Introduction:

First call community alarm is operated from a control centre in Gorton, Manchester and is a citywide service. The client has either a pendant or wrist alarm that sends a signal to the control centre via the phone line. If the client has a fall or needs to summon help for another reason, they press their alarm. This opens the phone line and calls the control centre and they can talk to the operator from anywhere in their home. Thus they can summon help whatever the emergency, e.g. if they have a fall or hear an intruder etc. The control centre is staffed 24 hours a day and the community alarm operators can summon help from a 24 hour mobile warden response team or the emergency services if appropriate.

Referral criteria:

• The client must have a BT phone line and an electric socket.
• All referrals must be made through Manchester Contact Services for Social Care. An assessment for eligibility will then be made.

How quickly will an alarm be fitted?

If the assessment is successful and an alarm is needed then it is fitted as soon as possible. Priority is given to people awaiting discharge from hospital. In some cases an alarm can be fitted within 24 hours.

What is the cost of this service?

This service may be provided free of charge if the client is in receipt of certain benefits. If the client has to pay for the service it usually costs around £3.80 per week.