Home fire and safety visits have begun in Clackmannanshire for people with mental health difficulties. The pilot project, a joint initiative between NHS Forth Valley and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, is designed to reduce accidental house fires and identify health and welfare issues that may that may not be directly fire-related.

The visits will be made after seeking approval from householders and will concentrate on local people from Clackmannanshire postcode who have been discharged from Wards 1-5 at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, the Clackmannanshire mental health resource centre or patients supported by NHS Forth Valley’s Intensive Home Treatment Team.

The age group for the pilot is 18-65 years but over 65s can also receive support if they referred by an occupational therapist.

NHS Forth Valley Principal Public Health Officer, Joanne O’Suilleabhain, said: “For the past two years NHS Forth Valley has been working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to identify and develop joint initiatives such as enhanced fire training for NHS staff, and training for fire crews on a range of topics including gender-based violence, substance misuse and smoking cessation.

“This pilot, which runs until July 2018, is the result of closer working between the two organisations to ensure people get the best care and support possible. We are delighted to receive the help of the Fire Service.

Roddie Keith, the Local Senior Officer for Stirling and Clackmannanshire, said: “We are absolutely focused on working with our partners to make sure that those who are most at risk from fire are offered a free Home Fire Safety Visit.

“We will help make sure people’s homes are as safe as possible by spotting fire risks and other hazards, getting assistance from partners if there is a need and fitting smoke alarms free of charge.

“We want to support our entire community but we all know older or vulnerable people who could be at risk – if you think you, or someone you know, is at risk from fire, please get in touch with us.”

To arrange a free Home Fire Safety visit contact SFRS on the freephone number 0800 073 1999, by texting ‘FIRE’ to 80800 or by filling in a form at www.firescotland.gov.uk.

The pilot will help develop a programme which it is hoped can be widened throughout the Forth Valley area.