The Three Rivers Housing Group provides a number of Home Improvement Agencies (HIA) across the North East, one of which is based in Darlington. To establish this service for the people of Darlington, Three Rivers worked in partnership with Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Primary Care Trust and Supporting People. The HIA in Darlington is called Care & Repair.
HIA's are not for profit organisations which assist vulnerable home owners or private sector tenants, who are older, disabled or on a low income to repair, maintain or adapt their homes. Their aim is to enable clients to continue to live independently in their own homes for as long as it is their wish to do so, by assisting them with essential works.
Essentially the HIA brokers the relationship between the client and the contractors to ensure the work meets the requirements and provides value for money. The service also includes assisting clients to access Local Authority grants and other funding sources. The case workers will also assist with the technical side of things such as writing schedules of work, seeking quotations and supervising the contractors whilst the work is carried out.
Examples of types of work are:
- Installation of level access showers
- Providing ramp access for wheelchair use
- Installation of stair lifts
- Exterior and inter-building renovations
To find out more, and to see if you qualify for this service, please contact the HIA direct on 01325 460114.