Aberdeen Care and Repair is a social enterprise service providing free advice and technical assistance on home repairs, improvements and adaptations for over 60s and disabled people in Aberdeen.

It is partially funded by Aberdeen City Council and the remainder is generated by the company itself.

Any profit is reinvested within the service to help those older or disabled people who have low incomes.

The trades available at subsidised rates include joinery, plumbing, electrical, small building work, gardening and minor roof repairs.

The service also provides free advice by getting quotes, assisting with paperwork and advising on possible benefits or grants that may be available.

The organisation also holds its own Trusted Trader list made up of 26 companies, if they are unable to provide one of their own tradesmen.

Service manager Karen Milne told the Evening Express: “It can be very difficult to find tradespeople to fix a small job.

“A lot of older people maybe don’t have the confidence to deal with these things on their own, maybe their son or daughter has moved away or their spouse has died.

“Sometimes we are even just asked to move some furniture around.”

Ms Milne added: “With the lighter nights there will be an increase in rogue traders going about.

“If they phone here then we can provide reputable contractors.”

The service also has a charity that receives funding from local companies and this specifically funds safety equipment such as fixing handrails and new locks.

Police Scotland recently launched Operation Monarda to raise awareness about doorstep crime in the city.

They have been speaking to members of the public about rogue traders who may escalate their costs and put victims under pressure to pay.