Tameside's community response service is a real lifesaver for Helen

We've all used the phrase above in response to some trivial favour - but when Helen Barber uses the term to describe Tameside's community response service (CRS) she means what she says.

That's because the service has quite literally saved her life on several occasions.

Helen, who is 71 and lives in the Birchfields sheltered housing complex in Ashton, suffers from vasovagal syncope, a condition that leaves her prone to sudden blackouts.

But thanks to her pendant alarm, and her close relationship with the CRS wardens, help is always at hand and arrives within minutes.

“I’m usually okay but there have been times when I’ve fainted and hurt myself,” she said.

“One Christmas, I was in absolute agony and didn’t know what the matter was. My leg was swelling up by the minute. It turned out to be a blood clot. Andy the warden came straight out and stayed with me for four hours until the ambulance arrived.

“The CRS people do an excellent job, and without them I wouldn’t be able to live here. That means so much to me as I hate going to hospital because of all the waiting. When they come, they know what to expect and always bring their ELK electric lifting cushion to get me up.

“They haven’t saved my life once, they’ve saved it many times.”

Contrary to perception, CRS isn’t exclusively for the elderly. For a weekly fee they offer their services to anyone over the age of 18 regardless of circumstances. 

They provide a range of items including pill dispensers, bed and chair-occupancy sensors, temperature monitors and pendant, wander and smoke alarms. Plus pride themselves on getting to incidents within 20 minutes.

Skype gives them instant online contact to medical staff in the digital health centre at Tameside Hospital and its use has drastically reduced the need for costly ambulance call-outs.

CRS warden Sue Laurent added: “I suppose you’d say we’re a lifeline. Helen calls us most days and it’s good for people like her to know there’s someone they can contact so easily.

“When a person living on their own has a fall or becomes ill it can be very frightening. 

“We get calls from all over Britain and even around the world from people who are sometimes frantic with worry about their loved ones. It’s very reassuring for all concerned to know we can visit quickly.

“We’re available round the clock, 365 days a year, and we help people stay in their own homes where they feel comfortable and secure. We never let anybody down.”

If you would like to know more about Tameside Community Response Service, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/crs

You can hear more about the service on the Reporter Show on Tameside Radio 103.6FM at 7pm tonight (Thursday). 

Main image:

HELPING HAND: Helen with warden Sue Laurent and Cheeky the dog who is being trained to be a service dog and is able to activate the big red button if needed.