What is the Community Alarm service?
This service is available to people of all ages who are vulnerable, have a disability or health issues. It also supports carers by offering reassurance that the person they care for is safe.
What we offer
The Community Alarm & Telecare Service provide an alarm unit with pendant or wristband to help support and enable people to be independent in their own homes. At the press of a button, you will be put in touch with our helpful alarm centre staff if you require assistance. They in turn can contact the person you have chosen to be contacted or arrange for emergency care services or a doctor.
Community Alarm and pendant
Alarm Base Unit - which is connected to a phone line. The base units contain a speaker and microphone to enable you to have a conversation with the alarm receiving centre. If you do not have a landline it may still be possible to install an alarm. Alternative arrangements can be discussed when an application is made.
Pendant - This personal trigger alarm is worn around the neck or around the wrist, and is usually issued with a Community Alarm. An alarm can be raised even when not near the care alarm - up to range of 20 metres. The pendant is waterproof so can be worn in the bath or shower.
Online check tool
If you would like more information about what is a Community Alarm and to help assess if you require a Community Alarm, please look at the Telecare self-check tool and video.
Community Alarm and Telecare Self-Check Tool
Important update: analogue to digital switch-over
East Lothian Council is upgrading its Community Alarm Service from analogue to digital. This change affects how your telecare alarm system connects to the Community Alarm service, but in no way affects how you receive emergency help and support.
Why is this happening?
UK telephone companies are switching off all analogue landlines and replacing them with digital lines by January 2027.
Since 1999, telecare alarms have used landlines to send alerts. These will now be replaced with digital alarms that use SIM cards, not phone lines.
How do digital alarms work?
Whether it is the pendant that has been pressed, or a sensor has been activated your alarm now connects to Community Alarms using a SIM card (not an analogue phone line) but you’ll still speak to an operator just like before.
Do I need to pay for the new alarm?
No. There is no charge to you to have your equipment upgraded.
Do I need a phone line or broadband?
No. The new alarm works independently using a SIM card.
You don’t need a phone line or broadband unless you want them.
Benefits of Digital Telecare
- Faster connection to Community Alarms.
- Clearer sound quality.
- More reliable - we can detect issues like power loss.
Beware of scams
Scammers may call asking for payment for your new alarm.
Do not pay - East Lothian Council provides the alarms for this digital upgrade free of charge.
Report scams to your bank and Police Scotland on 101.
What should you do next?
Scenario A:
You don’t have a digital phone line yet
- No action needed now
- When you switch, press your pendant to notify Community Alarms.
Scenario B:
- You have a digital phone line but not a new alarm.
- Press your pendant to let Community Alarms know.
- You’ll be prioritised for a digital alarm upgrade.
Scenario C:
- You already have a digital alarm with a SIM card.
- You’re all set - no further action needed.
Have any questions?
Contact East Lothian Council Community Alarms Service by:
- Pressing your pendant.
- Calling 01875 613921
- Emailing lifeline@eastlothian.gov.uk