FIRE chiefs in Argyll and Bute have pledged their support for continued community engagement in the area.
Officers are continuing to support vulnerable residents through post-domestic event visits and home fire safety checks, as well as backing other initiatives.
Initiatives to promote water safety awareness are also held across the area, while councillors and community figures are consulted on priorities.
The details feature in a report to Argyll and Bute Council’s Bute and Cowal community planning group on Tuesday, August 11, and Oban Lorn and the Isles community planning group the following day.
The report said: “Community engagement remains a key priority across Argyll and Bute, with a coordinated programme of prevention, protection and partnership activity aimed at improving community safety, wellbeing and resilience.
“The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service continues to support vulnerable individuals through post-domestic incident response (PDIR) visits following domestic incidents, home fire safety visits (HFSVs) and the provision of smoke detection.
“The service also supports Argyll and Bute’s multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC) process, working with partner agencies to help safeguard individuals affected by domestic abuse and reduce the risk of further harm.
“In addition, we actively support Argyll and Bute’s multi-agency forum (MAF) partnership, working collaboratively with partner organisations to identify, support and reduce risk for some of the most vulnerable people within our communities.
“Education and awareness raising remain central to community engagement delivery. Firefighters and our community action team (CAT) provide fire, water and road safety education to schools and community groups.
“In addition, we support STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and developing the young workforce initiatives, with a careers engagement programme delivered across schools to promote awareness of employment opportunities within the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.”
The document added: “The service also works closely with the local partnership approach to water safety (PAWS) group, engaging with communities to promote water safety awareness and reduce water related risk.
“Engagement with local communities is further strengthened through the delivery of seasonal thematic action plans (TAPs), targeted community safety initiatives and ongoing partnership working.
“The service maintains an active role in supporting Argyll and Bute’s four community planning groups, working alongside community planning partners and residents to identify priorities, address emerging risks and support coordinated action that improves safety, resilience and outcomes across the area.”
