To provide a more efficient and effective service the WMFS endeavour to work with other key agencies to enable us to reach our more vulnerable groups. By working in partnership and through referral systems identifying our people at most risk we can improve people’s awareness and ensure that they are safe in their homes.
A single assessment process is to be set up to enable partner agencies to refer and direct their work into such areas of the community whilst informing other agencies of peoples needs where they may not have access. This also provides an efficient and timely service which reduces the footfall into people’s houses.
Examples of just a few of our key partnerships are:
Age Concern
A partnership with Age Concern utilises a handyman service, provided by Age Concern, which fits smoke alarms and gives Fire Safety advice plus other services including small practical jobs and general advice.
www.ageconcernbirmingham.org.uk
Mercian Housing
Over the past year we have been working with Mercian Housing to promote Home Safety Checks in their properties. When a new tenant moves in they are given an introduction pack containing the information on Fire Safety and encouraged to have a Safety check carried out. In the coming year, we are looking to further our partnership work by increasing smoke alarms in properties and highlighting the need for special Hearing Impaired alarms for the hard of hearing.
Aquarius
Aquarius is an agency which deals with drug and alcohol issues and provides outreach workers who give advice and guidance in the home. They also provide a counselling service to people who have committed crimes relating to drugs and alcohol. Statistics prove that these people are at high risk from fire and a referral system was set up so that Aquarius can refer people to us then we can carry out a Home Safety Check. http://www.aquarius.org.uk
Operation Intrusive
Operation Intrusive is a police initiative which provides reassurance to the local communities. As part of this several locations in Erdington were identified as being at most risk from fire and crime, then fire crews and Police Community Safety Officers worked together to offer fire and crime prevention advice, Home Safety checks and at the same time provide reassurance to the public. This work is ongoing and to be expanded over the coming year.
Sure Start
A handyman scheme has been set up to facilitate the fitting of fire guards, stair gates, smoke alarms and other safety equipment in the homes of young families in Kingstanding area. This joint initiative, funded by WMFS and Surestart, allows us to access the homes and deliver a full safety check service and refer back to Surestart if other needs are identified. http://www.surestart.gov.uk
