Handyperson service
The Handyperson Service has been set up in partnership with Wakefield Council's Social Services and Health Department and Regeneration and Housing Department. It is run as part of Wakefield's Care and Repair Service which is based at Harrison Street, Wakefield. It is available to all older and vulnerable households in the district.
Aims of the service
The service is aimed at promoting people's independence and enabling them to stay in their homes in security and comfort by carrying out simple preventative maintenance measurers, assisting with transfer of care from hospital, and helping to reduce falls in the home.
Although it is aimed at enabling people to stay in their homes, people at risk of falling or people wanting to be discharged from hospital will be dealt with first.
Types of work
- Improving access to properties, e.g. building half steps or creating a simple ramp.
- Fitting window locks and door bolts.
- Installing hand and grab rails.
- Minor plumbing repairs such as fixing leaking taps or making the toilet work (e.g. changing the ball valve).
- Basic joinery work, e.g. easing doors and windows.
- Fitting and servicing smoke alarms.
- Unblocking a drain.
- Moving furniture.
- Changing a light bulb.
- Changing fuses or putting new plugs on appliances.
- Installing bath aids, toilet rails and frames.
- Fixing curtain rails.
- Tacking down carpets.
Limits of the scheme
The scheme is there to help older and vulnerable people with simple jobs around the house that they are unable to do and where they involve the smaller scale works that builders are not interested in doing. It is not intended as a routine maintenance service.
The handyperson service will not undertake any repairs, which are the responsibility of the landlord on tenanted properties. Nor will it undertake electrical work, gas installations, redecoration works or any work above 1.8 metres. Gardening is not covered by the scheme.
How much does it cost?
The handyperson service is a free service to older and vulnerable people but it will not be able to deal with all tasks requested.
How to contact us
The Handyperson Service
Care and Repair,
Chevin Housing Group,
Harrison Street,
Wakefield,
WF1 1PS.
Telephone: 0845 270 1088
Fax: 01924 363595
E-mail: enquiries@chevinha.co.uk
Information about the service can also be obtained from:
Wakefield MDC
Strategic Housing
Private Sector Housing
1-3 Railway Terrace
Fitzwilliam
Pontefract
WF9 5DA.
Telephone: 01977 722260
Fax: 01977 722265
E-mail: hsg-psectoreast@wakefield.gov.uk
Wakefield MDC,
Social Services and Health by calling Social Care direct on 01924 303456.
