Image source: TSA, Virgin Media O2
Stockport Homes has formed a partnership with Virgin Media O2 and telecare advisory body TSA to support its residents who use telecare services through the digital switchover.
The housing association has been running a trial with the broadband provider and TEC (tech enabled care) Services Association to ensure people get the help they need when analogue PSTN lines are replaced by digital connectivity.
This has been a source of concern for local authorities and telecare providers, with bodies including the Local Government Association having warned of potentially negative consequences. Earlier this year the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology reached an agreement with a number of network operators to protect telecare users, and BT Group said it would extend its date for the switchover from the end of 2025 to the end of January 2027.
The Stockport trial, which began in late July, has involved using the data sharing agreement between Stockport Homes and Virgin Media O2 to identify user of Carecall service who have not yet made themselves known to the company.
This is followed up with visits from joint teams to check that devices are working as they should and ensuring a property is not left without a working landline.
So far around 80% of targeted users are reported have switched to digital voice on a voluntary basis, and that all their services are being closely monitored post-migration to ensure they can use the new technology easily.
Tremendous opportunity
Eva Holt, head of independent living at Carecall, part of Stockport Homes, said: “Having this pilot take place right here in Stockport is a tremendous opportunity, allowing us to ensure our services are fully prepared for the digital future whilst remaining deeply connected to our local community.
“This is just one of many initiatives Carecall has undertaken to ensure a seamless transition during the switchover and it highlights our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation for the safety and wellbeing of our customers.”
Virgin Media O2 is now planning further trials with other housing associations and local authorities in different parts of the country.
The company has also written to every local authority it operates in to follow the lead of Stockport Homes with similar data sharing agreements.
Along with TSA it has also called on the Government to create a Telecare Charter and work more closely with network operators to raise awareness of the switchover.
Scalable model
The company’s chief operating officer, Rob Orr, said: “Our partnership with TSA and trial in Stockport are helping us develop a scalable model to safely migrate our most vulnerable customers.
“By helping to better identify telecare customers and working together to reach our shared customers, this innovative project provides a gold standard service which could be the blueprint for our future roll out.”
