Suffolk Police has teamed up with Suffolk Homeshield Service to
provide easy access to many services and organisations for
vulnerable people.
The scheme aims to reduce crime, fires, accidents and other
preventable health and well-being risks in the homes of Suffolk’s
most vulnerable and isolated people.
Front line Officers from the partner agencies who visit people
in their homes are asked to identify potential risk factors that
can affect a person’s quality of life in four key areas:
- Security and safety
- Health and well-being
- Financial entitlements
- Basic home needs
Staff will complete a simple risk assessment form with the
person’s consent. They will refer that person to the projects
coordinator who passes the information to partner organisations to
obtain the assistance required.
Home Shield has over 60 partner agencies delivering services
across Suffolk, these partners including Suffolk County Council
(Adult and Community Services, Practice Advise Team, Fire and
Rescue Service, Trading Standards), District and Borough Council,
Warm Front, NHS Suffolk, Suffolk Family Carers, The Pension
Service, Suffolk Police, The Voluntary Sector (Age UK, Age
Concern, Help the Aged, Royal British Legion and
SAFFA, Red Cross, Deaf and Blind Associations, CAB)
One referral could put a client in contact with a number of
different agencies depending on the individual’s needs.
The Homeshield Plus service was launched in 2010 and aims to
help vulnerable people feel safe and secure in their homes.
Building on the existing service the new enhanced Homeshield Plus
programme will provide a proactive service with a trained team of
officers who will be able to consider a whole range of safety needs
for each customer in their home in one free visit.
The existing Homeshield project relies heavily on visiting
officers from the voluntary and community sector and the original
homeshield scheme will continue to operate alongside the new
Homeshield plus project to help as many vulnerable people as
possible.
Homeshield Plus employs eight visiting officers and a
co-ordinator. It is a proactive scheme where vulnerable persons are
identified and offered assistance through a free home visit.
To start with, the programme will aim to reach older people who
live on their own and do not have the support of neighbouring
family and friends. Other types of vulnerable people will be
approached thereafter and it is hoped the programme will help
prevent accidents, protect these people from crime and improve
quality of life for these people.
Visiting officers have the ability to install smoke detectors
and door security equipment if required whilst on the visit.
If you know of anyone who might fit the criteria to receive
Homeshield Plus support or if you personally are eligible, please
contact the Homeshield Plus team on 0845 603 4715
or email: homeshieldplus@suffolk.gov.uk
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