Sensory support

Fire and smoke detection

You can find more information on fire and smoke alarms on our webpages.

Fire alarm accessories/alerts for deaf people

Specialist accessories and alerts are available for those who may not hear a standard alarm. These may include flashing strobe lights, vibrating pads, vibrating pager alerts and mobile phone alerts. These will alert a person should there be a fire and ensures that deaf people and those with hearing loss have the same protection from fire as everyone else.

Following an assessment and confirmation of eligibility the Sensory Support Service may be able to provide specialist fire alarm accessories/alerts for deaf people.

It is important to note that deaf homeowners living in their own home are responsible for installing the new interlinked standard fire alarms. The Sensory Support Service is not responsible for fitting standard fire alarms.

A deaf homeowner or private landlord can receive advice from the Sensory Support Service on which standard system to buy that is compatible with specialist deaf accessories and alerts.

The standard fire and carbon monoxide detection products listed below are specifically compatible with those specialist accessories and alerts provided by the Sensory Support Service :

Smoke Alarm AICO EI650RF Battery Interlinked Radiolink+ Smoke Alarm (Generally, one smoke alarm is required for each level of the property and main living area)

Heat Alarm AICO EI603RF Battery Interlinked Radiolink+ Heat (A heat alarm requires to be fitted in the kitchen area)

Carbon Monoxide Detector AICO EI208WRF Battery Interlinked (Carbon monoxide detectors are required in each room where there is a carbon fuelled appliance, for example, boiler, gas, oil or solid fuel fire)

If specialist equipment to alert of smoke danger has been issued previously by the Sensory Support Team, these systems are no longer compliant with new legislation and they will no longer be replaced, repaired, or maintained. Removal can be arranged by the Sensory Support Team; however, it is strongly recommended that this is done only when the fitting of interlinked detectors by homeowners / private landlords and where the installation of compatible deaf alerts has been completed. 

Scottish Fire and Rescue

Free home fire safety checks or visits are offered to everyone in Scotland, to enhance fire safety within the home. Home Fire Safety visits can be requested directly from Scottish Fire and Rescue.

A questionnaire will be completed to assist in creating a fire escape plan. Information can be provided about smoke, heat, and carbon monoxide alarms to meet the current smoke alarm legislation.

Please visit their website for more information.

Phone 0800 0731 999
Text FIRE to 80800 on your mobile phone 
Online Book online by completing their form 

Blue Badge

If you are registered or certified as blind, you automatically qualify for a Blue Badge. New and renewal applications require to be made online through the UK Government website.

More information about Blue Badges is available on our Blue Badge webpages.

Assistive Technology

The Lanarkshire TEC team is an integrated health and social care team hosted by South Lanarkshire Health and Social Care Partnership. The TEC team aims to empower Lanarkshire citizens to live their best lives through the use of technology tailored to people’s outcomes and needs. The TEC team’s technology enabled care programmes include Connect Me remote health monitoring pathways, Near Me video consultations, Telecare and Consumer Technology.

The team are based at the TEC zone, situated in the award-winning Blantyre LIFE care campus. The TEC zone is a first of its kind health and social care collaboration with Glasgow Science Centre. The innovative and interactive TEC zone plays an important role in supporting citizens and service users to live independently and well. Visitors can test out technology and chat to the TEC team about practical technology solutions to support themselves and their loved ones at home.

Upskilling health and social care staff’s technology enabled care confidence and knowledge is a key role of the TEC team. A range of training activities are available including monthly staff technology enabled care training sessions (in person and on MS teams) and daily Ask the TEC team Near Me drop in (Monday to Friday 3pm – 4pm).

Please contact the TEC team at tec.programme@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk for further information or drop in and visit the team at Blantyre LIFE, 90 Park Lane, Blantyre G72 9AS  Monday to Friday 9am – 4.15pm or read more about assistive technology on our webpages.