We were delighted to welcome Minister of State for Health and Social Care Helen Whately MP at one our sites in Gravesend today (Thursday 7 September) to show how we help people access the Disabled Facility Grant (DFG).

The DFG offers grants of up to £30,000 to enable people with disabilities to make changes that will allow them to live independently in their home for longer. Works can include items such as installing a stair lift, wet room or level-access ramps.

Town & Country Housing’s (TCH) Home Improvement Service Team (HIST) offers a bespoke service to support those who would benefit from home adaptations. The team is able to support customers through each step, from applying for DFG funding to implementing any adaptations.

The Minister met with the TCH team to hear more about the service before visiting Mrs Martin, one of the customers it has recently helped by installing a stair lift.

Carol Phillips, Health & Housing Coordinator & Manager at TCH,said it was a great opportunity to be able to explain more about the team’s work.

“For many people the thought of having to move out of their home for health reasons can be incredibly upsetting, and the prospect of arranging adaptations can be too daunting for many to take on,” she said.

“Through our work, and the funding available via the DFG, we’re able to take away the stress of planning and organising the adaptations and make a positive different to our customers’ lives.

“We also work alongside colleagues in the NHS to support patients who need adaptations in the home before being discharged from hospital, thereby helping to free up bed space and support patients to live independently.”  

• To find out more about the work of HIST, which offers its services through its status as a Home Improvement Agency, visit www.tch.org.uk/hia