26/06/2007

Scheme launched to help elderly

Criminal Justice Minister Maria Eagle has today launched a new initiative that will give older people a greater sense of security.

The Home Support Service, which will be piloted in Dungannon, assists people to access a range of integrated services to make them feel safer in their homes.

These include a Handy van scheme, an immediate 24-hour emergency response, a SeniorLine and a Home Support Co-ordinator.

The Minister said: "The fear of crime and anti-social behaviour amongst the elderly is on the increase and we must do everything we can to alleviate those anxieties.

“The Home Support Service in the Dungannon area will provide an immediate 24 hour emergency response service to reassure the elderly and vulnerable that help is at hand when they need it."

Ms Eagle continued: "A Handy Van Scheme will provide safety and security products fitted free in people’s homes in addition to doing small jobs and minor repairs. The Senior Line is a free and confidential advice service and will provide callers with impartial and independent advice on a number of important issues and the Home Support Co-ordinator will direct people to organisations that can help."

Director of Help the Aged, Grace Henry also commented on the initiative, saying: "Help the Aged is delighted to be working with the Northern Ireland Office through the Dungannon and South Tyrone Community Safety Partnership to launch this Home Support service. The Dungannon service is the very first national pilot delivering Help the Aged’s vision of Home Support to vulnerable older people and we are confident that its success in the borough will signal the rollout of more local services across Northern Ireland and the whole of the UK.

(JM)

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