A project to upgrade a life-saving alarm service in Somerset before the digital switchover has been completed earlier than planned.
Somerset Lifeline, a low-cost pendant alarm service for individuals requiring home support or at risk of falling, has replaced over 6,000 analogue units with digital careline devices in the past 13 months.
These new units link users directly to Somerset Lifeline’s 24/7 monitoring centre, ensuring continuous safety and support for vulnerable residents.
The initiative came about following the UK government's 2023 announcement to transition to digital-only telephone lines by the end of 2025.
Somerset Lifeline has also worked with service users and professionals to develop tailored solutions for people in remote areas with poor mobile signals or frequent power outages.
All of this was provided at no extra cost to Somerset Lifeline customers.
Cllr Sarah Wakefield, lead member for adults services, housing, and homelessness at Somerset Council, said: "I’m sure that achieving a switch from analogue to digital Lifeline devices across the entire county was no mean feat, and it’s even more impressive that the team reached this goal several months ahead of the deadline.
"With the winter months approaching, I hope that Somerset Lifeline customers and their families feel assured that their devices are completely up-to-date and compatible with the new digital phoneline system."
