The Handy Helpers project is a support service which provides internal and external maintenance, preventive measures and practical tasks in and around the homes of vulnerable elderly (65+) or disabled Buckinghamshire residents.
The service can be accessed for free or on a donation basis, according to an assessment of need. As part of the service befriending is offered, providing much needed social interaction. The service is funded by a grant from Aylesbury Vale, Chiltern, South Bucks and Wycombe District Councils.
This person-centred service matches residents who are regarded as ‘at risk’ with a DBS checked Handy Helper Team Leader supported by a group of volunteers or a DBS Checked Men in Sheds Handy Helper.
Aim of the project
To enable people to live safe and secure in their own homes for longer by:
- Alleviating the stress associated with the inability to deal with household tasks/repairs.
- Minimising the risks and hazards in and around the home.
- Providing the opportunity to make social connections.
Handy Helpers runs across Buckinghamshire and complements the Gardening and Befriending service also provided by CIB.
TYPES OF JOBS WE DO
This list is not exhaustive, but serves to illustrate some of the repairs and tasks that we can undertake:
- Home Safety and Falls prevention actions/remedial measures to address hazards related to (falls, fire, home security & scams awareness)
- General maintenance services (repairing door/cupboard handles, replacing light bulbs, batteries, resetting clocks/thermostats)
- External maintenance (e.g. garden clearance, leaf collecting, path clearing/cleaning, painting fences/sheds)
- Removal and Disposal of small household items, green/general waste
- Home security measures (e.g. locks, wireless alarms)
- Minor adaptions (e.g. key safes)
- Do-it-yourself tasks (e.g. building flat packed furniture and putting up shelves, pictures, coat hooks etc.)We are not able to undertake electrical or plumbing works; instead CIB will signpost clients to Trading Standards who hold a list of approved, qualified tradespeople.
BECOME A CLIENT
How it works
Clients can be referred to the project or contact the project to request help by contacting handyhelpers@communityimpactbucks.org.uk or 01844 348832 / 0300 111 1250.
An assessment of each client will then be conducted to identify their eligibility for the service and their likely needs. Each task requirement will then be assessed so they can be matched to a member of our Handy Helpers Team. Tasks will be completed free of charge for eligible clients However, they may donate to the project if they wish. Clients will be required to supply or pay for their own materials (e.g. fixtures, fittings and furnishings).
We will not be able to offer a same-day service, but urgent works will be given priority. Once the task has been completed, clients will be asked to complete a feedback form.
Target Group
The Handy Helpers Service is an Early Intervention Preventative service for people who are 65+ or disabled. They will have at least 3 of the key risk factors or triggers which identify them as being ‘at risk’ of declining in their independence and mental wellbeing due to certain ‘life events’ or ‘circumstances’, which are:
- A trip or fall in the previous 3 months
- Suffering from a long-term health condition
- A recent discharge from hospital
- Aged 85+
- Having an age-related mental or physical disability
- A recent development of a health problem
- In receipt of a means-tested benefit
- Being a victim of crime
- Loss of a partner in the past 2 years
- Living alone
- Social isolation
- Caring for a partner or relative
VOLUNTEERS
The Handy Helpers Project is all about local community participation and volunteering. We seek to galvanise local residents as volunteers to help support the more vulnerable in their community and foster good community relationships which hopefully will spill into becoming trusted relationships and friendships.
The project will build relationships between volunteers and clients so that while a lightbulb is being changed a cup of tea and a chat can also be shared. This provides an often much-needed interaction for an older person and the volunteer alike. Similarly, by helping an older person a volunteer not only offers the solution to a practical task but the opportunity to get out and have a change of scenery themselves.
We provide a flexible and supportive experience where volunteers can fit their volunteering around other commitments on a regular or ad hoc basis, which can be in the daytime or the evening and during the week or at the weekend. Being a Handy Helper offers a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to meet new people and make a difference to their life.
Volunteers can choose to volunteer independently as One2One Handy Helper or be part of the Handy Helper Group.
One2One Handy Helpers:
Our volunteers let us know their availability and we match them with a client depending on their preferred locations and the type of task required.
Handy Helper Group:
Team working is at the centre of our Handy Helper Group, our volunteers are guided by a paid Handy Helper Team Leader. There is a great sense of camaraderie where they can draw on each other’s knowledge and experience.
Benefits of Volunteering
Being a Volunteer Handy Helpers is a very rewarding experience. Your donation of time, no matter how small is greatly valued and appreciated as it makes a significant difference to the life of a vulnerable person. Our Volunteers say they get an enormous sense of achievement in doing something useful that wouldn’t get done without their help. In addition, they get the opportunity to use their talents and explore their capabilities.