Free workshops for North Yorkshire organisations help staff keep homes condensation-free

Twenty staff from five organisations in North Yorkshire gained a certificate in the basics of the prevention of damp and condensation in their homes through EN:Able Communities’ bespoke bite-size workshops. 

The free thirty-minute sessions, delivered online and in person throughout March to staff of Alan Wood & Partners, Equans, Galliford Try, Harrogate College and Heatly, focused on the common causes and preventative measures for condensation and mould in the home and increasing awareness of the negative implications for health.

Seven participants also took the National Open College Network (NOCN) CPD certified course – Understanding Damp & Mould: Protecting Your Home & Health.

EN:Able Communities were commissioned by Yorkshire Learning Providers UK Shared Prosperity Fund which was allocated by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority. 

Kelly Townend, Operations Manager, Yorkshire Learning Providers said: “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.”

Juliet Bennett, Customer Care Manager, Equans 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.”

Nicola Nash Harrogate College said: “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!”

Rebecca Caunce, Corporate Responsibility Manager at Galliford Try said: “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.”

Alison Ringrose, Business Development Manager at Alan Wood & Partners said: “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.