A scheme that
supports elderly or vulnerable residents with practical help around their homes
is being rolled out across Westmorland and Furness.
The popular
Handyperson Scheme has run for several years in the South Lakeland area,
offering eligible residents assistance with small jobs around the home to help
them maintain independent living and support quality of life.
The service,
which is operated by Westmorland and Furness Council, can provide help with
anything from changing a lightbulb to putting up shelving, hanging curtains,
installing handrails and small repairs such as unblocking sinks or replacing a
washer on a tap.
Fitting of
minor security measures such as door and window locks is also available under
the scheme, helping people feel safer in their homes and reducing the fear of
crime.
All work is
carried out free of charge. The resident provides the items and materials and
these should be purchased prior to requesting a job. Sometimes materials may be
supplied by a partner agency like the police, such as home security items.
The scheme has
now been extended to cover the whole of Westmorland and Furness.
It applies to
all residents, whether you rent privately, own your home or are a social
housing tenant.
For tenants,
the scheme covers minor works that are not normally the responsibility of the
landlord. If a tenant requests a job that is the landlord's responsibility,
they will be redirected to contact their landlord.
Assistance
under the scheme is available to people who are unable to undertake the task
themselves andhave
no other person available to help them with the task andreside in the
Westmorland and Furness area, who:
- are
aged 65 and over; or
- have
a disability or are vulnerable; or
- are
being discharged or have recently been discharged from hospital; or
- are
at high risk of falling due to a medical condition
Gardening and
decorating works are not included
in the scheme and the scheme is for pre-booked jobs only – it is not an
emergency call-out service.
Works are
limited to a maximum of three hours on site if one handy person visits, or 1.5
hours if two handy persons visit. Eligible households are able to utilise the
service up to six times in any 12-month period.
Councillor
Judith Derbyshire, Westmorland and Furness Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing
and Customer Services, said: “This scheme has been running
successfully for a number of years in the South Lakeland area. We are delighted
that under the new Westmorland and Furness Council it is now being extended to
all eligible residents in the Barrow and Eden areas as well.
“It is a
fantastic scheme that provides valuable help for people to carry out those
little jobs or repairs that make their lives easier, safer or more secure.
“This helps to
support people to live healthier, happier and more independent lives, in line
with our key Council Plan priorities around helping our communities to thrive.
“We supply the
labour free-of-charge with any materials being paid for by the householder.’’
For more
information and to request a job under the Handyperson Scheme, visit the
website: Handy
person scheme | Westmorland and Furness Council
Alternatively
you can call the Housing Standards Team on 0300 373 3300, email housingstandards@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk,
or write to:
Housing
Standards Team
Westmorland
and Furness Council
South Lakeland
House
Lowther Street
Kendal
LA9 4DQ