YOUNG people staying with youth homelessness charity Centrepoint have been building their own boutique.

It will turn donations of furniture and clothing from the public into items the young people can sell on at affordable prices to their peers.

Work on the shop has begun, with help from construction and property services firm Wilmott Dixon, which was giving its time as part of National Volunteering Week.

T&A COMMENT: VITAL HELP FOR OUR DISTRICT’S YOUNG PEOPLE

The build was one of five days of events to start Centrepoint’s new volunteering programme aimed to encourage people to donate their time to support the charity, as well as inspiring homeless young people to seek out work experience.

Some of the young people involved will be offered the chance to take up more work experience with Wilmott Dixon.

Darren Stansfield, 24, of Bradford, has lived with Centrepoint for just under a year.

He said: "I really enjoyed it. It was great to learn a new skill like tiling and see I was good at something I’d never tried before.

"It’s difficult to find work in Bradford, but you have to say yes to opportunities like this - you can’t turn anything down. There aren’t enough jobs, especially if you don’t have the right qualifications and experience."

Clair Smith, Centrepoint’s first volunteer co-ordinator in Bradford, said: "Volunteering is a great way to give something back but it's also a fantastic way to try something new, gain work experience and try new skills.

"Our young people will be looking for opportunities but there are plenty of ways for others to help them. We’re particularly looking for mentors, learning and study skills coaches, youth activity leaders as well administrators and receptionists."

The Telegraph & Argus Charitable Foundation gave £8,095 towards the boutique, which is at Centrepoint’s Bradford Foyer.

Centrepoint runs all of the youth homelessness provision in Bradford.

The charity provides 100 beds of hostel accommodation in the city and more than 200 beds in independent accommodation with floating support from Centrepoint staff.