Hi georgina.harber
Have you been in touch with your local benefits office, it might be worth asking them if you are entitled to a community grant or decorating help.
When I moved into my first home with my daughter, I was given a decorating grant. Although it was only £16 per room, laughable really when I had no carpet and the walls had half stripped wall paper. But it can buy you the cheapest of paint!
As for someone to do it, there is Lets Schemes, (a barter system, like Louise mentioned) I have looked in your area, but not found anything, maybe you have to register with them to get more info, it might be worth contacting them?
I moved in here four and a half years ago, and the house was very poorly decorated in magnolia. I have four children and it's pretty manky by now!
My children, I'm sure, are old enough to decorate, but I have found asking the walls to do things to help is more effective.
I'm afraid I've been suckered into ordering a paint pad with extention pole that was advertised on a home shopping channel!! They showed someone using the pole to do the ceiling - and as I can't kneel or bend down, I'm wondering if I can use it on the parts of the walls I can't reach... It's not arrived yet, but I am looking forward to it coming. I'll try it without paint first! If it doesn't work I have wasted a lot of money from my budget. If it does work I'll be thrilled!
I did buy one of these paint pod things when they were on a half-price offer about three, if not four years back, but have been too "scared" to start to paint incase I can't reach parts - can't do ladders anymore either.
I used to love decorating!
Sorry to be going on!
When it comes I'll let you know...
sparklinglime
Get your children to do it, my daughter is fab at it. I think yours are old enough, how wrong can it go??
Looking forward to hearing your escapades with the paint pad!
You are sooooo welcome, georgina.barber
Hope you will visit regularly and we can get to know you more. Do keep posting and join in some of the other threads:-)
Hi georgina.barber
'Freedom of Expression' I love it!
You will have great fun together! I love getting my painting gear on and getting messy.
Which rooms are you planning on doing? What colours?
Let us know how it goes :)
Hello Georgina
First of all welcome!
Secondly, I do not know of any national scheme but there are many local ones throughout the country. Have a look here for your nearest Council for Voluntary Services http://webdb.navca.org.uk/home.aspx and give them a ring and ask if there are any projects which help with home maintenance etc.
If there aren't then it is worth thinking about a barter system. Could you provide some childcare for someone who is good at painting? or some gardening, for example? Your local church is another possible port of call as they sometimes provide working parties to do things in the community.
Another idea is to join your local Neighbourhood Hub and see what is going on. See http://www.neighboursunited.co.uk/guide/neighbour-hub
Hope this has given you some inspiration!