Since this series of articles has commenced about the ‘Around the clock’ communication services offered to Cyprus residents, many people have asked ‘Why does the system need to be based in the U.K.?’ and ‘Wouldn’t it be cheaper if it were based in Cyprus?’

The answer is because the number of potential clients in Cyprus who would make use of the system would be too small to be able to offer anything like the comprehensive service that is required to be effective and which The British Care Trust provides. The trained professionals at the call centre in Rosendale, Lancashire are a far cry from the disinterested, bored operator who, thousands of miles away from your high street bank, you find yourself speaking to when you want to know why they want to charge you extra for sending you a monthly statement (or similar).

The people at The British Care Trust are carefully selected and trained to act quickly in case of emergency. The communications centre at Rosendale Let’s take an example. Living on your own, you slip in the shower, you are wearing your pendant which automatically registers the fall and automatically telephones the call centre.

Immediately the centre calls you on the base unit which is located in your living room. Despite the fact that you are still in the shower, you are able to both listen and speak to the operator and explain your problem. They immediately call the friends/relatives/ doctor/ ambulance the particulars of which you have provided, tell them the situation and practical help is on its way.

The operator will then keep in touch with you until they are sure you have someone with you. Just think for a moment what the outcome could have been if that vital first call had not been made. What a relief! What a valuable service! All that telecommunication technology available to you for less than £1 a day.

Alternatively, a personally operated system utilising your mobile phone where you need to press just one number on your phone, for less than 50p. a day. Mrs. Wood, a resident of Paphos, tells us that she contacted the British Care Trust having been shown an article by a friend. She’s glad to say that she hasn’t needed to use the service yet but is very happy with the peace of mind she enjoys by knowing the service is there should it ever be required.

Many users of the system were introduced to it by friends who could see their need and made initial enquiries, so if you know someone who you think could use the service the British Care Trust can provide, just visit their web site : www.thebritishcaretrust.co.uk or telephone 26322495