older people – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Scottish Government announces energy cost support for pensioners

Universal payments to be reinstated from next year

The Scottish Government will provide universal support through the introduction of Pension Age Winter Heating Payments next year ensuring a payment for every pensioner household in winter 2025-26.

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed that on the roll-out of the new benefit next winter, pensioners in receipt of a relevant qualifying benefit, such as Pension Credit will be receiving Pension Age Winter Heating Payments of £300 or £200, depending on their age. Meanwhile all other pensioner households will receive £100 from next winter, providing them with support not available anywhere else in the UK.

Ms Somerville also announced a £41 million package of support for people struggling with energy costs this winter. These measures include an additional £20 million which will be provided for the Scottish Welfare Fund, to enable councils to provide more vital support to people in crisis this winter.

An additional £20 million will be invested into the Warmer Homes Scotland Scheme, the national fuel poverty scheme which helps people install energy efficiency measures and more efficient heating systems, saving on average around £300 per year in household energy bills.

Meanwhile grant-funding of £1 million will be made available to registered social landlords and third sector partners to fund work to help sustain tenancies and prevent homelessness. This is in response to calls from a coalition of housing and anti-poverty organisations for a shift in spending from crisis intervention to prevention.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1862188516400120274

Ms Somerville said: “The measures I have announced today will go some way to allay the fears of pensioners in Scotland ahead of next winter, but the Scottish Government recognises that more must be done.

“Ahead of next winter I will bring forward regulations to introduce universal Pension Age Winter Heating Payments in winter 2025-26 for Scottish pensioners.

“This universal benefit – providing much needed support not available anywhere else in the UK – will deliver support for all pensioner households as we had always intended to do before the UK Government decision to means-test Winter Fuel Payments cut the funding available to support our new benefit in Scotland this winter by £147 million.

“We will not abandon older people this winter or any winter. We will do our best to make sure no-one has to make a decision between heating and eating, and we will continue to protect pensioners”.

Reacting to yesterday’s announcement by the Scottish Government, Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age said: “The reintroduction of winter heating support for all pensioners in Scotland from next winter is welcome and will offer some comfort to the 900,000 pensioners who were set to completely lose the previous Winter Fuel Payment.

“Since the decision to restrict the Winter Fuel Payment to only older people on Pension Credit, we’ve seen a surge in the number of older people getting in touch with Independent Age who are worried about heating their homes, and making ends meet, through the winter. Many have told us they are heating only one room, staying in bed all day with a blanket, and cutting back on food to avoid the energy costs associated with cooking.

“With energy prices set to rise again in January, and a staggering 330,000 older households living in fuel poverty in Scotland, it is clear that changing the eligibility of the payment in this way was the wrong decision. It is positive that this has been recognised in Scotland, with the Scottish Government making a payment available to all older people next year, and we hope the UK Government will also reconsider their decision.

“In a compassionate and socially just society, no one should face fuel poverty. We are pleased the Scottish Government has listened to older people, and taken this action today. However, we remain concerned about older people who face this winter without this much needed financial support.

“Going forward, the Scottish Government should continue to monitor the situation and be open to taking further action in future.”

A spokesperson for AGE SCOTLAND said: “Bringing back an energy support payment for all pensioners is very good news and will be a huge relief. It shows the power of this campaign and the relentless efforts from all quarters.

“The decision to remove the universal winter fuel payment by the UK Government, and its impact on pensioners this winter is nothing short of disastrous.

“Over the last few months we have been urging the Scottish Government to bring this back and we are delighted that they have listened to the strong arguments and have taken action.

“It also demonstrates the power of devolution and what Scotland can do when we put our minds to it.”

AGE UK: Keeping warm and well in winter

Keeping warm in winter is important as we get older as cold weather and winter bugs can affect us more than they used to. Winter weather can also stop us from getting out and about sometimes.

But there are things you can do to stay warm and well and prepare yourself and your home for the winter period:

Brighten Christmas for older people facing the festive period alone: Send a card, support a friendship

Edinburgh locals invited to join schools and businesses in sending a card to a chronically isolated, local older person this Christmas through Vintage Vibes

Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes, have launched their much-loved Christmas Card Appeal to ensure lonely and isolated older people across the city to feel valued and are not forgotten this festive period, as they embark on their 10th year helping older people to find friendship and combat loneliness.

Since 2017, Vintage Vibes has invited local people to write a very special Christmas card to a specific isolated older person in the city, by sending them a profile of someone who they know will be lonely this festive season.

By sending a personalized card, individuals can make a profound difference to a local older person, with some Vintage Vibes recipients keeping their cards up for months after December.

This year, Vintage Vibes need the public to get behind them more than ever as funding cuts threaten to impact vital services. Having reached a staggering 30,000 hours of friendship in the city, Vintage Vibes is to become a fully independent charity in 2025.

This means every donation made will not only help create friendships this season but will also support the future of Vintage Vibes friendships across Edinburgh for years to come.

Edinburgh locals can show their support by visiting Vintage Vibes’ website, where they can donate and receive a profile of a local, lonely older person – from Anne who loves doing jigsaw puzzles and looking around the shops to our numbers fan Bryan, who loves to sing and used to be a lecturer of economic history!

Personalised Christmas cards can then be written and sent on to Vintage Vibes in time to distribute to them to those in need in time for Christmas. All the family can get involved, with Vintage Vibes VIPs (older people they support) loving to receive children’s drawings and crafts as part of the card!

VIP, Sheila said: “I joined Vintage Vibes over a year ago. At that time, I was feeling a bit down and very alone. I then got introduced to my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we never stopped talking and laughing.

“I love socialising, attending their events and groups too. I then I found out about the Christmas card appeal and asked to be included. When I received my Christmas cards, I think I cried a lot.

“My cards were mainly from local school children and were so adorable they touched my heart. I love the company and joy that Vintage Vibes brings to me and so many lonely people.

“Vintage Vibes is part of my life now and I can’t praise them enough! I recommend anyone thinking of taking part to just do it. You won’t regret a minute of it.”

Here are just a couple of the other thank you comments from our wonderful VIPs who received cards last year:

‘What a lovely surpriseit was to receive the Christmas cards, and to know that people were thinking about us.’ Irene

‘I lost my husband and was feeling down but reading all the lovely Christmas cards really cheered me up. You made my day – thank you all so much.’ Marleen

Why It Matters: Edinburgh ranks as one of the loneliest cities in the UK for older people, and Vintage Vibes has been committed to tackling the loneliness crisis since 2015 – empowering over 60s to lead happier, healthier lives through friendships, groups, events and activities.

Having partnered with local charities LifeCare and Space for nearly a decade, they are now preparing to stand on their own.

The need is greater than ever, with up to 2,000 older people currently waiting for friendship support across the city, and community support such as the Christmas appeal is vital to raising awareness and funds.

Georgia Artus, Development Manager at Vintage Vibes said: “This is my favourite campaign in the year, because we know from our VIPs what a difference this makes to their Christmases.

“Sheila’s story of crying with joy at receiving the cards is not the only I’ve heard, and I’ve been to VIPs houses where they have kept the cards long after Christmas is over – something this simple really does matter to someone spending Christmas alone.

“For us, the recent funding cuts are challenging, however we’re excited for our future as an independent charity and now more than ever, we are asking for the support of the local community to help continue our vital work helping older people to live happy, healthy lives.

“I would encourage everyone to get involved, it is so easy to do, incredibly fulfilling and supports the future of friendships in Edinburgh.”

Neil Hay, CEO Space (parent charity) said: “I’m inspired by Vintage Vibes’ remarkable growth and impact over the past few years.

“Through innovative programs and unwavering dedication to the VIPs, Vintage Vibes has transformed countless lives. The positive ripple effect of their work is a testament to the power of love and compassion.

“Their commitment to making a difference has uplifted communities and inspired an outstanding volunteer team to join their cause; their collective effort will hold them in good stead as they move into the next chapter as an independent charity.”

How to Join In: By taking part in Vintage Vibes’ Christmas Card Appeal, you can make this Christmas special for an older person feeling alone. It’s so simple, just visit vintagevibes.org.uk and go to the Donate page.

Here you can donate and download the first name and interests of a local older person, so you can write a personal message and send your good wishes at a time when they need them most. Some have even got their colleagues, friends or family members involved as a wee Christmas celebration!

Vintage Vibes also provide examples to help you write your card and information on how to send it. Their donate page is also filled with fabulous ‘gifts’ if you wanted to add a festive meal or trip out for a local older person to your basket.

Support the Future of Friendships: Vintage Vibes works to tackle isolation in local older people year-round, with hundreds of older people engaged in their friendships and activities every week and 97% saying being involved in Vintage Vibes has improved their wellbeing and reduced their loneliness.

You can now help support the future of year-round friendships and groups by becoming a Regular Donor as they move into an exciting 2025.

Gemma Wright, Communications & Fundraising at Vintage Vibes: “Sometimes people underestimate what a difference becoming a regular donor can make to a small project like ours – our incredible regular donors help us to be able to make plans and grow.

“To you, it may be the price of a coffee each month, to us, it’s the ongoing support that helps us reach those who are most vulnerable within the community.”

To show you care and give the gift of friendship this year, visit vintagevibes.org.uk today.

Age UK: Carers in Crisis

Many unpaid carers are relying on friends & family to provide replacement care or enable them to take a break.

A huge increase in access to respite services & practical support for carers is needed to ensure their concerns are recognised.

Read our report https://bit.ly/3XEzyyM

Take Note campaign highlights £53M stolen or defrauded from older people

Hourglass has today launched its fifth annual Safer Ageing Week campaign. Entitled ‘Take Note’, it runs from the 11th to the 17th November and warns of the continuing tide of economic abuse against older people.

The charity, operating across the UK, uniquely supports older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect across the four nations. Its services include a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist policy unit.

At the launch of Safer Ageing Week the charity has revealed that over £53 million has been stolen or defrauded from older people in the past three years.

These are purely in cases reported to their helpline, meaning this is just the tip of the iceberg. These figures equate to an average value lost as £87,000 per victim. In 61% of these cases, the perpetrator was a family member of the victim-survivor.

The effect on this massive fraud against older people is significant, bearing in mind the ongoing cost of living crisis and a rapidly ageing older population that is set to see a further 9.6 million older people in the UK by 2050. The charity believes this abuse is only set to increase.

Awareness amongst the general public of what constitutes economic abuse is shockingly low, with a 2024 poll conducted by Hourglass finding that over 26% of people did not believe that forcing an older relative to change their will was an act of abuse.

The charity is set to release further reports throughout the week which will reveal the nature and extent of the economic abuse of older people and evaluating how well financial institutions are performing at safeguarding against this abuse.

Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said: “Safer Ageing Week this year focuses on economic abuse and the theme is ‘Take Note’.

“The £53m stolen or defrauded from Hourglass victim-survivors underlines the significance of Taking Note and for the public and influencers to finally grasp the epidemic proportions of abuse against older people.

“We would urge everyone to support this fifth Safer Ageing Week and keep an eye on the raft of announcements and initiatives underway during the week. Hourglass wants everyone involved in supporting older people or dealing with domestic abuse or neglect to help bring this to the public’s attention.

Put simply – it’s time for people to take note.”

SAW2024-Supporter Pack Download

The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting www.wearehourglass.org.uk/donate or Text SAFER to 70460 to donate £10.

Texts cost £10 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about our work and fundraising via telephone and SMS.

If you’d like to give £10 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text SAFERNOINFO to 70460.

Around three quarters of older people feel their issues are not understood by Scottish Government

Scottish Parliament debates committee report on commissioners

Over seven in ten (74%) older people (over 65) in Scotland feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.
Charity Independent Age calls for greater focus on the issues affecting older people in Scotland and the creation of an Older People’s Commissioner.
Polling revealed as Scottish Parliament set to debate Finance and Public Accounts Committee report that proposes a pause on new commissioners in Scotland.

Independent Age, the national charity supporting pensioners in poverty is calling on the Scottish Parliament to ‘carefully and urgently’ consider how it will ensure older people on a low income will be protected, have their voices heard and their rights upheld.

As the Scottish Parliament is set to debate a report from the Finance and Public Accounts Committee into the commissioner landscape in Scotland, new polling commissioned by the charity shows that 74% of pensioners in Scotland feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.¹

The report calls for a moratorium – a pause – on any new commissioners in Scotland until a review can be carried out² , which the charity says risks continuing to leave older people without an independent champion in these times of rising energy costs, the onset of winter, and recent changes to the eligibility for Winter Fuel Payments.

Support for an Older People’s Commissioner is wide-spread. In May last year, over 30 organisations working with and supporting older people across Scotland called for an OPC.³ The MSP Colin Smyth introduced a Private Member’s Bill calling for the creation of the position which recently secured the cross-party support required to be formally introduced to Parliament.

The charity says this has never been more urgent as the number of pensioners in poverty – 150,000 – is up in number by 25% since 2012 and has remained stubbornly high in recent years. ⁴

Debbie Horne, Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age, said: “It’s hard to overstate the devastating impact that deepening poverty is having on older people across Scotland.

“In a socially-just society, no one should live in poverty. It is also incredibly worrying that the majority of older people feel their issues are not understood by the Scottish Government.

“While we welcome the robust efforts of many MSPs to support their older constituents and represent their views in Parliament, polling shows that more needs to be done. Careful and urgent action is required to support the many pensioner households suffering the impacts of poverty.

“We firmly believe the only way to tackle pensioner poverty in Scotland is through a strategic approach. A key part of this being the introduction of an independent Older People’s Commissioner. Without such a champion we worry that older people’s issues will continue to fall between the gaps.”

Aloha fun had at care home’s charity event

Residents treated to vibrant party with delicious food and top prizes

PENSIONERS at Scotland’s most luxurious care home were treated to a Hawaiian-themed charity party, packed with entertainment, delicious food, and prizes.

Building on the success of last year’s party, the Cramond Residence’s Lifestyle Team created another fun-filled day for residents and their families to enjoy, with all proceeds going to Age Scotland with this year seeing £551 raised.

The annual party has become a firm favourite with residents and their families with each year offering a unique theme for all to enjoy.

Elaine Vallance, Head of the Lifestyle Team at Cramond Residence, said: “This is an event we’ve been running for a few years now and it’s always an exciting time for staff and residents at the home and every year we are looking to see how we can improve upon the last.

“This year we decided we wanted to host a Hawaiian-themed party, and it was incredibly rewarding to see that this was a hit with the residents.

“The Fete is a great opportunity for residents and their families to come together, enjoy good food and music in a safe and relaxed environment.”

Residents enjoyed a day full of Hawaiian BBQ food, live music, various shows, balloon modelling, a raffle, and a tombola.

Elaine said: “We’ve got an exceptional team here who work very hard to create a range of activities and events for the residents to ensure that we are constantly bringing them activities that bring them joy.

“I’d like to thank everyone who was involved with this year’s Fete both in my team and those who attended, it was another incredible day at Cramond Residence and we’re already looking forward to seeing how we can make this even better next year.”

The Hawaiian BBQ menu included BBQ chicken tenders, beef and veggie burgers with BBQ sauce, Hawaiian chicken with mango and avocado slaw, Lomi Lomi (smoked salmon), Hawaiian pizza, and grilled pineapple slices with a selection of salads and dressings.

The raffle offered exciting prizes including a £250 Virgin experience voucher, a £75 John Lewis voucher, and afternoon tea for two at Harvey Nichols.

Cramond Residence prioritises the residents’ needs and offers a tailored activity programme that combines a luxury hotel ambiance with the comfort of home living.

The residence was purpose-built for £8m and opened in October 2018, adopting a small-group living philosophy with a major emphasis on socialisation.

Cramond Residence offers a wide variety of dementia care services within the general home environment or in a specialist area carefully designed for those at a more advanced stage.

The home provides a range of activities specially designed to give those living with dementia a richer and more satisfying life, with specialist facilities and trained staff on hand to provide support and relief.

To find out more about Cramond Residence, please visit:

https://cramondresidence.co.uk/

Don’t miss out on Pension Credit

Are you missing out on Pension Credit?

If you’re of pension age & on a low income you may be eligible for Winter Fuel Payment to help with heating costs. You need to claim by 21 December.

Contact us to find out if you’re eligible or to refer someone:

http://edinburgh.gov.uk/benefits-grants/advice-shop?documentId=12262&categoryId=20127

Age Scotland: Sign our Winter Fuel Payment Petition

We strongly oppose the decision to restrict #WinterFuelPayment eligibility to only those in receipt of Pension Credit as it means 89% of Scottish pensioners will go without this vital support to stay warm this winter.

Support our ongoing campaign at http://age.scot/saveWFP.