Big turnout for Seniors’ Safety event

Attending the recent Seniors' Safety event in Ballyclare are (l-r): Watch Commander Mark McWhirter, NIFRS; Sergeant Alan Bowes, PSNI; Mayor Thomas Hogg; Shirley Cooke, Good Morning Newtownabbey; Alderman John Blair, PCSP Chair and Joan Cosgrove, PCSP independent member. INNT 42-511CON

The event, organised by Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), provided older people with important information about home and personal safety.

Speakers included a senior PSNI officer, who gave a talk on how to deal with bogus callers to your home, and a representative from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, who provided practical home fire safety tips. Good Morning Newtownabbey representatives spoke about the daily telephone service they provide to older people and vulnerable adults in the area.

There were 18 information stalls for seniors to visit to gather additional safety information from a range of different agencies including Citizens Advice Bureau, The Consumer Council, AGE NI, Victim Support, NI Housing Executive, Women’s Aid and Home Accident Prevention.

Newtownabbey Street Pastors, another of the organisations which took part in the event, are currently on the look out for more volunteers.

Anyone who would like more information about Street Pastors should contact their local church leader or email [email protected]

Following the event, Chair of the PCSP, Alderman John Blair commented: “The PCSP is delighted to have had such a great turnout on the day. We are delighted to be able to signpost seniors to a range of services to improve their safety. It is also hoped that the event will help to reduce vulnerability, isolation and fear of crime by promoting local networking opportunities.”

For further information about the work of Newtownabbey Policing and Community Safety Partnership check out www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/community/pcsp.asp or telephone Lois Kilpatrick on 028 9034 0011.