Swindon council ends Homeline service for new users

The Homeline system is a pendant alarm service that provides an easily accessible safety net for older and vulnerable members of the community should they need it at times of emergency. 

Recently, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue recognised two Swindon Borough Council employees for saving a Homeline user's life when they activated their pendant alarm after a fall that caused a house fire. 

But, a notice on the council's website says that it is unable to provide Homeline to any new local people who might benefit from it going forward.

The notice which warns of a 'suspension of Homeline services for new customers', said: "Please note that we are currently unable to take on new customers to the Homeline or Homeline+ service."

"The following organisations provide information about community alarms: Age UK, LifeConnect 24 and Careline365."

Swindon Borough Council suspends its Homeline service to new users (Image: Swindon Borough Council)A council spokesperson confirmed that the decision to suspend the service is part of a temporary 'review'.

A spokesperson said: “Homeline is an incredibly popular pendant alarm service that also gives family members peace of mind that a team is on hand 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to look after their loved ones.

“The value of the service was recently highlighted when two of our staff received a top commendation from the fire service after their quick actions saved a Homeline client from a fire

“In order to make sure we are providing the best possible service we are undertaking an operational review and, during this time, we have taken the decision not to take on any new customers for the next couple of months.

“Homeline is continuing to run as normal for our existing clients and we expect to reopen it to new clients once the review has been completed.”

More than 3,000 in Swindon are believed to be using the Homeline service. 

It is not a free service, as users need to pay a monthly fee which is around £33 a month.