We provide a 24 hour emergency call support service for vulnerable and older people and those in need of support.
Working closely with other agencies we offer advice on most services and help you access them. The service aims to support you alongside your network of care and support so you can remain as independent as possible within your own home.
How to apply for a community alarm
If you are over 75 and feel you would benefit from the service, please contact your nearest social work local office for a self referral.
If you are under 75 please contact your nearest social work local office for an application form.
In most cases we will be able to install the equipment in your home within one working day of receiving the authorised paperwork. However, if work is required, for example the installation of a telephone line/socket or electric socket, it will take longer.
Charges for the service
The current charge for the community alarm service is £4.31 per week.
You will receive an invoice following the installation of your alarm and on an annual basis thereafter (every April). The invoice can be paid in instalments and there are a number of ways to pay including over the phone, bank standing order, at the Post Office or at a Pay Point outlet - further details can be found on the reverse of the invoice.
Key information required
When you first join the Community Alarm Service you will be asked to provide some key information about you and your support, including your medical information, your GP, details of your care package and the names of relatives or friends who would be happy to hold a key for your property and help in an emergency.
If you do not have anyone to help in this way we can advise you on alternative ways to safely allow the emergency services to gain access when required.
Only information that is absolutely necessary is kept on the control centre computerised system. It is kept in the strictest of confidence and shared with other agencies only when absolutely necessary. If this information changes you should inform the control centre as soon as possible. Twice a year we will check with you that this information is correct.
How the system works
As soon as you join the service a member of our staff will explain how the system works and show you how to operate the system.
Please feel free to make test calls on the equipment until you are confident using it. Users of the system are asked to place a test call on the equipment every four weeks to ensure that everything is in full working order. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are still unsure about how things work - we are here to help.
Having difficulty using the equipment
If you can't use the ordinary community alarm equipment we will be happy to look at your individual needs and may be able to make individual arrangements so you can communicate with the control centre. It is imperative that you can use the system with ease and be able to communicate effectively with the control centre.
Accidental calls
Don't worry about accidental calls, everyone makes them and they help to test the equipment. However, it is essential that you wait until the call has been answered and the control centre is informed that everything is alright, otherwise it will be treated as an emergency.
What to do in an emergency
You should contact the control centre straight away, day or night. You can use your pendant to contact the control centre from anywhere in your home or just outside it.
Your community alarm equipment will place a call to the control centre who will answer it. We aim to answer 80% of calls within 30 seconds of them reaching the control centre. We will then contact the most appropriate person to respond to your call.
We will not request the emergency response to enter your home without your permission unless we are concerned about your safety and/or cannot make contact in any other way. The costs associated with forced entries are the service users responsibility.
System failure
It is very unlikely that the system will fail but in the event of any difficulties advice and assistance can be sought from the control centre.
If the equipment is faulty we will replace it where possible the day we are notified of the fault. If your telephone line is faulty, the company which provides your line rental will be responsible and telephone line faults will need to be reported directly to them by the service user, again advice can be sought by contacting the control centre.