HOMEOWNERS and private tenants in Redditch have joined the ranks of residents able to access a support service that helps people to stay independent at home, after a major service overhaul.

For more than 20 years Redditch Council’s popular Home Support Service has helped thousands of council tenants to stay independent in their homes across the borough.

Now anyone living in Redditch who is over 18 and needs support to remain independent can access the 24 hour, 365 days a year service for a range of personal needs - from recovering from serious illness, to help filling in forms, to shopping for essentials in an emergency.

Homeowners, private tenants and council tenants alike are now all being invited to share their views on how the Home Support service could develop at a special informal open day at Redditch Town Hall on Monday, December 3, in two sessions from 2-4pm or 6-8pm, which will include refreshments.

Redditch councillor Mark Shurmer, who is responsible for housing services, said: “For decades Home Support in one form or another has worked well for thousands of council tenants. It is now being made available to everyone and we want to find out what kind of a service people would want. Why not come along to our informal open day and tell us?

“You might have a strong and able friend who just needs a little help at home to remain independent. What kind of help do they need? Or perhaps it’s just the peace of mind of knowing that when you’re away, in an emergency Home Support could visit an elderly relative very quickly. Home Support can meet a range of needs, and we need your views to help build our own unique local service.”

December’s informal consultation comes after a successful pilot of the service with 17 privately-housed residents earlier this year showed how needs can vary significantly across the private sector compared to council tenants.

To book a place at the open day sessions and find out more, please contact Home Support on 01527 548367.