Handy Van network
The video displayed on this page is a BSL and subtitled version of the Handy Van leaflet.
Derbyshire Handy Van Network is a service making it safer for older and vulnerable people to live in their own homes. A fleet of eight vans and a dedicated team of handy staff are now on the streets of Derbyshire ready to take your call
The Derbyshire Handy Van Network provides practical support to help older and vulnerable people to live independently in their own homes.
You can phone and ask for a free visit to your home by your local handy van for the following:
- home fire safety checks
- smoke alarms provided and installed
- home security checks
- security equipment provided and installed
- energy efficiency advice
- practical tasks − for example:
- changing light bulbs
- securing carpets and rugs
- removing and hanging curtains
- checking stair rails are secure and appropriate
- path and door access clearance
- securing tap washers to reduce dripping taps
- and other tasks, as appropriate.
The service will also, with your permission, make referrals to our partners for additional services that may help you to live independently.
Who is it available to and how do I access it?
The service is available to those who are aged 60 and over or if you are referred by our Adult Care department, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, your district or borough council, Derbyshire Police or Derbyshire Primary Care Trust.
Each eligible household can access this free service twice a year. Please note, some materials may need to be purchased by the occupier.
The service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. This service does not offer an emergency service for plumbing or electrical problems.
For more information or to arrange for a visit, please call your local handy van provider:
- Amber Valley − 01773 604426
- Bolsover − 01246 217700
- Chesterfield - 01246 345748
- Derbyshire Dales − 01298 23970
- Erewash − 01773 604426
- High Peak − 01298 23970
- North East Derbyshire - 01246 217700
- South Derbyshire − 01283 219761
You can Call Derbyshire to help you access this service.
Your local handy van provider will be able to advise you if they can provide the help you need.
If they cannot help, then you can access a list of Trusted Traders (opens in a new window) who may provide the service your require.
Is there a charge for the handy van to visit?
No, if you are a Derbyshire resident who is aged 60 or over or are referred into the network then the service is free to access.
However, you will need to purchase any materials required for any small repairs or DIY tasks.
I am not sure if the handy van can help me with a particular task?
Contact your local handy van and they will be able to advise you of the help that they can provide.
What if need some help maintaining my garden or with decorating?
Unfortunately, the handy van network does not provide help with garden maintenance or decorating.
You will find lists on our Trusted Trader pages of those who provide these services.
The network is a successful partnership between our Adult Care department, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Derbyshire Police and the district and borough councils across Derbyshire.
Related documents
The following documents are in Portable Document Format (PDF). You can download software to view PDF documents for free from the Adobe website (opens in a new window)