A popular free initiative aimed at helping older people to keep safe at home and on the street is set to return early next year.

Tendring Community Safety Partnership (TCSP) and Tendring District Council (TDC) will be hosting the Crucial Crew Event for Older Persons at the Princes Theatre, Clacton, on Wednesday, 19 February, 2025, from 10am to 2pm.

It will see several organisations give advice on a range of topics, from crime safety and fire prevention to what to do in the event of a power cut.

A face-to-face event will be taking place for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic.

The event is free and includes a small buffet lunch, but tickets must be booked in advance.

Among the organisations taking part are the NHS, Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, Community Voluntary Services Tendring, Essex Adult Social Care, Neighbourhood Watch, Bill Clinic, UK Power Networks, Safer Roads Partnerships, Age Well East and Clacton Lions.

Councillor Gina Placey, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Partnerships and Chairman of the TCSP, encouraged people in the district to attend the event.

She said: “The Crucial Crew event is being held to help older people in our district keep safe both in the home and on the street.

“Working with our partners, the aim is to highlight potential risks faced in everyday life and share vital safety messages which could help save lives and improve quality of life, such as advice on cold weather, hot weather, emergency planning for floods, fire safety, personal safety, rogue traders and what to do with callers at the door.

“I would like to encourage older people to sign themselves up for the event today and for people to encourage their friends or relatives to come along if they feel they would benefit.”

Tickets are available on a first come first served basis. To reserve your free ticket call 01255 686108 or email nbaines@tendringdc.gov.uk.