disadvantaged young people in refurbishing their building, after it was presented with a Big Society Award.

The project, run by Pimlico Plumbers, DIY chain Wickes, training organisation A4e and the Co-Sponsorship Agency, saw more than 40 young people help replace the youth centre building’s roof, undertake plumbing work in the toilet facilities and service and repair the central heating system. 


The team also redecorated the building and a sister club property nearby. All the work was carried out under the mentoring and supervision of Pimlico Plumbers’ engineers and trades people.


Designed to provide training opportunities for the group of 16 to 25 year-olds, all the trainees achieved an entry-level building and construction skills qualification and 26 of the 43 VIY graduates progressed to further trade skills training opportunities via a local vocational training centre in Brixton. A further four secured apprenticeships with local companies.


The VIY project also won awards in three categories at the Corporate Engagement Awards. 


David Cameron said: “This is a fantastic example of a Big Society approach where young people learn building and trade skills while at the same time providing vital repair work and improvements to their local community centres. It is also a great example of businesses of all sizes working together to come up with a solution that has a lasting effect for everyone involved.


“It is great to hear that volunteers from the Volunteer It Yourself programme have secured further training opportunities, apprenticeships and jobs as a result of taking part in this. I am also really pleased to see that it is being extended to other regions in the country.”


Charlie Mullins, managing director of Pimlico Plumbers, said: “We are very proud to receive such a wonderful endorsement from the Prime Minister.  When we came up with the idea for the project it had Mr Cameron’s Big Society agenda at its heart alongside my desire to provide young people with the skills and motivation that will get them into employment and a meaningful career. 


The project has made a real difference to the lives of the young people who took part as well as dramatically improving the youth centre. Everyone involved should be really proud of what we’ve achieved.”