Council steps in to help

Local resident Valerie Quick, who uses a walking frame, was struggling to get out of her door and into her garden because of a dangerous step.

She said:

“I hadn’t been able to get out into the garden for several months. So many people looked at it and said it was impossible. The Handyman solved the problem and I can now get outside safely and more easily.”

The Handyman fitted a new step with a grab rail which has allowed Valerie to get outside and enjoy her garden. He also helped her with several other smaller jobs, such as fixing broken guttering and changing light bulbs.

She said:

“He is wonderful, he has helped me no end and it’s good to know that there’s someone trustworthy I can call on if I need help when something goes wrong.”

Broadland District Council’s Cabinet Member, Cllr Natasha Harpley, said:

“As we age and our mobility deteriorates, even little jobs like changing a lightbulb can be tricky or even dangerous. Our Handyperson Plus Service provides our older and more vulnerable residents with someone they can trust to take care of small jobs that can improve their quality of life and make their homes safer and more secure.”

The Council’s Handyperson Team also provides residents with advice about grants and further support that might be available, for example the Council can help residents to apply for a Disabled Facilities Grant which can fund eligible works, including stair lifts, or bigger home adaptions, such as bathroom adaptations, widening doorways to enable access to facilities, access ramps or steps and level threshold doors.

The Handyperson Team are fully trained and insured and can provide help with basic maintenance, the installation of grab rails, key safes, locks and security fittings, basic plumbing, replacing bulbs and smoke detector batteries, and much more.

Residents can request up to 2 hours work from the Handyperson Plus Service. Broadland residents over the age of 65 can apply. There is no age limit if you are registered blind, get Incapacity Benefit, Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

The hourly charge for the service is £17.90 (not including cost of materials). Residents may not have to pay this charge if they receive one of the following: Attendance Allowance, Council Tax reduction (not including single person discount), Housing Benefit or Guaranteed Pension Credit.

For more information about the scheme, please visit our Handyperson Service page, call 01603 430518 or email handyperson.bdc@southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk