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Barnsley residents safer in their home thanks to Fire Service funding

A charity scheme is helping to improve the quality of private rented accommodation for residents in Barnsley.

Groundwork is a Barnsley charity which aims to improve accommodation in deprived communities and to improve the health and well being of residents.

The scheme was awarded £63,500 under the South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Authority’s funding scheme, Stronger Safer Communities Reserve.

The project will employ two full time staff who will visit residents in private rented accommodation offering advice and support on safety issues within their home. As well as offering improvements to the energy efficiency of the properties, Groundwork will also check smoke alarms and fire blankets in kitchens, where appropriate, to help minimise and maintain the safety in the home now and in the future.

Phil Hayes at Groundwork said; “The funding received from South Yorkshire Fire Authority makes this project, which is in partnership with the Safer Community Team at Barnsley Council, possible and will ensure that Barnsley residents are safer and more prepared for an emergency in their home”.

SYFR Head of Prevention & Protection Steve Helps said: “Engaging with residents in their own home is one of the best ways to offer home safety advice. Working together with charities and other public agencies on initiatives like this is one of the best ways we can reach those most at risk of fire and helps us deliver our safety messages to residents in private rented accommodation.”

The Stronger Safer Communities Reserve saw dozens of registered charities, community organisations and partner agencies come forward and apply for grants from the £2 million fund, which had been set aside from the Authority’s reserves. Groups were able to bid for as little as £5,000 or as much as £150,000 to support projects which reduce injuries, save lives and make South Yorkshire safer.

This content was last updated on May 27th, 2016