Significantly more people are using a scheme which supports elderly or vulnerable residents with practical help around their homes, since it was rolled out across all of Westmorland and Furness last October.
The popular Handyperson Scheme previously ran only in the South Lakeland area but was expanded to cover the former Eden and Barrow council areas.
Susan MacKenzie from 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 says 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.
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.
For the period October to December 2024, 157 jobs were completed across Westmorland and Furness, 58% of the annual total for the whole of 2024, showing that there has been a big uptake in demand in the first months of the expanded scheme.
Thomas Oliver from Penrith had a bathroom cabinet fitted under the Handyperson Scheme. “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. I read it in our magazine. It was free of charge, which is a good thing!”
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 applies to all residents, whether you rent privately, own your home or are a social housing tenant, across Westmorland and Furness.
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 and have no other person available to help them with the task and reside 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: “We are delighted that under the new Westmorland and Furness Council this scheme has been extended to all eligible homes, and that people in the Barrow and Eden areas are clearly taking advantage of the scheme now it is available to them.
“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.”
And what did Thomas Oliver think of the service he received? “I think it's a good job, perfect!”
Click here more information and to request a job under the Handyperson Scheme.
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
Click here to link to a video about the expanded Handyperson Scheme.