DIY course is just the job
15 May 2008
Formerly homeless people in Birmingham are learning essential house maintenance skills like plumbing, tiling and painting on a 10-week course organised by Shelter.
Run with the help of B&Q and property services company Ian Williams, the unique scheme gives participants the confidence and skills to carry out basic repairs and maintenance in their own home.
Many of the participants are being supported by Shelter's Homeless to Home project in Birmingham, which helps formerly homeless individuals and families to move into and maintain a new home.
Hannah Friend, manager of Shelter Birmingham Homeless to Home, said:
'We have been working closely with the local community to empower service users to rebuild their lives following a period of homelessness, and we are delighted that B&Q and Ian Williams are investing in helping those in need of support.
'The skills that people will learn at these workshops will enable them to repair and improve their homes, so that it is somewhere they can take pride in. With our support and their newly found confidence we hope they will be able to go on and pursue other new areas of learning or skills development.'
Mike Turner, development director at Ian Williams, said:
'We are delighted to be involved in this scheme. As a long-term supporter of Shelter, we wanted to use our skills and knowledge to help others as well as providing a financial contribution.'
To ensure the participants gain maximum benefit, Ian Williams will be giving all those who complete the course a free B&Q toolkit.
