Case study: SAFE Project delivered in Salford

The SAFE (safety and fire elimination) Project was established in Salford, following three fatalities, in two house fires, over a short period of time. Both fires were discussed at the Salford Adult Safeguarding Board which looked at the details and demographics of the fatal fires. 

Following the fire investigations, it was discovered that the victims were known to Salford Adult Social Care and were living with characteristics that are indicative of an increased risk of fire. All three people were: 

• Heavy smokers. 
• Living with mobility issues - unable to self-evacuate. 
• Receiving domiciliary home care. 
• Receiving ‘Care on Call’ services. 

A meeting took place between our Prevention Manager for Salford and the Assistant Director of Adult Services, to look at what could be done to reduce the risk of fire for adults in a similar position to the three people who died. This resulted in the SAFE Project. 

Scope of SAFE Project 

Salford Adult Social Care identified 227 individuals that had the four above characteristics and had an increased risk of fire. 

A member of our Community Safety team worked with a dedicated social worker to carry out the project. The aim was to reach all identified individuals through Safe and Well visits (now changed to Home Fire Safety Assessments), which were jointly delivered by the two staff. During the visits we identified the fire risks, installed smoke alarms and offered fire safety advice. 

Delivery

A task group to oversee the project was set up, which included our staff, Adult Social Workers, housing representatives and a representative from a large care provider. 

We wrote to the individuals identified and gave them the opportunity to ‘opt out’ of the visit. Only one person requested to ‘opt out’, but after a discussion they agreed to a visit.  

Over a six-month period, the two staff worked closely and managed to complete all Safe and Well visits within the cohort. All visits were recorded on our database and Adult Social Care updated their records accordingly.  

Training and awareness of the project was delivered to housing staff and the four principal care provider staff across the city. 

Outcomes   

All individuals in the cohort received Safe and Well visits, and both housing and care providers started referring in more individuals for Safe and Well visits. 

The benefits and further outcomes of the project include:

• Partnership work between key agencies improved, with named contacts in each agency. 
• Some people stopped smoking, following a referral to Salford Smoking Cessation Services. 
• All new individuals who go on a care package or care on call in Salford are automatically referred to us for a Home Fire Safety Assessment. 
• Care providers in Salford are fully aware of our referral process. 

Summary 

The project worked due to the excellent relationship between key agencies working across Salford. It didn’t cost any additional money and was the right solution to a real problem. This project has since been replicated in other boroughs. It was presented to local forums, regional forums and at a national conference in Leeds.