The information below explains the Hands to Help service. It gives you advice on how to request a small DIY job and who can use this service.
What is the Hands to Help Service?
The Hands to Help service is run by our repairs team and is designed to carry out small DIY jobs that some elderly or disabled tenants are unable to carry out themselves, or which may place them at risk e.g. of a fall. It helps elderly and disabled people remain independent and safe in their own home by carrying out small jobs as part of our handyperson service.
Am I eligible to use the service?
You can use the service if you are:
- A North Tyneside Council tenant aged over 60, and / or
- A tenant with a disability
If you do not qualify for the Hands to Help service, there are a range of video guides available to assist you.
What kind of small jobs does the Hands to Help service carry out?
The service will carry out small DIY jobs to your home that would normally be your responsibility, and not covered by the repairs service. The maximum time allowed to complete a task will be limited to 2 hours. The labour is free, but you have to supply the materials, such as shelves, cabinets, curtain rails, etc. The handyperson does carry the right tools to do the job and some consumables such as nails, screws, sealants and glue for example. There will be NO CHARGE for these items. We are sorry but we are unable to assist with large work or any electrical, gas jobs or jobs requiring us to work at height.
What small jobs are included in the scheme?
We have some examples below of the small tasks you can get done in your home:
- Hang a pictures / mirrors
- Assembling small furniture such as bedside cabinets or small set of draws
- Fit a toilet roll holder
- Put up a curtain pole / shower pole
- Fit shelves to your walls
- Change a light bulb / fluorescent tube
- Wireless doorbell
- Fit an additional bolt to your garden gate
- Fix a hanging basket externally
- Plumbing in a washing machine
Hands to Help staff are also trained to offer advice on Energy Saving, Gas Safety and Fire Safety.
Does the Hands to Help service carry out decoration work?
No, the service does not carry out decoration work.
Does the Hands to Help service carry out gardening work?
No, the service does not carry out maintenance or up-keep of gardens. However, we may be able to carry out some one-off small work to help you manage your garden such as removing small shrubs and bushes. We have a separate gardening scheme to help tenants who are not able to manage a garden by themselves because of age or disability. We also have a garden tool loan scheme for its customers. The scheme is open to all tenants over 18 and there is no charge for the loan of the equipment. Please contact your local customer service centre or housing office to find out more.
What happens if my small job is not listed in the example?
Don’t worry, if you have a small job that is not listed, still contact us. We will consider your job if:
- The task takes no longer than two hours to finish.
- It is a one-off type of request, for example to install or to fix something.
- It is not included in our landlord repairs responsibilities
- The job does not require a specialist tradesperson, i.e. a gas fitter or electrician or require us to work at height.
How do I request my small job?
It’s simple, you can request a small job by calling:
- The contact centre on 0345 2000 102 and say it is a Hands to Help or small job request
- In person at your customer services centre or local housing office
When you make your request you will be asked for your name and address, your age, whether you have a disability and what your small job is. If we are unsure of what works are required we may arrange an inspection to see what work is needed. We will check our asbestos register prior to doing any jobs that involve drilling or affecting the walls. If we do not hold asbestos information on your home we may be required to arrange an asbestos survey prior to the job being carried out.
How will I know when you are going to call?
We will agree a convenient appointment time with you when you make your small repair request. Once an appointment has been made, it is important that you keep it. If you cannot, please let us know as soon as you can. If we call and you are not in, we will leave a visiting card to tell you that we called. You should contact us immediately to arrange another appointment, or we will cancel your small job request.
How often can I use the service?
You can book a Hands to Help appointment twice a year. An appointment means any job / series of jobs carried out in one visit that does not take longer than 2 hours.
What am I expected to do?
It is your responsibility to provide the materials, i.e. the shelves, fittings or equipment. We can only advise on materials needed and will not supply them.
Security
You should always check a person’s identity before letting them into your home. Our staff carry identity cards. If you are in any doubt about anyone visiting your home, we strongly advise you do not let him or her in.