Living alone: build a network with friends and neighbours
Living alone does not mean being isolated, and this need is not limited to older adults. A useful network combines someone nearby, a person who understands your routine and a backup. Everyone accepts a precise task; nobody needs to monitor you continuously.
Start with situations, not age
List three realistic cases: forgotten keys, feeling unwell while conscious, and missing an agreed reply. Define what a friend, neighbour or distant relative can do in each case. Do not turn an ordinary delay into a diagnosis or alarm.
Choose complementary roles
A neighbour may knock when safe; a friend may call and understand context; someone farther away may coordinate. Ask for consent and availability, name a backup and never assign access or responsibility by surprise.
Copyable message: “I live alone and I am making a simple plan. Would you receive my signal and call me if I do not reply within our agreed time? No continuous monitoring and no key required.” Add it to the 20-minute safety plan.
Make an essential contact sheet
Record names, numbers, contact order, address and local emergency number. Include only necessary information and agree where it is kept. Keys, codes, health details and occupancy require particular care.
Use the app for a clear signal
My Safe Circle contacts install the app, create an account and accept an invitation. All OK reassures; SOS asks for help; location is optional for one action. The app does not continuously monitor, automatically detect falls or presence at home, or call emergency services.
Define a missed reply
Agree a window and sequence: message, call, second contact and, only when appropriate and safe, an in-person check. A flat or silent phone is possible. Concrete evidence of danger calls for the local number without waiting for the app.
Test and update the network
Run an announced All OK test, check names and notifications, and talk through a missed response. Update after moving, shift changes, a new phone or changing relationships. A small maintained network beats a long unaware list.
Frequently asked questions
Must the network include family?
No. Trusted friends, neighbours and colleagues can take agreed roles.
Does a neighbour need a key?
No. That is a separate sensitive choice requiring consent and clear rules.
Does the app check whether I am home?
No. It does not continuously track or detect presence or incidents.
I just moved and know no neighbours. Where do I start?
Begin with a trusted person at a distance and build local relationships gradually. Do not give keys or codes to strangers; no app replaces a local network.
Sources consulted
Technical and safety information was checked against the following official sources.
Organisational guide by the My Safe Circle team, checked on 13 September 2026 against the app manual and Red Cross planning guidance.
BUILD YOUR NETWORK
Explore My Safe Circle
Explore the features and try the Demo before setting up your circle.
Explore My Safe CircleMy Safe Circle helps contact trusted people. It is not an emergency dispatch centre and cannot guarantee delivery, reading or intervention.