The award, which was received on Tuesday at the National Healthy Housing Awards 2020, recognises excellent practice in delivering handyperson services.
Established in 2013, the handyperson service forms part of Middlesbrough Council's Staying Put Agency, employing six operatives across three teams, they support local residents with minor home adaptions, handyperson repairs, assistive technology solutions and hospital to home support.
During 2019-20 the service has completed 2,200 repairs and adaptations and 460 home improvements while also supporting more than 800 telecare customers. In recent months, staff and volunteers have been at the vanguard of the local Covid-19 response - facilitating safe hospital discharge amid rising demand and distributing PPE and food parcels.
The smooth service process has earned the team a 98% satisfaction rate, whilst the ‘Trusted Assessor' accredited staff have the skills and experience to not only deliver a wide range of minor adaptations, but have the unique ability to assess and adjust delivery as required, managing any minor alterations to referrals without the need for repeat visits.
This allows a ‘Get it right first time' approach, reduces delays and supports Occupational Therapy colleagues.
Suzanne Hodge, Prevention and Support Services Lead Officer said: "Outstanding work is carried out every day to support people across the borough to live comfortably in their own homes, receiving this award underlines the vital role the Handyperson service plays in changing the lives of elderly, vulnerable and disabled people in Middlesbrough."
Cllr Dorothy Davison, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: "I'd like to congratulate everyone involved with the team on this well-deserved success.
"This year has seen the staff go even further above and beyond their usual high quality service and this is just recognition of that."
For more information about the Handyperson service or to discuss how they can help:
- call the Staying Put Agency on 0800 5875 184
- email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- visit us online at middlesbrough.gov.uk/spa
