Help Older People Feel Safer at Home

Published on 5 July 2010

Safe and Sound is a new home security check and accident prevention service helping anyone aged over 60 ‘feel safer at home’.

Fitting stair rails and grab rails, checking smoke alarms, door chains and window locks are just a few of the services provided free to Epping Forest residents.

Find out more about Safe and Sound:

• Safe and Sound leaflet (pdf 275 KB)

It’s aim is to reduce the number of falls by older people in their homes whilst making sure the property is secure and safe from intruders.

The scheme was officially launched by Chairman of Epping Forest District Council, Councillor Mrs Anne Grigg on 30 June 2010, with the unveiling of the project’s new van.

If you, an elderly neighbour or a friend could benefit from this free service, please contact Steve Cox the Safe and Sound co-ordinator:

• Phone 01992 564259

• Email scox@vaef.org.uk

or telephone the Council’s Safer Communities Team on 01992 564608. Steve will come to your home and carry out a survey identifying hazards which may cause a fall and assess any potential security risks.

Chairman Anne Grigg said: “Our Safe and Sound volunteers can help stop preventable accidents like trips and falls with minor repairs and improvements and reduce the risk of falling victim to bogus callers with advice on home security. I want our older residents to come forward and take up this free service which can help them to live independently and improve their quality of life. I work with older people in the district and am sure I’ll be seeing a lot more of Steve and his new van.”

Anita Nesbitt, Scheme Manager for Parsonage Court in Loughton said: “This is a fantastic, free service that responds very quickly to the needs of our older residents. It helps keep people safe within their homes, reduces the risk of falling and gives a confidence boost to all who use the scheme. Safe and Sound will certainly help many of our residents enjoy a safer and better quality of life.”

Safe and Sound is funded by Epping Forest Safer Communities Partnership, Epping Forest District Council, NHS West Essex and Essex County Council.

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