There are new projects to enhance the wellbeing of those with dementia and their carers. To find out how their quality of life can be improved, visit our ‘New Ventures’ section on the ‘Events’ page.
Scammers collect £5.5 million in 2 weeks!
The Consumer Association (Which?) reports that ‘in less than two weeks, we’ve recorded over £5.5m lost to bank transfer scams. Over 650 people have shared their story – with one person reported to have lost a whopping £395,000. The £5.5m is just the tip on the iceberg.
This is the harsh reality of bank transfer scams and something the Payment Systems Regulator (PSR) will not be able to ignore. Banks must better protect customers who are tricked into transferring money to a fraudster’. If you would like to support Which? in trying to protect people from becoming victims, please consider signing the ‘Safeguard us from Scams’ campaign.
Could you be eligible for a Warm Home Discount?
Keeping warm during the winter is essential for good health and wellbeing. However, when money is tight, turning off the heating is one of the first sacrifices people make. Heating should not be a luxury and there is help available for those who are struggling to pay for the cost of heating their home. You can check if you could be eligible by contacting your energy supplier or following one of the following links: Warm Home Discount Scheme British Gas EDF Energy Co-operative Energy Scottish Power etc.
Can you spot a scam e-mail?
Following on from our forum meeting on Thursday, why not test your ability to spot a scam e-mail. To access the Consumer Association’s (Which?) quiz, follow this link and then scroll down the page and click on the ‘Take our quiz’ tab. There is also the option to support the Which? campaign to safeguard people from e-mail scams.
Concerned about safety and avoiding scams?
At its next meeting, the Harrogate District Over 50s Forum, which represents the views of older people across the Harrogate District, will be addressing the topical issue of personal and financial safety. This is an important matter and we should all be aware of the dangers and protect ourselves.
During the meeting, we will explore the many different types of ‘scam’, how to avoid them and how to report them in order to safeguard others – as well as help catch the scammers. We will also consider ways in which we can enhance our personal security and increase self-confidence. See our ‘Forum Events’ page for further details.
Patients and staff shut out of NHS transformation plans
‘NHS England has told local health leaders not to reveal the plans to the public or the media until they are finalised and have been approved by their own officials first, according to published documents and a new analysis by the King’s Fund. The national body even told local managers to refuse applications from the media or the public to see the proposals under the Freedom of Information Act’. (Guardian 14.11.16). To find out more, please go to ‘Older People’s Issues – news items’ on the ‘Publications’ page.
Winter’s coming! Be prepared.
Frosty mornings means scraping car windows and warming the engine before driving off. However, take care and do to leave your vehicle unattended or it could be someone else driving off in it, instead of you!
Here are some tips about 5 essential winter care accessories. Also, you can get more winter driving advice on our ‘Topical News’ page.
Firework display on the Stray
This year’s display will be the 45th firework display provided by the Harrogate District Round Table. Enjoyed by many families over the years, this is a display which all ages can enjoy in safety. There is no entrance fee, but visitors are encouraged to give generously to this year’s charities, which are: Yorkshire Cancer Research. Our Angels. The Rainbow Fund.
For further details, follow this link.
‘Like being shot in the face’
Surgeons have issued a warning about the risk of using electronic cigarettes, following incidences of exploding batteries. There has been a significant rise in the number of reports of exploding e-cigarettes; some causing catastrophic injuries, similar to those resulting from being shot in the mouth. There have been calls for stricter guidance for consumers and tighter regulation of imports.
Reported by Jem Collins in ‘Independent’ newspaper 10.10.2016 Follow this link for further details.
£1 bus fare for journeys in Harrogate on Sundays
The Harrogate Bus Company has announced the introduction of £1 single bus fares across Harrogate on Sundays. This move comes in response to the introduction of parking charges in Harrogate on Sundays.
For further details follow this link: Sunday bus fares