Helping older people with everyday hazards
Fast forward from the 1960s and today’s busy streets bring a myriad of everyday hazards for some older people.
From e-scooters whizzing by on the pavement, to rogue traders knocking on doors, a trip to town can be daunting. Then factor in extreme weather bringing heatwaves, storms and more flooded communities than ever before.
Local organisations are getting together to make life just that little bit easier for older people (including anyone over 55), by providing essential safety tips for home and street environments.
February 19th will see a free event at the Princes Theatre in Clacton designed to empower people and keep them safe. It’s being staged for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, and local experts will be talking on topics ranging from crime prevention, to emergency planning, personal security, fire safety, and how to deal with a power cut.
UK Power Networks is offering people living in vulnerable circumstances the chance to sign up to its Priority Services Register, which provides free extra help - and peace of mind - in the event of a power cut. Power cuts don’t happen very often but if your name’s on the Register you will receive; a 24hr number to call plus home visits, hot meals and incident updates. An emergency box is supplied if you are medically dependent on electricity containing a four-hour torch and more, and the firm also delivers portable batteries in complex incidents.
Cody Prior from the firm’s vulnerable customer support team is looking forward to participating. He said: “We receive referrals from over 250 trusted organisations, or you can sign up yourself or a family member, and we keep your information safe.
“Our call advisors really do care about everybody as an individual. They are not on time constraints per call, and I hear some great examples of how they provided just what the customer needed, making a difficult time during a power cut a bit more manageable.”
He will be taking part along with organisations including the NHS, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Essex Adult Social Care, Neighbourhood Watch, Safer Roads Partnership and Age Well East.
Councillor Gina Placey, Tendring District Council’s cabinet member for Partnerships and chairperson of the Tendring Community Safety Partnership, said: “Through our collaboration with partners such as UK Power Networks, we strive to highlight everyday risks faced by residents and want to share vital safety information that could save lives and improve quality of life.
“The Older Persons Crucial Crew event will cover topics such as fire safety, personal security, cyber security, dealing with rogue traders, and managing unexpected visitors.
“UK Power Networks will be talking to people about the support it offers when there is a power cut, which is often beyond what most people would expect from a utility company, which can include tailored support such as home visits and hot meals. We want to ensure that residents that need additional support when a power cut occurs do not miss out, by them signing up to the UK Power Networks’ Priority Services Register.”
For more details see Reminder to book ahead for Older Persons Crucial Crew event in Clacton
Tickets must be booked in advance. To sign up to the Priority Services Register see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services.
Published 21/01/2025
From e-scooters whizzing by on the pavement, to rogue traders knocking on doors, a trip to town can be daunting. Then factor in extreme weather bringing heatwaves, storms and more flooded communities than ever before.
Local organisations are getting together to make life just that little bit easier for older people (including anyone over 55), by providing essential safety tips for home and street environments.
February 19th will see a free event at the Princes Theatre in Clacton designed to empower people and keep them safe. It’s being staged for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, and local experts will be talking on topics ranging from crime prevention, to emergency planning, personal security, fire safety, and how to deal with a power cut.
UK Power Networks is offering people living in vulnerable circumstances the chance to sign up to its Priority Services Register, which provides free extra help - and peace of mind - in the event of a power cut. Power cuts don’t happen very often but if your name’s on the Register you will receive; a 24hr number to call plus home visits, hot meals and incident updates. An emergency box is supplied if you are medically dependent on electricity containing a four-hour torch and more, and the firm also delivers portable batteries in complex incidents.
Cody Prior from the firm’s vulnerable customer support team is looking forward to participating. He said: “We receive referrals from over 250 trusted organisations, or you can sign up yourself or a family member, and we keep your information safe.
“Our call advisors really do care about everybody as an individual. They are not on time constraints per call, and I hear some great examples of how they provided just what the customer needed, making a difficult time during a power cut a bit more manageable.”
He will be taking part along with organisations including the NHS, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Essex Adult Social Care, Neighbourhood Watch, Safer Roads Partnership and Age Well East.
Councillor Gina Placey, Tendring District Council’s cabinet member for Partnerships and chairperson of the Tendring Community Safety Partnership, said: “Through our collaboration with partners such as UK Power Networks, we strive to highlight everyday risks faced by residents and want to share vital safety information that could save lives and improve quality of life.
“The Older Persons Crucial Crew event will cover topics such as fire safety, personal security, cyber security, dealing with rogue traders, and managing unexpected visitors.
“UK Power Networks will be talking to people about the support it offers when there is a power cut, which is often beyond what most people would expect from a utility company, which can include tailored support such as home visits and hot meals. We want to ensure that residents that need additional support when a power cut occurs do not miss out, by them signing up to the UK Power Networks’ Priority Services Register.”
For more details see Reminder to book ahead for Older Persons Crucial Crew event in Clacton
Tickets must be booked in advance. To sign up to the Priority Services Register see www.ukpowernetworks.co.uk/power-cut/priority-services.
Published 21/01/2025