Date: 1st March, 2023
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service have been working with BCP Council and other partners to help people keep warm safely this winter.
Last November, the Council gave DWFRS a £10,000 grant to provide electric blankets to people in need.
In Christchurch, the fire station has established links with the local Age Concern branch, where they can provide blankets to their clients. A similar scheme has been set up in Poole with Waste Not Want Not.
Safe & Well Manager Vikki Thomas said: “The grant from BCP Council was extremely welcome, and we have already been able to provide 80 electric blankets to people who have been struggling with heating costs. We are grateful to Age Concern and Waste Not Want Not for helping us get support to where it’s most needed, and for referring people for our Safe & Well visits.”
The scheme forms part of the Service’s #SaveSafely campaign, which urges people to be aware of fire risks when looking to cut costs. More information can be found at www.dwfire.org.uk/save-safely
Pictured are Watch Manager Darren Lowe and Crew Manager Ray Bridgman from Christchurch fire station with Mary Osaer, general manager at Age Concern in Christchurch.
