HOME SAFETY REPORT FOR THE PERIOD 2008 -2009

Now I am in my seventh year I cannot believe how this project has grown.  I have visited over 1500 families during this period, giving them advice on home safety and also fitting the appropriate equipment needed to avoid many household accidents and potential fatalities.

Families are now becoming much more safety conscious as to the wellbeing of their children, thus providing a safer environment within the family home.

I make initial visits to individual families throughout the year, in order to assess a family’s needs. I provide equipment that includes; Fireguards, Stairgates, First Aid Packs and Safety Packs (12 plug socket covers, fridge lock, door fringe protector,  1 multi purpose lock, 6 cupboard/drawer catches and 8 corner cushions) and information/literature packs.

When a family’s requirements have been assessed, I then install the necessary pieces of equipment in order to keep the young children from danger and harm.  I revisit the homes and check that the equipment is being used correctly and ensure that there are no defects detected.  Monitoring and evaluation practices are carried out in order to keep a concise record of how valuable this service really is within our local communities. 

Home Start Winson Green, Handsworth and Sandwell Areas are also working in partnership with our local Community Fire Station.  They provide and install smoke alarms to ALL of the families that we are supporting that would not otherwise have a smoke alarm in place.

I would like to thank all the funders who have supported this project until now and hope that new funders will continue to provide the necessary income, in order to continue with this crucial resource.

………………………………
Jamilla Begum
Home Safety Advisor