First Contact

First Contact is a FREE confidential service which enables people over 60 years of age to access services through a single point of contact.

The scheme enables people to receive vital services to stay safe and independent in their own homes. A whole host of services can be accessed without going to the trouble of contacting all of the various different organisations.

What services are available?

• Home fire safety checks (fitting smoke detectors, and giving advice & information on fire safety);
• Welfare benefits advice (this includes assisting people to claim all the state benefits to which they are entitled by helping to complete claim forms and then challenging any decisions that do not appear to result in appropriate awards of benefit.
• Grants, advice and practical assistance to overcome fuel poverty/heating difficulties; advice on affordable warmth;
• Grants and assistance with minor home repairs and adaptations to help people remain safely in their own homes;
• Adult Social Care Services where people meet local eligibility criteria;
• Home security/crime reduction advice and assistance, including door and window locks and security chains, peep-holes, etc;
• Risk assessments and advice to minimise the dangers from falls;
• Advice and information on local voluntary and community groups and clubs
• Information on different types of accommodation that may be available

First Contact is designed to promote independence, wellbeing and where appropriate, active ageing by identifying people’s needs and enabling access to services.

For further details on the ‘First Contact - Leicestershire’ Scheme contact:
Debbie Preston, ‘First Contact – Leicestershire’ Project Officer
Tel: 0116 3058240
E-mail: Debbie.Preston@leics.gov.uk
To view the brochure, please click here.
To view the April 2011 Newsletter, please click here

You can refer someone to the scheme at your local Community House in Earl Shilton, Barwell or Wykin.