“I really wouldn’t have managed otherwise,” said one satisfied customer about the council’s handyperson service, which can help eligible residents with odd jobs around the house.

It might include fitting a lightbulb, sealing or unblocking a sink, setting thermostats and timers, putting up shelves, or fixing grab rails. That’s not all, though.

The service is provided by Ealing Council and it is free to use up to three times in one year – all you have to do is pay for the materials.

Living safely and independently

Councillor Josh Blacker, the council’s cabinet member for healthy lives, said: “We want people to be able to live safely, securely, and independently in their own homes. It is important to us that they can find a trusted person to help with odd jobs and, most importantly, avoid accidents and falls.”

To be eligible for the handyperson service, you need to be aged 60 or above (not in paid employment), registered disabled, a carer, or a single parent in receipt of income related benefit and living with a child under 16.

‘It has made all the difference’

Claire (not her real name), from Northolt, has used the handyperson service a couple of times, including fitting for a handrail when she was due to go into hospital for surgery and finding it hard to get up and down her stairs.

“I really wouldn’t have managed if the handrail had not been put in place before I had surgery,” she said. “It has made all the difference and helped me to manage afterwards. It has definitely made me feel less vulnerable, less worried about falling down the stairs.”

‘So handy’

Nadia (not her real name), from Hanwell, was also advised by her physio to have a grab rail fitted near the stairs, kitchen and bathroom.

She said: “It was so, so handy. They even did my shopping for me.

“Last year the curtain fell down, I wouldn’t have anybody to fix that, and they came and fixed it. They also fixed the tube light in my kitchen, or I would be in the dark in the kitchen. They even fixed the light in the shower room, as the fuse blew-up and the council was very quick to send the handyman.”

To find out more about using the service, visit the council’s website or call 020 8825 6070 or email HandyPersonReferrals@ealing.gov.uk