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About us

Established originally in 1990 the Agency in Wealden & Lewes is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older, disabled and vulnerable people by providing assistance with adaptations, improvements and repairs to their property, or identifying other referrals which would be of benefit to them.   Enabling them to remain living actively and safely within their own homes if that is their choice.

We were the first Anchor Agency to 'merge' geographically to provide cost savings for our customers and commissioners by representing a wider area and pooling our resources to enable this.

We cover the area administered by the Wealden & Lewes District Councils – about 612 square miles, although our Navigator Service is available throughout the whole of the East Sussex County Council area.   We work in partnership with both of the councils as well as with East Sussex Social Services, East Sussex Supporting People Team, Sussex and Eastbourne Downs PCT.

The specific services we provide are:-

Staying Put Core Service

The Staying Put Team can assist with repairs aimed at keeping a property safe, warm and watertight.  In many cases these repairs can be funded by a local authority grant from the two District Councils who fund us.   If this is not possible, we can give advice on the other options which are available to pay for the repairs, which include sourcing charitable funding, equity release or paying for the works privately.

Examples of the work the Core Agency Service deals with are:-

•  Adaptation of bathroom to provide level access shower, with advice

from an Occupational Therapist.

•  Installation of access ramps, or doors.

•  Replacement/repair of doors and windows

•  Roofing repairs

•  Guttering and downpipe repairs.

•  Pathway repairs

•  Replacement/repair of damp proof courses.

•  Rewiring

•  Repointing.

We can also help with large scale repairs where a property fails to meet the Decent Homes Standard, and also with extensions to properties to meet the needs of disabled people.  These works can sometimes be funded using Renovation or Disabled Facilities Grants available from the Local Authorities.

Our Caseworkers will also give general advice about form filling and eligibility for benefits, and the Agency has been approved by the Pension Service as an ‘Alternative Office’ so that our Caseworkers do not have to send valuable documents away for applications. We have similar arrangements with the benefits departments of the two district councils.

Handyperson Service

This service aims to help with small repairs and various other ‘odd jobs’ such as the hanging of pictures and the fitting of curtain rails.   Frequently these are the sort of jobs which commercial builders would find it not cost effective to undertake.

We have three Technicians who are members of the Guild of Master Craftsmen.   Two of them deal with the repairs and the third is able to help with gardening and decorating problems.

The work they do includes:

•  Minor plumbing including fitting lever taps, replacement of washers etc.

•  Minor electrical repairs – one of our Technicians is a trained electrician.

•  Home security – including the provision of equipment from the Sussex Police.

•  Fitting of free smoke alarms supplied by the Sussex Fire Service.

•  Minor carpentry.

•  Installation of grab rails and handrails.

•  Gardening work including clearance/adaptations

•  Decorating work which can be done in less than 16 hours

We also consider other work on an individual basis.

Navigator Service

This is an innovative free service aimed at helping older people with assessed moderate needs to remain living independently at home by identifying any referrals which the customer themselves tells us will help, however small or difficult to source.

Our trained dedicated team of Navigators will visit you at home and discuss your wants and needs within the East Sussex County Area.  

The service takes referrals from a variety of organisations including East Sussex Social Services, National Health professionals, and other voluntary organisations.

The help we source can include:

•  Exercise and well-being classes payable by grants

•  Transport support payable by grant

•  Handyperson support

•  Carers help, including financial support

•  Money advice including benefits and debt management

•  Befriending services

•  Home safety advice

Many other relevant referrals can be made as required by the individual customer.

For more information on any of the above services please telephone 01323 441013