HELP in the home is coming to war veterans in a new scheme being piloted in Suffolk, it emerged today.The Royal British Legion (RBL) is launching a service to help give homeowners the freedom to stay independent in their own homes.

HELP in the home is coming to war veterans in a new scheme being piloted in Suffolk, it emerged today.

The Royal British Legion (RBL) is launching a service to help give homeowners the freedom to stay independent in their own homes.

The scheme it being trialled in Suffolk before it is rolled out throughout the country in 2009.

The Poppy Calls scheme offers help with jobs such as minor repairs or fitting essential devices such as smoke detectors and will be available to all serving and ex-service people and their dependants.

Adrienne Wakeling, the RBL county field officer for Suffolk said: “We are delighted to be piloting such a worthwhile scheme in Suffolk ahead of the rest of the country.

“We hope the service will be particularly helpful for elderly people in the county who perhaps feel isolated or unable to carry out every day tasks such as changing a light bulb or fixing a broken lock.

“Poppy Calls provides a much needed community care service to the people of Suffolk, something the legion is dedicated to providing.

“We think most people who ask for our help will be over 75. Once people get older and they feel they may not be able to stay in their own home because they can't carry out the tasks then they will appreciate this service.”

To join the scheme contact The Royal British Legion's Suffolk branch on 01284 725833.

Do you think more should be done to help people stay in their homes? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.