Industry specialists to offer advice and share expertise at Community Safety Ambassador events

Two special events are set to bring together experts from a range of organisations to share their knowledge with those who regularly work to address the needs of older people. 

The awareness raising events will be a chance for individual volunteers and organisations to pick up free advice on numerous topics; from home security and personal safety, to preventing the risk of falls around the home. 

Both Community Safety Ambassadors events are being organised by East Suffolk Council and funded by an underspend in councillors’ collective Enabling Communities Budgets for 2021/22.

Councillor Mark Jepson, Assistant Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety at East Suffolk Council, said: “We’ve already invited a number of groups to come along and benefit from the shared knowledge of experts from a range of industries and backgrounds – and I’d like to extend that invitation to anyone who works with older people on a regular basis in the district and would like to take up this great opportunity. You might be part of a good neighbourhood scheme or another small support scheme, for example.

“The last couple of years have taught us how important it is to look out for each other, particularly those with additional needs, who may benefit from certain safety or security assistance.  

“It’s vital that we share accurate and consistent advice across all sectors, between partners, and crucially, with those people doing this important work in our communities.

“The aim is to highlight potential dangers faced in everyday life and share vital safety messages and services which could help improve, or even save lives.”

The events are scheduled to take place from 9.45am-12.30pm on Monday 6 June at the Hotel Victoria, in Kirkley Cliff Road, Lowestoft, and from 9.45am-12.30pm on Wednesday 8 June at Kesgrave War Memorial Community Centre, in Twelve Acre Approach, Kesgrave.

In attendance, and providing advice in a ‘speed dating’-style format, will be representatives of Suffolk Constabulary, providing home security and personal safety advice; Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service; Suffolk’s Warm Homes Healthy People project; Suffolk Trading Standards; Rethink Partners, provider of Cassius care technology to promote independence and connectivity, and East Suffolk Council’s antisocial behaviour lead, providing information and advice on how to report and protect against anti-social behaviour.

Everyone who signs up to attend will also receive a free UV security marking pen on the day.

If you would like to attend, please confirm by emailing communities@eastsuffolk.gov.uk or calling 0333 016 2000.