Council adaptations service shortlisted for national award

Rochdale Borough Council’s innovative adaptations team is in line for a major national award for the outstanding service it delivers to local residents.

The scheme has been shortlisted in the Disabled Facilities Grant Adaptations Service of the Year category at the prestigious Healthy Housing Awards.

The council is one of just three local authorities vying for the award, with the winner set to be revealed at a special ceremony in London on 25 September.

Judges were impressed by staff’s excellent customer service, high standard of work and a ground-breaking approach which supports people to remain independent in their own homes.

State-of-the-art council adaptations provided to elderly and disabled residents, by a dedicated team within adult care, include hand-rails, grab rails, stair lifts, level access showers and much more.

It is a further boost for the service, which was recently hailed in a key national report for improving residents’ sense of control, confidence and day-to-day living.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, cabinet member for adult care, said: “Local residents regularly tell me that the adaptations delivered by the council have transformed their lives.

“The fact that Rochdale is one of just three councils shortlisted underlines the high-quality home improvements that adult care is providing day in day out.

“This service is a credit to the council and shows how our caring approach is ensuring elderly residents can remain independent in their own homes. I am extremely proud of such a dedicated and hard-working adult care team for their outstanding achievement.”

Heywood resident Margaret Ferry, who was recently provided with a new walk-in shower, said: “I am thrilled with my walk-in shower, which is so easy to use and has really transformed my life and provided me with greater independence in my own home.

“Thanks to the wonderful staff at the council who made this possible and for doing such a great job in fitting the shower. I couldn’t be happier.”

Rochdale Borough Council’s Home Improvement Agency, which delivers the adaptations service for local residents, can be contacted on 0300 303 8886.

Further information on the range of council adaptations available can be found at: 

• staywell.rochdale.gov.uk