A recent event, offering advice and safety information for older residents was held as part of 'Safer Watford', our Community Safety Partnership.
The recent Older Persons Activity Learning and Safety (OPALS) event, offering safety information, held and advice for the older person, was attended by 60 enthusiastic attendees and 58 participants sharing their valuable feedback.
The event, organised by Hertfordshire County Council in collaboration with Watford Borough Council, Watford’s Community Safety Partnership ‘Safer Watford’, to deliver community engagement days to reassure and inform, saw fantastic participation from attendees.
The success of the event was attributed to the collaborative efforts of numerous individuals and organisations. These included: Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue, Hertfordshire Police, Hertfordshire Trading Standards, Neighbourhood Watch, Watford Borough Council, Small Acts of Kindness Hertfordshire, Herts Independent Living Service (HILS), and many more helpful organisations.
Naida Rathore and Paul Smith of the Holywell Community Centre provided the ideal venue that facilitated an atmosphere of engagement. The collaborative efforts of number and organisations resulted in the event being a success.
Hertfordshire Independent Living Service (HILS) demonstrated their support by generously supplying meals, ensuring attendees were well taken care of throughout the day. The dedication of HILS to the well-being of the community was clearly reflected in the quality of service they provided.
Among the stalls at the event, there was information about ‘Dementia Friendly Watford’, the council initiative that works to create an inclusive town for residents living with dementia and their carers. The stall provided insightful details about local clubs and activities, offering engagement and community involvement.
There were also members from the 'Healthy Hub' team that displayed the myriad of support available for residents, from ‘Cost of Living’ advice to comprehensive health and wellbeing services.
The event also relied on the assistance of dedicated volunteers who distributed teas and coffees, adding an extra layer of comfort and hospitality to the day's proceedings. Their contributions played an important role in making the event a memorable experience for all involved.
Acknowledging the heart of the event, the speakers and stall holders gave professional and informative presentations. Their valuable knowledge and resources gained positive interaction from the attendees and contributed to the event’s overall success.
Positive testimonies from attendees mentioned the effectiveness in disseminating information and connecting seniors with essential services. The event exemplified the purpose, emphasising the importance of community engagement and the exchange of knowledge.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: "Thank you to the organisers of this OPALS event. The positive feedback from the attendees shows how much they appreciate the time taken by these organisations to meet with older residents and provide important safety information. I know that attendees would also have loved the goody bags from Small Acts of Kindness, a wonderful local charity who work tirelessly to support older residents facing loneliness and isolation.”
Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said: “The OPALs event like the one in Holywell last week is a great example of partnership working in Watford, and our Safer Neighbourhood Team were honoured to attend. They offered attendees preventative advice on a range of crime types, including purse dipping, as well as a chance to ask questions about local policing issues. We know the older members of our community really value the opportunity to speak face-to-face with their local officers and events like these are a vital part of our work.”
Click here for more information about our Community Safety Partnership ‘Safer Watford’
