Careline emergency alarms

The Council's Careline Service offers any vulnerable person help and security at the touch of a button. Using a Careline connected to your phone line, you simply press the button, and our call centre knows who and where you are. We provide a 24 hour, 365 days a year emergency service, enabling you to live as independently as possible within your own home.

Why have a Careline?

Our customers say their Careline has given them and their relatives peace of mind, a feeling of greater security and reduced feelings of isolation

How does the service work?

We'll provide you with a Careline button which you can wear around your neck or clip onto your clothing. When you press the button, it automatically dials the Careline Control Centre through your telephone.

Your personal details are held confidentially on our secure Careline database. You can talk to us from anywhere in your home without using the phone handset, and let us know what assistance you need.

Our caring and professional staff will then offer assistance, or phone a 'keyholder' (friend, neighbour or relative), who has a spare set of your front door keys. If for any reason the operator is unable to speak to you, they will treat it as an emergency and contact your keyholders or the emergency services.

Who can apply for a Careline?

Anyone can have a Careline. We help older people, people with a disability, victims of harassment, domestic violence and bogus callers. Or maybe you have a debilitating illness such as HIV, Parkinson's disease, or cancer. A Careline gives an added sense of security to anyone who feels vulnerable.

What do I need to have the Careline installed?

All you need is:

• A modern telephone socket.
• A modern electrical socket within 10 feet of your telephone socket.
• Two sets of front door keys which will need to be supplied to your keyholders.

If any part of that is a problem, don't worry. We are here to help you, as are social workers, health workers, friends and relatives. Just let us know how we can help.

How much does it cost?

There is a small monthly charge for the service.

Prices

• To purchase: One payment of £199 plus £6.30 per month for the 24-hour answering service.
• To rent: £14.70 per month all inclusive

With both options, installation is free. Prices do not include VAT although most subscribers will be exempt.

Through an agreement with local organisations, people who are on low incomes may be able to have the equipment installed at a reduced fee or free of charge. Proof of income is needed.

If you would like an alarm, but are concerned about the cost, just give us a ring and we'll do our best to assist you.

How do I join?

That's the easy bit! Just phone us and we will take your details and arrange an appointment to give you a free, no obligation demonstration in your own home.

Will my calls be recorded?

All calls to the Careline Control Centre are recorded. This enables us to monitor the quality of our service and assist in dealing with queries which may arise.

Must I give personal details?

We will need information about your health and your doctor. This helps the Careline Operators to act quickly in an emergency. You may wish to give us the names of close relatives or friends. The information will be treated in confidence and will only be used to help you.

Contact Careline

Telephone: 0845 600 7413
Textphone: 0845 600 7752

For safety purposes, when our operator visits please use this freephone number to confirm their identity: 0800 0854 748