Community alarm suppliers - Cambridgeshire

What is a community alarm?

A community alarm may also be known as ‘personal alarm’, ‘aid call’, ‘care alarm’, ‘emergency alarm’ or ‘lifeline’.

A care alarm system allows you to call for help and reassurance 24 hours a day, for example if you are unwell, have an accident or a fall in your own home. The alarm system consists of a base unit, usually attached to your telephone, and a portable alarm (usually a pendant, but sometimes worn on the wrist).

There are varying systems on the market, all of which require a fee to be paid to either rent or buy the system and back-up service. People who receive benefits may be able to pay a reduced fee or sometimes no fee at all.

How does it work?

To activate the system, you press the button on the portable alarm. A call is then automatically made to a central control area. The people in the central control area will try to contact you. If they cannot contact you and/or you require further assistance, they will contact nominated relatives/friends or, in some cases, the emergency services.

Council providers

• Cambridge City Cambridge Careline (opens in a new tab) – 01223 457199 (For homes only in Cambridge)
• East Cambridgeshire and Fenland Careline (opens in a new tab) – 01553 760671
• Sanctuary Housing - 0800 1313348 (free from a lifeline) or 0300 1233511 (from a mobile charged at national rate)
• South Cambridgeshire - Community Lifeline Service (opens in a new tab) – 03450 450 500
• Huntingdon - Chorus Homes (opens in a new tab) – 0345 266 9760
• Careline (opens in a new tab)

Voluntary agency providers

• Disabled Living Foundation (opens in a new tab)
• Age UK (opens in a new tab) – 0800 011 3846
• Astraline (opens in a new tab) – 01625 466681
• Careline Community Service (opens in a new tab) – 01553 760671
• Careium (opens in a new tab)
• Disabled Living Foundation (opens in a new tab)
• Sanctuary Supported Living (opens in a new tab) – 0330 1233 365
• Telecare 24 (opens in a new tab) – 0800 180 8540
• Telecare Choice (opens in a new tab) – 0800 375 7000
• LifeConnect24 (opens in a new tab) – 0800 999 0400

You can find further suppliers in your local telephone directory or on the Internet.