Tag: Age Scotland

Age Scotland: 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed

AGE SCOTLAND’s BIG SURVEY 2023 LAUNCHED

New research from Age Scotland has revealed a substantial increase in the number of older people facing financial hardship.

The national charity for older people’s Big Survey, launched in full yesterday (Thursday 28th September), identified that 41% of over 50s in Scotland feel financially squeezed and a further 35% think they will be within a year. This is an increase of more than 60% in two years since the charity’s first Big Survey in 2021 where 26% felt financially squeezed.

Age Scotland and Scotinform surveyed more than 4,100 over 50s covering every local authority area in Scotland and the research paints a worrying picture of just how many older people are struggling with the current cost of living.

Nearly all respondents who are squeezed (97%) were struggling with energy bills, an increase from 82% in 2021. Food was in second place for 76%, which didn’t feature in the charity’s 2021 list of most concerning bills. In third place was Council Tax which had risen sharply to 62% from 46% in 2021.

Eight in ten people over the age of 50 (79%) reported cutting back on energy and heating, 55% on holidays, 49% on food, 46% on socialising and 41% on savings.

Of real concern for the future is the 26% of those aged 50-54 and 27% aged 55-59 cutting back on saving for retirement.

  • 15% of respondents with less than £10,000 annual gross household income were using credit or taking on debt to cope with their finances.
  • Only 16% felt optimistic about their future.

Katherine Crawford, CEO of Age Scotland, said: “Our Big Survey findings drive home the devastating toll the cost-of-living crisis is taking on older people’s financial wellbeing.

“Far too many pensioners are affected by poverty, and the stark reality for 2023 is older people in Scotland are getting colder, poorer and less optimistic about their future. In fact, many are cutting back on all life’s necessities and pleasures – from heating and food to holidays and social activities – and still struggling to make ends meet.

“Our helpline is hearing from an increasing number of older people who are finding it near impossible to pay their bills, having cut down on all but the essentials, and are at risk of falling into unmanageable debt as a result.

“Looking at the huge number of working age older people cutting back on saving for retirement also paints a grim image of the future, so it’s vital to ensure we have a labour market that is prepared for and able to properly support older people to work flexibly for as long as they want and need to.

“As we head into the colder months, it’s vital older people are claiming every penny they are entitled to. A quick call to our free 0800 12 44 222 can help you make sure you’re not missing out.

“Given the strain facing older households due to cost of living, if there was ever a time for big ideas and action from the Scottish and UK governments on how to tackle poverty and get more money in older people’s pockets – it is now.”

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Heart of Newhaven: April Newsletter

Welcome to your April Newsletter

Good news on Funding

We are pleased to report that Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations Council (EVOC) has generously agreed to fund a new Community Teaching Kitchen at the Heart from their Community Health & Well-being Fund.

The almost £13,000 will pay for a total revamp of the old VPS kitchen and provide a space where community-minded groups involved with the many aspects of food growing and preparation can come together to share their skills.

This will involve a lot of work, so accept our apologies for any disruption, especially around the cafe area, as it might not be completed until after the summer.

If you tasted the food offered by Mwamba at our two Coorie-In events, then you’ll be pleased to know that they have already signified their interest in using the new kitchen once it’s ready.

In the meantime, if you or your group would like to use the space for the benefit of the community, please get in touch with admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Working with us –

Age Scotland are also getting involved at the Heart. They are providing the funds for a six-month, part-time position (two days a week) for someone to help organise and run sessions at the Heart for local people living with dementia and their carers.

Applications for the position have now closed, but watch this space for more news as the successful applicant is due to start in June.

We also will be welcoming our new building maintenance officer, Ian White who joins us at the start of May to support all the activities in the Heart.  

VIP visitors

The Heart has been happy to host VIP visits recently, with two local councillors, Councillor Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, Councillor Stuart Dobbin and MP Deirdre Brock being given tours of the site and an introduction to what’s been going on, bringing them right up to date with both our achievements and our future plans.

We look forward to welcoming them back again in the future.

Our reminiscence volunteers are keeping busy.

Those who undertook reminiscence training are now offering drop-in sessions at the Heart once a month, on Wednesday mornings. (Wed 12 April, Wed 10 May, Wed 14 June, Wed 12 July, all from 10.30 – 11.30 am).

It is completely free, open to everyone and all ages and there is no need to book in advance  – just come along to the Heart, take a seat and start chatting!

The aim is to have a different theme each month, with different pictures and objects to get the discussion going. Do spread the word if there is anyone you know who might be interested in coming along – feel free to bring a friend.

For any further information email admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Children and the future of the Anchor Building 

Four Pop-up Play Cafes for carers and children aged 0-7, were held at the Heart in March, led by Froebelian Futures (https://www.froebel.ed.ac.uk/) with the support of various local organisations that support Early Years and families, including Homestart and Stepping Stones.

The aim was to gauge community response and around 200 people, adults and children, passed through the doors on each of the four days.

The feedback, which has all been very positive, is currently being evaluated and will inform our next steps. We will let you know!

Moving forward to August, DaddyDayCare will be opening their doors in the Anchor Building as well.

They are now accepting applications for places, so head to their website for all the details – daddydaycareedinburgh.com

Heritage

Meanwhile, HONC has not been neglecting the heritage side of things.

Representatives from the Heart and our partners the Victorian Schoolroom attended a consultation meeting organised by the City’s Museums Services held in the new Victoria Primary School last month.

A small but enthusiastic number of attendees put forward their ideas for working collaboratively and the representatives from the City Council will take away their ideas and work on them.

Similarly, we also attended a preliminary meeting of a new venture called the Edinburgh Local Heritage Network, also being led currently by the City’s Archives, Libraries and Museum Services.

The idea is for different heritage groups around the city to collaborate on exhibitions, events and publicity to make more locals as well as visitors aware of the many and differing heritage strands the area has to offer.

Finally, our Warm & Welcoming mornings (Wednesdays and Saturdays) are becoming popular but we really need more volunteers to help welcome and chat to visitors as well as make them a warming cup of tea or coffee.

If you think you could give a couple of hours a week, particularly on Wednesday mornings, please contact admin@heartofnewhaven.co.uk

Remember to check our website and social media pages regularly for what’s happening around the Heart. 

You’ll find the latest courses being run by Ink on Mesh and our bookbinder Cass, as well as the next date for a Leith Folk Club gathering, by clicking What’s On.

By clicking on Culture & Heritage news, you’ll find an appeal for photo identification and a lovely link between the Heart and the Victorian Schoolroom when the great granddaughter of a former pupil came to visit.

P.S. Save the date:

We’ll be hosting a Family Ceilidh on 29th April, so save the date. 

More details to follow on the website / social media.

Tommy Sheppard MP invites public to event to help with cost of living

Tommy Sheppard, MP for Edinburgh East, is hosting a free advice event with key local and national organisations to help constituents through the current cost of living crisis.

It will take place on Friday 31 March at The Ripple Project, 198 Restalrig Road South, Edinburgh EH7 6DZ, and will run on a drop-in basis from 11am to 1pm.

Representatives from Citizens Advice Edinburgh, Social Security Scotland, Home Energy Scotland, Age Scotland and the Edinburgh Food Project will be on hand to offer practical support and expertise on a range of issues including money and debt advice, welfare and benefits, energy costs, and personal finances.

Granton Information Centre also provides a weekly advice service for local people at The Ripple Project.

The advice event follows a similar one hosted by the SNP MP in October last year, which saw over eighty people attend from across the Craigmillar area. 

It also comes as polling carried out by Survation in partnership with campaign group 38Degrees revealed the stark impact of rising costs imposed on households in recent months, with findings showing in Edinburgh East: 

•             21% of people have missed rent payments in the last six months

•             32% of people haven’t been able to afford to turn the heating on

•             21% of people fear they may have to use a foodbank

Commenting, Tommy Sheppard MP said:  “With each passing day, we see new figures which highlight how devastating this crisis is for households. I’m determined to do everything I can to support those who are struggling, and ensure they have the information they need to tackle the rising cost of living.

“From practical ways to save money on your energy bills to signposting you towards extra money you may be eligible for, the organisations invited have been chosen to cover a range of problems that ordinary families are facing right now.

“We shouldn’t need to have events like this, because our Government in Westminster ought to be doing something about it. Instead, at a time when households desperately need help, they are withdrawing vital support and imposing real-term cuts to incomes.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that people know that help and support is available – I’d encourage anyone struggling with the cost of living to attend this free advice event.”

Jamie Gray, Centre Manager for Home Energy Scotland, added: “We’re looking forward to meeting and supporting lots of people at this cost of living event. 

“With more people now worrying about their energy bills, our advisors will be there to give advice on ways you can reduce your energy use and save money on your bills. They will also be able to look at whether you would be eligible for any grants or funding that can help make your home more energy efficient which will lower your energy bills.

“If you aren’t able to make it along to the event, we can still support you. Just give us a call on 0808 808 2282 or email us via our website at homeenergyscotland.org/contact.”

CAN’T ATTEND FRIDAY’S EVENT?

GRANTON Information Centre holds weekly outreach surgeries every Thursday at the Ripple Project for people with an EH6/7/8 postcode.

To make an appointment to see Shannon at the The Ripple Project (Restalrig and Lochend Community Hub) please contact GIC on 0131 551 2459 or 0131 552 0458 or email appointments@gic.org.uk .

Low income pensioners: Don’t miss out on £324 extra help

DEADLINE LOOMS FOR COST-OF-LIVING PAYMENT

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald and Age Scotland are urging low income pensioners in Edinburgh to act quickly to claim for Pension Credit before this Sunday’s deadline to avoid losing outon an extra £324 cost of living payment. 

Age Scotland, the national charity for older people, can help identify if someone is eligible for Pension Credit and offer advice on applying by calling their helpline on 0800 12 44 222, where advisers can carry out a full benefits check, or check their eligibility online at www.age.scot/benefitscalculator  

Pension Credit provides pensioners on a low income with extra money and other helpful support.  It can top up their weekly income to £182.60 if they are single, and £278.70 if they are making a joint claim with a partner, as well as cutting council tax bills, help with energy costs and a free TV licence if they are over the age of 75. 

Anyone who makes a successful Pension Credit application to the Department for Work and Pensions before 18 December, 2022 will also be entitled to a £324 lump sum financial support payment.  This is because a claim for Pension Credit can be backdated for up to three months, provided the entitlement conditions are met throughout that time. 

Gordon Macdonald, SNP MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands said: “With growing numbers of older people struggling to cope with the rising cost of living, there has never been a more important time to make sure you are receiving everything to which you are entitled. 

“Every year in Scotland, hundreds of millions of pounds in social security payments go unclaimed by older people due to lack of awareness, difficulty in accessing them, stigma surrounding benefits or just not knowing where to turn for help. 

“I would encourage people to call Age Scotland’s helpline to find out if they are entitled to Pension Credit or make an application directly via the gov.uk website as soon as possible.” 

Age Scotland interim chief executive Michelle Supple said: “Pension Credit is not only an essential benefit, but it opens the door to much more additional support including help with energy bills in the winter, a free TV licence for over-75s, help with rent and council tax reduction, free dental care and reduced water bills. 

“We are urging all pensioners on a low income to act quickly and start the application process or call our helpline 0800 12 44 222 for advice. We don’t want to see anyone miss out on extra cost of living support, especially with Christmas around the corner.” 

If you receive Pension Credit, there is a range of additional support and payments to help: 

· A one-off payment of £150 (previously £140) through the Warm Home Discount Scheme to help with the cost of energy this winter 

· A £50 payment in February to help with heating costs 

· Help with Council Tax and rent 

· Reduced water bills 

· Free NHS dental treatment and help towards the cost of glasses and travel to hospital 

· A free TV licence (if over-75) 

· An extra amount of Pension Credit for some carers worth up to £38.85 a week  

Applications for Pension Credit can be made by calling the Department for Work and Pensions on 0800 99 1234, or online at www.gov.uk/pension-credit/how-to-claim 

Local politicians to host Cost of Living events on Friday 18 November

On Friday 18 November @DeidreBrock & Ben MacPherson are hosting Cost of Living Help & Advice Events at @Leithcomcentre & @RoystonWardieCC.

As well as us & our teams, national & local organisations will be there to assist.

No appointment necessary.

Please spread the word.

#Leith

#Edinburgh

Help for people living with dementia

Extra £1 million will help people shape the services they need

A £1 million investment over two years will fund work with people with dementia and their families to design and shape the support they need following diagnosis.

The funding, part of the £120 million Mental Health Recovery and Renewal fund, will see the Scottish Government working with Age Scotland to enhance support giving people a bigger say in what works for them.

COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on people with dementia. Through this partnership with Age Scotland, the Scottish Government will grow the community support that have been so critical to people and their families during the pandemic.

Early investment will be focused on building community capacity with a small grant programme, with a broader community grant programme to follow in the second year.

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart said: “During the latest phase of the pandemic I have listened to people with dementia and their families about the need for additional flexible support and investment to help address some of the particular challenges they are facing.

“COVID-19 has impacted all of us but I know just how challenging it has been for people living with dementia, their families and carers.

“Trying to reduce this impact is the basis of our Dementia and Covid Action Plan, which we have worked with a wide range of partners to implement, since its publication in December 2020.

“There is a lot of positive work to point to, and the pandemic has particularly highlighted the importance of community-led work, responding to local need. I want to build on this work and enable more local people and communities to design and shape the support they need.

“Through this partnership with Age Scotland we will invest an extra £1 million over two years to support local communities to do that.”

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be working with the Scottish Government to deliver this funding, which will support the development of dementia-friendly communities across Scotland.

“The pandemic has compounded challenges faced by people living with dementia and their unpaid carers. This funding will help address some of these challenges by shaping communities that work for those who have lived experience of dementia.

“Our role is to bring the voices of carers and people living with dementia to the forefront as plans are developed, ensuring those voices are heard at every stage of the design and delivery process. By doing so, we can build communities that truly support and empower people living with dementia and those who care for them.”

Dementia and COVID-19: Action Plan

Edinburgh appoints first Older People’s Champion

Cathie becomes the council’s 14th Champion

Edinburgh councillors have appointed the council’s first ever Older People’s Champion for the city. Councillor Catherine Fullerton will take up the mantle with immediate effect, acting as a link between the Council and older people in the Edinburgh area.

The creation of the new Champion role comes after an approach to the Council by Age Scotland and the Scottish Older People’s Assembly.

Cllr Fullerton’s new remit will see her ensuring older people’s perspectives are understood in every policy area, feeding back to the Council on older people’s concerns, leading on Council campaigns around older people’s issues and helping to communicate Council policy to older people and the wider community.

Cllr Fullerton said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as Edinburgh’s first ever Older People’s Champion and I’m really looking forward to helping our older citizens’ voices be heard at the heart of our decision-making process.

“Making life better for older people will be at the core of my work as Champion – I can’t wait to get started.”

Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan said: “We’re delighted that the City of Edinburgh Council is showing leadership by establishing this important role. 

“There’s never been a greater need to ensure that older people’s views are represented, and they can play a full part in their communities. Edinburgh’s population is ageing, and the number of people aged 75 and older is predicted to rise by a quarter over the next decade.

“The pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lives of many older people, both in terms of physical health and soaring levels of loneliness and isolation. As we look to the recovery, it’s vital that the Older People’s Champion ensures that those affected are not forgotten about and get all the support they need.

“More than half of Scotland’s local authorities now have an Older People’s Champion, and we can already see the difference they are making on issues such as public transport, community services, social care and leisure facilities.

“It’s wonderful to see the growing support for this important role, and we hope that other councils will now follow Edinburgh’s lead.”

The Council has elected member Champions for the following roles:

Active Travel (Cllr Maureen Child), Built Environment and Sustainability (Cllr George Gordon), Canal (Cllr Gavin Corbett), Carers (Cllr Joan Griffiths), Child Poverty (Cllr Cammy Day), Equalities (Cllr George Gordon), Festivals (Cllrs Donald Wilson and McNeese-Mechan), Gaelic (Cllr Alison Dickie), Homelessness (Cllr Kate Campbell), Small Business (Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron), Veterans (Lord Provost), Volunteering (Lord Provost) and Young People (Cllr Eleanor Bird).

In 2017, the role of a champion was set out to:

  • act as an ambassador for their specifiqed area, which includes taking responsibility for maintaining and raising the profile of their area;
  • support the work of the committee convenors through working in a collaborative role and feeding into the decision-making role of the relevant convenors;
  • contribute to the development of policy in Edinburgh of their area and providing leadership and guidance when required; act as a local expert and advocate working with and engaging with communities across the city;
  • and, ensure focus is maintained on achieving the desired objectives and outcomes of their area.

So many Champions, so little time …

Care & Repair home assessment service will improve safety for Edinburgh residents

Care & Repair Edinburgh, part of the Age Scotland family, is launching a home assessment service to help older people and those living with disabilities live as safely and comfortably as possible in their own homes.

The new service includes a free room-by-room home assessment by the charity’s Independent Living Adviser (above), who will create a report of recommendations for improvements in safety, accessibility and comfort.

Typical recommendations may include replacing faulty electrical items, fixing door thresholds, removing frayed rugs or other trip hazards, draught-proofing wooden windows and doors, and improving accessibility through the installation of handrails, ramps and key safes. 

Following the home assessment, a full report will be available to allow clients to review any recommendations and discuss with family members. Care & Repair Edinburgh may also be able to carry out some of the work client wishes to progress, either free of charge where eligible or at a subsidised rate for larger repairs and installations.

Allison Strachan, Head of Care & Repair Edinburgh, said: “Although lockdown measures are easing gradually, people are still spending large amounts of time at home and therefore it is very important that the home environment is as safe, comfortable and accessible as possible.

“This new service will allow older people and those living with disabilities in Edinburgh to continue to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as they want and are able.

“Arranging a free home assessment can offer much-needed peace of mind and we would encourage eligible Edinburgh residents to get in touch to find out how Care & Repair Edinburgh can assist them.”

https://twitter.com/i/status/1402620469476528133

The free home assessment service has been researched in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and is possible thanks to generous funding from Bank of Scotland Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and Greenshoots Fund.

Bookings will be taken from Monday 14 June onwards, with the first appointments for home assessments available from Monday 19th July.

To arrange your free assessment, please contact Care & Repair Edinburgh on 0131 3371111 or visit www.crew.scot for more information.

Age Scotland: Could lockdown have a long-term impact on our strength and mobility?

It’s something many of us have noticed over the past year. We’ve been getting our shopping delivered, the weekly Keep Fit class is on hold, and phone calls have replaced a cuppa with friends.

We’ve had to postpone regular activities, whether that’s a game of bowls or playing with grandchildren. And while many have tried to keep up that daily walk, the Covid-19 pandemic has kept others confined to home.

“Stay at home” has been the safest advice – with many older people either shielding or significantly cutting down their social interactions.

But now that the vaccine rollout is well underway and restrictions are starting to lift, what impact has this had on our longer-term health?

Age Scotland’s new research confirms the impact that lockdown has had on our daily life – almost two thirds of over-50s say they have been less active over the past year.

Around half are worried that spending so much time at home has led to a loss of strength and mobility.

This had led to concerns that the restrictions could have a serious impact on our health over the next few years. Tens of thousands of older people could be experiencing “deconditioning” – declining physical fitness caused by lack of activity and spending long periods of time sitting.

This can lead to a loss of muscle strength, balance, flexibility and overall mobility, which can leave people more vulnerable to falls and likely to require social care support in the years to come.

It can even lead to health problems resulting in higher mortality from cardiovascular disease,  diabetes and cancer.

One way to combat this is through an innovative app called LifeCurve, developed by researchers at Strathclyde University, It’s based on research that found that we lose the ability to do things in a particular order as we age.

Early on the curve, we might be able to go for a brisk walk, while as we get older we might start to struggle with housework, bathing or cutting toenails.

The good news is this is not set in stone at a particular age. We can improve our position on the LifeCurve by staying physically active and keeping up with regular daily tasks. This can slow the ageing process and help us to live a healthy, independent life for longer.

We can all try to build more physical activity into our lives, whatever our fitness and ability level. Age Scotland has developed its Around the House in 80 Days series of videos to help people of all ages stay fit safely at home.

For many people, the issue is a lack of confidence after around 15 months at home. It’s often tempting to offer to help an older relative or neighbour by doing the shopping or cooking a meal. But it might be more helpful to encourage them to do more independently.

Perhaps you could offer to walk with someone to the shops or try a gentle exercise class (in person or online) together?

Many Age Scotland groups, such as Men’s Sheds and walking clubs, are now re-opening safely, giving further opportunities for physical and social activity.

It might start with a small step, but it could go a long way to ensuring a healthier later life.