A new initiative is to be launched in North Norfolk to help make older people safer in their homes.
Norfolk County Council's Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with Age Concern North Norfolk, Assistive Technology Adult Social Services and Norfolk Police to deliver the new scheme.
Age Concern staff in North Norfolk have been trained by fire officers to carry out fire safety checks in the homes of the older people they visit.
As well as fire safety advice, the trained Age Concern staff will also be able to offer advice on home security, benefit claims, repairs around the home and give referrals to other agencies. Crucially they will also be able to fit smoke detectors in people's homes if required. They are also able to fit additional smoke detectors for those with hearing and mobility difficulties.
The scheme, a first for Norfolk, is officially launched on Monday (November 26) at Sheringham Fire Station.
Rob Moyney, Group Manager with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, said: "Making sure people are safe in their homes is a main priority for us as a service and experience shows us that older people are at particular risk. Working with Age Concern in this way makes sense for all concerned, especially the older people who can now receive a wide variety of help and advice from one visit.
We have provided funding for expanding Age Concern's existing capacity to deliver multi-agency visits and funding for an additional handyman and provided a dedicated vehicle for Age Concern's use when undertaking visits on our behalf. We are hoping this initiative will help us with our aim to increase the amount of smoke detectors fitted in North Norfolk by partner agencies alone from 180 in 2006/7 to 600 in 2007/8."
Sally Martin, Capacity and Access Team Manager, Age Concern North Norfolk, said: "We are very excited to have the opportunity to work together with Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The fact is that only around 40% of older people have a working smoke alarm and by working together we will be able to raise awareness. The Care and Repair staff from Age Concern will be able to supply a fire check and fit ten-year smoke alarms completely free of charge. For those less able there will be the option to fit radio link smoke alarms for clients who have care alarms.
Richard Rockcliffe, Cabinet Member for Fire and Community Protection, said: "I welcome this initiative, which is a great example of how positive partnership working can really benefit our community. Making people safe in their homes is a major priority for our fire and rescue service, and more specifically older and vulnerable people."
If people have a relative or friend they feel would benefit from a visit they can call 01263 519195 or ageconcern5@aol.com .
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