East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and Ambient Support

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) have been in partnership with Ambient Support since April 2020.

Ambient Support is a registered UK charity providing care and support to elderly people, those with a mental health need and people with learning disabilities. They have a wide range of services across the Midlands and South East of England including registered care homes, supported living and domiciliary care.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, ESFRS have provided Ambient with clear safety advice about hand sanitisers. This included:

• the safe storage of these products away from any ignition sources
• ensuring they are stored in a suitable cool dry locked cupboard which is well ventilated
• avoid storing them on the means of escape
• the recommendation that outside storage always being the best option

ESFRS are working in partnership with Ambient to ensure that during the pandemic, they can continue to facilitate safe visits between those being cared for and their loved ones.  This means that ESFRS have been able to provide Ambient with support and guidance around the type of structures that could be used in outside spaces, so that safe and controlled socially distanced visits can take place whatever the weather.

Tom Harrison, Director of Operations at Ambient Support, said:

“The COVID-19 crisis has truly highlighted the benefits to us of having an effective and professional relationship with a Fire and Safety partner.  The situation with guidance and protocols has been fast and evolving during the pandemic, and ESFRS have supported us to stay alert to changes and ensure that we provide the very safest environments to those we support at all times.”