A group of Swindon residents has officially graduated from a unique six-week DIY course that’s proving to be more than just nails and paint. It’s become a story of confidence, connection, and community.
Organised through a collaboration between Swindon Borough Council’s Adult Community Learning and Tenant Academy teams, the training was delivered by provider Renew at Enterprise Works. The idea? Simple – equip local tenants with the kind of practical home maintenance skills that save time, money, and a call to the council.
The course was backed by a tenant-led steering group, and with the help of contractors HSL, who provided a mock bathroom installation, and Enterprise Works, who set up hands-on training booths, participants were able to get stuck into real-life DIY scenarios in a safe, supportive environment.
Over the course of six weeks, learners picked up a toolkit of everyday skills – from unblocking sinks and fixing leaking taps, to putting up shelves and even changing toilet seats. As one participant, Tony Bastings, proudly shared, “It was very interesting and educational. I learnt more in this short period than I thought I would. It’s not going to overtax you, you don’t need a degree, it’s something everyone can do.”
Tony even put his new skills to use straight away, repairing a garden bench at home – a small but telling example of how the course has made a difference.
The celebration event, held on Tuesday 4th June, was attended by Councillor Janine Howarth, Cabinet Member for Housing, who congratulated all the learners. She said, “They’ll be so much more confident in doing work in their own homes thanks to this. While our housing repairs team undertake a lot, there are jobs tenants can manage themselves. This course gives them that opportunity.”
Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, Cabinet Member for Education, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Learning is a skill for life, and this DIY course removes the barriers some residents may feel when tackling simple repairs. It’s a brilliant addition to our learning programme.”
For those who have the know-how but lack the kit, the Council’s ‘Library of Things’ is also based at Enterprise Works. Since launching in February, nearly 700 people have joined the scheme, borrowing everything from drills to pressure washers.
The next round of DIY courses begins on Monday, 9th June, with more planned throughout the year. Tenants interested in getting involved can contact the Adult Community Learning team or visit Swindon Borough Council’s website for more information.
So, whether it’s fixing a cupboard door or transforming a room with a lick of paint, Swindon’s residents are proving that a little knowledge really does go a long way.
