Communal kitchen created for residents

Tuesday 15 February 2011

Residents living in a supported housing scheme in Tottenham have received a brand new Decent Homes standard kitchen, thanks to National Apprenticeship Week.

To celebrate the week (7 -11 February), 11 Homes for Haringey apprentices transformed a former storage space area to install a ‘Symphony’ style fitted kitchen, complete with cooker, worktops and Beechfront wall units, at Coombes House, N17.

Homes for Haringey apprentices turn storage area into kitchen for elderly residents at Coombes House N17

The 27 residents now have the opportunity to show off their culinary skills while entertaining and socialising in the communal kitchen which backs onto a large garden. Final touches will be added this week when vinyl sheet flooring is added. The project was completed by a team of plumbers, electricians and carpenters.

During the week, two apprentices also took time out to host information stalls, providing information and advice at Apprenticeship Information Fairs held at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London.Over 100 visitors attended over the two days.

Councillor John Bevan, Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said:

“The team did a fantastic job over the week. Whether they are working in tenants’ homes or in void properties, they are ambassadors for both the Council and Homes for Haringey. They play a very important role to our customers as we continually aim to get their repairs right the very first time. The impression that they leave to all their customers, throughout their careers, when carrying out repairs gives a lasting impression about Homes for Haringey and the Council.”

Homes for Haringey’s, Void Coordinator, Liam Byrne, added: “It was a pleasure working with the apprentices over the week. They worked very well, on their own initiative and as part of a team and performed their tasks to a high standard. Well done to them all.”

Over the week, the team carried out the following:

Monday 7 February

  • Preparation work: collecting and delivering materials, equipment and power tools to site
  • Clearing the storage room
  • Carpenters made up units in adjacent laundry room
  • Electricians drilled holes in kitchen wall for copper waste pipe work
  • Chased the external walls

Tuesday 8 February

  • Plumbers ran pipe work (cold water)
  • Carpenters fitted base units
  • 2 post graduate media students from City University filmed and interviewed apprentices at work. The film was shown and discussed at the afternoon lecture

Wednesday 9 February

  • Ran mains cable (external) for all the electric power in kitchen
  • Fitted worktops
  • Cut out plinths
  • Fitted doors
  • Visit from Paul Bridge, Chief Executive, Homes for Haringey

Thursday 10 February

  • Plumbed in sink
  • Edged strips
  • Floor latex screed
  • Photo opportunity with apprentices and local residents

Friday 11 February

  • Tiling/mastic
  • Sockets
  • Visit from Cllr Bevan, Cabinet Member of Housing Services and Charlotte Bent, Deputy Director of Repairs
  • Making good and clearing up
  • Walls painted

Background information

Homes for Haringey’s in-house repairs team employs over 250 staff including approximately 200 tradespeople and officers.  Almost 50, who are now fully qualified, started their careers as Haringey apprentices. The trades include bricklaying, carpentry, electrical, plastering and plumbing.

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