Russet residents doing it for themselves

Ladies rolled up their sleeves and learnt how to do it for themselves during a free D.I.Y. workshop run by Russet Homes at an empty property in Tonbridge.

The training was given by Lakehouse – one of Russet’s strategic maintenance partners - who is working with Russet Homes to install new kitchen and bathrooms for tenants. The all women group tried their hand at painting and decorating and everyday jobs around the kitchen including adjusting kitchen cupboards which had dropped out of line and locating isolation valves and stopcocks in a plumbing emergency. They also learnt lots of health and safety tips including the importance of wearing the correct protective equipment and reading instructions before starting.

Jacqueline Wilkinson, Russet Homes Operations Director – Housing Services, said: “We are committed to enhancing 'Life Chances' and one way we can do this is by providing training and education and safe environments. We asked our residents what type of training they would find most useful and one of the top requests was DIY covering simple day to day maintenance and repairs. Whilst all our properties are quickly prepared once a tenant leaves for the next occupant, we had one which had just become vacant. It provided the perfect place to hold the workshop allowing everyone to get really hands on and practise what they had been shown in a real life setting. The workshop was open to all our residents but interestingly we received an all ladies response.”

Most of the ladies had very little experience of DIY but one lady, Selina Boyd, is a keen supporter of women getting hands on with jobs around the home, she said: “I read about the workshop in the Russet newsletter and thought what a great idea. Even though it’s unusual for a lady I am a real DIY enthusiast and I’m always keen to learn more. I’m one of those people who enjoy taking something all apart if it doesn’t work to try and fix it - mind you I often have a piece left over after putting it back together!”

Jacqueline added: “Not only does the training give residents the confidence and skills to tackle some DIY jobs themselves but also means they are able to look after their homes better, and to a good standard. That’s good news for their families and for us.”

Part of Circle Anglia – one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing, Russet Homes own and manage around 6,600 properties in Tonbridge and Malling.