Silver Skills Club volunteers need your spare tools

Published by NigelHowle for Staffordshire Housing Group in Housing and also in Communities, Environment, Health

Businesses are being asked to step forward with any spare household tools to help a new volunteer group. 

The Silver Skills Club is the idea of Revival Home Improvement Agency, part of the Staffordshire Housing Group, and aims to bring together former tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts to help out in their communities. 

The idea is that older residents make themselves available to help their neighbours with simple DIY tasks, such as hanging a picture or changing a tap washer. 

But to begin, the club needs help from local companies such as DIY stores and building firms, who may have tools they can donate. 

Sam Lorimer, Revival Home Improvement Agency’s Handyman Team Leader, said: “The idea for Silver Skills Club came about from a discussion where people said there was a need for older men to come together as a club and to keep active. 

“We have already had interest from a handful of men who are keen to get involved, but now we are appealing to local building firms for any spare equipment so we can get the group started. 

“We would also like to hear from other volunteers. There is no obligation on them to do set hours, and they can do as many or as few jobs as they wish. 

“The volunteers would then help people in their community with the very small jobs that would be uneconomical for tradesmen to carry out. The club would provide the labour and the home owner would provide any materials such as screws or nails.” 

The club is primarily designed to help residents living in private housing.  Revival will then keep a register of available members and ask them to call in at people’s homes as help is requested. 

Staffordshire Housing Association also provides a Handyman Service which carries out small jobs for people aged over 50, or younger people with a disability, at a cost of £10 an hour. 

To get involved in either the Silver Skills Club or to make a donation of equipment please contact Sam Lorimer on 01782 749202. 

ENDS 

For media enquiries contact Sandra Barber at Staffordshire Housing Association on 01782 744533.  

Notes to Editors:  

Staffordshire Housing Group is committed to building a better future for local communities.  The group’s  parent organisation, Staffordshire Housing Association, has around 3,000 homes for rent and sale, including three older people’s villages, and offers a range of tenant services. Revival Home Improvement Agency works with older and vulnerable home owners to help them stay warm, secure and independent in well-maintained homes.BlueMountainHousing Association works closely with refugees to provide essential support and help with access to healthcare, education, training and employment.  Since April 2012, Hanley-based charity Arch has been part of the group. Arch provides accommodation and support services to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, ex-offenders and young people leaving care.

For more information please visit www.staffshousing.org.uk.