southtyneside.info
Community Alarm Service
What
is the Community Alarm Service?
It is a way for vulnerable people in the community to call
for help if they have a problem. The Council's Neighbourhood Services
provides this service as part of the Warden Call System for residents
of the Borough.
Who can apply for this service?
Anyone who is elderly or has a disability or illness can
apply for this service. You must also live in South Tyneside.
How do we provide the service?
We give you a community alarm telephone, which is a combined
telephone and alarm unit that plugs into any standard telephone
socket. Alternatively, if you already have a telephone with special
features, such as big buttons, which you want to keep, we can
give you a separate alarm unit you can plug your existing phone
into. These alarms are linked to our Central Control Unit, which
is staffed around the clock every day of the year.
If
you need help and call us, one of our Warden Call Officers will
answer. They will know straight away who you are, where you live
and any other information you have given us previously.
The officer will listen to you and tell you what action they are going to take. For example, this could be calling a relative, neighbour, doctor or sending out a Mobile Warden Call Officer.
What type of information do I have to provide?
You only have to give us information that will help us to
help you in an emergency. This could include:
- Contact details of a relative
- A key holder for your property
- Your doctor
- Any medical problems or disabilities you think we should know about.
Any information you give us is strictly confidential. The information is covered under the Data Protection Act 1998.
How does the Community Alarm work?
When you press the button on your alarm, it will automatically
connect you to the Central Control Unit. If you are wearing the
radio pendant or have your pendant to hand, you will not need
to pick up the handset or be near the alarm to make an emergency
call for help. By pressing the pendant you can summon help from
our staff from any part of your home. This also activates the
alarm's built-in microphone so it can pick up your voice
as you call for assistance.
How will you know who I am?
Once a Warden Call Officer has taken your details and installed
the community alarm, your alarm is given a unique number. When
we type your details into the computer we also input your unique
number. When you activate the alarm, your details are displayed
on the computer screen in the Central Control Unit.
What if I need help during the night or at weekends?
The Central Control Unit is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year, so do not hesitate to call. There will always be an operator
on the other end of the line.
What if no-one can get into my home to help?
The Warden Call Officer will try to contact one of your key
holders or a relative. If this is not possible they will contact
the police and instruct the mobile Warden Call Officer to break
in. This would only happen if we thought that any delay might
leave you at risk.
The mobile Warden Call Officer and operator will arrange for the Public Works Department to make your home secure if we have had to break in.
All mobile Warden Call Officers are in radio contact with the Central Control Unit.
How much does it cost and how can I pay?
Due to changes in funding arrangements it would be advisable
to enquire giving your individual circumstances.
How do I apply?
or
Please contact:
Central Control Unit
Neighbourhood Services
Town Hall & Civic Offices
Westoe Road
South Shields
Tyne & Wear
NE33 2RL
Telephone: (0191) 455 5523 (24 hours a Day)
