Hampshire and Isle of Wight community welfare charity The Blue Lamp Trust is celebrating after generous donations have resulted in the charity being able to purchase a van to operate its Bobby Scheme on the Island.
Previously the ‘Bobby Fitter’ had to share a van with the Isle of Wight Fire Service to operate the Bobby Scheme, which provides free home safety and security for the vulnerable and elderly across the Island and Hampshire.
WightAID Foundation donated £5,000, with the Isle of Wight High Sheriff giving £500. Together with funds from The Blue Lamp Trust itself, the £10,000 needed for the van was raised.
Jim Bettley, general manager at Blue Lamp Trust said:
“We’re thrilled this has resulted in us having our own van on the Isle of Wight and it will make a huge difference operationally and will give The Bobby Scheme a vital higher visual presence on the Island.”
The scheme takes client referrals from a wide range of agencies and members of the public, at the earliest opportunity a visit from Blue Lamp Trust’s trained fitters is arranged. A full crime prevention and fire safety survey is carried out including a carbon monoxide check and locks, spy-holes, door chains and smoke alarms are fitted as appropriate free of charge.
Referrals can be made on behalf of anyone who meets the following criteria:
• Vulnerable due to age (over 65)
• Vulnerable due to circumstance
• Disabled
• Victim of burglary
• Victim of domestic abuse
The Blue Lamp Trust was set up by the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Police to promote safety in the community. All profit from a range of driver training programmes is reinvested into running the popular Bobby Scheme, which provides free home safety and security for the vulnerable and elderly across Hampshire.
For more information about the Bobby Scheme, contact 0300 777 0157 or visit www.bluelamptrust.org.uk.
