A team helping people live independently for longer has won a top national award.
The Bernicia County Durham Handyperson Service has been named Handyperson Service of the Year at the Foundations National Healthy Housing Awards 2019. The award recognises excellent practice in delivering handyperson services and was presented at a ceremony held in Central Hall, Westminster.
The service – which provides practical support and offers a lifeline to members of the community, helping them to live independently, safely and comfortably in their own homes for longer – was praised by judges for excellence in service delivery.
Mel Baynes, Assistant Director, Care and Support at Bernicia, said: This is a brilliant achievement for the team and Im so proud of them. Every one of them is dedicated to helping people across County Durham live independently, to have that recognised nationally and be named as the best at delivering this vital service is just amazing.
Service manager, Steve Errington, added: Over the last 10 years, weve supported around 78,000 customers and completed over 136,000 tasks as well as helping people engage with other vital services such as the Fire Service, Adult Services, Citizens Advice and Alzheimer Society, making sure they have everything they need to live well and independently.
The team has worked hard to build a service that people not only trust and rely on but also one that goes beyond just changing a light bulb or putting up shelves. Its hugely rewarding to see the difference we can make to peoples lives by doing essential jobs around the house for them, this award is just the icing on the cake.
