•     Prevent falls by fitting minor adaptations (grab rails and stair rails) in the home. We are able to supply and fit grab rails and stair rails free of charge. All we ask is a for a small donation towards the cost of materials.
•     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?

Anyone over 60 who lives in Southport or Formby can access the small household repair service. Homeowners can access the minor adaptations service which is the installation of grab rails and stair rails. 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 here 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 Primary Care Trust. 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 for work to be completed or for a home assessment by a qualified Trusted Assessor (this is required before minor adaptations can be fitted). 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

What won’t we do?

•    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.

 

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:          This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Or write to us at:

 

Southport and Formby
Handy Help Service
Top Floor Shakespeare Centre
Shakespeare Street
Southport
PR8 5AB