Funding boost for ILM Highland to help Moray veterans through handyperson service

A CHARITY which provides home maintenance to older armed forces veterans in Moray and the north has been given a new lease of life through funding.

ILM Highland has been running its Veterans Handyperson service for four years. It will be able to continue thanks to support from the Veterans’ Foundation, Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund, Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, and the Bank of Scotland Foundation.

The service, which the social enterprise delivers from its base in Alness, provides free small repairs and home maintenance to older and disabled veterans across Moray, Sutherland, and Ross and Cromarty.

The service provides assistance with DIY tasks like fitting handrails, replacing batteries and fitting smoke alarms, toilet seat replacements and hanging shelves. Support is also available for jobs around the garden such as repairing fences, fitting new gate locks and shed repairs.

The Veterans Handyperson service is led by Adam Davidson, an Army veteran of 24 years. He also serves as Detachment Commander of the Tain Army Cadets and is a Duke of Edinburgh Award assessor. He has recently taken over from outgoing Veterans Handyperson co-ordinator Alec Pole.

Mr Davidson said: "We are so thankful to the charities and foundations that have supported us to continue operating the Veterans Handyperson service across the Highlands and Moray.

"The Veterans Handyperson service forms part of a vital support network for retired servicemen and women who need help with odd jobs and household maintenance due to advanced age or disability across the region.

"As well as aiding with DIY and household support, our handyperson team provides an incredibly important social function for many of our clients, helping to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness they may be feeling.

"Our team is also able to signpost and refer clients for additional support, enabling them to live independently at home."

ILM Highland’s charitable services are supported by income generated from its professional and fully certified service for businesses to dispose of their waste electronic and electrical equipment, as well as a domestic small and large electrical recycling service, and its shop in Alness and online, which sells new and refurbished appliances.

For more information about the Veterans Handyperson service, visit www.ilmhighland.co.uk, email handyperson@ilmhighland.co.uk or call 01349 884774.

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