Through our handyperson service and Aids and Adaptations scheme, we can enable older and/or disabled residents to live independently for longer. Read on below to find out how you could benefit.

Handyperson service

This scheme can provide small DIY repairs and adaptations to the homes of residents living in the London Borough of Lewisham who are at least 60-years-old and/or disabled. These jobs do not include external work. Providing you meet the criteria, you are eligible to apply, whether you rent your property from the council, housing association, private landlord or own your own home. Our friendly staff carry out a range of repair jobs around the home.

To find out more about the handyperson service and which types of jobs they can and can’t help with, please click here.

How to book

The handyperson service is not free, it costs £40 per hour. There is a minimum booking of 1 hour, however should you require the handyperson service for longer than 1 hour, you can increase the booking by 15 minute intervals at a cost of £10 per interval. Book online here. You can also access the form through My Lewisham Homes, our online portal.

This is not an emergency service, but we try to give priority to urgent cases. We will always contact you if we need to change an existing appointment. Our office is open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.

Aids and Adaptations

If you or someone you live with finds it difficult to get around your home, you may be able to get help to maintain or improve your independence.

Lewisham Homes can provide some basic adaptations to your home without an assessment from Lewisham Council’s Occupational Therapy Service, who provide more complex adaptations.

For a list of the basic adaptations which can be installed by Lewisham Homes without an assessment, plus more details of the Occupational Therapy Service, please click here.

How do I apply for a basic adaptation provided by Lewisham Homes?

You can call our Customer Contact Centre on 0800 208 2028. Provided you meet the criteria above, Lewisham Homes does not charge for this service.

How long will I have to wait for a basic adaptation?

We will visit your home for an inspection to confirm what basic adaptations are needed and we aim to have the works completed within 15 days of the initial request. If your needs are more complex we will refer you to Lewisham Council’s Community Occupational Therapy Service.

How do I contact Lewisham’s Occupational Therapy Service?

You can call the Occupational Therapy Service on 020 8314 7777, or email info.OTS@lewisham.gov.uk.

The team will try to establish the best ways to help you. If you meet the necessary criteria, the team will then carry out a home assessment to determine what type of adaptation or equipment is required within 28 working days.

If minor adaptations are required, they will aim to complete these within seven working days, from the time an initial assessment is completed. Major adaptations including structural alterations can take on average 13 weeks to be concluded.

What is Linkline?

Linkline is Lewisham Council’s 24 hour support service for elderly or vulnerable residents. Linkline helps to give these residents the freedom to live their life independently knowing that they can call for help when needed. The service is available to anyone who feels at risk in their own home because of age, disability, isolation, illness or vulnerability. For more information contact:

Tel: 020 8314 3141

Email: linkline@lewisham.gov.uk