A NEW safety scheme, which offers older people the opportunity to get a free home visit, is being trialled in parts of the Borders.

Living Safely in the Home, an initiative led by Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team, will see firefighters visit households in the Cheviot areas to provide an assessment of a number of potential risks.

The project will be aimed at over 65s, who account for three quarters of all falls at homes, which result in emergency admissions to hospital.

Councillor Donald Moffat, Scottish Borders Council's Executive Member for Community Safety, said: “I am delighted the Scottish Borders Safer Communities Team is supporting the Living Safely in the Home pilot.

“Firefighters already play a prominent role in the community, offering free fire home safety visits, but this pilot will offer a wider assessment of relevant risks within the home.

“It may be that you believe your home is completely safe, but booking this free visit gives the fire service the chance to check this is the case. I would also encourage anyone seeking more details to come along to one of the three information days which have been set up," he added.

“If the pilot is a success, we would look to extend Living Safely in the Home to other areas of the Borders.”

Information days have been set up in three towns so far, taking place from 10am until 3pm:

Thursday, September 15 – Sainsbury’s, Kelso
Thursday, September 22 – Jedburgh Health Centre
Thursday, September 8 – Coldstream Co-op

More information on Living Safely in the Home is available by phoning 01835 824728 or email E.Melbcat@firescotland.gov.uk.

And anyone wishing to book a free home fire safety visit should call 0800 0731 999, text FIRE to 80800 or visit www.firescotland.gov.uk.