This Christmas residents of Ongar and North Weald are being invited to buy a very special gift which could prove a lifesaver for elderly or vulnerable relatives.

Epping Forest Crime Reduction Partnership is encouraging people to buy their friends or family a one year subscription to the acclaimed Careline service, which offers a vital 24 hour emergency response system for vulnerable residents in their own homes.

All Careline users are given an alarm button which can be worn round the neck or attached to clothing for immediate access.

By activating the alarm an emergency call goes out to the 24 hour Careline Centre and worried or distressed residents can speak to a Careline operator even if they are not near their phone.

A spokesman for the Crime Disorder reduction Partnership said: "Even if the caller cannot speak for any reason, the operator can identify who the call is coming from and their details will come up on a computer screen. They can then monitor the situation and alert a relative, medical or social services, or the police - to check if there is a problem."

Careline operatives are also able to carry out checks on doorstep callers to give elderly or vulnerable residents piece of mind when answering the door and letting contractors into their homes.

Epping Forest District Council spokesman Tom Carne was full of praise for the Careline service and suggested families could 'club together' to pay for the £140 annual subscription to give themselves, and their elderly or vulnerable relatives, peace of mind.

For more information about Careline call 0208 532 1065.

Published Tuesday November 25, 2003

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