Tag: control

Free Information Event Empowers Older People to Stay Independent

LifeCare Teams Up with Balfour+Manson 

LifeCare, the Edinburgh-based charity supporting local older people, is proud to announce a new free event in partnership with legal firm Balfour+Manson LLP:

What to Do If You Can’t Do It Yourself – An Introduction to Client Services

Taking place next week at 3pm on Wednesday 27th August in LifeCare’s fully accessible community café, CaféLife (2 Cheyne Street, EH4 1JB), this informative and friendly session will introduce attendees to the support available when managing daily life becomes more challenging.

The event will showcase Client Support Services – a person-centred approach designed to support older and vulnerable individuals in staying safe, secure, and well cared for. From managing finances and understanding powers of attorney to arranging practical help at home, the service is designed to help people live as independently and comfortably as possible.

Attendees will hear directly from Susan Russell, Client Support Manager at Balfour+Manson, and Catriona Torrance, Partner in the firm’s Private Client Team.

Susan brings a wealth of experience from her background in social work, working closely with individuals to ensure the right help is in place and stays in place.

Catriona is highly experienced in supporting clients with wills, powers of attorney, and planning for the future.

Catriona Torrance, Private Client Partner, said: “Helping clients plan for the future is about more than legal documents — it’s about giving them confidence and control during uncertain times.

“We are really proud to be partnering with LifeCare to run this important event, we aim to empower older people and their families to make informed decisions that protect their wishes and wellbeing for years to come.”

Susan Russell, Private Client Support Manager, said: “What I find most rewarding is seeing the relief and reassurance on our clients’ faces when they realise they’re not alone in managing these challenging transitions.

“Our role is about more than paperwork and services — it’s about supporting people’s dignity and peace of mind, helping them feel secure in their independence and cared for every step of the way.”

This relaxed and welcoming session is ideal for older individuals, their families, and carers who want to understand the practical steps and support available during later life transitions.

The event is free to attend, and complimentary tea and coffee will be served. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about LifeCare’s vital community services.

To secure a place, attendees are encouraged to register on Eventbrite or call the friendly LifeCare team on 0131 343 0940.

Letters: Paying a heavy price for bankers greed

Dear Editor

The financial collapse of the banking industry in 2008 was not caused by working people but by greedy financial investors and institutions eager to amass fortunes at the expense of everyone and anything.

Working people everywhere took the full force of these actions and are still paying the price in a lower standard of living and decimated public services.

There was, particularly from 2010, a growing understanding that things had to change : the domination by financial interests and banks was no longer seen as wanted or needed – and certainly not not to be trusted. People were rightly calling for control over speculators and more public control over essential services.

Political danger signals began to flash in ruling circles: these expressions of people’s control must be diverted, and sustained campaigns were conducted to this effect – firstly against the unemployed, then in turn the disabled and people on benefits. Vulnerable sections of society were blamed for all the troubles, but these campaigns backfired as society, to their great credit, opposed them.

Other diversions had to be implemented. Unable to place the blame on it’s own people, the focus was shifted to blaming others – particularly the European Union and immigrants. Shift the blame to them and all will be well, conveniently forgetting the banking disaster of 2008.

It is unfortunate that people anxious for changes were headed off in 2010 – 2016 and by misinformation throughout the EU referendum period for which the people of the UK have once again had to pay a heavy price in the hopes and aspirations of millions – particularly the younger generations.

A. Delahoy

Silverknowes Gardens