ALMOST 40 residents attended a ‘Safer Living’ event in Dunmow.

The event, organised by Uttlesford District Council, provided information on how to respond to bogus callers, reduce the risk of fire and how to adapt a home for mobility needs.

It was attended by Essex Police, Essex County Fire & Rescue, Age UK, the Papworth Trust and Trading Standards.

Nicole Shephard-Lewis, the district council’s tenant participation officer co-ordinated the event and said: “I am sure everyone who attended picked up tips and further contacts in order to keep safe both at home and whilst out and about.”

Everyone in attendance was over the age of 55 and the event started with a presentation on abuse awareness by Gloria Osborne, the council’s tenant services team leader.

She provided information on the different types of abuse and how to report them, while reassuring her audience that “anyone can be an abuser, but not everyone is”.

Peter Caulfield, Essex Police’s crime reduction adviser for Uttlesford, then performed a sketch illustrating how bogus callers work.

Paul Goddard, the council’s community outreach officer, explained how it is possible to stay active while sitting in an armchair before Sandra Curran, from the Papworth Trust, explained how to avoid slips, trips and falls.

Finally, firefighters from Dunmow, led by James Taylor, provided advice on home fire safety, the need to draw up fire escape plans and the fitting of free smoke alarms.