Age UK West Sussex News
"In the Know" - Our countywide newsletter
"In the Know" : Issue 3 Dec 2011
"In the Know" : Issue 2 June 2011
Take a peek at our first issue of "In the Know" : Issue 1 Feb 2011
Winter News
12/10
Preparing for Winter
Check your boiler.
Many of us only realise that our central heating system is not working well when the first cold spell arrives. The heating engineers get overwhelmed by the demand for repairs and we all have to wait longer for our boiler to be repaired.
We are asking everyone to test their heating systems now to make sure that they are in good working order and have their boilers serviced if necessary.
To ensure that your boiler is in working order and ready for winter, please turn your heating on now. Should you encounter any problems, please contact your utility supplier, or contact our Information & Advice team!
For more information and advice on these matters or for other Issues contact Age UK West Sussex on t 0800 019 1310, Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm.
12/10
Wrap Up This Winter
Following the Comprehensive Spending Review in October, we are delighted that universal entitlements for older people have been protected. Benefits such as the winter fuel payment is a lifeline for millions of the poorest older people. Winter is a time of celebration for many, but the cold weather can bring problems for some, as energy bills rise and it becomes more difficult to keep warm at home.
People in low income households may need some support with their energy bills and may be eligible for some of the following initiatives: Winter Fuel Payments are between £125 and £400 depending on your age and situation; to qualify you must be born on or before 5 July 1950. You only need to claim once. After this you should Automatically get Winter Fuel Payments as long as your circumstances do not change.
It is important to call the Winter Fuel helpline on t 0845 915 15 15 if you move, change your bank account details, move overseas or if someone else in your household becomes entitled.
A Cold Weather Payment of £25 a week will automatically be paid if you receive Pension Credit or Income Related Employment Support Allowance, when the average temperature in your area has been, or is expected to be 0 degrees Celsius or below for seven consecutive days.
The Warm Front Scheme offers up to £3,500 worth of central heating and energy efficiency measures to low Income households. If you heat your house with oil, you may get up to £6,000 worth of help. To find out more call t 0800 316 6011. Please note, there is a waiting list of 13 months.
Loft insulation is an effective way to save money and energy. There are grants available to help pay for loft insulation – to find out more contact your local council or The Energy Trust on T 0800 512 012.
Energy Suppliers may offer lower ‘social tariffs’ to their most vulnerable customers. For more Information,
contact your energy supplier.
09/10
'Human Life Loop’ marks the launch of Age UK West Sussex
Age UK West Sussex launched their new name and image in colourful style, with the creation of a giant ‘Human Life Loop’ on Littlehampton seafront alongside the iconic East Beach Café.
Over 200 people – including the Chairman of Arun District Council, Councillor Dudley Wensley, who officially launched the event – gathered on East Green Fields in September holding aloft pink, green, blue and orange balloons to form the loop of the Age UK logo.
The launch party and members of the loop were made up of members, volunteers and staff from Age UK West Sussex, as well as representatives from West Sussex County Council, Littlehampton Town Council, Arun District Councils, local businesses and partner organisations.
The Mayor of Littlehampton was roped in to adopt a balloon and form part of the loop, as well as Councillor Dudley Wensley, accessorised by ceremonial chains.
09/10
Age Concern West Sussex becomes Age UK West Sussex – working to improve the lives of older people in West Sussex.
Welcome to the first edition of In Touch, a new and exciting magazine that will keep you informed about local events and services across West Sussex.
Since their merger in April 2009, Age Concern England and Help the Aged have been working with local Age Concerns in the UK to develop a new organisation and partnership. On 19 April 2010 the merged national charity launched Age UK.
Age UK will celebrate ageing and work to create opportunity in later life. It will fight and challenge disadvantage and work with and for people in later life, their carers and families to help transform their lives for the better, both in the UK and abroad.
As part of new partnership arrangements a number of local Age Concerns across the country will be changing their name. Age Concern West Sussex was one of the early charities to do so and we changed our name to Age UK West Sussex officially from 29 September. We have a new and exciting logo and brand and all our marketing materials reflect this new image. Our change of name and logo
signifies our partnership with Age UK but does not mean we’ll change who we are and what we do best.
We will continue to work with and for older people in West Sussex as an
independent charity and to operate the same range and breadth of quality
services.
Age UK West Sussex will continue to provide tailored support and services for people living in the county, including Information and Advice Service, Good Neighbours Service, 5 Activity Centres, Help at Home as well as vital health and well-being services that supports those in later life wanting to make a positive
lifestyle change. We will work in partnership with the national charity to ensure that local people in West Sussex have direct access to high quality services and
products tailored specifically to their needs and carrying the Age UK name.
03/10
We now have our own facebook page, so if you are a member and would like to add us as a friend, click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000821988040&ref=ts
