CDRP are hosting a seminar for anyone working or volunteering with older people 
October 26th, 2009
Gloucester Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership (CDRP) are hosting a seminar for anyone working or volunteering with older people.
The event, Caring for Older People, will cover a variety of issues that affect the lives of older people, in the hope that practitioners and carers will be more aware of facilities available in the city.
It is being held at the Ramada Hotel and County Club in Matson Lane on Friday November 13 between 9.15am and 1.30pm.
There will be speakers from a variety of agencies including Gloucestershire Constabulary, Severn Trent Water Authority, Gloucestershire Trading Standards, Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service.
The presentations will cover a variety of issues including distraction burglary and rogue traders, assistance with home security, support for victims, fire safety and welfare benefits.
Distraction burglary and rogue traders are a cause for concern for both the police and Gloucestershire Trading Standards as older people are often the target for these types of offences.
There are means available to stop these crimes and the CDRP are anxious to spread the message as widely as possible.
This event will be providing advice and information for practitioners and carers to share with their clients and to inform them what support is available in Gloucester.
There will be displays on the day including low cost personal attack alarms, shed alarms and dusk to dawn light bulbs.
Forest and Gloucester Divisional Detective Chief Inspector Simon Atkinson said: “We are keen to inform our older residents of all the crime prevention, home security and safety measures that are available.
“This event is an excellent way of passing the message on through practitioners and carers who can remind their clients not to open the door to unexpected visitors or allow them into their homes and not to keep large quantities of cash in their home.
“I would encourage all practitioners and carers to take the time to attend the Ramada Hotel if at all possible and take advantage of the advice and information available.”
Councillor Andrew Gravells, cabinet member for community safety at Gloucester city council said: “This event promises to be an informative and valuable event.
“Distraction burglary is a despicable crime and we will endeavour to work in partnership to help our older residents resist allowing bogus callers entry into their homes.
“Through events like this, information can be disseminated through carers and practitioners who are in the trust of older residents. We all need to work together to reduce the incidents of distraction burglary.”
The event is free to attend but reservations must be made. If you are a practitioner or carer working with older people, please call Pat Dabbs on 01452 396984 or email Pat.Dabbs@gloucester.gov.uk to book a place.