What is the Handy Help Service?
The Handy Help is an accident prevention service which carries out small household repairs and minor adaptations, such as the fitting of grab rails. The services main aims are to:
- Prevent falls by fitting minor adaptations (grab rails and stair rails) in the home. We are able to supply and fit these free of charge.
- Carry out assessments to identify risks around the home
- Increase home security
- Provide help with small household repairs
- Provide information about other services and organisations in the area
Who can access the service?
Any adult who lives in Southport or Formby can access the minor adaptations service. The repairs service is available to residents over 55 years of age with a disability and all residents over 60.Tenants of rented property must seek written permission from their landlords before the service can fit rails in the property. HA tenants must contact their HA for minor adaptations.
How can I make a referral?
To make a referral to the service, please complete this referral form. The Handy Help Coordinator will contact you once they receive your form. Click Download to download the form.
Who runs the service?
The service is managed by Sefton Council for Voluntary Service which is a registered Charity and the service is funded by Sefton Social Services and Sefton NHS. The service employs 2 staff who are both qualified trades people and have cleared Enhanced Criminal Record Bureau checks and who have completed a range of training including Safeguarding Adults, Disability Awareness, First Aid and Health and Safety.
How do I access the Handy Help?
The general public can call the Handy Help service themselves or ask someone to call on their behalf. We can take referrals from voluntary and community organisations but are unable at this time to take referrals directly from statutory agencies.
What happens then?
The co-ordinator will arrange an appointment with you for the required work to be carried out. No one from the Handy Help Service will call at your property without a pre-arranged appointment.
What type of jobs will we do?
- Replacing light bulbs and fluorescent tubes
- Fitting grab rails and stair rails
- Replacing faulty plug tops and light switches
- Fitting curtain rails and poles
- Replacing toilet seats
- Changing curtains
- Fitting door chains, bolts
- Fitting Key Safes
- Replacing blown fuses
- Decorating
- Gardening
- Cleaning
- Plumbing
- Electrical Installation
- Work above step ladder height
- Gas Work
- Tiling
- Flooring
- Work taking longer than 2hrs
The above lists are not exhaustive, please contact the service if you have any queries.
Charges
There is a small charge for the repairs service which is usually between £2 and £10 this will be discussed when the work is requested.
All materials are charged at cost price except for materials that have been donated to us, which are supplied free of charge.
A receipt will always be given for any monies paid.
Donations
As a local charity we are always grateful for donations. We provide grab rails and stair rails free of charge however donations are welcome to help cover the costs of the materials.
The Handy Help is not an emergency call out service although we will do our best to complete urgent jobs as soon as possible.
Feedback from clients
“You do a great job and it’s carried out without fuss, perfect and on time and I can trust your work and help, I am so pleased always.”
“Please keep up the good work, lots of people I know rely on this service, it makes one feel safe.”
“Wonderful service could not be improved, I have recommended it to my friends.”
“It is an excellent service, the people who do the jobs are so kind, caring and clear up after doing jobs. I can’t thank them enough and I pass the phone number on to other people.”
Contact Us
If you would like to find out more please contact Carrie Smith, Handy Help Service Co-ordinator on:
Telephone: 01704 514024
Fax: 01704 531192
E-mail:
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Or write to us at:
Southport and Formby
Handy Help Service
Top Floor Shakespeare Centre
Shakespeare Street
Southport
PR8 5AB
Or use the contact us Form
