HANDYPERSON SCHEME PROVES BIG HIT WITH ELDERLY RESIDENTS (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

HANDYPERSON SCHEME PROVES BIG HIT WITH ELDERLY RESIDENTS

July 31, 2009 12:00 AM

A new handyperson scheme for elderly and disabled York residents has proven exceptionally popular with even more people than expected keen to take advantage of the service.

The service helps residents to retain their independence by providing a service which deals with small jobs that residents are unable to do themselves.

It was set up earlier this year by a partnership including City of York Council, North Yorkshire and York NHS and the Probation Service and is delivered by Yorkshire Housing Group,

The service was expecting to deal with 250 new enquiries in the first three months of this year but has proved more popular than expected, receiving 288 enquiries and completing 195 jobs.

Residents on low incomes only have to pay for the materials used, not the labour costs. Residents not on low incomes are still able to use the service but for a small fee.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Housing and Adult Social Services, Councillor Jonathan Morley said, "The service was introduced after a review of older people's services in the city in which residents identified that a handyperson service would be an important way for them to retain their independence."

"It is important that we do all that we can to help people remain independent in their own homes. Having someone to carry out small jobs like cutting the grass or repairing carpets can dramatically reduce the hazards to people in their own homes."

"This is still a relatively new service and I am sure that it will become even more popular as it becomes established."

Residents wanting to access the service can do so by calling 01904 754505.