ARCHIVED news story
Social Alarm call centre wins Government recognition
Released on 03 November 2003
The system is a really positive help for those who may otherwise feel vulnerable in their own homes, whether they are elderly, disabled or victims of crime
Fran Gribben, Centre Manager
South Norfolk Council’s Contact Care Community Alarm Centre has received official Government accreditation – only 16 out of 500 centres in the UK have achieved this level of attainment.
Centre Manager Fran Gribben and her team worked for 12 months to reach the standard, changing working practices and procedures to meet the requirements. After a thorough and stringent audit, the centre won its accreditation - which ranks it among the top alarm call centres in the country.
Fran said the team was delighted, but more importantly, it meant a great deal to those who use the service:
“ It is a bonus that all our hard work has been recognised, but most important of all, our clients are reassured that we are working to the highest standard in the country.”
Contact Care is a public service Community Alarm Centre, based in South Norfolk, which helps people across Norfolk and Suffolk to retain their independence, by providing a 24-hour alarm system of support.
There are over 8,500 people using the system and the centre receives over 12,000 calls per month. Around 30% of these are from people seeking help after a fall. Others are queries about services and assistance, but often the centre operatives are a voice on the other end of the phone, offering comfort and care.
The alarms are connected to an ordinary telephone line, and need a nearby power socket. They are supplied with a pendant, which can be worn round the neck, or wherever the person feels most comfortable. If wearers suffer a fall, or feel concerned about a possible intruder or bogus caller, they simply push the button on the pendant, which will automatically dial the centre, and staff will arrange for help.
The accreditation from ASAP – the Association of Social Alarm Providers – will mean the centre can move forward into other spheres of assistance including tenders for other parts of East Anglia without current cover.
The team has also started working recently with Norfolk police, offering assistance to victims of crime. Contractors will install free alarms for three months, to promote safety.
Fran Gribben adds:
“The system is a really positive help for those who may otherwise feel vulnerable in their own homes, whether they are elderly, disabled or victims of crime.”
Demonstrations of the alarms are free, and can be arranged by calling Contact Care on 0800 9174680.
Related pages
Contact us
| contact officer/team: | Communications Team |
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| web: | online enquiry form |
| email: | communicationsteam@s-norfolk.gov.uk |
| telephone: | 01508 533611 or 01508 533983 |
| minicom/textphone: | 01508 533622 |
| address: | South Norfolk House Swan Lane Long Stratton Norwich NR15 2XE |
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