Support workers from Nottingham Community Housing Association(NCHA) decided to “do it themselves” recently in a bid to save costs and improve the lives of their service users in Retford (Notts).

Normally NCHA lay carpet in supported housing but staff suggested that laminate flooring would look better and hopefully last longer, whilst encouraging tenants to take better care of their homes. However, the cost of laying the floors was going to put a stop to the scheme until support workers suggested they lay the floor themselves!

Rounding up his team of 4, Andy Dent, Project Manager for the new development of 21 flats at Wright Wilson Street in Retford, offered to lay the laminate flooring at the 12 flats which have been designated for their Housing with Care and Support tenants.

Breaking off to make a much needed cuppa for the team, Andy said “These homes are intended for young people who are often living on their own for the first time. Anyone with teenagers knows its not easy to keep things clean, so we thought that laminate flooring was a good solution. That way, when the tenant moves on and a new person arrives, we don’t have to replace the carpet. In the long run the flooring not only save costs, it will encourage the tenants to take pride in their flats. Most new developments on the open market have laminate flooring – why shouldn’t supported housing have it too?”