Digest-November
SOUTHEND & DISTRICT PENSIONER’S CAMPAIGN
November Digest 2022
Dying is not popular; it has never caught on. That’s understandable; it’s bad for the complexion. (George Burns).
Last month’s meeting.
We enjoyed an interesting talk by Bob Delgarno on the river Thames with projected slides of an amazing collection of photographs. It covered the origins of the river at its source right up to modern times in the estuary. Bob did very well after a break of about three years.
In Committee.
Our Chair, Jill Allen-King was absent due to her recovering at home from illness which was treated in Colchester hospital over 4 days. Issy Isaacs took the Chair. Our Secretary, Jean briefed the Committee on research she has being doing into community transport available in Southend. We hope to meet with various local organisations to discover exactly what is available, in the Southend and district area.
There is obviously a huge demand for a reliable service which could transport disabled residents to a variety of local venues. Bob gave a verbal report on the financial position of the Campaign. Margaret reported on the Ron Kennedy Lottery which is gradually gaining more participants.
Members Contributions
Please do send me any contributions you think may be of interest or amusement for inclusion in “Digest”. Thank you.
Community Hubs
Jean and I attended the Age Concern (Southend) AGM at the Havens Hub in Hamlet Court Road on the 18th October. They have appointed 4 new Trustees and they have applied to about 30 organisations for grant funding worth about £ 300,000 in total. They are now widening the hub to people of all ages in the community which helps to increase their income.
State Pensions- The future of the Triple Lock.
The National Pensioner’s Convention is campaigning for the reinstatement of the triple lock as promised in the governments Manifesto. We are urged to write to our MP’s care of the House of Commons, London. SW1 due to the uncertainty created by the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer over the future of this issue. No stamp is needed if you write to your own MP, House of Commons, London SW1.
Essex and Suffolk Water discounts.
Alan Grubb, one of our Committee Members
contacted Essex and Suffolk Water to see if
they offered any discounts for people on low
incomes. They do, if you have a household income of less than £ 17005, or if you
receive Pension Credit. You can receive up to 50% off your bill. Apply online-Email to supportplus@nwl.co.uk or phone 03457 820 111. Monday-Friday 8am to 7pm. Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Anglian Water offer LITE and Extra Lite tariffs to those who have water meter at home, and are paying measured charges.
SAVS AGM.
I attended the AGM of the Southend Association of Voluntary Services on Tuesday, 1st November. The guest speaker was Kirsty O’Callaghan, Director of Resilience, Mobilisation and Transformation, Mid & South Essex NHS ICS. Kirsty spoke about the new initiative of the Integrated Care Service and the way it is encouraging various community organisations to talk to each other and feed-back to the ICS. There will be long-term funding, local assemblies, and more community involvement in fighting the problem of people being isolated. The Mayor closed the meeting by praising SAVS for it’s amazing work organizing so many local volunteers.
Essex Police.
Clyde has suggested that we register for a free news letter from Essex Police. It is called “Dispatch – Southend Edition” and has much useful information.
Website is (www. get revue.co/profile/ epsouthend). There is currently a survey being conducted by Essex Police which has to be sent by late November. You may phone 01245 291 600 for more information.
Ambulance handover unit at Southend Hospital.
This will allow for patients to be dropped off, assessed by nurses in the unit and then moved into the hospital when beds become available. This should allow ambulance to get back on the road sooner and prevent long queues of ambulances outside the hospital
Social Tariff –Broadband
Moving to a social tariff could save you £250 a year… You are likely to be eligible if you are on a means tested benefit such as Pension Credit. Call your provider to check.
Sustainable Warmth grant.
Southend-on-Sea City Council is urging households to check their eligibility for a new funding scheme to help them stay warmer in their homes, save money on their fuel bills and lower carbon emissions
The Sustainable Warmth Grant offers energy saving home improvements such as insulation, renewable heating systems and double glazing. The grant is funded by the UK Government and managed by Warmworks with support from Energy Saving Trust. All installations will be carried out by TrustMark-approved installers.
Funding is available for homeowners and private tenants who live in a home with a low energy (EPC D or below) rating and have a household income of less than £30,000 a year, or unemployed and receive an income, health or disability benefit .Call 0808 1968255 to see if you are eligible or visit
www.southend.gov.uk/news/article/2684/sustainable-warmth-grant-can-help-southend-residents-stay-warmer-save-on-fuel-bills-and-lower-carbon-emissions
Dates for your Diary.
Live Jazz most Saturdays 2pm -4pm at The Jazz Centre UK, “ Beecroft Art Gallery.” Victoria Avenue, Southend. SS2 6EX.
Wednesday 7th December Fund Raising LunchHarvester, Shorehouse Ness Rd. Shoebury. 12.30 for 1.00pm £15 for two courses. Call Jean on 01702 341047 on Monday 5th December if you would like to join us.
Wednesday, 21st December Members Meeting. Informal talk by Peter Wilkins about being blind from birth together with Christmas Social 2pm. Balmoral Centre, Salisbury Avenue, Westcliff on Sea. SS0 7AU.
Stop Press
Photo ID checks for voters? Who knew?
In future, before you get your ballot paper to vote for local and general elections, you will have to show photo ID. If you don’t hold any you will need a free voter identification form from the local Council. Council Officers are worried they won’t be ready for next year’s local elections next May with some residents being unable to vote.
Bob Howes. Tel: 01702 341047
howes01702@outlook.com www.southendpensioners.org.uk