The community alarm system, which is used by 1,800 elderly and vulnerable people in Tamworth to summon help in an emergency, is now being operated by a new provider.

Wealden and Eastbourne Lifeline (WEL) was awarded the contract to provide the alarm system last year after a thorough tendering process. WEL took over full operation of the service from Homelink at the beginning of this year.

Representatives of WEL are currently visiting all service users to reprogram and upgrade their emergency call equipment and to ensure them that they will continue to receive the same high standard of service as was previously provided by Homelink.

The transfer of the alarm system to WEL has reduced the cost to Tamworth Borough Council while still ensuring a high standard of service, at no extra cost to existing users.

The Council will continue to monitor the service delivered to residents of its sheltered housing schemes to ensure that it is being delivered to a high standard. The Council will record the number of calls received by WEL from services users in Tamworth, how quickly the calls were answered and how satisfied customers are with the service.

WEL recently held a very successful open day in Tamworth, where users and potential users has the opportunity to as questions and find out about the latest technology.

• WEL is fully accredited by the Telecare Services Association
• Every community alarm system user in Tamworth has either a pull cord or alarm pendant with which to summon help. Each has been programmed to WEL’s computer and will tell emergency call centre operators who is calling and their location
• All details of next of kin, medication and personal information previously held by Homecare have been transferred to WEL.
• The community alarm system operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year