26/03/2008 A conference to showcase how the latest communications technology is helping vulnerable people feel safer in their own homes takes place in Newcastle next Wednesday (April 2).

A Bright Future for Telecare in Newcastle will be held in the city’s Centre for Life between 10am and 4pm and has been organised jointly by Your Homes Newcastle and Newcastle City Council. The event is aimed at health, housing and social care professionals.

Telecare services that provide support for vulnerable people have operated for many years, however the technology has progressed considerably recently. Sensors placed in people’s homes can detect when there is a problem and send an alert to a 24 hour response centre. The staff in the centre then contact the appropriate service, for example a GP or relative, to provide support.

The event features guest speakers and experts from a variety of organisations including The University of York and the Equality and Human Rights Commission who will explore the future of telecare and the surrounding social, ethical and financial issues.

YHN Director of Tenancy Services Neil Scott said:

“We have attracted a number of renowned experts in the telecare field to speak at the conference. I’m sure it will be an informative event that will help shape the future of this service and be the springboard to launch our ambitious plans to make the service available to everyone in the City who needs it.”

To find out more about the conference and to book a place telephone 0191 278 8699 or email events@yhn.org.uk.