We’re going on live TV
Home Security Operator will appear alongside Chief Executive Jennie Shaw on Tuesday’s Crimewatch Live
We will be appearing on BBC1’s Crimewatch Live on Tuesday morning (March 19) to talk about our work keeping elderly and vulnerable people safe from crime.
Our Chief Executive Jennie Shaw and Home Security Operator Mick Leighfield will be in the show’s Cardiff studio to tell presenters Michelle Ackerley and Ray Wilding how we visit homes across Wiltshire and Swindon to offer free practical home security measures, fire safety assessments and online safety guidance for people over 60 or over 18 with a registered disability.
“Our aim is simply to make sure our clients are as safe as they can be at home, for many, their one and only safe space,” Jennie will tell the programme as she describes the charity as “Wiltshire and Swindon’s best-kept secret”.
Mick will showcase some of the help he and his colleague Doug Batchelor give to people who have either been victims of burglaries or domestic abuse, or are thought to be at risk, as well as passing on some useful crime prevention advice.
Jennie will also talk about the increasing need of the charity’s Stay Safe Online service, which has nine volunteers visiting people who have been victims of online scams to improve their cyber security awareness, give prevention advice and provide support and reassurance.
The charity’s new dementia wristbands, offered in association with Wiltshire Police, will also get a mention. Jennie will be telling how the bands contain a chip that can be scanned by a smart phone to reveal the wearer’s next of kin and contact details.
Jennie says: “We are absolutely delighted to be taking part in the show and being able to talk about our work, and explain that we are self-funding. We need to raise £275,000 each year to continue to offer our services.
“I must admit I am a little nervous at going on live TV but it is just too good an opportunity to miss. It’s also a chance to acknowledge the wonderful support of our staff, trustees, volunteers, supporters and donors.”
She and Mr Leighfield will be at the studios at 6.30am for rehearsals before the show goes out at 9.30am. Find out more about the show at www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00ss27z.