Age Friendly Network for North Yorkshire
Age Friendly Network for North Yorkshire
Latest update from the Age Friendly Network
Welcome to our November issue darker nights are upon us and the cold weather already turning the county white, so we thought we’d keep you up to date with the latest news and developments as we head into winter. This month, we’ll be talking about:
- Plans for new themed Network meetings – and your chance to shape them
- The link between Pension Credit and winter fuel payments
- North Yorkshire Council’s cost of living campaign
- How to access an adult social care assessment
- How to have your say in the formation of a health strategy for women and girls
- How to get a free pair of slippers at Pickering Library.
Age Friendly Network for North Yorkshire
Age Friendly Network themed meetings next year the Age Friendly Network will be hosting a series of inclusive, themed network meetings, where members will be able to set the agenda. This offers a great opportunity to share your experience of living in North Yorkshire as an older person. Each meeting will offer relevant guest speakers, participation from relevant services and organisations, and the chance for you to think about the topic and tell us what’s important to you. The meetings will be held every 2-3 months and will be open to anyone aged 50+ living in North Yorkshire. Organisations working with older people will also be invited to attend. With that in mind, we would like to hear from you which themes you would like us to focus on. Possible options include transport, housing, social participation, community support and health services. To gather your views, we have produced a very short survey and hope you will take a moment to complete it.We will confirm the details of the first meeting in the New Year and provide information on how to sign up and register to take part.Complete our short survey here
Are you receiving Pension Credit? Winter fuel allowance is now directly linked to Pension Credit, yet according to Independent Age, there are as many as 6,000 residents in North Yorkshire who are eligible for Pension Credit but have not yet applied.A claim for Pension Credit can be backdated by up to three months if the claimant qualified for it for the whole of that period. Claims must be submitted by 21 December to qualify for a winter fuel payment this winter. Free guides and factsheets can be ordered from Independent Age along with advice on financial help during cold weather. Read more here
Through-the-lens view of healthy ageingNorth Yorkshire Council’s recent photography competition may have closed, but they are still on the hunt for images that celebrate healthy ageing.If you have any photos that you would be happy for the council to use in its publications, please submit them by email. Be sure to have written permission from anyone in the photo that can be recognised. Please also make sure any photos:
- are high resolution or more (if sending via a phone choose “actual/large size”)
- are ideally 2MB or more
- are in JPEG format
- are supplied with contact details for photograph records (at least name and email)
Alternatively, if you know any groups or activities that the council could attend to take photos for use in their collection of positive images, please email them or call 01609 536910. See the photography competition winners
North Yorkshire cost of living campaignIf you’re struggling to pay for food and other essentials, there are local schemes and organisations in North Yorkshire that may be able to help or point you in the right direction.You’ll find information about emergency support with everyday living costs, benefits, Pension Credit, energy bills, food and managing debt all in one place on the North Yorkshire Council cost of living web page. It also includes information about schemes to help families, free adult learning courses and local community-based support including Warm Welcome spaces as well as advice on staying safe and well. If you’re not sure who to turn to, you can call North Yorkshire Council’s customer service centre on 0300 131 2 131 Monday to Friday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm asking for ‘cost of living help’ when prompted. Find out more
Are you in need of an adult social care assessment? North Yorkshire Council provides a range of services and practical support to help older people live independently. It’s free to complete an adult social care assessment and there is no obligation to continue with the process once you’ve started. If you change your mind, that’s OK.If an assessment finds that you do need ongoing support or equipment from the council, you may need to contribute to the cost of this. How much you contribute will depend on your financial circumstances. More information is available on the council’s website and you can also get in touch to discuss your situation through an online assessment form or by calling 0300 131 2 131 and say ‘Adult Social Care’ when prompted. Read more here
North Yorkshire Women’s Health SurveyIn 2022, the government introduced the first women’s health strategy to enhance health outcomes for women and girls. Building on this, North Yorkshire Council is aiming to develop a plan for the county focusing on the overall physical, mental, and social well-being of women and girls. As part of this work, the council is seeking your views via an online survey. All responses are confidential and you can skip any question or stop the survey at any time. You can also pick up and return a paper copy of the survey to your local library. Take the survey here
Free slippers at Pickering LibraryDid you know that one of the most common causes of falls by older people is loose, worn or backless slippers? To help combat the problem, Pickering Library is holding a ‘Slipper Social’ on Friday 6 December. Anyone attending will be offered a free pair of new slippers and the chance for a sit-down and a chat over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits. View the event poster
Age Friendly Network for North Yorkshire