Friends of the Elderly have published ‘A Short Guide to Social Media’
How to get started – a guide for older people who would like to get connected. Follow this link to access the guide.
Lots of news about current local events and groups
There are lots of new ventures and activity groups starting this month. Make sure you don’t miss any. They have all moved to the new ‘New Ventures & Special Events page’ in the ‘Events’ section ….. there’s plenty to read about. There’s also a new ‘Alerts’ page which highlights the latest news on issues which might affect you.
Also ….. there’s the latest edition of ‘Care in Action’. Click here to read it
New Advocacy Service
Hambleton and Richmondshire Advocacy are coming together with Selby, Harrogate and Craven Advocacy offices to form North Yorkshire Advocacy. Advocacy services will reach more vulnerable clients across these areas through home visits and appointments.
North Yorkshire Advocacy has secured a three year grant from The Big Lottery to support people across these areas struggling under the strains of managing modern day demands of mail and finance. The project will train local volunteers to work with clients, to enable people to ultimately manage their finances, preventing debt, financial abuse and ill health due to stress. Continue reading
Feedback on the recent library consultation
Those of you who took part in the library consultation, in February of this year, will be eager to read the results. Click Library consultation update to find out the latest news.
Two new bus routes for Harrogate
Great news! May 11th saw the launch of two new bus routes in Harrogate. To find out more visit the ‘New Ventures & Special Events‘ page.
Difficulty in communicating with other people?
Blue Assist is for anyone who has difficulty getting their message across for any reason. Blue Assist provides a simple system that allows people to ask for help, to ask for something in a shop or to tell someone what they need. Find out more, follow this link.
50 Money saving tips for the ‘Over 50s’
Some of you will be aware of the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website. If not, now is a good time to explore the site and see how you can save money. You will find several references to the MSE website on the Forum’s webpages. If you are keen to find out about the latest offers and discounts etc, as well as receive alerts about the latest scams, you can also sign up for the weekly newsletters, which have been highly recommended by various consumer groups.
Confused about the new pension rules?
Need advice about the new pension rules? There is a new toolkit to help you. Follow this link for details. The toolkit currently includes:
- The toolkit currently includes:
- seven factsheets
- two videos
- infographics and photo case studies
- an all-in-one‘State Pension explained’ guide
You can also obtain advice from the Consumer Association in the Which? booklet ‘Pension Changes: What you need to know‘
Scams, scams and more scams!
Never underestimate the ingenuity of the criminal mind when it comes to scams. The art of deception comes in a myriad of forms. Offers which seem ‘to good to be true’ – usually are! Anyone approaching you (on the telephone, by post, on your doorstep or in the street) to offer you a ‘great opportunity’ whether it’s to make or save money (or anything else) should be viewed with suspicion. Every day someone becomes a victim of scammers, but it is possible to keep yourself safe – arm yourself with information. This article from the BBC provides a comprehensive overview of scams. There is also further information in relation to ‘pension scams’ on the ‘Topical News‘ page. Don’t let the scammers win – stay safe!
‘Arresting’ advertising outside the old police station
Congratulations to the estate agents for their eye-catching advertising hoardings outside the old Harrog
ate police station.
However, there are no details from North Yorkshire Police about how to find the new police station. Do you know where it is? Is it well sign-posted? Do you know how to get there on public transport? When is it open? Continue reading