A new job combining the skills of an on-call firefighter with a social care role could be developed in Cornwall, with the aim of reducing loneliness and social isolation in our communities and better supporting people who self-neglect.

The proposal has been presented at Cornwall Council’s Health and Wellbeing Board and describes how many of the tasks that firefighters and social workers do cross over, such as fire safety in the home, people falling and injuring themselves, the risk from poor housing structures and lack of repairs, and the effect this has on a person’s well-being.

It is estimated that 2750 people in Cornwall are at risk of self-neglect behaviour which can often result in harm coming to them, for example, through hoarding or by not managing the upkeep of their home.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for adults, Rob Rotchell said: ’Often, someone who self-neglects will be reluctant to accept help but it is hoped this new role will start to overcome this. Firefighters are traditionally people that most people trust and will allow into their homes to check things such as smoke alarms and trip hazards. They are then easily placed to support the individual by looking at the whole home environment and what improvements can be made to improve their health, safety and wellbeing.’

The proposals are part of the health and social care chapter of the New Frontiers document and are designed to secure better health outcomes for all residents, reduce the employment rate gap for those with a long-term health condition and enhance community resilience.