A new Wiltshire Bobby Van will be helping older and vulnerable residents stay safe in their homes after receiving sponsorship from The Hills Group.
The vehicle will be used by new operator Scott Roughley as part of the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust’s work across Wiltshire and Swindon.
The charity works alongside Wiltshire Police and provides free home security improvements for people aged over 60, adults with registered disabilities and people experiencing domestic abuse.
Security measures installed by operators include door and window locks, key safes and door chains, with the aim of helping people remain safe and independent in their own homes.
Swindon-based Hills Group has funded the new van, with Communications and PR Officer Darren Goddard saying the charity’s work had particular meaning for him after operators visited his father’s home.
He said: “My dad, who is 83 and lives on his own, has Parkinson’s and the Bobby Van came out to do some work, including fitting new window locks and recommending a key safe.
“Dad just felt vulnerable in his home, he didn’t want to move but he wanted the security of staying there.
“The Bobby Van operator who came out was great with him and everything he did gave him reassurance.”
Mr Goddard said the experience gave his family peace of mind and influenced Hills’ decision to support the charity.
He said: “The Bobby Van stood out to us as a cause, and the fact that its work spans all corners of the county was another aspect that we particularly liked.”
Mr Roughley said the new van was already making his work easier.
He said: “It’s brilliant because it is kitted out like a mobile workshop so I’ve got everything I need on board to make people’s homes safe.
“I love the job and it’s amazing what a small thing like fitting new locks does for people’s confidence.”
Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust Director Jennie Shaw said support from businesses remained important as demand for the service continued to increase.
She said: “Each year we have to raise more than £400,000 to continue our vital service, so this gesture is very welcome and we are deeply grateful.
“Like all charities, we are facing the challenge of rising costs at a time when demand for our service continues to grow.”
The charity currently operates three Bobby Vans covering Wiltshire and Swindon and is encouraging more businesses to consider supporting the service.
Pictured: Communications and PR Officer Darren Goddard, Bobby Van PA to the Director SusannaThorpe and Operator Scott Roughley
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