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Safety education centre SkillZONE has formed a new partnership with Gloucestershire Telecare to work together in helping older people stay safe and independent at home.
SkillZONE runs two hour safety tours to schools and community groups in its state-of-the-art building. Currently over 70 percent of the visitors to SkillZONE are school trips but through working with Telecare the partners hope to reach more older people with their important safety messages.
Gloucestershire Telecare has now fitted SkillZONE’s house with a range of specialist equipment it uses to support people to live independently and at home for longer. SkillZONE volunteers will be able to showcase this assistive technology to groups visiting the centre.
Using special sensors Telecare helps manage risks such as medication management or falls and also detects potential emergencies at home such as fires, gas leaks and floods. This equipment is linked to a 24 hour monitoring centre with trained operators.
Cllr Dorcas Binns, cabinet member for older people, said: “This is a really exciting opportunity for partners to work together for the benefit of our older community and their families. Educating young people through the centre will also raise awareness of Telecare as we hope that they will be able to pass on this invaluable information to others.”
Will Windsor-Clive, cabinet member for fire and safety, said: “SkillZONE already teach about fire safety and personal safety in the home and we are pleased to add the Telecare equipment to our house so we can raise the profile of this excellent service for those who need it.”
Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service already works with Telecare to identify people who may need specialist equipment to stay safe in their homes. Together they identify, provide and fit the equipment ensuring a joined up approach to home safety.
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Notes to editor
- To find out more about Telecare visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/telecare/home
- For more information on SkillZONE visit skillzonetest.co.uk