Alarms for elderly and disabled - Community Alarm Scheme

The Oxford City Council Community Alarm Scheme has been in operation since 1986. It provides help and reassurance to the elderly, disabled and vulnerable members of the community. The 24 hour Control Centre monitors the alarms within Oxford City. It is part of the Housing Management Business Unit of Oxford City Council. The control centre has approximately 9,000 customers connected to the service.

The personal alarms benefit people of any age who would like to feel safer, more protected or independent in their own home. It is an ideal solution for those people who live alone, who suffer from a medical condition or are victims of racial or social harassment, or domestic violence.

How does the alarm work?

The alarm unit is very easy to install. All you need is a modern telephone socket and a mains electric socket. The alarms have a discreet pendant which is worn on the person.

To summon help, the pendant is pressed and the call is automatically sent to our 24 hour Control Centre. Within seconds of pressing the pendant the Control Centre operator will answer your call. You do not need to be near your telephone the alarm will automatically open up a speech path so you will be able to hear the operator talk and they will be able to hear you. The alarm equipment at the Control Centre will also automatically display your details so the operator knows who is calling, where they live and any necessary medical or personal details. These details also include friends, relatives, neighbours, doctor and emergency services.

The alarm pendant will work anywhere in your house or garden. 

We offer 2 levels of service to anyone living in Oxford City:

Service Standards

1. Monitoring Only Service - This is where you provide contact names of people who are able to come out to attend any emergency call that is made. The operators will also call out any of the emergency services if necessary.
   
2. Full Mobile Warden Service - We also provide a mobile warden and key-holding service. In the event that you require emergency assistance we can send out our own fully trained mobile warden staff who are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The operators will also call any of the emergency services if necessary.

What about the cost?

We provide a non-profit making service, and we keep the price as low as possible.

You can pay the community alarm charge online using a credit or debit card on our payments page.

How can I find out more?

If you would like to see the alarm equipment and have a demonstration of how it works or to find out more contact our 24 Hour control centre using the contact details on the right.

Page last reviewed 7 Nov 2008