Major Contract awarded to Three Rivers HA

Wednesday 21st January 2009

Three Rivers has won a major contract to provide a Handyperson and Minor Adaptations Service across County Durham.

The association will provide these joint services with effect from 1st April 2009 which will be jointly funded by Durham County Council Adult Care, Durham County Council Strategic Housing Authority, the Supporting People Partnership and County Durham NHS (PCT).

The handyperson service focuses on older and vulnerable people and will carry out small repairs and maintenance jobs within people’s homes and their immediate external environment. It aims to promote independent living, reduce accidents within the home, improve quality of life and maintain a sense of well-being, safety and security for the residents of the County.

Three Rivers currently operates handyperson services through its Care & Repair Home & Improvements Agencies in Derwentside, Darlington and Redcar & Cleveland. Last year, the existing handyperson services completed 3,255 jobs and anticipates that this will increase to in excess of 15,000 jobs in the next financial year once the service expands into Durham & Chester-le-Street, Easington, Wear Valley, Sedgefield and Teesdale.

The minor adaptations service, which will be carried out by the handyperson, is aimed at ensuring that residents are safe and can live independently in their homes. This service will cover Derwentside, Durham & Chester-le-Street, Easington, Wear Valley, Sedgefield and Teesdale.

Managing Director of Three Rivers Housing Association, Pete Ottowell said, “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract to provide a handyperson and minor adaptations service across County Durham. Three Rivers already has a wealth of experience in delivering these services through its existing Home Improvement Agencies and this contract allows us to serve many more people within the County.”

Durham County Councillor, Morris Nicholls commented, “Durham County Council and our partners are very pleased that Three Rivers Housing will be delivering this important new service across the whole of County Durham. The service will ensure that older and vulnerable residents of the County will be able to access practical help to keep them safe, warm and living independently in their own homes.”

To compliment the handyperson and minor adaptations service, the contract will also see Three Rivers carry out home safety assessments, jobs to facilitate hospital discharge and the installation of sensory and telecare equipment. It is expected that the new service will employ a total of 18 members of staff across the County.

Posted by Kim for Three Rivers Housing Association Ltd.