Supporting those who need it most

NIFRS sign partnership agreement with Belfast Central Mission

NIFRS sign partnership agreement with Belfast Central Mission

Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) have recently signed a partnership agreement with BCM, to arrange a referral system between both organisations to help assist those most at risk of fire.

The aim of the partnership agreement is the provision of housing related support to older people in their own homes. The service seeks to work in partnership with clients and help them to live independently for as long as possible, in a safe living environment.

Firefighters will receive referrals from BCM, enabling them to carry out a free Home Fire Safety Check of their homes. The Home Fire Safety Check consists of a visit to the home of the referred person to offer advice to reduce the risk of fire and ensure that the home is fitted with a working smoke alarm.

If Firefighters in the course of duty identify a person who would benefit from the services of BCM, a referral will be made. An example of this would be if someone has a substantial amount of items in their home which might cause potential fire hazards, Firefighters can advise about ‘decluttering’ the property and refer the homeowner to BCM for use of our services.

To date, NIFRS Eastern Area Command has announced 9 partnership agreements across the greater Belfast area including the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust Sensory Support Services, Good Morning Network , North Belfast and the Grace Women's Development Limited  NIFRS are working closer than ever with its partner agencies to help identify those people at risk.