Dipsticks and spare tyres were the order of the day for a group of women keen to find out a little more about their cars.

Stratford Women’s Well Being Service, run by Springfield Mind, called on experts from Stratford-upon-Avon College to help answer their questions and guide them through the basics of car maintenance.

Mandy Towey, who has been driving for just three years, was delighted to have the chance to carry out checks on her car, rather than having to rely on others.

She said:

“It is something I’ve wanted to learn for a while, so a course like this is ideal. I do try and check the oil and water but it is good to know that I have been doing things correctly.

“Twice I’ve been shown how to check my tyre pressures, but was still not sure. It’s the same when it comes to changing a tyre, particularly as there is a safety issue.”

 Motor Vehicle Tutor, Roy Kirk from Stratford Business Services (SBS), the business division of the college, was the man charged with teaching the women what goes on under the bonnet.

 The course came about following discussions between the women and Springfield Mind’s case worker Hannah Murphy.

 She said:

 “We regularly consult the women who attend the weekly Women’s Well Being Service to find out what they want, and this was one of the ideas that came up. Many of them felt it was not only a useful thing to know about, but would also really help with confidence building.

 “Confidence and empowerment are key elements to the service that we run. We provide a safe place where woman who are experiencing periods of stress, or have concerns about their emotional wellbeing, can come together to relax, share experiences, learn, make friends and grow together.”

The car maintenance course was the latest in a series of classes and workshops. Others have included confidence building and assertiveness, yoga and aromatherapy.

Peter Young, SBS’s Curriculum Area Manager - Employer Responsive, said the link with Springfield Mind was just one of many such partnerships across the area.

He said:

“Stratford Business Services specialises in the delivery of practical subjects. While most of our students are involved with apprenticeships, as part of a community college we are always looking for ways to be more involved with the wider community wherever possible.”

For more information about the Women’s Well Being Service, contact Hannah Murphy on 01789 298615 or hannah.murphy@springfieldmind.co.uk|.  Further information about Stratford Business Services’ event and conference facilities, courses and training programmes, is available on 01789 297335,| visit www.sbs.stratford.ac.uk|| or email sbs@stratford.ac.uk|