A new home help service has been launched this month, aiming offer ‘inclusive’ support to vulnerable people in the local community.

Located on Churchill avenue, Halstead, Smithlea’s Home Help was recently opened by, town resident, Katrina Estlea, 42.

Katrina decided to launch her own home help service after an extensive career in the NHS.

She said: “I’ve got a huge background in the NHS - I have a degree in health studies and worked in the NHS in different roles for 16 years.

“I also took on a part time cleaning job with a professional cleaning company.

“I’m really passionate about helping people, so I thought why not try to combine all of it into one service.

“I completed lots of training and have been signed off by Essex County Council.” 

Smithlea’s Home Help assists those in need, by undertaking cleaning, housework tasks, accompanied outings, appointments, shopping, meal preparation, light cooking, light personal care, companionship, support with pet care and administration.

The service isn’t defined by one demographic and aims to be ‘inclusive’ by offering support to anybody in need.

“I want it to be a service that’s inclusive to everyone, not just elderly people," said Katrina.

“Lots of people need help, it could be new parents, someone that’s just left hospital, busy families or those struggling with mental health.”

Katrina is in the process of building up a clientele for the service and has been out and about in town – giving out leaflets and mingling with Halstead’s community.

She said: “It’s been great to get out and about, meeting people whilst I walked around the neighbourhoods – it’s been great.

“I’m really excited to launch this service, I love working with different people - I’m very much a people person.

“I want to make sure the community has a reliable and safe service they can call upon when they need a helping hand.”

For more information, visit Smithlea’s Home Help on Facebook.