Lives 'transformed' by 'something as simple as DIY'

Nyree McKenny says the class has already given her confidence

A group of women from Londonderry have said they feel empowered after the first day of a six-week DIY course.

The course is part of service launched by the charity WomensTec, which has just opened a workshop in the city.

Nyree McKenny, from the Waterside women's group, described the confidence the course has already given her as "amazing".

"The future has so many possibilities now I am learning this," she said.

The DIY course will be running for the next six weeks and is the first to be launched out of the Derry WomensTec workshop.

It is taught by Coleraine-based Hayley Mathieson, who is a plumber by trade.

The first day of the course saw the ladies learning how to use power tools safely, and to give them the confidence to be able to undertake tasks around the house.

By the end of the course, the women should know how to build stud walls, repair walls and then tile them.

The women are taking part in a six week course to upskill

"They are doing really well, we aren't hearing much of the wrong drill noise, which is a good sign," Ms Mathieson told BBC News NI.

Nyree McKenny said after just one day of their six-week course, she might consider having a go at helping with panelling in the garage – something before the class she would have not done.

"The future has so many possibilities now I am learning this," she said.

Another important element for Ms McKenny is the social aspect of the course, which she said is "special" because the women can meet new friends.

"When you get a crowd of women together, you know it will be good craic," she said.

'Empowering'

WomensTec began in Belfast more than 20 years ago, but is only now offering services in Derry.

It aims to get women and girls into non-traditional trades. Some of the courses they offer are in joinery, electrics, plumbing, and brick laying.

The charity also have a car parked outside the workshop which is there to help women learn how to do thing such as change oil in their car, or remove and replace windshield wipers.

Patrica Fleming, who is a programme coordinator with the group, said there are numerous benefits of being a part of the group.

"The most obvious is that they come here and learn practical skills which is not only empowering but is actually saves them money," she said.

Patrica Flemin, the programme coordinator of WomensTec and Nuala Griffiths, the Vice Chair of WomensTech

Ms Fleming said other benefits include the social aspect.

"The support mechanisms they give each other is incredible and when you put women in a room together, that is when the magic happens," she said.

The charity also gives women the opportunity to get back into work by offering CV preparation and interview skills training.

"Their lives just transform by doing something as simple as DIY class," said Ms Fleming.

The charity also plans to visit schools in the north west to help get more girls into the trades industry.

"Girls are told in school they can do hair, beauty and nails, and that is ok if they want to do it, but we have a chance to show them that they have other options too," Ms Fleming added.

Bridget McLaughlin said she is looking forward to going home and using the skills she is learning on the course

Nuala Griffiths is the vice chair of WomensTec, and is a Derry native.

She said she is delighted the service is finally and the city and believes there will be a large demand.

"I love the impact WomensTec has on peoples lives. Women who are struggling with their own difficulties whether that is mental health issues or drug abuse, we are here to help women and give them the confidence to get them back on the right track again," Ms Griffiths said.

Another women from the group who found the first class beneficial is Bridget McLaughlin, from Claudy in County Londonderry.

"With the drill it is amazing, the fear has gone, I would have been scared of using it before in the past but I'm quite happy to use a drill now."