Notice: South East Is The Perfect Fit For Legion’s Handy Van Service

Published on: 5 Jul, 2017
Updated on: 5 Jul, 2017

The Royal British Legion’s ‘Handy Van’ service has been launched in the South East to help give veterans and serving personnel the freedom to remain safe and independent in their own homes.

Darren Shelly has been appointed as the region’s permanent ‘Handy Van’ fitter, who will be on-call throughout the week to provide assistance and practical advice to members of the Armed Forces community.

Darren Shelley, the Legion’s South East Region ‘Handy Van’ Fitter.

The ‘Handy Van’ service is designed to offer help with awkward jobs around the house, such as minor repairs or installations, or fitting essential devices such as smoke detectors or community care alarms.

Laura Brook, The Royal British Legion’s Regional Independent Living Lead, said: “We are delighted to be able to provide such a worthwhile service to veterans and Service personnel across the South East.

“We hope the service will be particularly helpful for older and vulnerable ex-serving people in the area who perhaps feel isolated or unable to carry out everyday tasks such as changing a light bulb or fixing a broken lock, or more arduous physical duties.”

The service is part of the charity’s Independent Living Advice department, and is one of the many services supported by funds raised by the annual Poppy Appeal in the South East.

Fitters do much more than tackle small jobs around the house – all staff are case worker-trained and will assess a beneficiary’s needs to ensure they get the help and support they need.

Darren is one of a dedicated and trusted team of fully-trained and experienced Handy Van fitters operating across the UK. Thousands of people are helped by fitters like Darren every year.

Darren, a former BT engineer who lives in Deal in Kent, said: “I’m thrilled to be part of the Handy Van team, and to focus my efforts on helping people in the South East region.

“The work of the Handy Van service means members of the Service community can stay longer in their own homes. It’s a very satisfying line of work to be in, and I’m looking forward to meeting members of the Armed Forces community and helping them with their odd jobs.”

The 42-year-old added: “Fitters do more than just small jobs around the house. One day I could be putting up shelves and curtain rails and the next fitting smoke alarms or building a shed. It entirely depends on the kind of help and support the beneficiaries need.”

Security is important, so all of the Legion’s fitters have been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau. They carry ID at all times, wear Legion-branded uniforms, and drive instantly-recognisable Legion-branded vehicles.

For further information on the Legion’s Handy Van service call 0800 032 0306, email homesupportadmin@britishlegion.org.uk or visit www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/living-independently/handy-van/.