Unsure? Close the Door

A nasty scam, this one...

Age UK South Gloucestershire have been made aware of an incident where a bogus caller, claiming to be one of our representatives, cold called an older person offering to undertake some home decorating and repairs.  The rogue caller then asked for money to buy materials.

Age UK South Gloucestershire want to remind older people across the area that we never make unsolicited cold calls to people’s homes.  Their representatives help many older people, either our volunteers who offer a befriending service or our Information and Advice workers who help with benefits advice and form completion.  However, their visit will never be unexpected.  Age UK's professionals always make appointments and never cold call.

In addition Age UK South Gloucestershire will never ask for any money for their advice.  Neither will they ask if you keep money in your home.

Their professionals carry official identification and will encourage you to scrutinise it.  If you are ever unsure about a caller who claims to be from Age UK South Gloucestershire please close your front door and call Age Concern's office number.  The professionals will not be offended if you are cautious.  If you feel unhappy or intimidated please call the police on 999.

If you think that you or someone you know has been a victim of a bogus caller please contact Trading Standards, Age UK South Gloucestershire or the police on 101.  However if you feel a crime is in progress call 999.

Check your Bus Pass - is it about to run out?

Please check the expiry date on your South Glos Diamond Travelcard, as we understand that reminders are not sent when they run out. If your card has expired you will not be able to get free travel on buses or community transport, because they wouldn't be able to claim the money back from South Glos.

Celebrating Age Open Day

Living (dlc), the local Disabled Living Centre, is holding a “Celebrating Age” OPEN DAY at the Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ on Wednesday 29th September 2010 10:00 am – 3:00pm. Admission is free, as is the tea/coffee and cake, and all are welcome. For information please phone 0117 9653651.

Celebrating age - opportunies for community groups

South Gloucestershire Council, Age Concern, the Senior Citizens Forum and Southern Brooks Community Partnership are staging the first South Gloucestershire Spring Into Life Festival – A Celebration of Age. This festival will open on Saturday 10th April with an event at Patchway Community Centre, and closes on 23rd April with an event at Cadbury Heath Community Centre.

Community Groups and Organisations can:
• bid for up to £300 to put on their own event, with the deadline for applications being Tuesday 9th February 2010
• be included in the Active Directory in return for waiving fees for those new members attending during the festival
• run an activity or session at either the Patchway or Cadbury Heath event

For more information on bidding for funds or running an activity at the opening or closing events, please contact Denise.swain@southglos.gov.uk by Tuesday 9th February 2010. For publicising ongoing events, please contact David.dowding@southglos.gov.uk by 31st January.