Keep safe and well. That was the message at a Safer Living event staged by Uttlesford District Council at Takeley Day Centre.

Saffron Walden Reporter: Peter Caulfield at the safer living event.Peter Caulfield at the safer living event. (Image: Archant)

It was the first in a series of five being held across the district for those aged over 55, and was made possible by funding from the Community Safety Partnership and Essex County Fire & Rescue Service.

Almost 50 residents attended to hear serious advice provided in a light-hearted, fun way.

One, Jackie Wain, said: “It was an absolutely excellent event and all the speakers were very interesting.” Another, Phyllis Latham, added: “The advice given was very clear and the information provided was very useful.”

Contributors included Essex County Fire & Rescue Service on kitchen fire safety and smoke alarms; the Volunteer Centre on its ‘Time Bank’ volunteering initiative; UDC’s community outreach officer Paul Goddard on healthy eating and armchair exercises; Sandra Curran from Papworth Trust Home Solutions on its services available; UDC’s sheltered housing team leader Fergus Simmonds on the authority’s Lifeline alarm service; and Peter Caulfield from Essex Police talking about postal lottery scams and telephone fraudsters.

Safer Living events were also held in Saffron Walden and Thaxted.

UDC’s cabinet member for community safety, Cllr Alastair Walters, who attended the same event in Thaxted, said: “The Safer Living Event was very well organised, excellent and well attended. I congratulate everyone involved in its organisation and presentation.

“I would also like to thank all our partners for their support and input into this event.”

Following the event, a free lunch was provided. The winner of the lucky ticket draw was resident Lily Crowe, who won a handyperson free for an hour, courtesy of the Papworth Trust.