THE Forest Linkline Community Alarm Service, operated by the Forest of Dean District Council since 1989, has been awarded a Charter Mark, the Government's recognition of excellence in public services.
Linkline is an easy-to-operate emergency alarm unit for anyone who needs to summon assistance. The system consists of an alarm unit which attaches to an existing telephone and a radio pendant, worn on the body, which will activate the alarm unit when pressed.
When the alarm unit is activated, it automatically calls the 24 hour control centre at the council offices in Coleford, where specially trained staff are on hand to take the call and summon assistance as required. This may be calling for an ambulance or simply contacting family members to provide assistance.
First introduced for the benefit of the council's elderly tenants, the council soon made the service available to the disabled and vulnerable people in the private sector and to other local authorities and housing associations.
The council now provides support for over 8,500 users.
In addition to 1,800 users in the Forest, the council provides control room services for users with Gloucester City and Stroud district councils, Monmouthshire council, Fosseway and Wyedean Housing Associations and several local almshouses.