Community update
Fire safety campaign targets older smokers who live alone
Older smokers who live alone are being targeted by a fire safety campaing following a spate of incidents, some tragic. The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is encouraging take up of its free home safety visit service by calling 0800 0731 999. For more information visit their website here
Help for tenants and residents struggling with fuel bills
Home Energy Scotland is offering prepayment meter top up vouchers to customers to offset the increased fuel costs caused by being at home longer as a result of the lockdown. They have been funded to provide this service to households in the North East of Scotland (including Perth & Kinross, Dundee City, Angus, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray). The vouchers will be distributed on a first come first served basis, for 3 months or until the funding is spent. To find out about eligibility and apply for a voucher, householders can call Home Energy Scotland on 0808 808 2282 and request the voucher from 1st July 2020.
Online support for mental health and well-being
The Wise Group is offering free online group therapy sessions for anyone who would like support with issues including anxiety, depression, grief and anger.
Find out more and register for a session here
New advocacy service to help disabled people access benefits
The Scottish Government has launched a new service to help disabled people access the benefits they are entitled to. Find out more here.
Online lifestyle management courses from Thistle Foundation
The Thistle Foundation is offering free lifestyle management courses to veterans Scotland-wide who have access to the internet/Zoom. These start late July/early August. Courses focus on building on personal strengths, skills and tools to manage, 2.5 hours per week for 10 weeks. To find out more contact Emma Hollands tel. 07552 277416, emma.hollands@thistle.org.uk.
Information for community groups
The Scottish Community Development Centre has put together a resource on how to virus-proofing community activities Read it here
End of life issues online training
Good Life, Good Death, Good Grief is offering a free online public education module introducing end of life issues for people who may have no previous clinical or caring experience. It explores what to expect and how to help if someone is dying. The module is free to use, but access is restricted to enable us to ensure that those accessing the module are aware of the context in which it can be used, and the limitations of online learning about this topic. To access this material, please email (caroline.gibb@palliativecarescotland.org.uk) and let them know the context in which you think you would use the module including who you think would find the module useful (e.g. family members, carers, inexperienced staff etc). Find out more here
Online entertainment for veterans
Best Seat in the House is a series of variety entertainment videos designed for veterans from the Not Forgotten Association You can enjoy these on their YouTube Channel here
Also on YouTube you can enjoy performances from Music in Hospitals & Care musicians, some of whom will be well known to veterans who attend clubs in Scotland. You can enjoy them here.
Finally, Luminate, Scotland's Creative Ageing Organisation, has a published videos with ideas for activities to keep lock-down boredom at bay. You can browse them here
Walk leader training by video
Now is an ideal time to learn to be a walk leader so you can support older people you work with on a safe, inclusive and guided health walk. Paths for All is offering free Walk Leader training by Zoom video conferencing app.
Find dates and book online here
If you cannot find a suitable date email training@pathsforall.org.uk to be added to their course waiting list. Regular strength and balance exercise is also vital for a healthy and happy later life: Paths for All's new video shows you why, what and how.