<FONT color=black>The Help the Aged Handy Van scheme protects vulnerable older people against loss through burglary by securing their homes. Since 1995, Help the Aged’s Handy Van Scheme has made over 40,000 older people feel safe in their homes and currently operates in over 20 area in England, Scotland and Wales.

Each area has at least o­ne fitter with a fully equipped van. The scheme is always oversubscribed and secure o­n average around 60 homes per day nationally.

<FONT color=black>In line with Government’s Crime Reduction Strategy the aim of the scheme is to make the homes of vulnerable, older people safe and more secure through the provision and fitting of safety kits and the carrying out of minor repairs - such as changing light bulbs.

The scheme is primarily aimed at people over the age of 60.

<FONT color=black>There is no charge for labour or for the products that are installed, <FONT color=black>but there is a savings limit of £25,000+.

The kits comprise of the following - smoke alarm, door chain, five lever mortice lock (deadlock) for the front door and mortice bolts for the back, spy hole and window locks for downstairs and vulnerable upstairs windows.

All fitters are trained not o­nly in the work they carry out, but also in dealing with older people. For instance, they will not leave the recipient’s home until they are sure that they understand how the products they have installed actually work. They also leave behind a pack containing helpful advice leaflets.

<FONT color=black>The Handy Van Scheme was launched in the South East Kent Policing area in November 2001.

The NHW Office is o­ne of the referral points and holds the application forms and requests can be made over the phone.

Should you have a vulnerable person within your area that you believe would benefit from the Handy Van scheme please telephone the Rcw Ian Norman 07811271303 and arrangements will be made to complete an application form. (This work is not carried out in Warden Controlled properties).

<FONT color=black>Please make sure that you have spoken with the prospective recipient and you have their agreement.

The Community warden will then send the application form to the Handy Van Administration Office where they will enter relevant details o­nto a computerised control system, they will then advise the Client in writing that the application form has been received and processed.

The Client will then be telephoned to make a mutually acceptable date to carry out the work. The name of the Handy Van fitter that will be calling will also be confirmed and a contact number will be left just in case the Client needs to rearrange the appointment.

Once the work is completed the fitter invites the Client to sign the Handy Van Inspection Notes confirming that the work has been carried out to their satisfaction.