Community Alarm

A community alarm works by having a pendant alarm that is worn round your neck. If you become unwell, or have a fall and cannot get up, you can activate an alarm by pressing the pendant. This goes through to a central office where someone can talk to you and find out what the problem is. The office is open 24 hours a day. Your alarm call to the central office will be answered within 30 seconds.

What do I need?

You must have a landline (BT type) telephone and an electric socket nearby. You should choose 2 people who are willing to hold your door keys, who should live locally or within a reasonable distance. If you don't have anyone who can be a keyholder for you, this can be arranged for you again by a central office, the Emergency Response Office.

How can I get one?

You can either:

• Call us on 020 7641 1175 and ask to speak to the Care Management Team
• Or you can contact the Link Alarm Office on 020 7641 4528 to request an alarm, but you must have your own keyholders.

There may be circumstances when you want to purchase your own community alarm and keyholding service without an assessment, or have been assessed as not eligible and would still like one. This can be done through the Emergency Response Team on 020 7641 4065.

Is there a charge?

If you already receive services from Westminster's Adult Services Department and have been assessed to pay for these, you will not pay extra for the Community alarm.

If you choose to have one installed yourself or are not receiving any other services, you will pay a charge. The cost is currently £38.19 for a 3-month period. If you purchase your own alarm and keyholding service, there is currently a charge of £10 a month for this service.