Falls partnership recognised for a second award this year

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) is celebrating yet another prestigious accolade, this time at the Fire Magazine Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards 2024. The Service was recognised for its innovative Community Wellbeing Officer (CWO) project, which focuses on supporting vulnerable individuals who have fallen in their homes. The awards ceremony took place in London on 6 December, where BFRS was honoured for the positive impact this initiative has had on community safety and wellbeing.

Earlier this year, BFRS also won the Provider Partnership Working Prevention Award at the 2023 Celebrating Prevention Awards in Nottingham, recognising its collaboration with partners East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST), Essex, and Cambridgeshire fire services.

The Fire Magazine Excellence Award marks another significant milestone for the Community Wellbeing Officer initiative, which began in November 2023. The project brings together health response and fire prevention, with five CWOs deployed across Bedfordshire to respond to non-emergency fall-related calls passed from the ambulance service. This enables quicker assistance for those in need while also providing essential fire safety advice to prevent potential hazards in the home.

Jim Davies, Director of Service Delivery at BFRS, expressed his pride: "We are delighted to receive this recognition for the Community Wellbeing Officer project. The initiative is truly making a difference by helping those in need more quickly and ensuring that residents are safe in their homes. This award is a testament to the outstanding collaboration with our partners and the dedication of our team."

The CWO initiative has also been shortlisted for further honours, including a HSJ Award, cementing its success and ongoing impact in enhancing community wellbeing and fire safety.