People are being reminded to have their say on the future of Tendring District Council’s (TDC) Careline Service.

The service was launched almost 40 years ago to support people in their own home through assistive technology, such as fall bracelets.

It provides a 24/7 service to its paying customers, as well as some additional offers such as a lifting service.

Following a year-long review, the council’s Cabinet decided to go out to consultation over the future of the service, with its current preferred option being for the council to leave the telecare market and cease the lifting/response provision of Careline.

Councillor Gina Placey, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Partnerships, said: “The Careline service has been a real success for the council, but the telecare industry has changed substantially since it was launched and there are now numerous alternative providers and lower cost options on the market.

“We want to hear people’s view on the proposals, whether that’s from service users and their families, employees or residents.

“So, please be sure to have your say over the future of the service before the consultation ends on Monday, 30 September.”

Councillor Placey added that a decision on ceasing any services will not be made until later this year, following the public consultation, and that if the council does decide to end the service, it will do its best to ensure no customers are left behind.

The Careline service is currently still active 24/7 and if a decision is made to cease the service, contracts will continue through a transition period.

A final decision on the future of Careline is expected in late Autumn. If councillors decide to withdraw the service, it is anticipated that it would end by 31 March next year.

The consultation was launched on 19 August and runs until Monday, 30 September.

To have your say, go to www.tendringdc.gov.uk/consultations.