Graham got in touch needing help with a kitchen light fitting. At eighty years old, he’s no longer stable enough on ladders to do this sort of work safely himself. When we heard about his situation, we offered to carry out the work for free under our Positive Connections initiative, which is exactly what the programme is designed for. The electrical work itself was straightforward enough, just fitting a new light in the kitchen where he needed it.

Whilst we were working on the light installation, Graham was busy in the living room. Once we’d finished the electrical work, we went through and noticed he was in the middle of constructing something. When asked what it was, he explained he was installing an internal sliding door between the hall and living room to keep the draught out. His wife had passed away about a month earlier, and managing the house on his own meant dealing with things like draughts that perhaps hadn’t bothered him as much before.

The problem was fairly obvious once you looked at what he was attempting. He didn’t have all the tools needed to do the job properly, and he was clearly struggling with it. Getting these sorts of doors fitted correctly requires the right equipment and usually needs two people to hold things steady and get everything level. Graham was trying to manage it alone with whatever he had to hand, which wasn’t really working out.

It seemed sensible to offer to install the door for him as well. We had the proper tools in the van and the time to do it, and it would make a real difference to his comfort at home. These sliding concertina doors need to be installed square and level or they won’t operate smoothly, and the track has to be secure enough to support the weight properly. With the right equipment, it’s not a difficult job, but without it you’re fighting a losing battle.

Graham appreciated the help, and we got the door fitted and working correctly. Between the kitchen light and the draught door, he had two jobs done that would make his daily life a bit easier. The light means he can see properly when he’s cooking or moving around the kitchen, and the door will help keep the living room warmer when he wants it closed off from the hallway.

This is what Positive Connections is really about. Sometimes you turn up to do one electrical job and realise there’s something else the person needs help with that’s within your ability to sort out. Graham needed both jobs doing and didn’t have the tools or physical capability to manage either safely on his own. Being able to provide that support at no cost means he’s got a more comfortable and functional home without having to worry about the expense or risk of trying to do it himself.