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What type of work will the handyperson undertake?
The handyperson service is aimed predominantly at people who are over 60 and people who are disabled and is carried out by an experienced handyperson. The service will help people to live in comfort, safety and security.
Small DIY tasks are currently carried out free of charge apart from the cost of materials. The service currently comprises of
Completing a Home Safety Assessments:
During a visit, the handyperson, with consent, will inspect a home for potential dangers and hazards which might cause someone to fall or have an accident. Also he will also check for fire hazards and safety. This is good for the health & well being of the customer but also it is extremely cost effective.
Small tasks and repairs to household interiors:
- completing a variety of small task or repair necessary to make the home safer and more comfortable. (See below for examples of the work we do)
The fitting of fire safety and home safety devices:
- including Smoke Alarms, Intercoms, Door Chimes, Window and Door Locks, Spy Holes and Security Chains, Personal Alarms, Shed Alarms.
Advice and information:
- on energy efficiency, crime prevention, home safety and other matters. Referrals can be made to other organisations such as social services, citizen’s advice bureaux etc.
The Handyperson Scheme does not :
Do major plumbing jobs – as he is not a trained plumber although we can fix tap washers ( dependant on whether it is not the Landlords responsibility) & move washing machines
Do electrical jobs – as he is not a trained electrician but can change bulbs, put telephone extension cables in, change plugs etc
Do decorating – although we can do some repairs if there is damaged wall paper or if it is peeling from a corner
Do gardening – but he can clear a safe clear path from door to garden gate, or make gates secure, brackets for hanging baskets.
Clean windows – although if he has created any dust whilst working he will clean that window after his job.
Clean wheelie bins
Access lofts unless it has loft flooring and there is an integral loft ladder or he can reach using his own ladders.
Do jobs which require use of high ladders e.g. clean gutters etc
The type of Jobs that the handyperson can do is:
Fix curtain rails,
Blinds
Hang curtains
Put in safety items e.g. window locks, door chains, intercoms etc
Check/fit Fit Smoke Alarms
Fasten loose carpets down
Move furniture
Plane doors
Put up shelves
Get a suitcase from on top of the wardrobe
Unblock sinks
Take down lamp shades to be washed
Change light bulbs
Repair garden gates
Bleed radiators (dependent on landlords responsibility)
Fit letter box
Put up pictures/mirrors
The above are just examples of the range of tasks which have been done previously.
Handyperson - Child Safety
STARS works in conjunction with Northumberland Child Safety Group to support vulnerable families in assisting in the installation of child safety equipment.
STARS is delivering a contract for Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) in the old districts of Wansbeck, Blyth & Tynedale to deliver the Nation Safe at Home (www.safeathome.rospa.com).
Safe at Home – Scheme Co-ordinator in Northumberland –Lisa Irving
In addition STARS continues work with Sure Starts & Children’s Services in other areas of the county to install low cost safety equipment for vulnerable families.
Handyperson - Adaptations
We are involved in the installation of minor adaptations and equipment for Northumberland Care Trust. This work provides people with greater accessibility and support within their own homes e.g. Grab rails, banisters, toilet frames, newel rails etc.
Handyperson - Paid Work
The small task and repair service can provide something which would otherwise be unavailable – often small jobs that need to be carried out do not interest local craftsmen. Therefore the handyperson service has expanded its remit for its target groups carrying out more cosmetic/non essential work such as flat pack furniture, installing cat flap. However we need to make a charge for this work.
The Handyperson is also available for people who do not fit the criteria for free or subsidised services but a charge would be made for the work.
For more information on prices please contact Sue Aspden
Contact: Phone 01670 858936
Fax 01670 528219
Email Sue.Aspden@northumberlandstars.org.uk
DIY Workshops
Northumberland STARS has completed a number of DIY workshops for young women who want to develop their skills. The courses are very practical starting with very basic home & electrical safety; safe use & storage of tools; assembling flat pack furniture; fitting towel rail, toiler roll holders; putting up curtain rails.
The course is run over 5 x 1 hr sessions and can be adapted to meet the needs of different groups.
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Northumberland STARS
