A NEW way of helping vulnerable people in their own homes has been launched in Suffolk.Following a successful pilot, Homeshield is being introduced across the county in a bid to help people aged over 60 access services.

A NEW way of helping vulnerable people in their own homes has been launched in Suffolk.

Following a successful pilot, Homeshield is being introduced across the county in a bid to help people aged over 60 access services.

The idea behind the scheme is that a single home visit from one organisation could pinpoint other issues of concern, such as health, welfare and safety. These can then be addressed if that organisation makes a referral to other organisations.

Since the pilot was started in October 2005, 1,124 referrals have been received and 1,756 onward referrals have been made.

A DVD, put together by Suffolk College students James Bester and Greg Zborzek, was given its premiere at the service's launch at the county council's headquarters in Ipswich yesterday .

Designed to help with staff training, it features an older person in their home with a number of problems and shows how Homeshield can help, as well as explaining how referrals can be made.

There are 25 partner organisations involved in the scheme, with some having stalls in the atrium at Endeavour House yesterday to tell people more about the services they offer.

They include Suffolk County Council's practice advice team, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service, Eaga (Warm Front), Age Concern, the Pension Service, Suffolk Primary Care Trust and Help the Aged as well as Suffolk Coastal, St Edmundsbury and Ipswich councils.

Ipswich HEARS, Mow and Grow, the Royal British Legion, Suffolk ACRE, Suffolk Family Carers, the Citizens Advice Bureau, St Matthews Housing and the Energy Savings Trust are also involved.