The scheme of community support for older people provides funding for initiatives to improve the security and social support of vulnerable older people. Funding is provided by way of grant aid to voluntary groups and organisations who identify elderly people in need of assistance under the scheme.
Under the terms of the scheme, grants are provided towards the cost of small-scale physical security equipment and socially-monitored alarm systems, such as the panic button pendant which is worn around the neck or wrist and operated via the telephone.
Funding is not available for conventional intruder alarms. Any amendment of the terms of the scheme in this regard would have to be considered in the context of available resources. I hope to announce details of the scheme for 2003 in July, which will be advertised in both the national and provincial papers.