COAST offering free Safe Home visit to over 60s

A Limavady-based community group, dedicated to enhancing the lives of those over 60, is offering a free service to help older residents feel more secure in their homes.

The Causeway Older Active Strategic Team is encouraging local residents aged 60 and over to get in touch and schedule a Safe Home visit.

Tori Lowbridge, COAST Project Manager, provided further insight into the purpose of the service and what it offers:

“COAST are funded through the Policing Community Safety Partnership to deliver a Free Safe Home Service.

“The Safe Home service is aimed at making those aged 60+ feel safer in their homes.

“A COAST handyperson carries out the check at a time and date that suits the service user.

“They will fit a secure door chain and leave a safety pack, which includes 24hr plug in timer, UV pen, money counterfeit pen, ID checker and a personal safety alarm.”

Coast, Northern Ireland’s first regional older people’s network for the Causeway Coast and Glens area supporting those aged 60+, is situated at 24d Benevenagh Drive Limavady.

It is an interagency partnership aiming to improve the health and wellbeing of those aged 60 and over in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough, ensuring that the voice of older people is heard.

The Safe Homes service is just one facet of the organisation’s role but it has proved popular with the clients who have used the service.

One user commented on the positive benefits of the service saying:

“Thank you so much for your help; the items I received and had installed has given me security and peace of mind, with little or no cost.”

COAST’s service has proved invaluable in providing older residents with peace of mind, helping them feel secure in their homes and less vulnerable to intrusions.

According to a 2023 report by the Commissioner for Older People in Northern Ireland, older adults experience greater concern about crime and are more affected by fear of crime than other age groups.

The Safe Homes Team is encouraging individuals over 60 living in the Causeway Coast and Glens area to get in touch to check their eligibility for a free Safe Home visit.

Visits are always pre-arranged at a date and time that suits the client’s schedule with an Access NI-checked team, fully trained to carry out the necessary safety checks.

The COAST Handyperson Service also provides affordable small repair and minor maintenance assistance to individuals aged 60 and over in the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

With a focus on providing simple, preventative support, COAST delivers practical assistance that positively impacts the lives of older adults, helping them maintain their independence.

In addition to the Handyperson Service, the organisation supports networking and companionship amongst older people by providing small National Lottery grants to groups for overhead costs, facilitating day trips, and hiring facilitators.

Call COAST to discuss your Safe Home check on 028 7776 7860 or email [email protected].