UNIVERSITY of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) Inverness students have redecorated a charity-owned home in Inverness ahead of a new tenant with special care needs moving in.
The NPA painting and decorating students, alongside lecturer Jordan Bryceland, spent seven days painting the entire interior of the two-bedroom house owned by Gateway, the Highland Homeless Trust.
The charity reached out to UHI Inverness to see if any students would be able to paint the property, after being unable to hire professionals. Lorraine Nesbitt, business administrator at the Highland Homeless Trust, is a former UHI Inverness student and knew how valued work experience opportunities are at the learning institution.
Agreeing to take on the task, the painting and decorating team at UHI Inverness also offered to carry it out free of charge. The students also arranged for Valspar Trade and Trade Point, Inverness, to kindly sponsor all the materials.
The skills and generosity of the students means the house, in the Carse area of Inverness, is now ready to be leased out to a future tenant, who will be offered the supported accommodation as part of their care package.
Delighted with the standard of work, Lorraine said, “The students have done a fantastic job. The last tenant had been living in the property for a while and it really needed a good freshen up. It’s now ready to allow someone to live independently in their community with assistance.”
Lecturer Jordan Bryceland was also impressed. He added, “I have been very impressed with the way the students have applied and conducted themselves throughout this project and it was great to see them put what they have learned so far into practice. It has been a good experience and has definitely had a positive impact on the students.”
