Funding to continue successful home safety scheme

The project was launched in 2010, with 400 homes benefitting from door chimes with flashing lights and vibrating pagers to alert the resident of a visitor to their home. The project helps people with hearing impairments feel safer in their homes, and after a survey carried out, residents stated it made them feel more secure.

Out of 154 recipients surveyed, 97% said they felt safer and more secure and 95% would recommend the system to other people. The project was developed after research revealed many residents with a hearing impairment often leave their doors unlocked or on the latch for visitors because they can't hear them ringing or knocking. This left them vulnerable to sneak-in or distraction burglaries.

The funding will pay for a further 300 door chimes, which will be fitted through the county's Handy Van Network. Residents are referred to the scheme either following a visit from the adult care team, following a home security check by the Handy Van Network or a home fire safety check by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service.