Faire

What is Faire?

A 24-hour-a-day service operated by the Social Work Department providing:

• Reassurance for people living on their own
• Immediate response in an emergency
• Reassurance and support for carers

How does it work ?

The Community Alarm Service provides an automatic link from the user's home to the Control Centre in Stornoway. The computerised unit in the Control Centre, which is staffed by a team of trained operators, is linked to home units by an ordinary telephone line.

The equipment in the home is quite simple and consists of a main unit (a small box about the same size as a telephone receiver) and a small pendant which can be worn around the neck or clipped to clothing. The pendant can work in the home or garden. It is very important to remember to wear it so that you can make a call from anywhere at any time. The main unit is plugged into your mains electricity supply. The power supply has a battery back-up, so it will not break down during a power cut.

How do I use it ?

Press the red button on the pendant or main unit. After a few seconds, the operator will respond to your call. The operator will already know from the computer screen who is calling, and will be able to talk with you. If in making a call you are unable to speak for any reason, the operator will alert a contact person or the emergency services without delay.

No one need worry about using the system at any time during the day or night - it is there for your reassurance as much as for use in an emergency.

Who can apply ?

The Community Alarm Service is available for people who are at risk due to age, disability or other factors. You can apply if you:

• live alone or are regularly left alone
• live with a person who could not cope in an emergency
• are in danger or at risk due to restricted mobility or illness, and you need to call assistance in an emergency
• have difficulty in leaving the house to call assistance due to restricted mobility or illness
• live in an isolated location

Who are the Call Centre Operators ?

The Operators have been trained to handle calls efficiently, quickly summoning help when it is needed. You will always find they are friendly and ready to listen.

We aim to have a high proportion of operators who are Gaelic speakers.

Is there a charge to users ?

Yes. There is a charge of £1 per week for people connected to the Community Alarm Service. Staff visiting will explain costs etc. prior to your alarm being installed.

The charge can be paid monthly, quarterly or annually, by cash, cheque or direct debit. Responsibility for payment can be accepted by a friend or relative, with no invoices being issued to the user.

4 Easy Steps to becoming a user of Faire

Step 1

Contact your local Social Work Office

Step 2

A member of staff from the local office will arrange to visit you to assess your needs and eligibility for the service. They will discuss your application with you and, if you wish, they will help you fill in the form. It is helpful if you can supply relevant personal information, but please note that you need only put on the form as much medical and other information as you wish.

You will be asked to name three contacts - friends or relatives who live locally, are on the telephone, and can be contacted in an emergency. The contacts are a very important part of the Community Alarm Service.

Step 3

Your application will be processed as quickly as possible and, in special situations, the installation will be given immediate priority. The staff member completing your form will be able to tell you how long the installation process will take. After your application is accepted, the equipment will be installed and you will be shown how to use it.

Step 4

You are ready to use the Western Isles Community Alarm Service!Regular checks will be made to ensure your equipment is working properly. The Call Centre Operator will also call you up from time to time, and give you a chance to practise calling in.

For reassurance, you are also welcome to operate the alarm from time to time if you want to be certain of your connection.

Additional Services

Faire can take your out of hours enquiries for the following services from 5pm to 9am weekdays, weekends and Public Holidays:

• Housing repairs
• Social Work Roads
• Technical Services
• Environmental Services
• Street lighting
• Refuse collection Transport enquiries
• Sports & leisure
• Registrars
• Emergency Planning
• Any other urgent situation

Newsletters

Issue 2 Summer 2001
Issue 3 Spring 2003 (pdf 302 KB)