Toyota apprentices transform charity’s family centre

A team of apprentices from Toyota Manufacturing UK have completed a makeover Children First Derby’s family centre.

The group, which also included apprentices from Toyota’s partner companies, spent five days transforming the charity’s premises in Leopold Street after securing funding through the car-maker’s charitable trust.

Children First Derby has supported children, young people and families across the city for more than 50 years.

Its city centre base provides a vital contact centre where children can spend time with family members, as well as hosting autism support and wellbeing courses.

After months of planning, the apprentices rolled up their sleeves to completely revitalise both the indoor and outdoor spaces.

Inside, they redecorated rooms, assembled new furniture and created a more comfortable, home-from-home environment for families meeting at the centre.

Outside, they replaced fencing, built bespoke seating with raised planters, repainted the children’s playhouse and pressure washed the courtyard, transforming it into a welcoming garden where children can relax and play with their families.

Apprentice Charlie Slater said: “It was amazing to be able to spend the time here and learn how the charity impact young peoples’ lives.”

Fellow apprentice Thomas Homer added: “As the week progressed it was good to see how our work paid off and made an impact.”

As a lasting reminder of the project, children and young people who use the charity added colourful handprints to a mural on one of the walls.

A commemorative plaque has also been unveiled at the building to recognise the apprentices’ contribution.

Fiona Coe, from Children First Derby, said: “I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone involved.

“The Toyota team never stopped working and the range of skills they brought was incredible.

“They have completely brought the space back to life and transformed our garden into somewhere children and families will genuinely enjoy spending time together.”

Richard Finchett, trustee for the Toyota Charitable Trust and deputy managing director at Toyota Manufacturing UK, said: “What a fantastic opportunity for our apprentices to put their skills to good use, whilst benefitting some amazing local organisations — a win, win all round.”