VULNERABLE adults can stay safe at home thanks to the launch of a vital new support service.

Worcestershire Signposting is being introduced across the county following a successful scheme in Herefordshire, which was first launched over four years ago.

The scheme involves key organisations, such as the police and fire service, working together to ensure that the homes of vulnerable residents, such as the elderly, are safe.

Signposting co-ordinator, Sue Keating said: "The aim of the project is for a number of key organisations to work together and help those people most in need. For example, our firefighters might carry out a home fire safety check - where they talk to people in their home about fire safety - and discover that the resident may not have adequate security on their doors and windows. We can assist by asking if they would like the local police to visit them and advise them on how to stay safe, or we may come into contact with people who need additional support to help them remain safe within their own homes.

"We know this service has already been successful in Herefordshire and now we want to ensure that Worcestershire residents receive the same service.

"It is a way of connecting people with the services that they need."

Chris Blake, group manager for community safety, said: "We are all working together to prevent further deaths, accidents and injuries in the two counties.

"People don't always realise that they may be eligible to help, with little or no cost from a range of organisations so this new service will help to point those people in the right direction."

West Mercia Constabulary's Chief Constable Paul West said: "I have seen at first hand how successful this scheme has been in Herefordshire and am delighted that it is now being introduced into Worcestershire. By working together with our partners in the emergency services, local authorities and health care providers, we can make a real difference to the lives of some of our more vulnerable citizens, helping them to maintain their independence and quality of life by providing access to a range of services at the point of need."

So far more than 9,000 people in Herefordshire have been offered assistance thanks to the scheme.

The key organisations which involved are the Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, the Worcestershire Acute NHS Trust, West Midlands Ambulance Service, West Mercia Constabulary, the Worcestershire County Council, adults and community services, the pension's service local service and the housing provider departments.