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Anchor Staying Put Colchester is a Home Improvement Agency (HIA). The agency is a small, not for profit, locally based organisation which provides advice, support and practical help to people aged 55 and over or people of any age with a disability who are homeowners or private tenants, to enable them to maintain an independent lifestyle and continue living in their own homes.

The agency was launched in 1990 in partnership with Colchester Borough Council. Since the launch the agency has been extremely effective in working with key partners to enable thousands of people to carry small repairs, improvements and adaptations to their homes who live within the borough of Colchester.

Having any form of building work carried out to your home can be very stressful. Knowing what work is required and trying to find the appropriate contractor can also be very difficult to manage. Therefore, if you would like more information on our services please do not hesitate to contact us on Tel: 01206 282589.

The range of services provided by Anchor Staying Put Colchester are as follows:

Staying Put core service (HIA)

• Arrange to visit you in your own home to discuss the housing problems you may have.
• Provide information on the range of ways to fund both repairs and adaptations to the home which may include:
  Grants/loans from Colchester Borough Council, charities, insurance, customers funding work using their own savings, etc.
• Assist customers with the completion of any forms/paperwork in applying for grants/loans.
• Specialist Technical support to customers which includes feasibility visits, preparation of specifications/plans/drawings
• Helping customers to find a contractor.
• Overseeing work on site.

Types of work carried out

Repairs

• Roof repairs/re-roofing.
• Door/window replacement.
• New heating systems.
• Damp proof work.
• Electrical work/rewiring.
• Woodworm/dry rot.
• And more.

Adaptations

• Stairlifts.
• Level access showers.
• Ramps.
• Ground floor cloakrooms.
• And much more.

Cost of the service

Our advisory service is free. If you decide to carry out work with our help, a fee based on the cost of work will be charged for our service (our current fee is up to 12%)

Handyperson scheme

A prompt and efficient small repairs service for all Owner Occupiers, Private Tenants and Colchester Borough Tenants aged 60 or over.

• General repairs (minor plumbing or joinery work).
• Putting up curtain rails.
• Changing light bulbs.
• Window/door locks, door chains & viewers.
• Home safety advice.
• Free supply and installation of smoke alarms.
• The fitting of Handrails to doors, stairs, bathrooms etc.
• And more.

Cost of the service

Customers pay for the materials and there is a small labour charge of £7 per hour.

Tenant Liaison Officer

With funding provided by Colchester Borough Council, Anchor employs a Tenant Liaison Officer (TLO). The TLO provides additional advice, support and practical help to Tenants of Colchester Borough Homes who are having adaptations carried out to their homes. The service includes

• Liaising closely with tenants to ensure they have the appropriate level of support whilst work is carried out.
• To liaise with the Council’s clerk of works, contractors, occupational therapists and other professionals to plan works, agree start dates, deal with issues/problems resulting from the adaptations.
• Monitor and work to improve relations between tenants and the contractors.
• To ensure there is clear communication between all parties so the tenant is kept informed of progress.
• To improve the quality of service tenants receive.

Since the launch of the service in June 2005, the TLO has proved so successful that the post has been made permanent.

Having any form of building work carried out to your home can be very stressful. Knowing what work is required and trying to find the appropriate contractor can also be very difficult to manage. Therefore, if you would like more information on our services please do not hesitate to contact us on Tel: 01206 282589