Elderly and disabled people in Caithness will soon be able to call in a specialist to tackle small repair jobs in their homes, thanks to a joint initiative by Pentland Housing Association and Caithness Community Care Forum.

From November 2002 a mobile handyperson will available to fix the sort of non-emergency household jobs that are normally left to residents, but have become too difficult for the elderly or disabled.

It is expected that the handyperson will assist over 300 elderly or disabled people a year.

The need for a roving handyperson was identified when local people raised the difficulty of getting contractors out to do small repairs. It was decided to create a new job, making someone quickly available to carry out minor repairs.

The scheme is being initially funded until 2005, with executive agency Communities Scotland providing half of the £30,000 annual costs. Richard Burn, Business Director North for Communities Scotland, said,

“Communities Scotland’s main role is to enhance the quality of life for Scottish people, so this is exactly the sort of project that we’re delighted to be concerned with. We shall also be involved in monitoring the scheme to see if it would work for other sparsely populated areas.”

Pentland Housing Association Director Andi Wakeman added, “The great thing is that this scheme will help all the elderly and infirm in Caithness and not just our own tenants.  And, as well as taking on minor repairs and maintenance tasks, we shall use the contact we make to offer basic advice on housing and energy efficiency if required. It will operate alongside Care & Repair Caithness, which provides assistance with applications for Council grants for larger works.”

The post of roving handyperson has already been filled, with Caithness man Dennis Simpson beating off 60 other applicants to take the role. A trained joiner, he will begin work in November after a period of training.

Caithness residents may apply for works to be carried out by contacting:

Dennis Simpson
Caithness Handyperson
Pentland Housing Association
The Cottage
Davidson’s Lane
Thurso KW14 7HT