Downham Market Town Council backs woman’s idea to bring Raizer lifting chairs to West Norfolk

A West Norfolk woman has gained support from a town council for her campaign to help elderly people when they’ve had a fall.

Motivated by her experience with her mother, Sue Andrews decided to take matters into her own hands and worked on creating a volunteer-run service to help those who have had a fall.

At last Tuesday's Downham’s full council meeting, Ms Andrews explained her idea, which she wants to roll out across West Norfolk.

She’s suggesting that Raizer lifting chairs are installed in spaces in villages and towns in the same way defibrillators are, to be used to help elderly people who have had a fall.

A total of 11 chairs would be placed around the borough for a six-month trial period. Two chairs each would be allocated to Downham, Lynn and Hunstanton and the rest would be distributed in villages.

Ms Andrews reported that Hunstanton Town Council are on board with the idea, and she was looking to get backing from both Downham Town Council and West Norfolk Council.

She explained about her experience as a full-time carer for her 92-year-old mother, who has had falls and has had to wait in an ambulance for several hours.

Sue said: “In West Norfolk, we have the Swift team and the county council's emergency care team who come out and pick people up.

“The Swift team can’t come out if an injury has happened, or if they’ve been there for more than two hours.”

She later said: “I decided to do something. On March 17, I called together all the people I thought could help.

“I’m determined that this project is going to work and elderly people won’t be left on the floor, it’s scary for them.”

After being backed by Downham Market Town Council, with some councillors opting to get involved, Sue is now appealing for volunteers to help.