Run by Three Rivers Housing Group's Care and Repair Darlington Agency, this is an affordable home repair and adaptation service for Darlington residents who are over 60 or disabled.
Other vulnerable residents who can show that they are unable to do jobs themselves and have no one else to help, may also access the service.
How is the Handyperson Scheme Funded?
The Handyperson scheme is funded and supported by Darlington Borough Council, Darlington Primary Care Trust and Three Rivers Housing Group
Who pays for the Work carried out by the Handyperson?
All clients are asked to pay for materials used at a cost price. A small labour charge of £5.00 per hour is made, but if clients are in receipt of a 'means Tested Benefit' (Income Support, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit) then labour costs are waived. Clients will be asked to show proof of benefits received.
How do I Pay for the Works?Care and
When the Handyperson has completed the job, he will ask for your signature to confirm that you are satisfied with the work. Payment can be made to the Handyperson for which he will give you a numbered receipt, or you can ask for an invoice to be sent and make payment to the office.
Is there a Minimum Charge?
Yes- if you need a job doing that only takes a few minutes, then a minimum charge of £2.50 is made (half an hour labour) plus the cost of materials used. Clients on means tested benefits would pay only for materials.
Are there any Tasks that the Handyperson Cannot Undertake?
Yes - painting and decorating jobs and everyday gardening tasks, jobs above stepladder height or if you are a tenant, jobs that are your landlord's responsibility.
Jobs that are too large for the Handyperson to undertake can be referred to the Care and Repair Darlington Agency who will help to seek other ways of getting them done.
To access the Handyperson scheme please telephone 01325 460114
Care and Repair Darlington
CVS Building
Church Row
Darlington
Co Durham DL1 5QD
What types of Job can the Handyperson do?
Jobs that affect your safety or comfort can be done regardless of whether you are an owner-occupier or a tenant.
If you are a tenant and need repair or mainenance jobs doing, you should first check that they are not the responsibility of your landlord.
Minor adaptation jobs (such as handrails and grabrails) undertaken on grounds of ill health or disability and works to facilitate discharge from hospital must be referred to the Handyperson Service by Social Services, or a Hospital Occuptional Therapist.
Examples of Handyperson jobs include:
- Replacing light bulbs and pull cords
- Replacing electric plugs and fuses
replacing plugs and chains to sinks and baths
- Replacing broken toilet seats
- Replacing small window panes
- Replacing broken locks and handles
- Fit spy holes and door chains
- Fit doorbells
- Rehang doors after carpet fitting
- Fit curtain rails and rehang curtains
- Replacing broken kitchen/bathroom tiles
- Repairs to fences and gates
- Repairs to window frames and doors
- Unblocking sinks, drains and toilets
- Replacing tap washers
- Fit smoke alarms