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 — one repair at a time.
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 — 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
Nominate somebody
Tell us about someone who needs a hand with a small repair.
We review
Our team carefully reviews every nomination individually.
We arrange a visit
We contact you and arrange a convenient time to visit.
We complete the repair
Our tradespeople carry out the repair with care and respect.
A safer home
One small repair at a time, making homes safer.
Nominate somebody
Tell us about someone who needs a hand with a small repair.
We review
Our team carefully reviews every nomination individually.
We arrange a visit
We contact you and arrange a convenient time to visit.
We complete the repair
Our tradespeople carry out the repair with care and respect.
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.
£10
Helps replace smoke alarms or light bulbs.
£25
Helps install grab rails.
£50
Helps repair a leaking tap or another essential household repair.
Live Impact
Making a difference, one repair at a time
47
Homes helped
62
Repairs completed
180
Volunteer hours
£2,400
Community contributions
Stories
Real people. Real difference.
"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."
Margaret
Edinburgh
Partners
Working together.
Community care is made possible through the generosity of our customers, suppliers and local businesses.
Know somebody who could benefit?
Sometimes the smallest repair makes the biggest difference.
Proudly funded by Calico and the generosity of our customers.