Stay safe scheme for pensioners praised

AN innovative scheme aimed at reducing the fear of crime among older people in Inverness has been highly successful.

Northern Constabulary and its partner agencies say they are delighted with the positive response to their Stay Safe Scheme.

The pilot, the only one of its kind in Scotland, has been running in the Inverness area for 18 months and has been warmly welcomed by over 50s in the community.

Highland Community Care Forum (HCCF) carried out research to find out what concerns older people had, and what information they would like to be given about community safety.

They were able to secure funding for what is now known as the Stay Safe project from Comic Relief and Age Scotland.

A multi-agency steering group was then set up including members from Highland Senior Citizens Network, the police, Age Scotland and the HCCF.

Stay Safe involves six volunteer speakers, led by a volunteer co-ordinator, who give talks to groups on a variety of subjects including bogus callers, scams and other issues relating to community safety.

It is hoped to extend the project to more rural areas and eventually across the force, depending on future funding streams.

Research by HCCF has shown that older people are more likely to take in and trust information delivered by their peers, rather than by someone much younger.

Northern Constabulary’s representative on the Steering Group Constable Rosanna MacSween said: "We have seen the Stay Safe project developing during the first 18 months. We are now getting requests for talks from a number of groups, some from outwith Inverness who have heard about the project.

"Older people tell us they see it as a vital source of information and reassurance and that it is making them feel safer and more supported within their communities."

Jo Cowan, Age Scotland’s Development Officer for the North, is delighted at the success of the Stay Safe Project.

"Stay Safe offers older volunteers an ideal opportunity to become involved in an initiative which greatly benefits their peers. It demonstrates the value to our communities of the experience of older people," she said.

"Our volunteer speakers create an environment in which older people not only receive information but also feel comfortable about raising any concerns around community safety."

One of the supporting agencies is the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Andrew Laing, applauded the initiative.

He said: "This has been a very worthwhile scheme. Older people can become the victims of crime and there are certain criminals who cynically target older people and attempt to take advantage of their situation and their assets.

"The Stay Safe Scheme is an excellent way of warning folk in our community of specific dangers and providing some good practical advice and support to help people within our community avoid such difficulties and stay safe. "

If anyone is interested in becoming a peer speaker contact Sarah Shaw (Volunteer Co-ordinator) on sshaw@hccf.org.uk or 01463 248 671.