A SCHEME to provide desperately needed services to the vulnerable has been saved from the chop after receiving a last minute cash injection.

Grants of nearly £92,000 from the Community Fund and up to £75,000 from Bridge House Estates this week have ensured that the important work carried out by Hounslow Volunteer Bureau's Helping Hands Scheme will continue for another three years.

The scheme supplies volunteers to provide gardening, decorating and home maintenance services to older, disabled and vulnerable people on low incomes living in the borough.

In addition to providing these much needed services, it also provides the volunteers with training through its Handyman Training Scheme.

This training, as well as the projects they undertake, enables the volunteers to build their confidence and develop the skills they need to get back into the job market.

Manager Josie Penrose said: "We are absolutely delighted to have been given enough money to keep this valuable scheme going and look forward to providing a 'helping hand' to people in the community for years to come."

For more details call 020 8583 2626.