Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) and Samaritans have signed a partnership agreement to allow them to work together to protect those most at risk in the community.
This is the 93rd partnership agreement NIFRS has signed with partner agencies focused on supporting ‘People at Risk’ within the community. The agreement has been signed as part of North / South Fire Safety Week 2019, which aims to promote fire safety, with the ultimate goal of zero accidental fire deaths.
The agreement means that NIFRS and Samaritans will work collaboratively to ensure that the people they come into contact with are aware of both partners’ services.
NIFRS Group Commander, Gerry Lennon, said, “Working in partnership with other organisations is a vital part of the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service strategy to help protect the people most at risk in our community, and we’re delighted to be working with Samaritans to help raise awareness of the service and support they provide.
“Firefighters engage with the community on a daily basis, providing safety advice. Collaborative working with partner organisations such as Samaritans helps us engage directly with those in the community who may need help.”
Samaritans Regional Marketing Officer, Northern Ireland, Alan Heron, said, “We are delighted to be working alongside NIFRS to try and raise awareness to the more vulnerable people in our communities. This is an opportunity to extend a level of support to people living alone, or who suffer mental health issues in their life. We thank NIFRS for providing a platform to help deliver this to those at risk.”
