Campaign to cut accidents in home

The Western Home Environmental Assessment Project (WHEAP) was launched on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Sliverbirch Hotel, Omagh. It is a five year project aimed at reducing home accidents, fuel poverty and fear of crime as well improving the physical and mental health and wellbeing of residents in the community. The project promotes "Warm, Safe, and Healthy Homes for the West."

The project, which was awarded almost 950,000 from the Big Lottery Fund's Safe and Well programme, will support families with children under five years and persons over 65 years with issues of safety, security and health. The project is also funded by the Public Health Agency, and the five Councils in the West, Omagh, Strabane, Londonderry, Fermanagh and Limavady.

Chairman of Omagh District Council, Cllr Paddy McGowan MBE, officially welcomed the guests to the launch. Commending the project he said: "In my role as Councillor, I have talked to many who have expressed concerns to me in precisely the areas that are being targeted as part of the Western Home Environmental Assessment Project," he encouraged guests to use the opportunity of the launch to "learn what this exciting and innovative programme has to offer."

Project Co-ordinator Nicola Sweeney gave attendees an overview of the project explaining: "Home Assessment Officers based in each council area will visit homes and carry out assessments around home safety, home security and energy efficiency. Safety and security equipment may be supplied to homes visited and assessed. In addition the officers will be able to carry out benefit checks to assist residents to maximise their income, helping combat fuel poverty."

In addition Nicola described the project as "innovative" and as a "method of signposting members of the community into the wide range of services available to them, improving their overall health and well being".

Nicola also welcomed the wide range of sectors in attendance at the launch, and highlighted the importance of these statutory, community and voluntary sectors working in partnership to deliver services on the ground.

If you want to find out more about the Western Home Environmental Assessment Project or how you can register for a home visit contact Nicola Sweeney, WHEAP Co-ordinator on 02882256202 or email [email protected].