New initiative teaches Bexley women car maintenance skills (From News Shopper)

New initiative teaches Bexley women car maintenance skills

12:20pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

WOMEN in Bexley who can’t tell a cam belt from a spark plug need no longer worry thanks to a new initiative.

International Women’s Day on Friday (March 8) saw the launch of SMaRT Women which aims to give women confidence and an understanding of basic motor vehicle safety and maintenance checks.

Participants were given a briefing on legal requirements, the scope of the MOT test, tyre conditions and other dos and don'ts at the SMaRT Garage in Crayford’s Acorn Industrial Estate.

This was followed by a practical session on how to undertake a range of maintenance and safety checks.

Bexley Council leader Teresa O’Neill was there to pick up a few tips for herself.

She said: "All too often I've felt out of my comfort zone when something simple has gone wrong with my car.

"This is an excellent initiative that I am sure will help many women in the borough.

SMaRT stands for Socially Minded and Responsible Trading’ and all SMaRT women courses at the garage are run by women.

The garage is run by charity First Step Trust which provides work and training opportunities for people with mental health issues or other disadvantages, including drug and alcohol recovery problems or a history of offending.

Visit smartgarageservices.co.uk

Are you a lady who struggles as soon as you open the bonnet (or a guy who doesn't want to admit to it)? Leave you comments below or tweet @NewsShopper