Press Information

Press Contact

Go straight to the source and speak directly with The Goodlife Centre founder, Alison Winfield-Chislett.

Tel: 0207 760 7613

(Alison may be teaching when you call, so email is a good alternative – we are very quick at responding).

Email: media@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk

We offer workshop places to journalists writing editorial features related to our workshops. Please contact Alison to discuss.

To request images for editorial, please email us.

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Background

In 2009, Alison Winfield-Chislett developed a  one day workshop called ‘Tools for The Terrified’  to teach people basic skills to tackle DIY in their own homes. These took place in various church halls and community centres, but it was hard work and impractical to drag boxes of tools around London for each class.

In 2011, a bright and airy space in Waterloo was found and styled into a permanent workspace, purposely kitted out for DIY and home maintenance classes. Thus, The Goodlife Centre was born.

The range of boutique daytime, evening and weekend workshops has now expanded to encompass a variety of DIY, Upholstery, Furniture Restoration, Woodworking and Craft classes. Most classes are for beginners with no prior skills or experience required.

Alison Winfield-Chislett explains why the centre has resonated with Londoners:

”We’re at the ‘hard-end’ of the make-do-and-mend culture. We’re about the more basic needs of maintaining your home, losing your dependence on trades(wo)men for the small jobs around the home and saving up your hard-earned pounds for the big jobs. ”

When a jaw dropping rent hike meant the loss of the small unit that had been lovingly fitted out, Alison dug her heels in and remained determined to stay in a central location so people could muster the energy after a day at a computer to come and be revived and refreshed.

By then Scuzzy Southwalk was becoming Beautiful Bankside so she was thrilled to find an owner of a 1950s cardboard box making factory who ‘got’ what The Goodlife Centre was all about and wasn’t lured by the chance to knock down and develop the building her dad had built and where she had earned pocket money as a child. She had hoped to find new custodians that might respect and build on its history rather than tear it down. It was a meeting of minds.

And so the renovation of this former cardboard factory began, using the labour of our tutors, who are multi skilled craftspeople, as well as some willing learners. Five individually equipped studios were created, a machines room, a cosy kitchen/reception and use the original glassed in office has been used – where the owner’s mum worked – as….an office. As many original features as possible have been kept or repurposed.

Today, Alison Winfield-Chislett runs The Goodlife Centre with a team of professional trades(wo)men and artists with a passion for their craft. Learn more about the team here.


The Girls Guide to DIY

Co-written by Alison Winfield-Chislett, this book is the ultimate reference guide for doing your own household repairs and simple renovations. Covering all the basics, from preparing surfaces for painting and papering, using power tools with ease, choosing the right materials and simple plumbing. Full of expert advice, this handbook will provide those interested in home improvements – or those wanting to increase the value of a property for resale – with the basic DIY skills and guidance to get the job done.

Perfect for the DIY novice, whether homeowner or in rented accommodation, this stylish and user-friendly book will be an invaluable guide for a whole generation of women & men (if they can get past the title).

Review of The Girls Guide to DIY

“Freeeedooommm through the DIY Guide for Girls: the book that can take you on that journey from depending on others (you know who you are!) to ‘fix-it’ to the glorious freedom of getting it done yourself.

Need to start on the path with baby steps? The Guide takes you through small projects to help build your skillset. It also covers the basics of how your home works so you can make informed decisions about what’s wrong and how to deal with it yourself or hire a professional if you haven’t got the time.

“All the nuts and bolts are presented with a dash of humour and lively artwork to keep your spirit level straight.”

I’m delighted with the book and plan to supplement it with specialist courses at the Goodlife Centre to get all my projects done.”