Promoting fire safety and fighting loneliness this Christmas

Photo: Ian Randall

Firefighters from Acton Fire Station came together with Ealing Community Transport (ECT) this week to bring some festive cheer - as well as important fire safety tips - to some local senior citizens.

The Christmas get together was all part of ECT and Acton Fire Station’s tea party initiative, started this year with the help of the ECT Transport Fund to combat loneliness and isolation in local communities.

Alongside a spread of mince pies, seasonal songs from Berrymeade Junior School, and even a firefighter Santa coming down the pole, the firefighters also shared some important advice about staying safe.

Augustus Belfon, a regular ECT passenger, told us, “I had a great day, everyone was very friendly, and I enjoyed the talking and laughing. It was handy that the bus took us straight from our homes and back after, too."

Ben Moore, Borough Commander at Acton Fire Station, said: “Our collaboration with ECT is a great way for us to reach out to isolated people, because without the transport many of the people here today would not have been able to get here. Data from the London Fire Brigade shows that people over 60 are 60% more likely to die from a fire, and people living alone are 65% more likely to die from fire, so this is an important opportunity for us to communicate directly about how to stay safe.”

Anna Whitty, Chief Executive of ECT, said: “Evidence shows that lonely people are the most at risk from house fires, so we think it is important to collaborate with Acton Fire station in our commitment to end loneliness. Christmas can be an isolating time for many, so it was also a great socialising opportunity for local residents.”

December 21, 2017