Silverlake Automotive Recycling, a leading vehicle recycling company based in Shedfield, has renewed its sponsorship of the Bobby Scheme for the fifth year in a row. 2023’s £5,000 donation sees its combined financial support for the service hit £25,000 this year.
The Bobby Scheme, a free service, operated by the Blue Lamp Trust, sends a trained fitter to visit the homes of the elderly and vulnerable, across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, to offer safety and security advice and install safety and security equipment. 25% of these visits are to victims of domestic abuse. In 2022, the Bobby Scheme extended its service to include free cyber-security advice.
The Blue Lamp Trust’s CEO, Theresa Pratt, said:
“We are very grateful for the generous support that Silverlake continues to give us. This and other fundraising have seen us able to develop the Bobby Scheme even further and introduce Cyber Bobby; offering offer free cyber security advice to the elderly and vulnerable in the community. The pandemic was a catalyst for many aspects of everyday life moving online, and the threat of cybercrime is increasingly prevalent. With their valuable sponsorship, Silverlake is making a real and direct contribution to making Hampshire and the Isle of Wight a safer place.”
Allen Prebble, Silverlake’s managing director, said:
“We are a family owned and managed business and have been based in Hampshire for the last 77 years. We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us over the years. Silverlake has grown to become the largest employer in our market in the region, and our people, their families, and many long-standing local customers and business partners are all part of the regional community. We are delighted to be continuing our support of the Bobby Scheme and commend their extension of the service to include cyber security advice. Their commitment to protecting the elderly and vulnerable in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is powerful, and we are proud to help.”
Supported by the emergency services and local authorities, The Bobby Scheme provides a free service to elderly and vulnerable people, particularly victims of burglary and domestic violence, by promoting crime prevention and fire safety initiatives. Started over 26 years ago, the Bobby Scheme’s trained fitters, who are all vetted by Hampshire police, uniformed and carry ID cards, have visited more than 35,000 homes. Free cyber security advice from Cyber Bobby, is provided through home visits by police-checked and trained cyber volunteers and includes guidance on basic IT security and how to avoid being affected by a cyber-crime or a cyber-enabled crime.
Anyone who believes they fit the criteria for support from the Bobby Scheme can contact bobby@bluelamptrust.org.uk or phone 0300 777 0157.
