Grass roots support for vulnerable people

Cheif Fire Officer Rod Hammerton with head of Information Communications Technology, Sally Edwards (l) and

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has donated IT equipment to YSS, a Worcester-based charity which works with thousands of people facing significant life challenges across the Midlands.

The equipment has become available as part of the ongoing investment in the service’s IT infrastructure and includes around 100 tablets. Technology is advancing faster than ever so while these tablets have been replaced, the lifecycle of them has been extended by donating them to a group who will greatly benefit from them.

The tablets are no longer fit for purpose due to the Service’s rapidly changing technological demands and have little market value yet are still of a standard that will benefit the charity. 

Chief Fire Officer Rod Hammerton said: “Investment in our IT infrastructure is something we are constantly monitoring to ensure staff have the right tools to be as effective as possible at protecting the public and we strive to achieve the best value for money, even in a rapidly changing technological environment.”

“YSS is a fitting charity for us to support as we’ve close links with it through The Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion and a shared interest making our communities safer and more sustainable.

“Donating these tablets will greatly benefit YSS in its work supporting people who are in, or at risk of being involved in, the criminal justice system across the West Mercia region.

Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service has also been working with YSS on a project looking at the causes of dangerous driving and helping reduce the number of victims on our roads called .   

Mr Hammerton also said: “The charity works with some of the most under-supported people in our society by helping them into work, training and education, often leading to improved mental health, so we are delighted to support YSS.”

Key support worker for YSS, Maria Williams said: “I’d like to thank Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service for these tablets as they will have a really positive impact at a grass roots level.

“We support people with finding their way to positive paths in life, giving them the best possible chances, both for the benefit of themselves and the wider community. These devices will have further opportunities to gain support with homework or the ability to apply for jobs online and training opportunities.”

3rd February, 2020