New alarm service to keep Barnet's residents as safe as houses

Published by Philippa Hancock for Barnet Homes in Housing and also in Health

Thousands of residents in Barnet will be better protected at home and at work thanks to a new extended alarm service launched by Barnet Homes.

The Assist service, launched on Thursday 2 July, can offer a fast and effective response to anyone who has an accident or is at risk at home or while working alone. Its wide range of monitoring services can provide security and reassurance for individuals living anywhere in the borough and for local businesses.

The launch of Assist will build on the success of Barnet Homes’ previous alarm service, Lifeline, which has 4,500 users and receives around 80,000 calls a year. Also on offer from Assist are lone worker monitoring, Telecare and free home fire safety checks.

Tracey Lees, Chief Executive of Barnet Homes, said: “We’re very pleased to be launching the new Assist service. People tend to associate Barnet Homes with managing council housing, but in fact we do so much more to try and improve the lives of residents; and it’s not just for our own tenants and residents.

 “We’re particularly excited about the new monitoring system offering lone workers safety and security. For those working out and about on their own, we can now use mobile phone technology to alert the emergency services if there’s a threat to their personal safety.

“We’re proud of our existing alarm service, which provides a lifeline for our 4,500 clients. We want to do all we can to support residents and help them live independently and safely in their own home.

 “Our dedicated Assist staff answer around 220 alarm calls a day using the latest technology. They’re trained to reassure and send the necessary help on its way, including our own team of support workers if need be.”

 Assist comprises the following services.

• The Assist home alarm, designed to summon help, if and when it’s needed, 24 hours, 365 days a year.
• Lone worker monitoring, providing reassurance and security for employers and staff who work alone and face potentially risky situations. It’s easy and straightforward to use, allowing staff to be monitored by mobile phone. In the event of an accident or dangerous incident, the Assist response centre will alert the emergency services.
• Free fire safety checks together with the London Fire Service and, if you live in the borough of Barnet, smoke alarms fitted free.
• Key safes - a quick and easy way of keeping a spare door key in a secure but easily accessible place in case of emergency.
• Telecare services with a range of non-intrusive sensors which monitor health and the home environment 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The sensors alert a carer or the Assist response centre to problems.

 For more information about Assist services phone 020 8359 4841 or see Barnet Homes’ website www.barnethomes.org