BHP and Brent Council have joined forces to develop a new scheme that will help local residents with disabilities live independently in their own homes.

The innovative scheme involves training BHP's Supported Housing Officers (SHOs) to make the assessments for minor aids and adaptations that help residents live more independently at home.

Until recently, only Occupational Therapists could make these assessments, but this simple solution will reduce waiting times and improve the service.

SHOs already provide assistance to hundreds of elderly residents by carrying out home visits and providing other specialist support, but now they will provide an enhanced and more comprehensive assistance service.

SHOs will assess tenants' needs for a wide range of minor adaptations such as window opening equipment, levers for kitchen and bathroom taps, kitchen cupboard handles and W.C. lever flush handles. This in turn will free up the Council's Occupational Therapists to concentrate on more specialist cases.

The scheme was launched in January this year and in the first six weeks 18 hand, grab and support rails were installed. And the great news is that the average waiting time from assessment to installation is now less than 20 days.

80 year old Kenton resident, Eileen O' Farrell is one of the residents who has benefited from this new scheme. Eileen said:

"I was unable to leave my home without the help of a friend or family member.

"I recently had hand rails fitted to the front of my home and they have been marvellous - there such a blessing. Now I can get out and about when I want.

"I was contacted by the Supporting Housing Officers and within six weeks they were fitted."