07 April 2016

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service’s Fire Prevention and Road Safety team are inviting members of the community aged 65 and over to a partnership event, at Hayle Emergency Services Community Station on Thursday 14th April from 10am-2pm. The event will offer the opportunity to access a number of agencies, who are all committed to keeping them safe and well in Cornwall.

The drop-in event is designed to ensure members of the community feel safe in their local area, and are aware of the information and support available to them. Agencies attending include:

• Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service

• Devon and Cornwall Police

• Trading Standards

• Wiltshire Farm Foods

• Neighbourhood watch

• Tremorvah Industries

• Age UK

• Dementia Friends

People will be given the opportunity to sign up for a free home fire safety check; access information regarding how to continue driving safely for longer; how they can prevent falling victim to doorstep crime; mobility aids available to those that require them as well as how to access hot food packages that can be delivered directly to their homes. There will also be a free entry to a raffle for all over 65’s who attend, with prizes being donated by the various agencies and local businesses.

Paula Wellings, Casualty Reduction Manager, says, “Statistics show that the risk of dying in a fire, or being involved in a road traffic collision, increases greatly for those aged 65 and over. With an ever-increasing older population – 23% of the UK will be aged 65 and over by 2035 – activities such as this event, designed to help older people keep themselves safe and allow them to access appropriate agencies who can offer support, are likely to form a growing part of partnership work over the coming years.”

For further information about the event please contact 0800 3581 999 or email prevention@fire.cornwall.gov.uk.

ENDS.

Note to editors

People who would like to request a free home fire safety assessment can call 0800 3581 999 or go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire

Contact details

Rebecca Wills - Devlin

Communities Communications and Engagement Specialist (West)

Customers and Communities Service

Communities and Organisational Development

Cornwall Council

Tel: 01872 323043

Internal: 493043

Mob: 07528933344

rwills-devlin@cornwall.gov.uk