National excellence award won by Falls Prevention service for helping residents stay safe at home

City of York Council’s Healthy and Sustainable Homes team has won the national handy person scheme of the year award for its Handy Person service, operated by the team’s Falls Prevention service, which supports residents to live well, safely, and independently at home.

This week, the Foundations National Healthy Housing Awards recognised the Service’s impact across the city. By making minor adjustments in a home and giving personalised advice, the service can support someone’s discharge from hospital, reduce their risk of falls, help residents get out into their community and improve their wellbeing.

The service offers a low cost or free service for customers, with a Joiner visiting the home of anyone at risk of falling to carry out small works free of charge, such as fitting a handrail. The Joiners are trained to spot other falls hazards and can refer at-risk residents to a Falls Prevention Practitioner, also within the service, for more tailored advice.

The service can also recommend and fit small energy-efficiency measures like draught excluders and brighter low-energy light bulbs so the resident can better afford their energy bills and keep warmer and healthier.

Team members are also building links across the city, such as with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue and the NHS to support referrals and build their awareness of falls risks.

Michael Jones, Head of Housing Delivery and Asset Management at City of York Council, said: “The judges told us that they were impressed by the service’s strength-based practices and collaborative approach including working with NHS colleagues. They said that City of York Council’s falls prevention service is streamlined, system-wide and now incorporates a stellar handy person service. A big thank for promoting independent living and ensuring residents can live safely in their homes.”

Cllr Michael Pavlovic, Executive Members for Housing at City of York Council, said: “The Falls Prevention Service is helping keep residents at risk of falling, on their feet and living the lives they want. It’s free, open to anyone in need of this support, helps people stay healthier and use less energy at home.

“Crucially at a time of great strain on statutory services, the team helps reduce pressure on other city-wide areas including health, housing and social services.

“This is a well-deserved award for excellence which I hope makes even more people aware of, use and benefit from the service.”