Final call for specialist CO alarms to protect deaf and hard of hearing people in Wales
Older deaf and hard of hearing people across Wales are being urged to come forward for potentially life-saving support, as part of a partnership between Wales & West Utilities and Care & Repair Cymru.
Thirty-six specialist carbon monoxide (CO) alarm systems are now available to vulnerable older people, who may not be protected by standard audible alarms, across Wales, with eligible individuals encouraged to apply or seek a referral before the end of March.
The initiative, delivered through Care & Repair Cymru’s Managing Better project, and funded in partnership with Wales & West Utilities, is supporting deaf and hard of hearing people who may not be protected by standard audible alarms.
Carbon monoxide poses a serious threat to people’s health, due to being odourless, colourless and invisible, when undetected, and traditional CO alarms rely on sound alerts, which may not be effective for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. This project aims to remove that barrier by providing accessible technology that ensures alerts can be seen or felt, not just heard.
Care & Repair Cymru is distributing specialist CO alarm systems, with each system including a CO detector transmitter that can be linked to a range of compatible devices depending on individual need, including vibrating pagers, bed shakers and wearable alert watches, ensuring users are notified both day and night.
To be eligible for the specialist equipment, individuals must be aged 50 or older, be deaf or have hearing loss, and not have a suitable CO alarm that meets their needs.
Sophie Stone, Vulnerability & Carbon Monoxide Manager at Wales & West Utilities, said:
“We are committed to keeping communities safe and supporting those most vulnerable to gas-related risks. By working in partnership with Care & Repair Cymru, we can help ensure deaf and hard of hearing people are not left unprotected from the dangers of carbon monoxide. With 36 units still available, and the project ending in March, we encourage anyone who may benefit to come forward.
“Through our VCMA programme, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone — particularly those in vulnerable circumstances — has access to the right advice, support and safety information.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from one of these specialist CO alarm systems, please contact 0300 111 3333 or enquiries@careandrepair.org.uk before the end of March. The remaining alarms will be distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis while supplies last.
Wales & West Utilities is the gas emergency and pipeline service, delivering energy to over 7.5 million people across Wales and the south west of England. We don’t sell gas; we transport it through an extensive underground network of more than 35,000 kilometres of pipes.