Dorset firefighters and council staff are celebrating after the Safe and Independent Living (SAIL) project has been awarded the Partnership of the Year award at the Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards 2014.
The SAIL project, launched by DFRS and Dorset Partnership for Older People Project (POPP) in April 2010, offers residents of Dorset free support, services or information to help keep them safe and independent in their own home. The scheme is designed to bring services to members of the community through a ‘one-stop’ referral form that can be completed by any partner visiting a home or meeting the public at an event. There are now over 70 referral partners involved in the scheme.
Chief Fire Officer Darran Gunter, who attended the ceremony on behalf of DFRS said: “I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of all the organisations that participate in SAIL. The scheme is a great example of innovation from my officers and Dorset County Council POPP staff. In the last year it has seen over 1,500 referral forms completed which has resulted in over 4,000 actions or support being given. I am very proud of the scheme on what it has achieved in keeping Dorset’s communities safe.”
Sue Warr, Programme Manager for Dorset POPP said: “The SAIL form is an important tool for ensuring that people get early help with practical support, as well as making sure that people do not become isolated. In many instances it is these simple well-being measures that prevent people from falling into poor health, and requiring more acute services”
