An Epping Forest charity has been awarded funding to help improve security for elderly and vulnerable people in the district.

Voluntary Action Epping Forest will use the money to assist with the installation of enhanced keysafes and security equipment.

The grant was awarded from the Frank Litchfield General Charitable Trust which is administered by the Essex Community Foundation (ECF).

This funding will allow VAEF to support vulnerable residents by fitting security devices to their homes free of charge as part of the VAEF Handyman service. This includes the fitting of key safes, window and door locks, gate bolts and solar lights depending on the clients’ needs to ensure they remain safe at home and are less exposed to crime in their homes.

This service is available to elderly residents of Epping Forest and also to those who have experienced domestic violence.

The VAEF Handyperson service supports elderly and vulnerable residents in the district looking for help with odd jobs in the home which they are unable to complete themselves. This service could include putting up shelves, fitting anti-fall equipment, changing lightbulbs, moving furniture, building flat pack items, fixing leaking taps, re-pointing paving, jet washing, fitting curtains and much more.

This service is a chargeable one, however it is provided to elderly and vulnerable people in Epping Forest and is subsidised by VAEF, who make no profit from any work carried out.

Residents who have previously used the service feel safer at home following the additional security provided and fitted by VAEF. This service will allow them to remain living safely in their homes and less exposed to potential crime.