Community alarm suppliers - Essex

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 24hours 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

• Essex County Council website (opens in a new tab)
  • What is care technology? (opens in a new tab)
  • Telephone: 0345 743 0430
• Uttlesford District Council (opens in a new tab)
  • Lifeline service (opens in a new tab)
  • Telephone: 01799 510510

Voluntary agency providers

• Age UK (opens in a new tab)
  • Personal alarms (Age UK) (opens in a new tab)
  • Telephone: 0800 011 3846
• Living Made Easy (opens in a new tab)

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