Safe & Connected

We’re building on the trust customers have in us with a trial to support the Government’s strategy to tackle loneliness among people aged 65 and over.

‘Safe & Connected’ is a new commercial community service that builds on the unique role our delivery colleagues play in their communities.

The trial is aimed at determining whether early intervention by the voluntary sector or local authorities positively impacts on feelings of loneliness, well-being and safety.

As part of the trial, developed with the support of the CWU, our postmen and women have been making regular scheduled doorstep visits to a pre-selected volunteer group of customers while out on their rounds and asking them five pre-agreed questions related to their happiness and well-being.

Christian Elcoate is a postman at Whitby delivery office, one of our trial sites, alongside Liverpool North, and New Maldon.

‘The responses I’m receiving at the moment are fabulous,’ he said. ‘We get a lot of feedback from the calls and its very reassuring for the customers to have us there for them.

‘Customers on the street who have heard the reports on the news and in the newspapers think it’s a fabulous idea and are recommending people they know.

‘As a postman, it’s reassuring to know that we can be trusted. It’s a good thing that we’re doing this for these people in our community.’

The trial includes support from local businesses, the third sector and local authorities.