Royal Greenwich Plans Free Do It Yourself (DIY) Courses For Council Tenants

* Cllr Chris Kirby
Cabinet Member
for Housing.
(Credit: RGB)

by our RBG Correspondent | Woolwich

Moves are underway to provide training sessions for council tenants in DIY (do-it-yourself) for minor repairs and maintenance.

The One-day courses are likely to include: 

* plumbing, and what to do if there is a leak or a blocked sink 

* carpentry, such as rehanging or tightening cupboard doors and handles

* electrical, covering changing light bulbs, smoke alarm batteries and fuses

* decorating, including painting, tiling, sealants, and mold and damp cleansing and prevention.

Housing associations around the country run free courses for their tenants to receive training in these areas, and the council is planning a similar scheme in partnership with Greenwich Community College.

The aim is to help people be confident about maintaining their homes, and cut the number of trades people being called in to carry out repairs.

A taster class for council tenants was held at the recently-opened Construction Skills Centre in Tudway Road, Kidbrooke, last Wednesday (October 7).

Residents were able to get a feel for the course, and give their views on how it went. One tenant taking part was Pauline Webb from Greenwich, who said: “I think the course is marvellous. I learned things this morning that I didn’t know about. It sounds ridiculous but I didn’t know the correct way to hold a screwdriver properly. I also wanted to know about plumbing and how to fix a leak, and the correct way to wire an electrical plug. It’s definitely a good course to go on.”

And Alison Cullen from Eltham said: “It went really well. Being sight impaired I was a bit concerned about going. But I picked up a few tips. I want to do classes in electrics and plumbing and they said they would get some large print leaflets for me. I learned a lot, it was really good and worthwhile.”

Councillor Kirby, Royal Borough of Greenwich Cabinet member for Housing said: “This scheme is all about helping our tenants to have the skills to do basic DiY jobs around the home confidently and efficiently. It looks like a winner all round.”

For details of forthcoming courses and how to book a place visit :

www.royalgreenwich.gov.uk/housingdiycourses.