That's handy, Three Oaks Homes

Published by kerri smith for Three Oaks Homes in Housing and also in Communities

Changing a light bulb, fixing a dripping tap and assembling a book case are all in a day’s work for Blaby’s own band of ‘handy Andys’.

The tasks may be manageable for most but can prove a DIY nightmare for some elderly and disabled tenants of Three Oaks Homes.

To help around the home, the social landlord has introduced a handy van service designed to carry out minor jobs which take less than 30 minutes, such as fitting a shelf or hanging a curtain.

There are no call-out or labour costs for customers, only the price of any materials needed.

Hilary Seward, of Countesthorpe, was one of the first to use the service. She turned to it when her doorbell stopped working and also had a clasp fitted to her back gate.

Mrs Seward said: “I am no good at all at DIY, so this is a Godsend to people like me. The men do those little jobs most tradesmen won’t come out for. It’s a brilliant idea and very much appreciated.”

Gary Dalton, of Three Oaks Property Services (TOPS), runs the handy van. He said: “The tenants we’ve helped are all really grateful. A disabled lady in a wheelchair, whose husband had a bad back, asked us to put a heavy suitcase up in the loft, which was not a problem.”

Setting up a handy van service was one among a series of promises made to tenants prior to transfer from Blaby District Council in November 2008. It runs in addition to the repairs and maintenance service.

The majority – 55 per cent – of Three Oaks Homes’ tenants are aged over 65 and 57 per cent live in sheltered accommodation.

Chairman Colin Norman said these statistics underlined the need to offer help to less able tenants on practical tasks.

Colin said: “This was an extra service asked for by tenants before transfer and it is a promise we at Three Oaks Homes are pleased to keep, to provide help for those who need it.”

Call TOPS on 0116 286 9510 to find out more.