Both the Welfare Check (Recurrent) and Amber Timer are designed to keep users safe, but they support different types of situations. They provide automatic monitoring or user-controlled protection.
Welfare Check (Recurrent)
The Welfare Check runs automatically in the background to provide ongoing reassurance.
It becomes active when the device is not on charge
The device will periodically prompt the user to confirm they are okay
A reminder (pre-alert) is given before the check is due
If the user responds, the timer resets and continues as normal
If the user does not respond:
The device will automatically raise an alert
This can trigger a notification and/or a call to a nominated contact or monitoring centre
👉 This acts as a continuous safety net, requiring minimal effort from the user
Amber Timer (Check-In / Check-Out)
The Amber Timer is a manual safety feature used for specific activities.
The user starts the timer by double-pressing the amber button
This indicates they are beginning an activity (e.g. going out or doing something higher risk)
The user must stop the timer by double-pressing the button again when finished
If the timer is not stopped in time:
The device will automatically raise an alert
👉 This is ideal for planned activities, where the user wants added reassurance during a specific period
Key Differences
Welfare Check works automatically and provides ongoing monitoring
Amber Timer is started by the user and provides activity-based protection
In Simple Terms
Welfare Check: “Let us know you’re okay”
Amber Timer: “I’m doing something—alert someone if I don’t check back in”