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
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.
With statistics this year from Age Scotland showing that over 400,000 older people living in Scotland have been targeted by scammers, it has never been more important to protect yourself and others from falling victim to fraudsters. Crimes include crypto currency, scam text messages and fake phone calls or emails impersonating trusted organisations such as banks.
While a rapid rise in cases were seen across all age groups, older people are particularly more susceptible. Incidences of fraud crime against this age demographic in Scotland are rising, as scammers take advantage of their relative unfamiliarity with technology, and potentially more trusting nature.
To mark International Day of Older Persons on 1st October, Scottish charity the Cyber and Fraud Hub has relaunched its Older Person’s guide to encourage older residents to be vigilant when it comes to online scams.
Originally produced by the Cyber and Fraud Centre Scotland, A Guide to Avoiding Fraud and Scams for Older People addresses some of the most common forms of cyber and fraud crime, and will be distributed through local community networks as well as being available online.
The guide aims to empower older adults to navigate the digital landscape safely and securely, and provides insights into common online scams, identifies red flags to watch out for, and outlines steps to take in case of suspected fraud.
The Cyber and Fraud Hub is the first charity of its kind in Scotland, offering comprehensive support tailored specifically to individuals affected by cyber and fraud crimes. The Hub is built on strong relationships with Police Scotland and the banking sector, and its mission is to ensure that members of the public across Scotland receive the support they need when they are most vulnerable.
Since the Cyber and Fraud Hub launched, the team has dealt with around £250k of crypto frauds across all age groups and stopped or prevented around £60k from being transferred to fraudsters. Victims of crypto currency scams usually engage with individuals who are unknown to them through unsolicited approaches on WhatsApp, Facebook or dating apps, for example, or click on links by AI generated celebrities supposedly promoting crypto scams.
Other common scam and fraud attempts affecting older people most commonly include telephone scams, banking scams, WhatsApp family and friends impersonation scams, parcel delivery scams and investment and pension scams.
Alex Dowall, Head of Fraud and Cyber at the Cyber and Fraud Hub, said: “Anyone of any age can fall victim to a scam and fraud attempts are on the increase for all age groups, however we have noticed a huge increase in scammers repeatedly targeting older people.
“The Hub was launched to offer Scotland’s only dedicated cyber support for all members of the public. We understand that our older residents are less likely to access online and social media platforms, so we are encouraging people to have a conversation about our guide with their older friends, family and neighbours to empower them to be as vigilant as possible against fraud and scam attempts.”
International Day of Older Persons raises awareness of opportunities and challenges faced by ageing populations, and to mobilise the wider community to address difficulties faced by older people.
While the day focuses on many issues, Cyber and Fraud Hub urges older people to:
To access the guide, visitthe Resources section on the Cyber and Fraud Hub at cyberfraudhub.org.
Anyone who finds themselves a victim of a cyber or fraud crime can call the incident response helpline on 0808 281 3580.
Hourglass has teamed up with independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn to publish her new research which reveals there were 274 allegations of staff sexually assaulting older patients recorded in just three years.
The research, which is available to read in full on the Hourglass website, follows a study produced in 2021, inspired by the case of Valerie Kneale who passed away due to injuries from a sexual assault in Blackpool Victoria Hospital.
It found that 75 cases of sexual abuse committed by staff were recorded from 2016 to 2021.
This new research, released today has revealed that in just three years, that number has more than tripled.
In comparison to findings from the previous period, even less cases were reported to police, with over a third not reported or closed as ‘No Further Action’.
The research also found that the majority of victims of this sexual violence were not referred to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) or specialist services, with a total of 127 victims not referred for support following the abuse.
The perpetrators of this abuse were most frequently found to be nurses or nursing assistants, the majority of victims were female and 85% of alleged perpetrators being male.
The research recommends that better reporting practices would result in improved justice outcomes, alongside a need for specific safeguarding training for staff to spot the signs of abuse, particularly when it comes to older victims.
Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity supporting older victims-survivors of abuse and neglect, operating a 24/7 helpline, unique casework service and specialist local support. The charity warns that the findings of this report is emblematic of the rising epidemic of abuse, which affects a reported 1 in 6 older people in the UK.
Independent researcher Amanda Warburton-Wynn said: “Whilst I knew this was happening, I didn’t expect to see such a high number of incidents.
“The most surprising thing was the number of incidents being so much higher than last time although over a shorter period. It is a shocking number of incidents against a likely near zero criminal justice response.”
Veronica Gray, Deputy CEO and Director of Policy of Hourglass said: “The extent of abuse revealed in this research and the lack of response from NHS trusts is shocking and deeply concerning.
“The findings show numerous systemic failures to protect older individuals in hospitals in the first place and even more in the failure to act once the incidents have taken place.
“It is deeply concerning to see so many older victim-survivors not referred to specialist support. Specialist services are a lifeline for older people who have experienced abuse and it’s essential that these services are available and accessible to all those who need them.”
The charity is urging those keen to support the charity to donate by visiting 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.
Edinburgh-based charity project, Vintage Vibes held a week of celebrations, marking 9 years of tackling the loneliness crisis in the city.
The week of celebratory activity started on Older Peoples’ Day (on 1st October) with Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities, joining the charity project’s VIP Voices group, where people over 60 who are lonely and isolated are invited to meet every two months and share their views on current topics affecting older people.
The topics for discussion with the Minister covered the value of older people in society, over 60s contributing to communities through volunteering, and how to make local heritage and culture venues barrier free for the older population.
Kaukab Stewart MSP, Minister for Equalities said: “I want to congratulate Vintage Vibes for the great work it has been doing over the last nine years to bring generations together and provide companionship and support to older people.
“The Scottish Government has delivered a range of policy measures over the last five years aimed at reducing inequality and promoting health and wellbeing and reducing social isolation for all older people across Scotland.
“We aim to enable better access to a range of services for older people as and when they need them and we want to ensure people are financially secure and supported as they age. We will ensure that older people’s views and aspirations are taken into account as we undertake a refresh of our strategy for older people.”
The VIP Voices group and fellow VIPs (over 60s supported by Vintage Vibes) also came together to celebrate 9 years of friendships and connections at The Broomhouse Hub with a pizza party filled with fun, games, singing, chat and laughter.
Alongside this, the Vintage Vibes team hand-delivered cakes to those who are housebound and unable to attend the birthday celebrations, to ensure every member felt included and shared in the fun.
Vintage Vibes VIP, Shelia said: “Vintage Vibes lifts my spirits enormously. I get on so well with my friendship volunteer, Nicky and we just laugh and laugh when we’re together.
“I love everything about Vintage Vibes, it’s so much fun and I get to be involved in so many things – it’s just lovely.”
Vintage Vibes brings people together through friendship matches, groups, meet-ups and events to tackle social isolation and loneliness in the over the 60s across Edinburgh. Since its creation in 2015, the charity project has now helped over 1200 older people in the city to establish one-to-one friendships and delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering.
Events, and groups are also available including film, theatre and singing or simply meeting for a chat over a coffee, bringing older people together for friendship, improve their wellbeing and have some much-needed fun.
Alongside this, the charity project has a passion for tackling ageism, changing perceptions and reducing stigma around isolation and ageing.
Gemma Wright, Communications and Fundraising Lead at Vintage Vibes said:“We are incredibly grateful to our fabulous VIPs (older people we support), volunteers and supporters for helping to us to build this amazing, supportive, empowering community.
“Over the past 9 years, Vintage Vibes has changed the lives of so many older people feeling alone for the better.
“We’d like to thank Kaukab Stewart MSP for taking the time to listen to the insightful thoughts, views and ideas of our VIPs and hope that together we can create a brighter future for the circa 11,000 older people in Edinburgh who are often or always alone.
“As we celebrate 9 fabulous years at our pizza party, we are joined by our wonderful VIPs and volunteers. It is always so special to see everyone laughing, chatting and having fun to mark the difference Vintage Vibes makes to so many.
“For those who sadly couldn’t attend due to ill health, we delivered cakes and flowers to their homes and popped in for a chat. We exist to prevent the development of chronic loneliness and bring fun, fulfilment and friendship to older people who are feeling lonely and isolated through our network of amazing friendship volunteers and the support of local people, businesses and funding partnerships.
“We would like to thank all involved for your ongoing support and helping us to ensure everyone is included and feels valued.”
Having successfully delivered over 30,000 hours of volunteering, Vintage Vibes’ 2024 annual survey showed that 97% of their VIPs felt that being involved in the project left them feeling happier and gave them a better quality of life and 91% saying it had improved their mental health.
Vintage Vibes is now seeking amazing new Edinburgh-based volunteers to expand the project and offer support to even more older people across the city.
For more information on becoming a Vintage Vibes volunteer, please contact Vintage Vibes by emailing hello@vintagevibes.org.uk or visit vintagevibes.org.uk.
This winter will be much harder for many local older people. Cuts to winter fuel benefits alongside continued high prices will force more older people in Edinburgh to make difficult choices.
Local charity LifeCare delivers vital services and activities which makes an immediate difference to the lives of those that need it most – but urgently needs support to help meet increasing demand.
LifeCare Edinburgh has over 80 years’ experience offering the vital care and support older people need all year round, and supports over 900 individuals a year. The charity reported unprecedented levels of enquiries for support through the pandemic and continues to experience rising demand for their free and subsidised services through the cost of living crisis, with enquiries up over 67% from those living on a low income.
The charity responded to these growing local needs by extending its vital programme of free support.
This includes free ‘meals on wheels’ delivering hot, freshly-cooked two-course meals to the homes of local older people, free ‘help at home’ services helping with cleaning, shopping and prescription collections – even more important during the icy cold months, free wellbeing activities and hot drinks for the growing numbers of struggling unpaid carers and a growing programme of free community engagement activities for local people.
They also run their free Saturday Social warm space providing hot food, activities and companionship from their Cheyne Street community hub every week.
However, the charity is struggling to sustain these services through this period of high need. The organisation’s own costs are increasing with food, fuel and staff costs all rising significantly plus the charity has been impacted by the recent Local Authority budget cuts with further reductions anticipated next year.
The charity is calling on local people and businesses to get involved and give a donation to help deliver support to those that need it most this winter.
Sarah van Putten, Chief Executive of LifeCare said “Local older people right here in Edinburgh face a very difficult winter ahead. With the 10% increase on energy costs, continued high food prices and a reduction in benefits, it will be devastating for many.
“Last year we delivered over 5,000 free meals to those living on a low income. This year we anticipate needing to grow the service by a further 30% to help meet growing demand for this important service as more local older people struggle.
We urgently need the support from local people and local businesses, to enable LifeCare to deliver services such as this which make a real difference to those struggling most.
“Thanks to our services, older people keep well in their homes, they have a warm place to visit, hot nutritious food to eat, have company to look forward to and are able to get out and about to activities safely.
“Over 75% of the people we support live alone, rising to over 85% of our Meals on Wheels clients. And as many of our clients can’t leave their homes unaided, they would go for a very long time without any contact without our support.
“The frustration is that we know we can deliver the care that people want and need, but we are facing increased costs too. We are asking local people and businesses to consider giving a one-off or regular gift through our Winter Warmer appeal.
“Donations can be made on our website or alternatively people can come along to our community café on Cheyne Street to pledge their support. Even choosing to have your coffee or lunch from our café will help us to deliver the care local older people need to ensure they continue to thrive at home.”
All money raised through Winter Warmer will go directly towards supporting older people in the city. For more information about LifeCare’s services visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/ or call 0131 343 0940 to chat with the friendly team.
Queens Manor Care Home, on Queensferry Road, was full of fun when two miniature Shetland ponies came to visit.
Residents at Queens Manor Care Home were pleasantly surprised to see their new furry friends roaming around the home as John and Elaine from Therapy Ponies Scotland paid a visit with Wilson & Flicker.
Residents, staff and visitors alike loved seeing them wandering the home and into rooms, paying everyone a special visit.
Resident Frank Heathcote was surprised by Flicker as he appeared in his room: “It’s not everyday you see a Shetland pony in your come walking into your room – he was so friendly and soft!”
Senior Head of Lifestyle & Enrichment, Shannon Cullen said: “Our residents really loved their visit from the adorable pair.
“We are such an animal loving home and knew that having the two miniature Shetland ponies here would be a bit of fun for all our residents, especially as some find it difficult to go on many outings in our minibus.
“We are always looking for new activities for the residents and today we reconfirmed the level of enjoyment and the therapeutic influence animals can have on people.”
Resident Joyce Shand was very excited by the little duo: “I have always loved ponies and horses of all sizes and today was great!
“It was wonderful that Wilson & Flicker were able to come into see everyone. I really enjoyed seeing them trotting along the corridor and seeing them both wearing their little shoes!”
Queens Manor care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals.
Queens Manor Care Home provides residential care and dementia care for 60 residents from respite care to long term stays.
ONE of Scotland’s most premier luxury care homes has revealed it has secured the appointment of a new Head of Sales and Marketing, who is set to bring a wealth of experience to the home.
Richard Annan, 58, has joined Edinburgh-based care home Cramond Residence to help further elevate the homes prestigious status as one of Scotland’s finest residences.
Richard said: “Joining Cramond Residence is an exciting new challenge for me. The home has an outstanding reputation for the best care in class.
“I’m eager to continue to build on the homes success by further improving our resident’s experience during their time with us and I want to ensure that every resident feels at home here, with activities and services tailored to their individual needs.
“It’s vital that residents truly enjoy their time here and we provide their families with peace of mind that they are receiving the best care possible.
“Whether it’s dementia care or general residential living, we want to cater to everyone’s needs and ensure they have a fulfilling experience.
“We have outstanding facilities that cater to all our resident’s needs, from round the clock care to luxurious and spacious rooms as well as a wide range of activities on offer for residents to enjoy. Those who stay with us can expect nothing but the very best.”
With a marketing career spanning 30 years, Richard has since spent the last five years working for some of the UK’s largest care providers working in a number of homes across the country building an impressive track record.
Now, Richard’s key focus is enhancing the activities programme at Cramond Residence, ensuring that all residents—especially those living with dementia—enjoy meaningful and stimulating experiences.
Ross Bijak, General Manager for Cramond Residence said: “Richard’s passion for the care sector, combined with his impressive track record, makes him a perfect fit for Cramond Residence.
“We’re confident that with his arrival the home will continue to grow and provide the highest standards of care for all our residents.”
Cramond Residence combines luxury accommodation with the highest quality of care, offering a unique small-group living experience within its purpose-built, five-star facility.
With a resident-to-staff ratio designed to ensure personalized attention, the residence provides a range of specialised services, including dementia care, to meet the diverse needs of its residents.
The home also uniquely offers post-operative care rehabilitation, recently helping Cramond Residence Charge Nurse, Eileen Crawford, with her recovery after a hip replacement procedure.
Opened in October 2018 at a cost of £8 million, Cramond Residence continues to deliver outstanding clinical standards in a setting designed for comfort and community.
For more information about Cramond Residence, visit:
A Freedom of Information request made by financial journalist, broadcaster, and speaker PAUL LEWIS has revealed the likely impact of cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment.
Mr Lewis says the DWP response (below) that shows the Labour government knew:
* 1.6m disabled pensioners would lose winter fuel payment
* 780,000 of the poorest pensioners who were entitled still would not get it – so ‘protecting the poorest’ was a lie.
* 2.7m over-80s would lose £300.
A major change to this year’s Winter Fuel Payment means that to get the allowance that’s worth up to £300, you must also receive Pension Credit. If you don’t currently get Pension Credit, but think you could be eligible, it’s vital to check now and apply, otherwise you could miss out.
The allowance is now linked to certain means-tested benefits including Pension Credit. Pension Credit helps those over State Pension age who are living on a low income. It works by topping up income to a minimum level and can be worth more than £3,900 a year.
To keep getting your Winter Fuel Payment you must be eligible for Pension Credit or one of the other following benefits during the ‘qualifying week’ of 16 to 22 September 2024:
Our Benefits calculator will show you if you’re entitled to any of these benefits
In Scotland the Winter Fuel Payment will be replaced by the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment, worth up to £300.
This will also be linked to Pension Credit and certain means-tested benefits.
It’s the Pension Credit Week of Action and Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall recommends checking if you, a loved one or a friend could be eligible for Pension Credit.
For someone aged 66 or over it could entitle them to the Winter Fuel Payment and other benefits: https://ow.ly/NRPh50Tcu6m
