Vulnerable residents across County Durham are being offered support to feel safer in their own homes.
The 3 Towns Partnership, one of Durham County Council’s 14 Area Action Partnerships (AAPs), has awarded just over £5,000 to the Safer Homes project to support residents in the Crook, Tow Law and Willington areas.
Safer Homes is a project run by the council in partnership with Durham Constabulary and County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service to help offer a sense of security to victims of crime and vulnerable members of the community.
As well as offering people crime and fire safety advice, Safer Homes offers practical help to make homes safer, by providing items such as light timers, door alarms and shed alarms.
Rather than relying on people to access the service themselves, the project reaches people in their own homes and allows residents an opportunity to meet, speak and engage with their local officers.
Cllr Brian Stephens, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and local partnerships, said: “It is great to see the 3 Towns Partnership supporting the Safer Homes project and helping our isolated and vulnerable residents across Crook, Tow Law and Willington to feel more secure, particularly as we approach the winter months.
“The Safer Homes project also highlights the benefit that partnership work brings to our communities and the difference that can be made when we continue to work together. This partnership work is more important than ever in this challenging environment in order to best support our residents across the county.”
Inspector Ed Turner, who runs the local police team, said: “The funding that has been provided by the 3 Towns Partnership to support our ongoing community safety work will really make a difference. The 3 Towns area is already a safe place to live and work but these funds will enable us to make it even safer and help those that are vulnerable or have been a victim of crime by providing them with reassurance, support and advice to make their homes and lives better.”
To find out more about the Safer Homes project, or how neighbours or relatives might benefit from home, fire and crime safety advice, email saferhomes@ddfire.gov.uk or call 0191 375 5561.
Residents can also find out more about the work of their local AAP on the council’s website: www.durham.gov.uk/AAPs
