The History of PRIDE

PRIDE came about as a result of a combination of factors. Letters from a Parish Councilor and a Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator indicated that there were elderly people in North West Leicestershire who were living in fear of crime and making themselves virtual prisoners in their own homes. Although this district has a relatively low incidence of crime, elderly people were still subject to distraction burglary and burglary of their own homes. Historically, the Police Service has responded to this by concentrating on educating the elderly to enable them to cope with any situation which may arise. A previous campaign in Coalville aimed to offer some physical reassurance by providing free door guards and chains for the elderly of the area, this was supported by the local Crime Prevention Panel and Parish Councils

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The PRIDE project

Since 1993 was designated "European Year of Older People", PC Nigel Doughty, Crime Prevention Officer at Coalville Police station came up with an idea to protect the elderly. After a consultation with a local electronics company, a low cost, simple to use, maintenance-free help call system was designed to a specification which offered maximum protection and ease of use for an elderly person. All the main agencies involved in care and support of the elderly were brought together to discuss the concept and the "PRIDE" project was born. Whilst the initiative started as a wholly Police driven project, it soon became a fully multi-agency partnership which in 1994 gained charitable status. PRIDE had a Management Committee comprising of trustees, a co-ordinator and committee members.

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The Pilot Scheme

To evaluate the system, a pilot scheme was set up in an area where vulnerable elderly people live. Ten systems were purchased and installed by the PRIDE Management Committee. Monitoring was carried out over a period of four months prior to the official launch of the project. The pilot scheme proved successful in reducing the fear of crime in the lives of the elderly participants. Further follow-ups of the pilot area some nine months after installation showed the residents had greater peace of mind. They also had more self assurance that help could be raised if required. There have been no crimes committed against the homes of the 10 recipients since the project began.

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The Launch

The project was launched at an official function in December 1993 at the Snibston Discovery Park, Coalville. The Chief Constable of Leicestershire and senior members from the Home Office attended along with County, District and Parish Councilor and invited representatives of interested organisations. The TV celebrity, Bill Maynard, made a guest appearance, and a presentation was made to the first PRIDE owners. Publicity was given through regional television, local BBC radio and local newspapers.

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