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About Us

Anchor Staying Put exists to assist older disabled and vulnerable people to "stay put" at home if that is what you want, and we provide a range of advice and support services to enable that to happen.

With the right advice, support and assistance to keep your property maintained and adapted for your needs, you can remain safely in your home. You might know that there is increasing emphasis by central and local Government and the Health Service on "preventative" services to enable you to remain at home, and there are proven benefits to this approach.

If you are classed as vulnerable, for instance are on a means tested benefit or aged over 60 or disabled, we can provide a full survey, assessment and technical service to help you manage refurbishment and repair work on your home, as well as offering assistance in finding the funds to pay for these works. We find reputable building contractors to carry out the work on your home, and we fully inspect the work before you are asked to make any payment (if applicable) towards it.

What is a "Home Improvement Agency"?

A Home Improvement Agency offers a comprehensive service to enable essential repair and adaptation work in your home, and helps to manage the whole process.

Anchor Staying Put Rotherham was originally set up in 2007, to assist older people and people with disabilities to improve their homes. The Rotherham Agency works in partnership with Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

Where we work and what we can do

We can offer our service to you if you live in the Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council area. If you live outside this area or need assistance, which is beyond the scope of our service, we will provide details of other organisations that may be able to help.

What type of work can we help with?

From small repairs to major improvments and adaptations, we are here to help you.  Our work is varied and includes:

• Joinery work for example door/window adjustment, replacement, repair (ground floor

   only).

• Minor adaptations for example grab rails, bed raisers, chair raisers, bathing

   equipment.

• Damp proofing.

• Electrical rewiring.

• Replacement windows.

• Roofing.

• Structural repairs.

How do I pay for the cost of the works?

There are various ways of funding the work done.  We can advise you on your entitlement to financial help.

•  Essential Works

If we determine that your works are urgent and you are eligible you may qualify for a small amount of financial assistance.

• Benevolent Funding

It may be possible to seek funding from a charitable organisation or benevolent fund – for example, you may have been a member of a trade union or you and/or your partner may have served in the armed forces. We will approach organisations on your behalf, and assist you with completing the application forms.

• Savings/Loans

Some customers opt to pay for work from their savings. Others may wish to consider a loan. We can help you to get information from banks and building societies on loans that may be appropriate for your needs. However, you should always contact an independent financial advisor to discuss what type of loan/equity release would best suit your circumstances.

• Home Appreciation Loan

This is for homeowners who are vulnerable and unable to access commercial loans and is for essential works and to bring your property up to a decent standard. We will help you determine what work can be included within the loan and assist you with the application process. There are no monthly repayments and the loan is normally repaid when you sell your house.

• Social Security benefits

We can advise you on Social Security and disability benefits and will assist you to find specialist advice, should you need it.

How much will I have to pay Anchor?

Our advisory service is free and you also receive a free inspection and a free list of works which need completing with an estimated costs.

However, if you do decide to carry out building work with our help, we charge 10%, of the net cost of the work to include specifications, quotations, monitoring and final certification.

This fee is included with all applications for Home Appreciation Loans may be included in charitable applications for funding.

The cost is confirmed to you in writing before work begins.

Our small repairs service is usually £10 per hour.

Please contact us for further details and to see if you qualify for our help.

Will I need to move out while the works are being done?

 Most people are able to stay at home while the work is being done. However, if there is structural work involved such as removing floors, or the use of chemicals for damp treatment, it may be necessary for you to move out temporarily. If so, we may be able to help you find somewhere to stay.

Please ask for further information on our range of services when you contact us. If we are unable to provide a particular service, we will try to help you to find assistance elsewhere.

Please contact us for further details.