Safe and Well coffee morning for over 50s in Medway

05 April 2018

Local residents, Community

Over 50s living in Medway will have a chance to chat to emergency services staff and key community organisations over a cup of coffee and a slice of cake later this month.

Your Medway, Your Community is the first event of its kind, and it’s set to give residents a chance to discuss community issues, meet others living locally, ask questions and access advice on how to stay safe and well.

The event on Thursday, 19 April, at the Road Safety Experience in Marconi Way, Rochester from 10am-2pm, will be hosted by Kent Fire and Rescue Service in association with Age UK.

While the event is initially being piloted in Medway for local residents, if well received KFRS will look to create similar events in other areas of the county.

A 'one stop shop' for staying safe and well

Leanne McMahon, KFRS Group Manager for Community Safety Prevention and Protection, said: “One of our key priorities is to make sure people are living safely in their homes, preventing the risk of fire and injuries. We’re teaming up with our emergency services colleagues and friends within the health and housing sectors, to create an informal one stop shop approach to staying safe and well.

“It’s going to be a very relaxed, drop-in style event, where local residents over 50-years-old can meet other people living in the area, and ask organisations including KFRS, Kent Police, NHS and MHS Homes, for help and advice.

“Those attending will be able to access information about ensuring their own safety, as well as advice about how to make sure vulnerable loved ones and neighbours, who may be socially isolated, are looked after too."

John Norley, CEO at Age UK, said: “Age UK Medway is delighted to have the opportunity to take part in this event. Combating social isolation is a huge task for us all, and providing opportunities for people to get together, share experiences, gain information and advice that can effectively support them, and find out about social activities available is a major step to breaking down the barrier of isolation.

“Our staff will be on hand throughout the event to ensure that people are given every opportunity to access services and information that can support them, and of course, we hope people will realise that they are not, after all, on their own.”

Staying Safe and Well in your home

For those unable to come along on 19 April, KFRS offers a free at home service for vulnerable people, where officers provide safety advice, including the fitting of free smoke alarms where necessary.