After 18 years' work, Manchester Care & Repair celebrated their ‘coming of age' in October 2009 with a hot supper and speeches.

Attending the event was the Lord Mayor Councillor Alison Firth, service commissioners, Foundations, local opinion formers as well as clients who have used the agency's services.

The charity was also celebrating another milestone - they are now assisting 13,000 clients a year. Maggie Walker, Chief Executive of Manchester Care and Repair, said: "It's great to know that we are reaching so many local people with this valuable service. A bit of practical help in the home is what many older people say they need. I worry that we still may not be known to older residents in every part of Manchester and Trafford and I hope that celebrating this birthday will get the message across that help is available."

Local resident Joe Murray cut the cake with the Mayor. He praised the agency's handyperson service, saying: "The Handyhelp scheme is a very important service provided to older people. Not only do Care & Repair deliver a reliable and friendly service when we need them but we can call on them with complete confidence in the people they send to do the job."

The Handyhelp service has recently been able to expand and is available to older residents across Manchester and Trafford who are unable to do essential DIY in their homes.

"We help with dripping taps, sticking doors, locks, spy-holes and curtain rails," says Maggie. "We also have services that help with other aspects of living independently, like getting welfare benefits, falls prevention, information and advice."

The Handyhelp service is available to owner-occupiers and people in the private rented sector.