Bobby Van Trust celebrates 20 years of improving home security

By Ben Fitzgerald - 6 August 2018

Community

The Bobby Van Trust is celebrating 20 years of looking after vulnerable people in Wiltshire.

Charity workers were recognised for their efforts by patron Camilla the Duchess of Cornwall at a party at Highgrove last week.

One of hundreds of service users to have benefitted from the work of the Bobby Van Trust is 83-year-old Cliff Gosling from Upper Stratton.

The Link magazine met up with him and trust volunteers Sarah and Jan who were advising him on how to stay safe online. 

Sarah said: “This is part of a new service that we can offer.

"We are here to help check whether the security settings and updates are in place on our clients’ computers and to give advice on how to deal with computer scams and cyber crime and things of that nature.”

Cliff welcomed the support. He said: “I’m quite good on computers but it’s good to be updated on how to ensure that I don’t get caught out. They can also check that my computer is up to date and secure. It’s a really wonderful service.”

Since 1998, the Wiltshire Bobby Van Trust has worked in partnership with Wiltshire Police to provide a free home security service for elderly and vulnerable people throughout the county. 

The charity funds the operation of three Bobby Vans that provide mobile workshops for trust volunteers.

As well as looking after cyber security, the Bobby Van Trust team also makes use of skilled carpenters and lock fitters to ensure that the homes of those they visit are safe and secure - and after carrying out a security audit can fit locks, chains, smoke alarms and security cameras where appropriate after carrying out a security audit.

The Trust is the first of its kind to be established in England and is overseen by a board of Trustees chaired by Robert Hiscox. The service is available to people who are over 60 or 18+ with a registered disability. 

Trained Stay Safe Online Volunteers can offer one-to-one home visits and community group talks.

WBVT relies upon fundraising activities, sponsorship and donations to continue to provide this practical and vital community service.

For more information log on to www.wiltshirebobbyvan.org.uk or call: 01380 861155.

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