Life-saving service celebrates 30 years

Brighton and Hove City Council’s CareLink Plus service helps people with health problems, providing products such as personal alarms, fall sensors, GPS locators for people with memory problems and smoke and carbon monoxide sensors.

Over the past 30 years the CareLink Plus has taken more than five million calls, with customers ranging from ages 10 to 104, the council said.

Robert and Meril Peacock are among more than 5,000 people in the city who use CareLink Plus products, and the pair have spoken about what the service means to them.

Mr Peacock has Type 1 Diabetes, and wears a falls sensor on his wrist, as well as an alarm that detects hypoglycaemia symptoms when he is asleep by sensing signs of low blood sugar. Mrs Peacock has mobility issues and always wears her alarm pendant in case she has a fall.

The CareLink system means that if either of them has a problem that may need emergency medical help, they can speak instantly to highly-trained CareLink staff, who can send out an ambulance or other support.

Mr Peacock said: “Even if I lose consciousness, the sensor will spot this and trigger an alarm at the CareLink Plus centre. They will then contact me, and send emergency medical support out straight away if I am unable to speak to them.”

Mrs Peacock said: “CareLink really does give us peace of mind that we will get the emergency help we need if either of us has a sudden health crisis. It makes for a less stressful life for both of us.”

Cllr Karen Barford, the council's lead member for adult social care, said: “Our CareLink Plus service is about helping people to stay independent and keep doing the things they enjoy.

“Our expert staff have literally saved the lives of hundreds of our residents over the years, and given vital support to thousands more.

“If you think CareLink Plus could help you or someone you know, please get in touch.”

To contact CareLink Plus, telephone 0300 123 3301, email [email protected] or visit: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/carelinkplus