A scheme which supports over-65s and vulnerable residents with practical help around their homes is proving a success since it was rolled out across parts of Cumbria.
The Handyperson Scheme was rolled out across all of Westmorland and Furness in October.
It previously ran only in the South Lakeland area but was expanded to cover the former Eden and Barrow council areas.
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 or doing 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 for free. The resident provides the items and materials, and these should be bought prior to requesting a job. Sometimes materials may be supplied by a partner agency like the police, such as home security items.
The scheme applies to residents, whether they rent privately, own their 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.
For October to December 2024, 157 jobs were completed across Westmorland and Furness, 58% of the annual total for the whole of 2024.
Susan MacKenzie, of Little Salkeld, has used the service to get a new security light fitted.
She said: “It’s just a fantastic service, and I think it’s needed. It’ll stop people falling and going into hospital. I’m just not confident getting on ladders, using a drill. I’ve got all the equipment, but as you get older, I’m just a little bit more wobbly.”
She said by using the scheme she didn’t have to worry about whether she could trust contractors in her own home, and whether they would do a good job.
Thomas Oliver, of Penrith, had a bathroom cabinet fitted under the scheme.
He said: “Wherever I’ve lived, I always did the things myself. But I’m nearly 90 years old, and I can’t do the things I used to do.”
Who is eligible?
Assistance under the scheme is available to people who are unable to undertake the task themselves and have no other person available to help them with the task and live 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 work are not included in the scheme and the scheme is for pre-booked jobs only – it is not an emergency call-out service.
Work is limited to a maximum of three hours on site if one handyperson visits, or one-and-a-half hours if two handypeople visit. Eligible households are able to use the service up to six times in any 12-month period.
How do I apply or find out more?
For more information and to request a job under the scheme, visit the council’s website, call the Housing Standards Team on 0300 373 3300, email [email protected], or write to Housing Standards Team, Westmorland and Furness Council, South Lakeland House, Lowther Street, Kendal LA9 4DQ
