Abri and its building materials supplier Travis Perkins Managed Services (TPMS) have joined forces in Bracknell, funding a project that saw local teens renovate and transform the Look In Cafe in Great Hollands Square.
It has been in its current location since 2013, and it was recently redecorated by a group of youngsters from Volunteer It Yourself (VIY), an organisation supporting young people who are struggling in education or out of work by providing on-the-job training. Official figures recently showed more than 1M young people are not in education, employment or training (NEET), the highest level in more than 12 years. An interim report into young people and work disclosed worrying figures, and raised concern over a “lost generation” for which opportunities are shrinking, not growing.
The volunteers were involved in painting, decorating and sanding, and they were guided by experienced trade professionals every step of the way, with the completed space now serving as a vibrant hub for residents.
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Michelle Smith, Social Value Manager at Travis Perkins Managed Services, said: “Partnering with our customer Abri to help rejuvenate the Look In Cafe has been a great project to be involved in.
“It has not only made the cafe a more welcoming place for the local community, but the young volunteers from VIY have gained valuable experience from completing the work.
“Seeing the cafe transformed and knowing it happened through hands-on learning for someone is what the social value programme at TPMS is all about.
“Who knows what the opportunity might lead to for the young volunteers, but it is great to be able to help them unlock their potential, and it is exactly the kind of impact we want to have in the communities we serve.”
Olivia Morris, Community Investment Area Manager at Abri, said: “Creating social value is extremely important to Abri, and projects like this show the difference it can make in communities like Great Hollands.
“The Look in Cafe is a vital local space that we’ve supported for some time, not just offering affordable food and a community pantry, but as a safe and welcoming place for people to come together.
“The café looks much brighter now, and I can’t wait to see the renovation fully finished once the new furniture arrives. It was great to work closely with VIY and Travis Perkins Managed Services to make this project become a reality. The young volunteers and the VIY mentors have done a fantastic job they should be proud of.”
