New scheme targets vulnerable homeless

Wiltshire Fire & Rescue Service is piloting a new scheme to help vulnerable adults living rough in Trowbridge.

The Service is providing nearly 40 street survival bags to the Alabaré drop-in centre, which will then be distributed to those individuals who most need the help.

Inside the bags – which are waterproof backpacks with a reflective patch on them – are items such as a smoke detector, a tin for cigarette ends and a wind-up lantern. Also provided are personal hygiene items, basic utensils, a first aid kit, a survival blanket and a sleeping bag.

Group Manager Steve Williams explained: “We have attended a number of fires in derelict buildings which have been used as refuges by the homeless, and there was a fatal fire involving a homeless man in Warminster just two years ago. We wanted to find a way of reducing the risks for people living on the streets, whilst also providing valuable support for this most vulnerable part of our community.”

He added: “Everything we’re providing in the bags has been discussed with the people who will be using them. For example, it was their feedback that led to us providing a smoke detector. We want to help them to be safe from fire, safe from the elements and safe on the roads, and hopefully this will also lead to an improvement in their quality of life.”

As well as helping homeless people to be safer, the Fire & Rescue Service is hoping that the new initiative will provide vital information on where people are sleeping rough. GM Williams said: “If we know that a derelict building is used by the homeless, we will know that people could be trapped if a fire is reported. Having that extra intelligence could mean the difference between life and death for someone. Helping these vulnerable people will also help to protect the wider community and properties.”

Officers from Trowbridge fire station have been visiting the Alabaré drop-in centre to give fire safety advice to the clients, and this will continue. There has also been liaison with the Amber Foundation, to get the views of people who have previously been homeless.

Ali Coxall from Alabaré said: “This is a fantastic initiative by the Fire & Rescue Service, and something that we think could be unique. The street survival bags will reduce the risk of fire for our clients when they are sleeping rough, and they will be most welcome to those who receive them. We thank the Fire & Rescue Service for such generous and practical support.”

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