A KEIGHLEY project which provides a lifeline to many vulnerable people across the area has issued its own plea for support.

Helping Hands offers essential DIY assistance to the elderly, disabled and disadvantaged.

It performs a range of tasks, from installing home safety and security measures to fitting mobility aids and general property maintenance.

Jobs can be as simple as changing a light bulb, or may involve plumbing or electrical work.

But now the service, which has been running for more than two decades and has assisted thousands of people, is in desperate need of help itself.

Funds are required to keep the venture, which is managed by Action Point Community Support Services, running.

Approaches are being made to funding bodies.

And the community is being urged to rally round.

An online fundraising page, with a £30,000 target, has been set up at avivacommunityfund.co.uk/p/helping-hands---care-repair.

Gary Hodgson, for Helping Hands, says: "The project offers essential DIY help to vulnerable people by providing a reliable, safe, easily accessible and trustworthy home maintenance service.

"We undertake the more 'essential' things such as fitting grab rails, changing light bulbs, fixing taps and switches or fitting door locks, for example.

"We've carried out adaptations such as fitting ramps, implemented security measures, reduced trip hazards by repairing flooring and completed small tasks that would be unsafe for the individual to tackle independently.

"Many older people do not have family or friends who can help with these types of job.

"We'll never leave an individual without options and solutions to their home maintenance needs. Helping Hands is part of a traders' referral system, which means homeowners can access a registered trader if required should a job be too large or specialised for our team to handle."

He says that with the cost of living soaring, people will need the service more than ever.

Mr Hodgson adds: "Historically the project has been funded by the lottery and other organisations, and this has enabled us to provide a free or subsidised service.

"Helping Hands is also a link to the other services Action Point manages, and often people have accessed this additional help through first contacting us.

"The cost of living situation is critical, and the most vulnerable in our community will feel the greatest impact. Our aim – with the public's support – is to keep this service running so that individuals can remain independent in their homes."

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