Practical Support
Staying safe and independent at home is important for everyone—especially if you support someone else. Whether you're planning for emergencies, looking for practical help around the house, or exploring equipment that makes daily life easier, there are services available to support you.
Assistive Technology
BCP Lifeline is a 24-hour emergency contact system for people of all ages who want to feel safe, supported, and independent at home.
It offers a range of equipment that can:
- Detect falls and raise an alarm
- Help if you become lost or disoriented outside the home
- Detect risks like smoke, floods, or gas
- Call for help in an emergency
Emergency Planning
It’s important to have a plan in case something unexpected happens. An emergency plan can help make sure the person you support is looked after if you’re suddenly unable to help.
Safe and Well
A Safe and Well visit—sometimes called a Home Fire Safety Visit—is a free service offered by Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service to help people stay safe in their homes.
During the visit, they will check each room and offer advice to help reduce the risk of fire.
Making your home safer and more accessible
Small changes at home can make a big difference. Home adaptations can help you or the person you support stay safe and independent. These might include:
- Grab rails
- Ramps
- Stairlifts
BCP Council may be able to provide equipment to help with everyday tasks like:
- Using stairs
- Washing or dressing
- Getting in and out of a chair
They may also help with small changes to your home.
BCP Handy Van Service
The Handyvan Service offers practical help to people living in their own homes so they can stay independent. The service is available to people in Bournemouth, Christchurch, or Poole who are:
- Aged 60 or over
- Living with a disability or long-term health condition
- Receiving certain benefits
You only pay for materials—labour is free for jobs under two hours. All staff are police-checked.
Blue Badges
Blue Badges help people who have a disability or long-term health condition park closer to the places they need to go. They allow you to park in spaces that others can’t use and may offer free or discounted parking in some areas.
S.A.I.L. Safe and Independent Living
Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service is a trusted organisation working with other agencies to offer support and advice across a wide range of topics. These include organisations such as Trading Standards, Citizens Advice, the Police, Adult Social Care, and Age UK.
This online form is a simple signposting tool. By answering a few questions, you can request a call back from a trusted partner and access information on topics like lunch clubs, money worries, warmer homes, online scams, stopping smoking, and more.
SAIL partners offer support and advice to everyone.