Disabled people in the borough are being offered grants of up to £30,000 to cover the cost of adapting their homes to make them more accessible.
Gedling Borough Council has received government cash to provide the grants to residents with disabilities so they can make the changes and remain living independently at home.
The money could go towards ramps, widening doors, adapting or providing suitable washing/bathing or toilet facilities, installing a stair lift or a ‘through the floor’ lift.
The grants are means tested – applicants need to be referred to Gedling Borough Council by an occupational therapist who will assess the individual’s needs, then the council decides if they qualify.
The maximum grant available is £30,000 and residents living in rented properties would require the owner’s permission for any works to be carried out.
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John Byrne is one of the residents who has benefited from the scheme by having bathroom adaptations made and a stairlift fitted.
He said: “The occupational therapist was brilliant and the process only took three months from start to finish.
“I couldn’t fault the process, it has changed my life and I’d recommend anyone else with a disability to see if they’d qualify.”
Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Wellbeing Cllr Henry Wheeler said: “This grant money can make a huge difference to the lives of residents living with disabilities and allow them to keep leading independent lives for as long as possible. Mr Byrne’s case is a great example of the positive impact it can have.”
Residents who feel they would qualify for a grant should contact Nottinghamshire County Council’s Occupational Therapists on 0300 500 80 80 for a referral.
