For years, personal alarms for older people all looked the same: chunky pendants hanging around the neck, only useful within the four walls of your house. Helpful, yes, but hardly liberating. When my aunt fell in the garden and couldn’t reach the phone, it was a stark reminder that safety shouldn’t stop at the front door. That’s where YourStride, the UK’s personal alarm watch, feels like a genuine step forward.
YourStride in a Nutshell
-
It’s a watch-style personal alarm that works anywhere in the UK using mobile networks, not just at home.
-
Press the SOS button for three seconds and you’re straight through to a 24/7 monitoring centre.
-
Optional fall detection automatically triggers a call if a heavy fall is detected.
-
Doubles up with health monitoring tools like steps, heart rate and blood pressure.
-
No Wi-Fi, no landline, no base unit — just a discreet, ready-to-wear watch.
If pendants feel restrictive or old-fashioned, YourStride gives safety a more modern face.
What Makes YourStride Different?
Independence Beyond the Front Door
Traditional alarms stop working once you leave the house. YourStride’s SIM card means it works nationwide, whether you’re walking the dog, popping to the shops, or simply enjoying the garden. That alone makes it a much better fit for people who still want an active lifestyle.
Built with Dignity in Mind
No one wants to wear something that screams “I need help.” The design looks like an ordinary digital watch, slim and lightweight enough to blend into everyday life. It’s discreet but dependable, which is exactly the balance you want.
Instant Connection, Human Support
Holding the SOS button connects you directly to trained staff at a TSA-accredited monitoring centre. You speak through the watch, no fumbling for phones. They’ll assess the situation, call family or send emergency services if required. That peace of mind, knowing help is always one button away, is invaluable.
Key Features of the Watch
-
Emergency Button
-
Press and hold for three seconds to raise an alarm.
-
Built-in speaker and microphone for two-way conversation.
-
-
Fall Detection (Optional Add-on)
-
Detects significant falls automatically.
-
Sends an alert unless you cancel it within 20 seconds to prevent false alarms.
-
-
Health Tracking
-
Step counter, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring.
-
Encourages daily activity while offering a quick health snapshot.
-
-
Everyday Usability
-
Displays date and time, like a normal watch.
-
Splash-resistant design for daily wear.
-
-
Nationwide Coverage
-
Works anywhere with mobile signal.
-
No need for home hubs or Wi-Fi.
-
Who Benefits Most from YourStride?
-
Active older adults who still enjoy walking, gardening or outings but want reassurance.
-
Families who want peace of mind knowing a loved one can get help at any time.
-
People with conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s or heart problems, where a fall risk exists.
-
Anyone who dislikes pendant alarms but still values the security they bring.
Everyday Scenarios Where It Matters
-
Out Shopping Alone
You’re at the supermarket, feel dizzy, and need assistance. Instead of searching for a phone or relying on a stranger, you press the button on your wrist. -
In the Garden
Falls often happen outside, out of earshot of anyone else in the house. With YourStride, the garden is just as safe as the lounge. -
During a Walk
If you trip on a kerb, the fall detector kicks in. Even if you’re shaken and can’t press the button, help is on the way. -
Reassurance for Family
Children and carers don’t need to phone multiple times a day “just in case.” They know their loved one has help literally on hand.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Works everywhere in the UK | Requires mobile signal to function |
| Discreet, looks like a watch not a pendant | Monthly subscription cost |
| Direct link to monitoring centre 24/7 | Watch needs charging regularly |
| Optional fall detection for extra safety | Fall detection add-on is an extra £2 per month |
| Easy to set up and use straight away | May not appeal to those who prefer a very simple button device |
How Much Does It Cost?
-
One-off cost for the watch: £59.99
-
Monthly monitoring subscription: £17.99
-
Optional fall detection: + £2 per month
The subscription covers unlimited emergency calls, monitoring staff availability 24/7, and ongoing service. Contracts are flexible: you can cancel with 30 days’ notice. Plus, if you have a long-term condition such as arthritis or high blood pressure, you may qualify for VAT relief, making the cost more manageable.
What Users Say
The most persuasive endorsements often come from people who rely on the product day to day:
-
“It gives me peace of mind — discreet, slim, and ready in minutes.” – Robert, MBE
-
“Wonderful. It gives my children peace of mind too.” – Molly
-
“I’ve regained the confidence to get back to my hobbies.” – John
These testimonials highlight not just safety, but the psychological lift that comes with feeling independent again.
FAQs About YourStride
Does it work outside the UK?
No, YourStride is currently designed for use within the UK only, as it relies on UK mobile networks.
How often does it need charging?
Typically every couple of days, depending on usage. It comes with a simple charging cable.
Can it replace my mobile phone?
Not quite. While it allows emergency calls to the monitoring centre, it isn’t a full mobile phone. It’s meant for safety, not social calls.
What happens if I press the button by mistake?
You’ll be connected to the monitoring centre. You can simply tell them it was an accident. Staff are used to the occasional false alarm.
Is it waterproof?
It’s splash-resistant, fine for rain or washing hands, but not for swimming or showering.
More Than Just a Safety Net
Technology for older adults often gets it wrong — clunky gadgets that feel patronising or intrusive. YourStride is different. It acknowledges that older people don’t just want safety, they want dignity and freedom. A personal alarm watch that looks like a normal accessory, works beyond the home, and connects instantly to real human help ticks all the right boxes.
If you or someone close to you wants reassurance without compromise, this is one of the best options in the UK right now. YourStride isn’t just about preventing emergencies; it’s about making every walk, every errand, every quiet afternoon in the garden feel safe again. And that, surely, is worth strapping on your wrist.
