Bishop Creighton to the rescue
Tuesday February 9, 2010
People over the age of 60 can get security and safety equipment installed at their home for free thanks to a local voluntary organisation.
Every year many older people are seriously hurt in their home as a result of an avoidable accident.
But help is at hand thanks to the Bishop Creighton House Settlement team who run a special scheme called ‘Safer Homes.’
The organisation, which is part funded by the council, can send a handyman to your home to install safety and security equipment and do other work to reduce the risks of burglary, falls and injuries.
Ingrid Lawson, Safer Homes Project Coordinator, explained: “Safer Homes works closely with the council, police and fire service to help residents keep their homes safe, secure and hazard free. Bishop Creighton House has been providing reliable services to borough residents for over 100 years. As well as the Safer Homes project, we also have a Care and Repair agency providing assistance with major building works. We also have a befriending and telephone support project contacting the most vulnerable isolated members of our community.”
If you are registered disabled, have young children under the age of five or are at risk of domestic violence, you may also be able to take advantage of the Safer Homes initiative.
Handymen can install a wide range of safety and security devices, locks, spy holes, letter box cages, stair gates, fire guards, smoke alarms and fire blankets.
One happy Safer Homes customer is 79 year-old Rose Morgan, of Wardo Avenue, Fulham. She said: “The team have been fantastic to me. They put in a new door bell and changed my light bulbs. They also fitted some locks and a door. I live on my own and I found them to be very friendly and supportive. I would certainly recommend them to other people in my situation.”
Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, Leader of the Council, said: “The Bishop Creighton House Settlement team are amongst the borough’s unsung heroes. Their work goes largely unnoticed but for so many people they offer a life-enhancing service. Everyone should have the right to feel safe in their own homes, and this is especially important to the elderly and vulnerable. The council is only too happy to fund an organisation that has such a positive impact on the borough.”
Bishop Creighton House, found on Lillie Road is used by over 40 groups a week, including parent and toddler groups, older people's clubs, crafts groups, health groups. The building is very much a focus for the local community, with a huge range of organisations either based or operating from the centre, offering a vast array of support and services to local residents.
if you are interested in contacting Bishop Creighton Settlement, contact Lesley Ford on 020 7385 9689 or email lford@creightonhouse.org to arrange an appointment.
