Support For Seniors To Be Expanded

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Raynes Park police launch scheme

A police-backed scheme enabling older members of the community to receive, police advice, guidance and news is to be expanded across Merton.

The Safer Seniors Scheme has been launched in Raynes Park by Sgt Dan Wheatley and his Raynes Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team with members of the Carters Estate tea club (right).

At the launch, newsletters and items such as emergency 'message in a bottle' packs were handed out. The plastic containers, provided by the Lions' Club, are designed to contain medication and doctor information to be kept in the fridge in case the emergency services are called and need to find out about a person's medical history.

The Scheme is supported by Age UK, Dial-a-Ride and Merton Adult Social Services.

A member of the Carters Estate Residents Association said: "I've got one of the message in the bottle packs and it was really helpful when the ambulance service came to my house. I've given some of these out to friends because I think it's so important to have."

Sgt Wheatley said: "This scheme, is very important in keeping regular communication between the Police team and those residents who are more likely to become victims of crime such as artifice burglary and rogue traders."

"This closer contact will also enable us to identify the most vulnerable people on our ward and to keep a database of their next of kins should the emergency services require them".

Merton Partnerships lead Chief Inspector Mark Lawrence said: "Looking after people on their Wards and building bridges underpins everything Merton's Safer Neighbourhoods Teams are about."

"Raynes Park’s launch of the Safer Seniors Scheme is a unique and well-planned project which will directly benefit our older residents, and sets a great example for other teams to follow!"

The Safer Seniors Scheme will be extended to other Merton wards.

June 3, 2011