A female-only event which aimed to provide women with DIY skills was a nailed-on success.
Hundreds of people enquired about the Empower Her event, held at Clowne Community Centre, but only 20 places were available.
The session, delivered by sustainable facilities organisation EQUANS, saw participants handed a free toolbox and tools to take home and given basic DIY skills and techniques, as well as practical tips to build confidence in carrying out simple repairs around the home.
The event was held as part of the East Midlands Festival of Retrofit, led by East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) to showcase how energy-efficient improvements can make a difference to homes and communities, and supported by Bolsover District Council.
EQUANS staff Claire Marcham, Siobhan Shannon and Taras Shevchenko talked participants through the contents of their toolboxes – a screwdriver, pliers, tape measure, spirit level, wench, hammer and radiator bleed/gas meter key.
The women were then given step-by-step guides of household scenarios including bleeding a radiator, unblocking a sink trap, fixing a leaking shower head, unblocking a toilet, changing a lightbulb and changing a fuse.
They were also given tips on decorating and carpentry, how to hang a picture and how to change a door lock.
There was then a chance for the women to ask questions, with one asking how to help prevent mould and EQUANS staff giving ventilation advice.
Mother and daughter Marlene and Dawn, who live in Bolsover and Hodthorpe respectively, said they found the session useful, particularly advice about mould, radiators and hanging pictures in new-build properties.
Claire Marcham, EQUANS’ social value co-ordinator, said: “The aim of the event was to empower participants by giving practical measures that can improve the comfort and energy efficiency of their homes.
“We are really pleased with how this first event went.”
The Economist reported in March 2024 that women are increasingly buying their own tools, a trend associated with the growth of female DIY influencers on social media.
Councillor Jeanne Raspin, Bolsover District Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “We are delighted to support the East Midlands Festival of Retrofit and, in particular, the Empower Her event held in Clowne.
“Sessions like this can make a real difference in not only empowering residents to be self-sufficient, but also to make their own homes more comfortable and energy-efficient while reducing bills.”