by Simon Wilkinson (DWP)
21 November 2011
Later Life News from Department of Work and Pensions
The Cold Weather Plan for England
The Plan was published on 1st November. It is part of the wider suite of measures which the Dept. Health and NHS are taking to protect individuals and communities from the effects of severe winter weather. The Plan provides advice for individuals, communities and agencies on how to prepare for and respond to severe cold weather as part of wider winter planning and announces the Warm Homes, Healthy People fund. Read the Cold Weather Plan
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_130564
Warm Homes, Healthy People Fund
The Fund has been established for winter 2011/12 to support local authorities in England to reduce the levels of death and morbidity due to cold housing in the coming winter, in partnership with their local community and voluntary sector and statutory organisations. Local Authorities are invited to make applications for funding by 8th December. Read details of the fund and how to apply
www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Lettersandcirculars/LocalAuthorityCirculars/DH_131108
Carers Rights Day Friday 2nd December
This year's theme is Money Matters - because without support carers can end in debt, struggling to pay essential bills and sometimes become sick with stress-related illnesses. Carers Rights Day aims to get carers the information and advice they need to claim benefits, get a carer’s assessment and access support.
For more information visit the Carers UK website
www.carersuk.org/professionals/resources/presentations?dm_i=AYZ,L3VY,48RE4G,1PPPU,1
The Butterfly Scheme website
The website has been launched, which allows people whose memory is permanently affected by dementia to make this clear to hospital staff and provides staff with a simple, practical strategy for meeting their needs. access the Butterfly Scheme website
www.butterflyscheme.org.uk/
Companionship of People that are Elderly at Christmas
The Abbeyfield Society has launched a new project and invites members of local communities with elderly neighbours living alone, and those who plan to spend the Christmas period alone, to get in touch with them for a free overnight stay and Christmas meal at one of their sheltered housing schemes. Learn more about Cope @ Xmas and check the Abbeyfield website for participating homes.
Cope@Xmas.aspx">www.abbeyfield.com/Pages/
Cope@Xmas.aspx
Gransnet
Gransnet is the new social networking site for Britain’s 14 million grandparents. Launched in May 2011, it’s a website for discussion of news, culture, relationships, and older people’s busy and changing lives. Take part in wide-ranging discussions that cover everything from ageism in the NHS to coping with daughters-in-law, relationships to health, memories of childhood sweets and games, to the latest news. visit the Gransnet website
www.gransnet.com/
‘Nothing to Do on Sunday’
This new group has been started by Nexus. They believe the worse time of year for lonely people is fast approaching, so this group aims to connect others in similar situations to new friends to call or spend time with on Sundays. To find out more email
info@nexus-uk.co.uk or 01237 478723 (quoting ‘Nothing to do on Sunday’)
