http://www.neighbourhoodtoolbox.co.uk/

Neighbourhood Toolbox, Lydiard Fields, Great Western Way, Swindon (2026)

08/12/2025

🚨 FREE Retrofit Skills Training for Local Design and Construction Professionals working in and around the B&NES area 🚨

On Monday 19th January 2026, NTB will be hosting The Exchange 17 | Retrofit Skills Level 2 Training provided by at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre.

This training is fully funded through 's Community Grant Funding!

In signing up for this training you will get access to three in person taught modules (Monday 19th of January):

✅ Insulation & Airtightness Practical
✅ Heat pumps
✅ Services and Ventilation Practical

And also gain access to four further online learning modules:

✅ Principles & Practical Applications of Retrofit
✅ Retrofit Process, Costing, Carbon Counting & Funding
✅ Essentials of Heat Loss, Moisture & Ventilation
✅ Practical Retrofit Delivery: Building Fabric, Services & Low Carbon Technologies

In return for this free training NTB will expect those who sign up to:

✅ Complete all online modules by end of March 2026 and register onto Retrofit West's suppliers list.
✅ Volunteer 3 hours of time at a community design surgery which will be hosted in B&NES - likely to be hosted around April to May 2026 - a great chance to connect with local landlords & homeowners!

Spaces are limited (1 per practice) and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. Secure your spot now by following the link in our bio!

We can't wait!

28/11/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us on last week for The Exchange #16: People-Centred Planning at !

This time we were delighted to welcome Veronica Barbaro, Planning Director , who opened the day with a talk on national policy and local practice. She explained how the National Planning Policy Framework and the recent New Towns policy impact on small practices in the South West and community-scale projects, before sharing insights and digital tools that communities and designers can use to carry out people-centred mapping and capture local insights for their projects.

Following Veronica’s talk, we headed out for a site walk and workshop around Frome, experimenting with different ways to gather and map on-the-ground insights about place and people.

After returning to Silk Mill Studios for lunch (fuelled by delicious cheese from 🧀🙏), we all came together to reflect on the approaches used during the walk, the types of data collected, and how these insights can be organised and visualised to make them more accessible and impactful.

It was a fantastic day of learning and exchanging ideas!

A final huge thanks to .design for hosting us and to everyone who joined us for Exchange #16.

This was our final Exchange before the festive break, and we’re already gearing up for Exchange #17 in January — we’ll be sharing more details very soon!

10/11/2025

This coming Wednesday we are offering Free Home Design, Retrofit & Energy Advice from 10am to 1pm. We hope you can join us!

📅 Want to secure a time?
Book your free appointment now using the link in our bio.

📍 Or just drop by on the day – we’d love to see you!

Is this for me?

🏠 Are you thinking about improving your home?
Whether you’re looking to make your home warmer, more energy efficient, or just more comfortable — we’re here to help.

🛠️ Do you already have plans but not sure what to do next?
Come chat with a friendly local building designer or energy advisor for practical advice tailored to your situation.

💚 Are you a Homeowner or renter? No problem! We provide tailored advice to suit everyone — no job is too small, and no question too big.

📅 Other Event Dates & Locations

We only have one other Community Design Surgery this year:

3️⃣ Key Centre (BA11 5AJ) Sat 15 Nov | 10 am – 1 pm

💚 Funded by

No job is too small! No problem is too big!

We hope to see you there!

27/10/2025

Calling all Frome Residents!

We are offering Free Home Design, Retrofit & Energy Advice. So come along to one of our drop-in sessions this November!

Our first drop-in will be on Wednesday 5th of November in the foyer of .medical.practice next to the Cafe from 1 to 4pm.

📅 Want to secure a time?
Book your free appointment now using this link:
https://neighbourhoodtoolbox.co.uk/frome/

📍 Or just drop by on the day – we’d love to see you!

Is this for me?

🏠 Are you thinking about improving your home?
Whether you're looking to make your home warmer, more energy efficient, or just more comfortable — we're here to help.

🛠️ Do you already have plans but not sure what to do next?
Come chat with a friendly local building designer or energy advisor for practical advice about the design of your home.

💚 Whether you are you a homeowner or renter, all are welcome. We provide tailored advice to suit everyone — no job is too small, and no problem too big!

📅 Other Event Dates & Locations

1️⃣ .medical.practice (BA11 2FH) Wed 5 Nov | 1 – 4 pm

2️⃣ (BA11 1BE) Wed 12 Nov | 10 am – 1 pm

3️⃣ Key Centre (BA11 5AJ) Sat 15 Nov | 10 am – 1 pm

💚 Funded by

No job is too small! No problem is too big!

We hope to see you there!

27/10/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us on Monday for Exchange #15: Community-Led Conservation 🏡🍺

This time, we gathered in Limpley Stoke — a perfect setting to explore how communities can take the lead in conserving and reimagining their local heritage!

This session kicked off with .sibson (FCB Studios), who shared the inspiring story of how the community of Limpley Stoke came together to take ownership of this historic Inn, develop a shared vision, and restore the building collaboratively — a process that involved a huge amount of volunteer time and hard graft!

We then heard from Rhys Brookes (Harrison Brookes Architects), who discussed the journey of conserving this historic asset, balancing competing priorities — respecting and maintaining the heritage of the Inn, ensuring the space complies with modern standards, and realising the community’s vision to repurpose it as a hub for modern village life!

If that wasn’t enough, we then heard from Hannah Jones and Rob Stepto (Greengauge), who shared their approach to decarbonising this historic building. Their talk emphasised the importance of getting the ventilation strategy right first in heritage buildings and shared valuable insights to demystify heat pumps and their suitability for heating historic buildings.

It was an inspiring day of collaboration and learning — showing what’s possible when communities lead the way in shaping their built environment!

Huge thanks to for hosting us, to all our speakers for their generosity and insight, and everyone who joined us for the workshop!

Next up: The Exchange #16: People Centred Planning — Monday 17 November 2025. More information in our bio!

14/10/2025

Calling all Frome residents! 🏡💚 Looking for ways to make your home more comfortable? Or are you thinking about making changes but not sure where to start?

Let’s find solutions together!

This November, Neighbourhood Toolbox, working with the Healthy Homes Team at , is hosting three free events across Frome to share no-cost and low-cost tips to make your home more comfortable.

📅 Event Dates & Locations

1️⃣ Frome Medical Practice (BA11 2FH) Wed 5 Nov | 1 – 4 pm

2️⃣ Frome Weekly Market (BA11 1BE) Wed 12 Nov | 10 am – 1 pm

3️⃣ Key Centre (BA11 5AJ) Sat 15 Nov | 10 am – 1 pm

👉 Book your free 30 minute appointment with a local design professional using the link in the bio or by visiting our website. Appointments are free but limited, so book early for personalised advice from local design professionals.

💡 Just want to drop by? If you don’t need an appointment and just want a chat. Pop in for a cuppa and a chat on the day, and get DIY advice along with low- or no-cost tips to start improving your home straight away.

💚 Funded by

No Job is too small! No problem is too big! We hope to see you there!

16/07/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Exchange #13: Water, Biodiversity and Design.

This time, we gathered at the beautiful rewilding site of , just outside Frome, for a day exploring how design can support healthier waterways and ecosystems.

We were joined by Gregor Neeve from Thompson Environmental Consultants, who led two sessions—one diving into the latest water quality regulations and the emergence of water catchment areas subject to nutrient neutrality advice and sharing practical ways designers can integrate better water systems into homes and neighbourhoods, and the other unpacking the emerging world of nature markets and the funding opportunities they’re opening up for landscape restoration 🌱

We also heard from Gemma Annan of , who shared how the local community is taking action to build agency and raise awareness about everyone’s role in caring for our rivers—alongside sharing the exciting aims of their new River Vision project 💧

And if that wasn’t enough, Dan from and Alex from led a guided walk through inspiring rewilding site, sharing their pioneering work in ecological restoration. A highlight of the tour was being shown an incredible beaver dam and the subsequent discussion about the subsequent changes this could have for the landscape evolving with time into a wetland ✨🦫✨

Huge thanks to for their generous hosting and the for supplying the cheese. It was a brilliant, energising day of learning, discussion, and connection!

Next stop: Exchange #14 Design Safe, Build Natural! Stay tuned for details 👀

07/07/2025

On Monday, July 14, 2025, NTB will host The Exchange #13: Water, Biodiversity and Design at in Frome

Please Note: The originally planned Homegrown Homes event has been cancelled —but we’re excited to offer this alternative.

At this workshop we will be exploring how us designers can support clean water, thriving ecosystems, and landscape-scale change through the design of our projects 🌿💧

We’ll be joined by Gregor Neave from Thompson Environmental Consultants

On the day Gregor will lead two key sessions:

💧 In the morning, exploring what the latest regulations mean for small-scale housing and home design.

🌿 In the afternoon, introducing the emerging world of nature markets—and how new funding can help support riparian corridors and wider ecological restoration.

And if that isn't enough:

We’ll head out with the team for a guided walk to see the source of the River Frome, whilst we learn about the inspiring work the team is doing to rewild their site.

We’ll also hear from Gemma Annan of who will talk about the work their group is doing to build their communities agency and stewardship to protect the River Frome.

It’s going to be a great day!

🎟️ If interested visit the link to find out more and get your ticket now!

21/06/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Exchange #12: Beyond Bricks & Mortar!

This time, we met at Town Hall and were joined by the Elephant Team from . They introduced us to Manfred Max-Neef’s model of fundamental needs vs. satisfiers and asked us: what makes a good home? — challenging us to consider the barriers preventing us and our clients from embracing more innovative and sustainable materials in design projects.

To bring these ideas to life, we play-tested their original board game, “Beyond Bricks and Mortar” — a game designed to help players derive a hierarchy of their needs for their homes and shows how material choices can support or hinder those needs being met.

After enjoying some delicious cheese from 🧀, we heard from Caroline Till, who shared the inspiring work of FranklinTill. Her talk offered invaluable insights into the importance of regenerative design and material innovation, presenting a powerful vision for a material future that repairs, replenishes, and restores our planet!

We had a great time!

Now, onto the next one... In July, we’ll be at for Workshop #13: Homegrown Homes. Hit the link in bio to find out more and grab your ticket! 🎟️

09/06/2025

We are excited to announce The Design For Change Fund 2025 is now open and accepting applications from community groups and not-for-profit organisations in the , , and areas.

What is it?

The Design for Change Fund supports local community groups explore and develop ideas for improving your neighbourhood — turning early-stage thinking into well-shaped, feasible projects.

We do this by connecting organisations with local professional designers who have volunteered their time to help you test the possibilities, refine your ideas, and develop a clear path toward delivery.

Whether your idea is just beginning or already taking shape, we welcome projects of all sizes — especially those that aim to bring lasting benefits to your community in one or more of the following ways:

1. EMPOWERING COMMUNITIES
2. CREATING HEALTHY, INCLUSIVE & ACCESSIBLE PLACES
3. ENABLING COMMUNITY WEALTH-BUILDING
4. HELPING ADDRESS THE NATURE & CLIMATE EMERGENCY

Please see the link in our bio to find out more information or visit our website: www.neighbourhoodtoolbox.co.uk

If you know of another group that may benefit from this support, please share this post and opportunity with them.

We look forward to receiving your applications :)

23/05/2025

Thanks to everyone who joined us for Exchange #11 From Sawmill to Structure.

This time, we met , visiting their Studley Sawmill Site and Wooton Basset Mill!

On the day, we were joined by Josh and Stefan from , who provided an excellent in-depth tour. They shared the story of the milling process, from sourcing local timber to the end products and sales. Some highlights included meeting the Saw Doctor, who heals all the band saws to keep the mill in operation, and hearing about the various processes—air-drying, kiln drying, and thermal modification—used to dry different timbers ready for their intended use.

Following the tour and indulging in some delicious cheese from , we heard from Tom Kinsella from . Who provided an insightful talk about the ancient methods and craftsmanship in delivering oak and pine structural frames in buildings and made a compelling case for their role in contemporary architecture.

We had a great time!

Now, onto planning the next one! In June, we will be town hall and will be joined by and for workshop #12 Beyond Bricks and Mortar. See the link to find out more and get your ticket now!

28/04/2025

Last Thursday we hosted our third Community Design Surgery in collaboration with on the research project - Our Future Past - we are collaborating with them on.

It was our best day yet! We had a non stop flow of local residents who dropped by to discuss their homes, the challenges they are presently facing and how best to approach the projects they are seeking to undertake.

Thanks so much to .justice and Alex Best from for generously volunteering their design expertise at the Community Design Surgery.

And thanks to all the amazing residents who came along and generously shared their experience of living in a home 😊

Our last surgery is shortly upon us..

1st of May from 2pm to 5pm

There are still slots available for a FREE 30 minute appointment to discuss your project with the design professionals: .design .chitects and Alex Best from .

Visit the link in the bio to book your FREE appointment now!

We hope to see you there 😊

Neighbourhood Toolbox

08/12/2025

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