Community alarm service

What is the community alarm service?

The community alarm service helps people living in North Lanarkshire who need some extra support to stay in their own homes with the security of knowing that they can call for help in an emergency, such as a fall or an illness, at any time of the day or night.

How does it work?

We install an alarm unit by connecting it to the telephone line in the person's home. The alarm is activated by either pressing the button on the alarm unit or the pendant worn by the person.

Where possible we will place the alarm unit in a central point within the home in order to make the best use of the two-way speech system. 

When the person activates the alarm, a signal is sent via the telephone line to a central response centre which is staffed 24-hours a day. Our response advisor can speak to the person and find out what kind of assistance is required.

There are a number of ways we can provide help depending on the information that has been given:

• contact a friend or family member to visit
• arrange for a home support worker to attend
• contact a GP or emergency services
• provide reassurance

Who is the community alarm service for?

There are many reasons why someone may need a community alarm.

People who feel they are at risk at home and may have difficulty using other methods to call for assistance. 

How do I get a community alarm?

You can request this service using the contact us form or by calling your social work locality office.

A member of staff will visit you to explain the system and discuss whether the service is appropriate for your needs.

How do I report a fault?

If you wish to report a fault with either your alarm unit or your pendant, call the response centre on 01236 622400.

Is there a charge for the community alarm service?

There can be costs associated with the installation of the alarm unit.

From 14 September 2020, we charge £3.40 per week (49p per day), billed every four weeks.

Any calls made to the response centre are billed like normal telephone calls by your telephone company.

If you have some concerns around the introduction of charges in these uncertain times, we can arrange for someone to check your income is fully maximised and you are receiving everything you should be through a financial assessment.

Contact your local social work office for more information.

Pay online

You can pay for your community alarm online using the link below and selecting the 'debtor' option.

Pay by direct debit

If you would like to set up a direct debit to pay for your community alarm, please download this form, fill it in and return it to us.

If you need the form in another format, please contact us and let us know.