Here's to the jobs well done – 10,000 of them

A VALUABLE service, which supports older and disabled people in Cornwall by carrying out odd jobs, has undertaken its 10,000th piece of work.

Devon and Cornwall Housing Association's Handyperson service helped out Elizabeth Hyland, an 83-year-old widow from Roche, by fitting a new curtain pole and repairing some guttering at her home.

The Handyperson received £250,000 funding from Cornwall council's supporting people programme to extend its work and support another 1,650 people up until March 2011.

Mrs Hyland said: "The service is an absolute godsend. Without it, I would just have to leave things and allow my house to go into disrepair.

"In the past, my husband would carry out maintenance jobs and DIY. I now ask for Mike, one of the handymen, to carry out all my work.

"The work is much more affordable. Since the interest rates have gone down, my income has decreased so finding an affordable service like this is important to me."

Customers receive support by calling the Handyperson service using a freephone number, 0800 678 16 76, to discuss the work required, which can include fixing taps, locks, windows, installing handrails, putting up shelving or even changing batteries in a smoke alarm, is charged at either £7.50 or £12.50 an hour depending on eligibility of the client.

David Davies, home improvement agency manager, said: "Completing our 10,000th job is a significant milestone, and we have lots more to offer.

"The jobs we carry out may seem small but they have a huge positive impact on our client's quality of life.

"We want to help many more people to continue living independently in their own homes."

Liz Nichols of the Supporting People programme, which helps fund the service, said: "This is great news. It is essential that vulnerable and older people are able to access a service as soon as they identify the need.

"Having a subsidised service ensures that people act quickly and prevent their needs level increasing. Handyperson customers are able to live as independently as possible in their chosen accommodation for as long as possible.

"This type of service is obviously highly valued by its customers. The additional funding has enabled the service to expand to meet the increased demand for the service."

To find out more call 0800 678 16 76.