Lessons in how to do it yourself for council tenants

An empty council became a handiwork heaven for council tenants who wanted to brush up their DIY skills ahead of the spring clean.

The empty property on Ullswater Crescent in Halton Moor, managed by East North East Homes Leeds (ENEHL), was transformed during 10 skills workshops in basic joinery, decorating, plastering, tiling and how to handle power tools.

ENEHL and improvement and repairs partner Connaught Partnerships Ltd provided expert tutoring for the residents on how to make improvements to their homes.

Each tenant who completed the course was provided with a free toolbox courtesy of Jewson of a tool bag, trowels, tape measure, hand saw, paint brushes, pencils, a scraper, screwdriver set and claw hammer.

In addition, one of the tenants will now be offered the opportunity to further develop their skills with Leeds College of Building, with an offer of a place on a relevant course for the most promising participant.

Angelena Fixter, chair of the East North East Homes Leeds boards, said:
“Giving our tenants the chance to learn new skills to brighten up their homes is a great new initiative.
“We are thrilled to be working with our partners in bringing DIY skills training to our customers.
“We are also delighted to be offering one of our tenants the opportunity to access a course at Leeds College of Building which could offer the opportunity of a entirely new career for one of our tenants.”

Carol Taylor, Connaught customer experience co-ordinator, said:
“It’s the time of year when many people choose to decorate in order to give their homes a new look for the year ahead but after speaking to tenants it became clear that while many had the desire to decorate their homes, they weren’t always confident that they had the required skills’.
“It was this that inspired Connaught to work with ENEHL to provide the DIY Skills Workshops and if the skills learned during these sessions can help our customers to improve their homes then we will be delighted.”

Any ENEHL tenants who would be interested in attending such a future course should please contact Abbas Shah at the ENEHL contact centre on 0800 915 1600.

ENEHL and Connaught are working in partnership to provide repairs and maintenance and voids works to Leeds City Council properties.

Notes for editors:
Connaught, a FTSE250 plc with a turnover in excess of £650M, is the UK’s leading integrated services provider operating in the social housing, public sector and compliance markets. Connaught’s service range includes planned and response maintenance; estate cleaning and grounds maintenance; gas, electrical, water and fire safety; health and safety consultancy and training.

East North East Homes Leeds is one of three Arms Length Management Organisations (ALMO) which manage and maintain council housing on behalf of Leeds City Council. It is wholly owned by the council, which retains ownership of housing stock and sets rents. East North East Homes Leeds covers the areas of Boston Spa, Burmantofts, Chapel Allerton, Chapeltown, Collingham, Gipton, Halton Moor, Harehills, Linton, Meanwood, Moor Allerton, Moortown, Seacroft, and Wetherby.

ENDS
For media enquiries please contact:
Michael Molcher, Leeds City Council (0113) 224 3937
e-mail: michael.molcher@leeds.gov.uk