Member Article

Home improvement team honoured at House of Lords

A group of handymen have been honoured with a national award for their role in helping people live independently for longer.

The team, from Middlesbrough Council’s Staying Put Agency and Ayresome Industries, were named Handyperson Service of the Year in a ceremony at the House of Lords, organised by Foundations – the national body for Home Improvement Agencies.

Since the handyperson service started last September, the six-strong workforce has carried out repairs, improvements and adaptations on the homes of more than 2,000 older, vulnerable and disabled people in Middlesbrough.

As well as winning the Handyperson award, they also received a commendation in the Innovation in Service Design and Delivery category.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “The workers do a fantastic job and they deserve all the glory for winning this award. It was an honour to be invited to the ceremony and we are all very proud of their achievements.”

Ayresome Industries is a council service which provides employment and training opportunities for disabled people in the town.

Steve Giles, of Ayresome Industries, said: “Our team carry out a vast array of jobs every day, such as fitting bannister rails, shower seats, grab rails, steps outside people’s properties and many other jobs.

“As well as these building improvements, we also install modern telecare technology such as PIR movement monitors, carbon monoxide detectors, epilepsy and fall sensors - all giving people the opportunity to feel safe in their home knowing that support is there.”

The Home Improvement Agency and Handy Person Awards are a celebration of the achievements and successes of the sector, recognising the commitment and passion of the people who work in it.

Andy Chaplin, Director of Foundations, added: “People tell us that they want to remain living independently for longer – so adapting homes alongside other community based interventions can help them achieve this.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Martin Walker .