Help to live at home

Lifeline is an emergency alarm service, providing assistance at the touch of a button 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You could get an alarm if you are a tenant of Central Bedfordshire Council and live in any independent living properties including supported housing and mini groups.

View or download an application form (PDF)

Once completed, please post your form to:

Supported Housing Team/ Lifeline Team
Central Bedfordshire Council
Priory House
Monks Walk
Chicksands
Shefford
Bedfordshire
SG17 5TQ

Please note: The form specifies our old Dunstable address, but please use the Priory House address above; we are in the process of updating the form.

How much does the Lifeline emergency alarm service cost?

There is an installation cost and then a weekly cost.

View or download our housing fees for details (PDF)

What you get for your money

• a wearable alarm button (can be worn as a pendant, or on your wrist)
• a box that plugs in to your phone line
• 24-hour monitoring
• 24-hour backup response: our officer will be called if your key holders aren't available, but you'll need a key safe outside your house (not included)

How does the Lifeline emergency alarm service work?

Lifeline alarms operate over the telephone network and is easy to install.

A small button is worn when you are at home – as a pendant or on the wrist so that in the case of an emergency the alarm button can be pressed to call for help.

This automatically alerts the Lifeline control centre where staff can speak to you even if you are unable to reach the phone, as the system can use the alarm unit as a loudspeaker.

When the call is received, Lifeline staff will see your details on the computer screen, together with names and addresses of doctors, relatives, etc.

Once the control centre has established the problem, the appropriate help can be requested.

This could be a neighbour, friend, relative, one of our officers or emergency services.

All calls are recorded for monitoring purposes and are confidential.

Who is Lifeline emergency alarm service for?

Lifeline is designed for tenants of Central Bedfordshire Council who feel vulnerable or at risk for any reason, whatever their age.

Some groups of Central Bedfordshire Council tenants who could benefit from the service include:

• vulnerable 
• being discharged from hospital
• receiving community services, including occupational therapy, community nursing and support from a social worker
• receiving rehabilitation support
• display a sensory or physical impairment
• those at risk from intruders/harassment
• people in receipt of care services may also wish to consider having a community alarm
• anyone who simply desires peace of mind

Installing Lifeline

The Lifeline unit can be installed quickly and easily. All you need is a modern telephone socket and a nearby electrical socket.

Is there anything I need to do to qualify for Lifeline emergency alarm service?

The only thing we ask is that users of the service either have a key safe installed outside the property or that they identify 1-2 key holders who are willing to assist if they need help.