An empty property in Swanley got a partial make-over by a group of tenants recently.

Seven residents tried their hand at painting and wallpapering, at our second successful painting and decorating workshop.

Tony, a decorator with Ian Williams, demonstrated the best way to prepare walls and woodwork, as well as giving some valuable top tips. Attendees learned the best way to wallpaper around a plug socket, which paintbrush to use depending on what they’re painting and what ‘soaking time’ means.

I would highly recommend the painting and decorating workshop. I learned so much and took away loads of tips"

Audrey, an attendee at the workshop

Residents at the painting and decorating workshop

These four-hour workshops aim to help tenants feel more confident about decorating their home to make it look and feel fresher. All of the residents were given a starter kit to put their new skills into practice, which included a paint tray and paintbrushes.

It wasn’t all about painting and decorating, our residents were also given practical plumbing advice such as what to do if you have a leak, where all the main valves are located and how to pressurise a boiler. Louis, Lead Maintenance Engineer with iNHomes, our in-house repairs team offered advice to help prevent damage to the home in the case of a leak.

The day was a great success and we are planning another one later in the year.

The future of Abacus Furniture Project

Abacus Furniture Project will close on 16 November 2026.

 

Our Residents' Influence and Impact Report 2025/26

Our Residents' Influence and Impact Report 2025/26 shows how feedback, scrutiny, surveys and resident involvement have influenced decision-making at West Kent over the past year, as well as the improvements we've delivered as a result.