Protecting at-risk Canadians with real-time technology

 Across Canada, many people are alone and vulnerable every day. Those at risk from domestic violence, hitchhiking, work in the sex trade, mental illness, addictions and homelessness are particularly unsafe.

Aware360, in partnership with Ignitech, spearheaded the Safer Communities Initiative to bring technological innovation to the aid of vulnerable populations. The program uses low-cost smartphone-based technology to offer people help whenever they need it.

Working with social agencies, the Safer Communities Initiative provides an app that connects to live responders at Telelink and BC SafetyLink, professional response centers staffed by people from the Gitxsan First Nation. When in distress, clients can use the app to notify responders and get immediate help. They can communicate directly with response center staff or simply silently trigger an alarm that includes location information to guide responders. Agencies can define the response procedure that best supports their clients and ensures the right balance between protection and privacy.

The initial pilot program was launched to clients of The Blue Door Program in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Smartphones were given to sex workers who opted-in to the program, providing 24/7 response and a monitoring application system specifically for Blue Door clients and assets.

The Safer Communities Initiative has also been deployed in Alberta for women at risk – and they’ve already responded positively to its support. Aware360 and its partners believe everyone has a right to be protected and understand that people are most vulnerable when they’re alone – away from the social networks and services that could protect them.

By providing this service free of charge to vulnerable populations, the Safer Communities Project helps prevent violence by giving people a defense when they’re defenseless, a voice when they’re alone, and a real-time, consistent connection to people who care.

Sign up here to learn more.

About Aware360:

Aware360 understands people are the most important part of any workplace and provides the tools to ensure they will have help whenever it’s needed. Driven by our passion for people, Aware360 creates solutions to connect people with personal technology to those who care and can help. This ensures people are safe, especially when they are exposed to social, environmental or health risks.

From workers in the most remote locations to delivery drivers in urban areas, we provide the technology and response network to ensure their safety anywhere in the world. That’s the power of our PeopleIoT™ solutions.

To learn more about Aware360 visit: www.aware360.com