5
20
7
91%
THE CHALLENGE
EN:Able Communities were commissioned by Yorkshire Learning Providers UK Shared Prosperity Fund which was allocated by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority to provide training for staff in North Yorkshire organisations to increase their understanding of the causes of condensation leading to mould in the home.
There is a general lack of knowledge about damp and mould in the home and its negative impacts on health. Organisations would like to support colleagues in learning how to improve air quality in their homes.
THE OUTCOME
EN:Able Communities developed a bespoke bite sized workshop as a skills solution for the priority business sectors identified in the Local Skills Improvement Plan. The sectors engaged with were construction, health & social care, and digital & creative.
Thirty-minute sessions were delivered online and in person throughout March 2025 to twenty total staff of Alan Wood & Partners, Equans, Galliford Try, Harrogate College and Heatly at no cost to the organisations.
The workshops focused on the common causes of condensation and mould in the home, its detrimental impact on health, and practical tips for preventative measures to address it to maintain a healthier living environment.
Seven participants also took the National Open College Network (NOCN) CPD certified course – Understanding Damp & Mould: Protecting Your Home & Health.
91% of learners who responded to the post-training survey said they would recommend the workshop to others and that they would share the learning with colleagues, family, friends, neighbours and community groups.
It was great to fund the programme as there is a real need for wider awareness of the issues which mould can create in the home, particularly in relation to the health issues which can occur. North Yorkshire has fantastic architecture but due to the age of buildings mould can have a significant impact for residents. This will have a much wider impact with less health issues and also a reduction to mould in homes with simple and effective changes to daily lives of the residents in the area.
Kelly Townend | Operations Manager, Yorkshire Learning Providers
PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS SAID:
The interactive sessions were engaging and enlightening for both myself and my Equans colleagues and have provided us with the tools to not only prevent these issues in our own homes but also to support others in damp, mould and condensation prevention in their homes.
Julie Bennett | Customer Care Manager, Equans
The participants found the session interesting and useful. Teachers will now include the content within their curriculum areas as part of our commitment to embedding sustainability in to the course content. The participants were also able to apply the knowledge taught to their home lives, myself in particular talking to the family about closing bathroom doors and leaving bath mats on the floor!
Nicola Nash | Harrogate College
The information was really clear and gave us all food for thought, both in a work and personal context. I for one will be making small changes to improve my home and personal health as a result of the course.
Rebecca Caunce | Corporate Responsibility Manager, Galliford Try
Alan Wood & Partners have a number of surveyors going into all types of properties; this was very beneficial to them. Being able to have these mini workshops is helpful to the business and for the health and wellbeing of our staff.
Alison Ringrose | Business Development Manager, Alan Wood & Partners
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