Calico Community Care

Everybody deserves a safe, functioning home.

At Calico, we believe nobody should have to live with an unsafe repair simply because they cannot fix it themselves or cannot afford to. Through Calico Community Care we provide free minor home repairs for elderly people, disabled people and households experiencing financial hardship throughout Edinburgh.

Whether it's replacing a light bulb, repairing a leaking tap or fitting a grab rail, we're proud to use our skills to make homes safer β€” one repair at a time.

Free minor repairs
Reviewed individually
Delivered with dignity and respect
A tradesperson helping an elderly homeowner with a repair

small jobs. big difference.

Our Belief

This is bigger than home repairs.

Most people don't need a renovation. They simply need somebody willing to help. A loose handrail. A leaking tap. A broken lock. A faulty smoke alarm. For many people those are small jobs. For somebody elderly, disabled or living on a tight budget they can become daily obstacles β€” or even safety risks.

We believe everybody deserves to feel safe in their own home. Calico Community exists to make that happen.

Nobody should live with an unsafe repair simply because they can't fix it themselves.

Our Values

What guides everything we do

Everyone deserves safety

A safe home should never be considered a luxury.

Small repairs matter

Small jobs often create the biggest improvements in daily life.

Dignity first

We help respectfully, professionally and without judgement.

Giving back

Our community built Calico. This is our way of giving something back.

How We Help

The little things that make a big difference.

Joinery

  • Grab rails
  • Handrails
  • Doors
  • Locks
  • Trip hazards
  • Minor timber repairs
  • Shelving
  • Key safes

Plumbing

  • Leaking taps
  • Replacement taps
  • Minor leaks
  • Resealing bathrooms
  • Toilet repairs
  • Small plumbing maintenance

Electrical

  • Changing bulbs
  • Smoke alarms
  • Carbon monoxide alarms
  • Light fittings
  • Minor electrical maintenance where appropriate

All work is subject to suitability, insurance and legal requirements.

Who Can Be Nominated

Who we're here to help

Elderly residents

Those who may struggle to carry out repairs safely themselves.

Disabled people

Anyone living with a disability that makes repairs difficult.

Veterans

Those who have served and may need a helping hand at home.

People referred by charities

Nominations from local charities and support organisations.

Households in financial hardship

Families who cannot afford essential minor repairs.

Every application is reviewed individually.

How It Works

Simple, from start to finish

πŸ“Ž
STEP 01

Nominate somebody

Tell us about someone who needs a hand with a small repair.

πŸ“‹
STEP 02

We review

Our team carefully reviews every nomination individually.

πŸ“…
STEP 03

We arrange a visit

We contact you and arrange a convenient time to visit.

πŸ”§
STEP 04

We complete the repair

Our tradespeople carry out the repair with care and respect.

🏠
STEP 05

A safer home

One small repair at a time, making homes safer.

Nominate Someone

Know somebody who needs a hand?

Small jobs. Big difference.

Every nomination is reviewed individually. We'll do our best to help as many people as we can.

Support The Initiative

Every customer can make a difference.

When customers complete a Calico project they'll have the opportunity to add a small optional contribution towards community care. Those contributions help us purchase materials and complete even more free repairs throughout our local community.

Β£10

Helps replace smoke alarms or light bulbs.

Β£25

Helps install grab rails.

Β£50

Helps repair a leaking tap or another essential household repair.

Live Impact

Making a difference, one repair at a time

0

Homes helped

0

Repairs completed

0

Volunteer hours

Β£0

Community contributions

Stories

Real people. Real difference.

Margaret at home after her handrail was fitted

"It wasn't just the repair."

Our team visited Margaret after her neighbour nominated her. A loose handrail had stopped her using the stairs confidently. After fitting a new handrail she told us:

"I finally feel safe walking upstairs again."

M

Margaret

Edinburgh

Partners

Working together.

Community care is made possible through the generosity of our customers, suppliers and local businesses.

Local Builders
Edinburgh Plumbers Co
Lothian Electrical
Community Trust
City Council
Scottish Building Supplies
MacLeod Timber
Heritage Hardware

Know somebody who could benefit?

Sometimes the smallest repair makes the biggest difference.

Proudly funded by Calico and the generosity of our customers.