FAQ's

What is MASCOT

MASCOT is an easy to use call button. You can use it silently with just one push on the button. This will summon emergency help from our control centre in Morden. Whatever the emergency, you can be sure of a prompt and courteous response.

HOW DO I QUALIFY FOR THE MASCOT SERVICE?

Any person who is vulnerable will qualify: people of retirement age or with a disability, and those who have been a victim of bogus callers.

IS THERE A CHARGE FOR THE SERVICE?

The current charge is from 63p per day, this goes towards the rental and maintenance of the alarm equipment, plus the cost of the team who monitor and respond to calls. Cost of calls from the alarm unit to the control centre are at the local call rate set by your telephone provider, e.g. BT.

WHAT ADAPTATIONS WILL I NEED IN MY HOME?

Hopefully none will be needed, but for the system to work a plug socket and a modern telephone socket should be available. Often, British Telecom will carry out the modernisation of a telephone socket free of charge!

HOW DO I GO ABOUT SUMMONING HELP?

You can either press the large red button on the alarm itself or press the button of the alarm pendant which may be worn round the neck or wrist. In both cases the alarm call is sent via your phone line to the MASCOT Centre in Morden.

For 24 hours of every day of the year a friendly mobile response officer will receive your call. The alarm itself becomes a two-way radio and you do not have to be near it for us to hear you! The mobile response officers who receive your call will help you the best way they can. This may sometimes require calling a contact person or emergency services to attend to your home. For this reason MASCOT will need to have a key safe installed outside your home. This may be purchased from us and installed at a total cost of £79.00.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY ALARM IS SET OFF BY MISTAKE?

Once the alarm is pressed it will automatically come through to us. Please let the officer know that you are all right and the call will be closed down. We really do not mind at all if you make a call by mistake. We could consider it as a “test call”. By the way, we would welcome you making test calls on a regular basis, say once a month.

SHOULD I WEAR MY PENDANT IN BED?

It is better to keep the pendant handy by the bedside. Often, wearing the pendant in bed can activate the alarm, and if, as in many cases, we didn’t make contact with you over the system you might be disturbed by a visit from one of your nominated contacts or the emergency services.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY PENDANT?

The pendant is a most important part of the alarm system. It allows you mobility with added security. Please look after it carefully. As the pendant is so important we will replace it, but a charge of £40 may be levied.

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM PERIOD I HAVE TO KEEP THIS ALARM?

Our minimum rental period is 4 weeks.

IF I DECIDE THAT I WISH TO LEAVE MASCOT, HOW MUCH NOTICE DO I HAVE TO GIVE?

We require 4 weeks’ notice either by telephoning or in writing. Please note that until the alarm is returned, the charges will remain in place.

WHO ELSE DOES MASCOT HELP IN THE COMMUNITY?

Currently our alarms are giving extra safety and security to people suffering racial harassment or domestic violence. This is done in partnership with the Community Safety Unit at Wimbledon Police Station.