Tag: older people

Over 837,000 winter heating payments made

Scotland benefits from the strongest package of winter heating support in the UK

Over 837,000 payments have been made to people across the country to help with heating costs this winter – thanks to a unique package of support that provides more for people in Scotland than anywhere else in the UK. 

More than 268,500 payments for Child Winter Heating Payment and Winter Heating Payment – support only available in Scotland – have been paid and are likely to have already landed in people’s bank accounts. 

Child Winter Heating Payment supports families caring for children with the highest disability support needs and the vast majority of payments have already been made.  

Winter Heating Payment is a guaranteed, annual payment for people receiving certain benefits. 

This is irrespective of how cold the temperature gets outside, unlike the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Cold Weather Payment which is only paid if the average temperature reaches, or is forecast to reach, freezing or below for a full week. 

Over 568,000 Pension Age Winter Heating Payments have been paid to people aged 66 and over. This has replaced the DWP Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and is at a higher rate than elsewhere in the UK. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter.  

All Social Security Scotland winter payments are automatic with no need to apply. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Costs are rising and there will be many people struggling with household bills this winter. 

“That’s why the Scottish Government is taking action and will deliver the strongest package of winter support than anywhere else in the UK.  

“We’re providing winter help, no matter the weather and I’m pleased that over three quarters of a million payments have already been made to do just that.”

Joe Cluxton, energy coordinator at FEL, a service that provides free home energy advice to residents in the Forth Valley added: “We welcome the range of winter heating support delivered by Social Security Scotland as a means to address fuel poverty and the rising cost of heating our homes.  

“The cost of living crisis may drive some to keep the heating off or too low in homes with vulnerable residents, and this is a valuable move to keep people safe through the coldest seasons.” 

Keep warm in the cold weather  

 

♨️
  • Heat rooms you regularly use to a comfortable temperature (at least 18°C if you can) 
  • Wear several layers of clothing 
  • Try move around every hour 

More info:

http://nhsinform.scot/cold-weather

Vintage Vibes: One week to go to transform someone’s Christmas!

Plus, how to support us without it costing a penny!


Thank you so much! We are so humbled and grateful to everyone who has got involved in our 2025 campaign to send Christmas cards to the isolated older people in our community.

If you haven’t yet but still want to make a difference, sign up today and pop your card in the post to us by Thursday 4th December or drop off in person to Heart of Newhaven by Monday 8th December.

You will receive an individual profile of a local older person in our community, and all you need to do is write them a Christmas card to transform their Christmas

… And if you’ve sent a card, scroll down to find a super easy way to support Vintage Vibes without it costing you a penny!

YES, I’d LOVE to send a card!

We have profiles for older people across every part of Edinburgh…

From DAVID who loves computer games, to SHEILA who dances around the living room to Glastonbury, from ROBIN the film buff to FAY the foodie.

These Christmas cards make a huge difference to people who are often or always alone, and often feel invisible during the festive period.

The messages don’t need to be long, a simple Christmas joke and a kind word will do, it’s the act of letting someone know they matter that makes all the difference.

And it’s great to get the kids involved in too! 

Check out these amazing cards from the Beavers, Scouts & Young Leaders at 21st Craigalmond Scouts in South Queensferry!

I can’t wait, sign me up! 

*Although there is a suggested donation to help us tackle isolation all year-round, anyone can also get involved without donating by using the code NODONATE.

Already sent a card? Here’s a super easy (and free!) way to tackle local loneliness…

Will you be shopping online this Christmas?

We’re heading towards that magical but expensive time of year again – but there is a super easy way to do a little bit of good with every purchase.  

With any online shopping you need to do as we head towards Black Friday and Christmas, you could raise vital funds for Vintage Vibes with just one click. 

Vintage Vibes have just registered with EasyFundraising, which means that when anyone shops with 8,000+ online stores (including supermarkets), Vintage Vibes can receive a small free donation, courtesy of who you shop with – without it costing you anything. 😊

SIMPLE – EASY – IMPACTFUL

It’s super simple, you just sign up (at no cost to you) and then download the ‘donation reminder’ and it will pop up when you’re on an eligible website. All you do is click ‘click to get donation’ and the business will give a little donation to Vintage Vibes. Yay!

It’s predicted that more than £3m will be raised this way for charities across the UK during the coming months and we’d love to be able to increase our reach in Edinburgh in 2026, so every penny raised helps us support more local isolated older people 😊

Find out more about EasyFundraising

As a tiny local charity, ever single share helps!

Be the reason someone smiles this Christmas – and help us spread the word about our work however you can.

You can find links to all our social media channels below, filled with posts and videos that can be shared with friends, family and colleagues! 😍

Thank you so much – we are forever grateful.

Georgia, Andrew, Alison, Cara and Emma

VINTAGE VIBES xxx

Heating support for pensioners begins

Financial support to help pensioners heat their homes this winter has started to roll out across the country. Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide support to at least 880,000 pensioners to help with heating bills. 

The first payments have been processed and have started to land in accounts. Payments will continue to be made throughout the winter. 

Eligible people of State Pension age will get a payment between £101.70 and £305.10 depending on their circumstances. Most people will receive their payment automatically – no action is needed.  

Everyone who is eligible will receive a letter with details of their payment. 

For pensioners with a taxable income of over £35,000, the payment will be taken back through the tax system during 2026/27. 

Social Justice Secretary, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “We know that energy costs are too high, and that this will affect households across Scotland this winter.  

“Pension Age Winter Heating Payment will provide vital support for thousands of older people to help heat their homes and manage costs throughout the colder months. 

“People over the age of 66 don’t need to do anything – in the vast majority of cases, the payment will be made automatically to help towards a warmer winter.” 

  • The Scottish Fiscal Commission have forecast that around 1.055 million payments will be made in winter 2025-26, with the number of payments recovered estimated to be 169,000. Fiscal Update: August 2025  
  • Pension Age Winter Heating Payment replaces Winter Fuel Payment in Scotland and will be delivered by Social Security Scotland.

Hidden Heist: UK’s older people have already lost over £53 million to abuse

Hourglass Charity Warns of 2.6 Million Victim-Survivors with numbers set to increase, as National Summit Convenes

The UK’s older people are losing more money to abuse than was stolen in the largest ever cash heist, with projections showing over 1.5 million people could become victim-survivors annually by 2030, the charity Hourglass revealed today.

The Tonbridge Securitas depot robbery of 2006 – which saw armed criminals steal £53 million – has long stood as the UK’s most audacious cash theft. Yet new analysis from Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated exclusively to ending the abuse of older people, reveals that fraudsters and abusers have stolen that amount from older victims across the UK.

The sobering figures emerge as ministers, safeguarding experts and frontline practitioners prepare to convene virtually for the Safer Ageing Summit 2025 on 12th November, where they will confront what Hourglass describes as “the most under-recognised safeguarding crisis of our time.”

According to Hourglass projections, by 2030, almost 4 million older people across the UK could experience abuse annually – encompassing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic exploitation and neglect. The charity warns that whilst these crimes rival organised heists in scale, they receive only a fraction of the attention, resources, or political priority.

“The reality is stark: abuse of older people is rising, but recognition, resourcing and political attention are still lagging behind,” said Richard Robinson, CEO of Hourglass. “We can’t keep treating older people as an afterthought in safeguarding policy.

“By 2030, almost 4 million older people could be victim-survivors every single year. That should be a national wake-up call.”

Expert panels will tackle critical issues including: Economic abuse and urgent legal reforms to powers of attorney; the intersection of housing, health, and systemic ageism; the sexual abuse of older people – what experts call “one of the last taboos in safeguarding”.

The summit will feature powerful testimony from Laura Johnston-Brand and Karen Lee, founders of the Willie’s Law campaign through their own lived experience, who are championing urgent reforms to prevent the financial exploitation of vulnerable older people through misused powers of attorney.

Hourglass is demanding immediate government action including: Stronger legal protections against economic abuse of older people; mandatory age-disaggregated data collection across all safeguarding services and a coordinated UK-wide strategy to end abuse in later life.

Richard Robinson added: “We hope our Summit will not only remind people of these sobering statistics but drive urgent action to put the abuse of older people at the top of the political agenda where it belongs.”

LifeCare and Lannan celebrate sweet success and a growing partnership following sold-out event

LifeCare Edinburgh’s Sweet Partnership Afternoon Tea with Lannan proved a resounding success, raising nearly £3,000 to support LifeCare’s lifeline community services for older people across the city.

Hosted in LifeCare’s welcoming Hub on Cheyne Street, the sold-out event treated guests to a truly memorable afternoon of exquisite Lannan cakes, community connection, and live piano music – all in aid of LifeCare’s mission to deliver care, connection, and companionship to older people across Edinburgh.

Following the success of this first collaboration, LifeCare and Lannan are delighted to announce that their Sweet Partnership will continue, with two Afternoon Teas planned for 2026.

To make the festive season even sweeter, Lannan will also be donating their beautifully made traditional trifles for LifeCare’s Community Christmas Lunches – a delicious gesture that’s sure to spread joy across Edinburgh this December.

Darcie Maher of Lannan, said: “It’s been such a pleasure to partner with LifeCare. This was our first event of its kind, and we couldn’t have chosen a better partner.

“We’ve had the privilege of seeing and hearing about the incredible work they do firsthand, and we’re so pleased to have been able to contribute. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to make a difference, one slice at a time!”

Claire Montgomery, LifeCare’s Fundraising Manager, added: “We’re over the moon with the success of this first Sweet Partnership Afternoon Tea with Lannan.

“The generosity of everyone involved – from our guests and volunteers to the wonderful team at Lannan – has helped raise essential funds and awareness for our work. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back next year for not one, but two, tasty events – and book now for those Christmas trifles!”

Tickets for LifeCare’s upcoming Community Christmas Lunches on the 9th, 10th, 18th and 19th of December are now available – but spaces are limited, so book early while you still can!

£18 pp including a donation towards spreading Christmas Cheer. 

Call 0131 343 0940, email enquiries@lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk or visit the LifeCare hub on Cheyne Street to book.

Social Security Scotland: Supporting pensioners to heat their homes

People of State Pension age will receive Pension Age Winter Heating Payment from Social Security Scotland this winter.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment has replaced the Winter Fuel Payment for people in Scotland. Eligible people will receive a payment of between £101.70 and £305.10

Payments will start from November this year and will be made into the same bank account as someone’s State Pension or Social Security Scotland benefit. 

Most people will receive the payment automatically – no action is needed.  

Pensioners with a taxable annual income over £35,000 will have the payment taken back through their tax code or Self Assessment Tax return by HMRC.   

Shareable resources are available for those who support people of pension age. 

Hourglass: Raise a Cup campaign

Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse and neglect of older people, is inviting communities to come together this summer for a cuppa with a cause.

The new Raise A Cup campaign encourages people across the country to host tea mornings, coffee breaks, garden parties or picnics – raising vital funds to support Hourglass’ work tackling the abuse of older people and promoting safer ageing for everyone.

Every year, one in six people over 60 – around 2.6 million older people in the UK – experience abuse or neglect. Hourglass works with the most vulnerable of these cases through its 24/7 helpline, community response teams, and specialist support.

Jo Reeder, Income Generation and Fundraising Lead at Hourglass, said:
“Raise A Cup is a simple but powerful way to get involved. By bringing people together over tea, coffee, or cake, we can raise both awareness and funds to help end the abuse of older people.

“It’s a fun, social activity with a serious message at its heart.”

Launching this summer, Raise A Cup gives supporters the perfect chance to gather friends, colleagues and neighbours – whether outdoors in the sunshine or indoors during the colder months – and make a real difference.

Participants can download a free supporter pack with tips, materials and resources to help their event succeed.

To find out more and host your own Raise A Cup event, visit:  https://wearehourglass.org/raise-a-cup or email fundraising@wearehourglass.org

Hourglass 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.

Looking for inspiration? Here are 4 simple ways you can Raise A Cup:

1. Garden Picnic – Make the most of the sunshine with a cuppa in the park or garden.

2. Coffee Morning – Host a brew and a biscuit at home, work, or your local hall.

3. Afternoon Tea – Bring friends together for tea, treats or even fizz.

4. Bake Sale – Combine your cuppa with cake and raise extra funds for a great cause.

Whatever you choose, your event helps raise awareness of safer ageing and supports Hourglass’s vital work. Every cup counts!

Get your free event pack or donate today by visiting our website.

#RaiseACup

#Hourglass

#SaferAgeing

#EventIdeas

Scam awareness session at Eric Liddell community day care

The Eric Liddell community day care service in Edinburgh recently held a scam awareness session for their clients living with dementia and their care partners.

They decided to organise this session due to some clients being duped by fraudsters going door-to-door and online. The session was organised by day care manager, Caroline Heenan and was run by PC Stuart Fraser from the Community Policing Team at St Leonards Police Station.

Peta Randall, day care officer, said: “It was very interesting and makes you think how prepared fraudsters are”.

Carmel Riley, admin assistant, added: “I feel more equipped to deal with the nuisance calls I get.”

Christine, 82, said: “My husband gave money to a gardener but he made a mess and never came back.”

Beverley, 73, added: “I was scammed online, but I now understand how it can happen”.

Caroline, day care manager, said: “For others who are thinking about holding a session, I’d say go for it!

“Police Scotland are more than happy to facilitate these sessions.”

Care Inspectorate

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.