Four Manx charities are now part of a scheme that helps the emergency services to offer quicker support to those with special needs.

The First Point Community Portal allows people over the age of 16, especially those with additional needs, to register their information on a password-protected database that only emergency services staff can access.

A spokesman for the service said: ’The goal is to provide users and their loved ones added peace of mind in case of an emergency, knowing that emergency services personnel can provide better and quicker bespoke care.’

Four charities can now help to register people. They are the Manx Blind Welfare Society, the Manx Deaf Society, the Alzheimer’s Society, and Isle of Man Live at Home.

A person can register themselves online, or with the support of family members. The charities can also help their members store details securely with emergency services.

Live at Home tries to help 600 members to prevent loneliness and social isolation for 600 members.

Chief executive Jackie Bridson said: ’In times of need, any information that will help emergency personnel protect the vulnerable in our communities will make a huge difference.’

The Manx Blind Welfare Society’s chief executive officer, Ian Cooil, said: ’We have had occasions where visually impaired people become disoriented in town. They have a momentary lapse and just need a bit of help. We want to keep our Manx Blind Welfare Society family safe.’

The Manx Deaf Society’s communication and support manager, Lucy Buxton, said: ’Someone with a balance disorder such as Meniere’s can feel confident that if they have an attack away from the safety of their own home a family member can be quickly called to assist them.’

Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man supports the 1300 people.

Services manager Grahame Bell said: ’The Alzheimer’s Society is proud to support an initiative which helps people to maintain their independence for as long as possible.’

The First Point Community Portal has been developed in partnership with the emergency services and charities. The venture is sponsored by Microgaming, Celton Manx, PwC Isle of Man, Apex Fund Services (IOM) Limited, and Ellan Vannin Fuels.

To register with emergency services or for more information visit https://firstpoint.signedup.im or call the First Point Community Portal project team on 664000

Or call the Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man, 613181; Isle of Man Live at Home Schemes, 616571; Manx Blind Welfare Society, 674727 or Manx Deaf Society, 202875