I FIND the irresponsibility of some reporting in the press very disturbing.

I refer to the article on the possible cutting of warden services in supported housing, in this instance Crabtree Court. It spreads anxiety which could be totally unnecessary.

I have worked for several years now in various capacities with workers in supported housing and can say with some confidence that people will not be left uncared for.

Each supported housing complex, indeed each tenant of a scheme, is linked to a call centre which is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If a tenant has a problem they can contact the centre by pulling the emergency cord in their home or by pressing the button on their pendant or telephone.

Immediately an operater at the centre recieves a call, the tenant's details come up on their computer screen. They can talk back to the tenant to find out what the problem is and alert the appropriate services, e.g. ambulance, GP, or next of kin. Whilst the tenant is awaiting the help the operater will stay in contact reassuring the tenant that help is on its way.

As to what happens if the power is cut, call cantres have emergency equipment on hand or they hand over to another call centre.

This is a service not well known to those outside the supported housing service, but it is a vital lifeline for vulnerable people.

Joan Scott

Bromsgrove