Home fire safety checks Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) provides free safe and well visits, where firefighters or specially trained community safety officers can visit your home and provide help and guidance in a variety of areas, including: • Fire safety. • Falls prevention. • Hoarding. • Staying well and warm at home.
is a good way to do this. If this doesn’t help you, Trading Standards’ approved trader scheme, ‘Buy with Confidence’, can help. Visit www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk or call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133 for details of three members in your area that best meet your needs. All scheme members have been checked by Trading Standards and have demonstrated a commitment to high-quality service.
• Crime reduction. CFRS works with older people and those with disabilities, to discuss fire risks and to look for any visible warning signs. CFRS also works with carers to ensure that they have the relevant knowledge and skills to keep themselves, and the person they care for, safe in the event of a fire. For more information, please visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk (search ‘fire safety’) or telephone the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 917 9994. The Bobby Scheme The Bobby Scheme is a registered charity supporting victims of crime who are older, vulnerable, or disabled and are either the victims of burglary, domestic abuse, or who are concerned about home and personal security. The charity gives expert advice on securing your home and staying safe. It can also help by installing high-quality, effective devices around the home. Find out more at www.thebobbyscheme.org or call 01480 413311. Help with odd jobs or finding a reliable trader We all need to find a reliable trader from time to time and asking your friends for recommendations
Although Trading Standards checks each trader thoroughly before approving them, this does not give a price guarantee. You should still get three quotes to ensure you are being charged a reasonable price. If you need help with some DIY, you can get in touch with the Cambridgeshire Handyperson Service. This is run by Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help with minor alterations, repairs, and DIY for people aged 65 and over and any adult with a disability. Charges may apply for some services. For more information, email chp@ageukcap.org.uk, visit www.ageuk.org. uk/cambridgeshireandpeterborough (search ‘Cambridgeshire Handyperson Service’), or call 01480 700205. Tip You don’t need to feel you are being rude if you ask someone you believe is conning you to leave your home, or if you put the telephone down on them. Reputable businesses will not mind if you take the time to make sure that they are genuine.
Avoiding scams Anyone can fall for a scam, but if you know what to look out for, you’re less likely to be deceived. Millions of people are targeted by scammers every year. A scam is a dishonest way to make money by deceiving people. There are many different types of scam.
You may be approached: • In person. • Online. • On social media. • By post. • By phone or text.
For information on local services and support, go to www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/directory
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