Dorset Safe at Home Scheme

Helping to prevent accidents in the home, where there are young children, by supplying and organising a range of safety equipment to be fitted at home. Free to families who meet the eligibility criteria and live in Dorset, excluding Bournemouth & Poole.

What help can Dorset Safe at Home Provide?

A Safe at Home Outreach Worker will visit the family at home and assess what equipment needs to be fitted.

Equipment available includes:

Stair Gates
Fire Guards
Window Restrictors
Bath Mats
Corner Cushions (tables)
Cupboard Locks
Electric Socket Covers

They will arrange for equipment to be installed by an approved fitter. This is a free service.

The Safe at Home Outreach Worker will also discuss general safety with the family. They can also arrange a visit from the fire officer and help with an application for a Warm Front Grant (where applicable). They can discuss other support the family may need and refer as appropriate.

Eligibility

To qualify for the Dorset Safe at Home Scheme, families must have young children and be in receipt of one of the following benefits:

Income Support
Income Based Jobseekers Allowance
Child Tax Credit at a rate higher than the family element
Extra Working Tax Credit relating to Disability
Pension Credit

In addition, priority will be given to families who also meet one of the following:

Children subject to Child Protection Plan
Children in Need (as defined under section 17 of the Children Act 1989)
Children who have Early Support/CAF
Children from Traveller or Migrant Families
Families with 3 or more children under 5
Teenage Parents (parents under 18)
Families who have experienced domestic violence

Referral Process for Outreach Workers

Establish that families meet the criteria
Complete a Dorset Safe at Home referral form (pdf, 95kb) (opens in a new window) and sign it to confirm evidence of benefit entitlement has been seen. The form should then be sent to Early Years & Childcare Service, West Court, County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1XJ.
Once approved the outreach worker will contact the family to arrange a visit. If the application is unsuccessful the Early Years & Childcare Service will notify the referrer
Following the home visit the outreach worker will contact the fitters who will speak to the family direct to arrange a time to install the equipment
We aim to install the equipment within 4 weeks of receiving the referral. Priority will be given to families who meet the criteria listed.