New home improvement service for vulnerable people

Published by Riverside for Riverside in Housing and also in Communities, Health

Vulnerable people in South Ribble and West Lancashire can benefit from a new service aimed at helping them to stay safe in their homes.

The Home Improvement Agency (HIA) will offer homeowners aged 60 or over and people with disabilities the help and advice they need to keep their homes comfortable and in good repair.

The service is provided by social housing provider Riverside, under contract from Lancashire County Council together with South Ribble Borough Council, West Lancashire Borough Council and Central Lancashire PCT NHS Trust Services.

Free services include risk assessments, surveys and property inspections, together with information and advice about repairs and adaptations.

There is also a handyperson scheme to help with smaller jobs such as gardening, decorating and fixing security chains to doors. The handyperson scheme charges a basic rate of £15 per hour, although prices may vary for bigger jobs.

People in South Ribble will also get help to obtain grants for adaptations such as easy-access showers, ramps and stair lifts.

County Councillor Mike Calvert, cabinet member for adult and community services, said: "The new home improvement service is an excellent example of partnership working between the county and district councils, housing providers and the NHS.

"Home improvements can often seem a daunting prospect, and in many cases, people don't know where to start. With this new service, expert help and advice is only a phone call away, and people can feel confident that work will be completed to a high standard by qualified traders."

Councillor Cliff Hughes of South Ribble Borough Council added: “This service will provide a major contribution to the wellbeing of our older people by providing services at a decent price, delivered by a trusted organisation.”

For further information, or to book a handyperson job, call 0345 155 9025 (daytime) or 0345 155 9022 (out of hours).

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Notes to editors:

For more information about Riverside Home Improvement Agency visit: http://www.riverside.org.uk/corporate/our_services/home_improvement_agency.aspx

For case studies visit: http://www.riverside.org.uk/pdf/HIACaseStudies2.pdf

For information specifically on the service in South Ribble and West Lancashire visit: http://www.riverside.org.uk/north_west/manchester_and_lancashire/services/your_home/riverside_home_improvemenr_age.aspx