News from Peterborough City Council

Residents of Peterborough's East Ward are being offered free training in home safety, maintenance and energy-saving skills at a serious of workshops organised under a Healthy Homes Project.

 

The first session will be held at East Community Complex, 68-72 Padholme Road, Peterborough, on Wednesday 27 February.  Subsequent sessions will be held at Saxon Community Centre, 61 Norman Road, on Wednesday 28 May and The Millennium Centre, Dickens Street, Peterborough, on Wednesday 27 August 2008.  All sessions will last from 10 am until 12.30 pm.

 

The sessions are designed to give residents a better understanding of home maintenance issues and increased confidence in dealing with a range of home maintenance challenges.

 

Healthy homes adviser Abdul Malik said: "Minor home maintenance problems can escalate into major repair projects if left unattended so these workshops offer essential advice for householders. Undertaking regular routine maintenance improves the quality of life and the physical and emotional wellbeing of residents.

 

"The workshops are particularly useful for householders who find home maintenance a challenge or who want help to start a project.  There will be opportunities to identify the causes of defects and disrepair and there will be group discussions on how to fix problems."

 

Topics being discussed include: home safety and DIY maintenance; how to undertake a range of tasks safely; practical guidance on assessing defects; how to save money on maintenance costs and on energy bills; how to transform and improve gardens at minimum cost; and how to become a trained volunteer. All attendees will receive certificates and light refreshments will be provided.

 

The project is part of an initiative in East, Central, Park, North, Fletton and Ravensthorpe Wards that aims to support homeowners who can carry out routine home maintenance safely and effectively so that their homes offer a healthy living environment.

 

In particular, it aims to offer co-ordinated and targeted support to 'vulnerable' home owners, such as those with special needs and disabilities, senior citizens, and members of black and minority ethnic groups.  Topics will include ensuring that gas appliances are checked and maintained by Corgi registered engineers.

 

Places are limited and residents are advised to make advance bookings by calling (01733) 863787 or emailing abdul.malik@peterborough.gov.uk.

 

For further information about training opportunities and healthy homes advisory services contact  Abdul Malik, on (01733) 863787;  visit www.peterborough.gov.uk;  or call at Peterborough City Council's Bayard Place offices in Broadway, Peterborough PE1 1HZ.