Tendring District Council has been reviewing its Careline service and looking to plan for the future. The decision has now been made to merge services with Colchester City Council.
The merger will result in a robust, digitally-led service that delivers high-quality care across the whole of North East Essex. By working together, the councils can enhance service delivery, provide better value for money, and ensure a sustainable future for the service to benefit both customers and employees.
It is important to note that Careline remains operational 24/7, and will continue to do so even under the new proposals.
If you are a current user, we will write to you setting out the next seps. Please note: current Careline users can opt out, and Sheltered schemes can not.
We will aim to transition you through to the new service without any need for you to do anything. You will only have to contact us if you wish to opt out.
We may need to upgrade your equipment as part of the digital switchover, although this would have happened anyway.
All new customer enquiries to Careline will now be dealt with by the Helpline 24/7 team. The service is run by Colchester Amphora Trading Ltd (CATL), a company wholly owned by Colchester City Council. Helpline is currently offering an introductory, first month free of charge, to give new customers the opportunity to try out the service with no obligation to continue.
Find out more:
Call the Helpline team - 01206 769779
Send a message and request a call back - Contact us | Helpline 24/7
Visit www.helpline247.co.uk
Careline is Tendring District Council's 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year personal alarm service, that supports almost 1,500 clients of all ages who want to live independently and safe in their home.
The service is available for anyone of any age who would like to feel safer, more protected and independent in their own home. The system also provides numerous benefits for:-
The benefits of Careline aren't just for yourself, it's for everyone. Careline gives peace of mind to your children, friends, family and anyone who wants to know that you are safe.
Q. I am going away for a few days should I unplug my Careline or switch it off?
A. No it is quite safe to leave it plugged in, but please press your pendant on your return to let us know you are back.
Q. When I go out just round the corner can I wear my pendant?
A. No you should always leave your pendant indoors when going out, then put it back on when you return home.
Q. Can I wear my Pendant in bed?
A. No it is best to take it off when in bed and put it in a reachable place near you, then put it back on before you attempt to get out of bed.
Q. Is my pendant water proof?
A. The pendant is splash proof; always let Careline know by testing your pendant if you are worried.
Q. Can I cancel the service at any time?
A. Yes, you would be required to give one months’ notice and once we have the equipment back the payments will cease.
Q. I live in sheltered housing; do I need to do anything?
A. Not at this stage, as no decision has yet been made. If Cabinet agrees to follow the recommended proposal, and see the service combine with Colchester Helpline, then we will write to you setting out the next steps.
However, we anticipate that you should transition seamlessly we will keep you updated with the process as it progresses.
We may also need to upgrade your equipment, as part of the digital switchover, but this would happen in any event.