A NEW project to prevent vulnerable people having accidents in their homes is expected to start next month.

Dubbed ‘Safe and Well Checks’, the project is a joint venture between Barnsley Council and South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue while Age UK, Berneslai Homes, South Yorkshire Housing Association and Dementia Action Alliance are also partnering agencies.

It is being piloted around Cudworth Fire Station’s patch which includes the Cudworth, North East, Monk Bretton, Royston, Stairfoot and Royston wards.

The Central, Darfield, Old Town and Worsbrough wards will follow later this year.

Kelly Jenkins, from South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, said: “Home safety checks are currently offered to all in Barnsley, providing fire safety advice, crime prevention and lifestyle information.

“The Safe and Well Checks scheme will focus on those aged 65 and above, providing the home safety check as before but also guiding on falls prevention and cold homes.

“Each year we visit around 21,000 homes, but this is about focusing on well-being and prevention. Training has been given on raising awareness, reducing hazards, modifying people’s behaviour and reducing harm through early warning.”

According to figures, emergency hospital admissions due to falls in people aged 65 and above is 2,282 per 100,000 population, while 11.3 per cent of households in Barnsley experience fuel poverty.

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Emma White, health and well-being principal at Barnsley Council, added: “Cudworth Fire Station’s area is a big one so many households are involved, while the rest of Barnsley will follow afterwards.

“Getting all the training done has taken time so we’re working towards the pilot’s launch early next month.”