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May June 2010 Newsletter 110

Monday, 5th July 2010, located in the category: Newsletters
Hello everyone!
The next meeting is in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th July 2010 at 2.00 pm.  There is no meeting in August so the following one will be at the end of September on the 27th.  As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge.  There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.
Our address:
The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB
West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Chairman: Terry Venner,
Martin Greenwood, Peter Hughes, Peter and Heidi Morse, Susan Horne.
Transport
If you cannot access other transport you can register with Atwest community transport 01643 707090 and use the SLINKY bus to come to meetings.  You must have a bus pass.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU!!!  Transport queries about outings should be addressed to the Events Committee.
Useful Telephone Numbers
West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
Chairman: David Kendall 01643 863505
Secretary Margaret Bruford 01984 656367
Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead 01984 634739
Events Committee:
Shirley Williams 01984 632265
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505
IT Tutor: Chris Brinkman 07719 376097 (NB: new number)
Seahorse Centre : IT room 01643 702021 or 07719 376097 (Tuesday and Thursday mornings, all day Wednesday)
Messages (Reception) 01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk
Computers
The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events
Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them.  Help us to help you!
Limited Computer training at the IT centre is continuing for the future.  It is being funded differently from before, which makes it possible to carry on.  If you would like computer training, please let us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor.  You must be an active member of our association, which costs £10.00 per annum, (i.e. come to meetings and/or some of the activities which we arrange,) before you can have lessons, which cost £2.00 per hour, payable monthly in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings and Thursday mornings.
If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.
Chairman’s Report
Hello Everybody
Sorry that this newsletter is a bit late.  I have not go any good reason for this other than the weather has been great and I have spent a lot of time in the garden and up my allotment.  Some of you know that my grandson (Greg) has been in Afghanistan for the last six mouths and has just returned with a few hair-raising tales, so both San and I are glad that is over.
On Tuesday some of you came over to Porlock for dinner at Healeys so I hope that you all enjoyed it, and we may be able to do that again some time.  On Monday we have our next meeting at the Seahorse Centre.  Sorry but I will not be there as we are going away for five days.
David Kendall
davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk
Accounts/Treasurer’s Report
As I think all of you know the IT Room has been taken over completely by The Seahorse administration as from the 1st of April this year.  With their agreement, our members will still be able to use the computers and continue their lessons with Chris Brinkman at a cost to them of £2.00 per hour the rest to be paid by the group while funds remain.
At the end of our responsibility for the IT we held a small party to say thank you to both Chris and Mary Court as they have both done sterling service in the past.  Chris was presented with travel vouchers and Mary with a basket of flowers.  Photographs of the presentation are printed here.
I am sure you were all pleased to see Jean Gilbert and Dorothy Lloyd two of our past chairpersons at our meeting and hope that they will come again.
I am copying the last communication received from A.T. West this in particular refers to your bus passes.  As I read it if you do not carry them you will be charged at various rates according to the distance that you travel.  This to my mind is now becoming a business and no longer a service for the aged and disabled.  We seem to be missing out on the free Bus Pass Scheme.  You will also notice that the bus pass will be in operation for the rest of the year, does this mean that the passes are now suspect and may be removed from us?
Bus Pass Information
Please read carefully
It is a requirement of the Government’s National Concessionary Travel Pass Scheme that all passengers who wish to travel for free must carry their bus pass on every journey.  ATWest drivers will now be checking all bus passes, with immediate effect.
Any passenger not carrying their pass will be required to pay a fare on any journey.  Slinky passengers will be charged the appropriate Slinky fare for their journey.
Failure to comply will result in you being asked to leave the bus before the journey commences.
We are allowing a month’s amnesty for us all to get used to this, so the fares will be applied from July 1st 2010.  Please get into the habit of carrying your bus pass now and have it available to show the driver.
Thank you.
New Slinky fares from July 1st 2010
As from July 1st the Slinky service will have a new fare scheme, which is based on mileage rather than the present zone charges.
This is being instigated by Transporting Somerset and Slinky services throughout the county will use the same fare structure.
On the same day our local Slinky service will change its name to Slinky West Somerset and part of our area of operation will change.  Those users affected by the change will be informed by letter by Transporting Somerset.
New fares: up to 2 miles single £4.00, return £8.00; 2.1 to 5 miles single £6.00, return £12.00; over 5 miles single £9.00, return £12.00.
Travel for bus/travel pass holders is not affected this year.
We have been in discussion with Seahorse representatives and may in the future be able to hire one of their buses with David Kendall being approved to drive this should enable us to go out more often without having to rely on A.T. West.
The first of our trips has been made to Healeys at Porlock for lunch and it looks like most of our members are taking part.  The last time we had lunch with them it consisted of a Roast Dinner with extras if required and a sweet, a glass of wine with coffee to finish.  All very enjoyable.
Last week your committee visited The Council at Williton at the request of Tom Bown and Sam Rawle (both these people have visited us at the Seahorse on our Monday meetings so I think you will both remember them) to discuss any problems that any of our members may encounter so please do pass on any difficulties that you may find on the roads in your streets or home to one of the committee members and we will pass on the information.  Remember we are still here to help you and will endeavour to sort out your problems, or find someone who can.
Please contribute to the Newsletter I am sure some you will have something to say.  All suggestions for events or the furtherance of the group will be gratefully accepted.  If any of you have friends or neighbours that would be interested in joining the group please invite them.
Gossip has just come to the committee’s ears that complaints have been made about there being no one to make our teas at the last meeting, our Lady Volunteers were unfortunately unable to attend so therefore David took over and the few that were at the meeting seemed quite happy at the time.  Please take your complaints to your committee.
People requiring cars to go to the hospital now have to be on pension credit or any other benefits, proof of these are required by Hospital Transport at Bridgwater and this is taking about two weeks to arrange – so beware and make your requirements known as soon as you get your appointment.
Molly Newstead
The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265.
Future events:  Suggestions for future events would be very welcome and will give the committee something to work on.
Articles, letters and e-mails
For Sale
I have 2 32” flat screen TVs for sale.  They are both fairly new, but I do not need them any longer.  One has an integrated digibox and I will sell it for £60.00 and the other one (without a digibox) is going for £40.00.
I also have an electric ironing press (Elna brand) which I will sell for £100.00
Phone me (01643 702129) if you are interested in any of the items.
Mary Court
Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185
BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.
Handy Numbers
A4e Disability Advocate: Jackie Churchill 07841 250277 www.a4e.co.uk
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
A Taste of Exmoor: Home cooked food delivered to your door! 01643 709856 or 07919 816197
AT West Community Transport 01643 709701
Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Scheme) 0845 3459133 or 01823 335285.  Renewals at 01278 437255
Breast Cancer Care 0808 800 6000 www.breastcancercare.org.uk
CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Minehead 01643 707484
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Depression Alliance 0845 123 2320 www.depressionalliance.org
Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960 www.diabetes.org.uk
Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000
LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’ 0300 111 0102 www.makesachange.org.uk
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
MIND (National Association for Mental Health) 01643 708 765 deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk
Open DAWS (Cathy McGill) 01643 821112
PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) Ruby Haq 01278 437013 www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.org.uk
Stroke Association 0845 303 3100 www.stroke.org.uk
Talking Newspapers 01984 640 471
West Somerset Advice Bureau (similar to a Citizens’ Advice Bureau) 01643 704624
Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk
Can you keep these numbers handy and not throw them away each month as we do not want to reprint them month after month…  It seems like a waste of paper and ink.
Next Meeting
The next meetings are in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th July and Monday 27th September 2010 at 2.00 pm.  Remember, there is no meeting in August.  See you all.  Have a good summer!

March and April 2010 No. 109

Monday, 12th April 2010, located in the category: Newsletters
Hello everyone!

The next meetings are in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th April and Monday 24th May 2010 at 2.00 pm.  As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge.  There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building.

Our address:

The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:

Chairman: Terry Venner,

Martin Greenwood, Peter Hughes, Peter and Heidi Morse, Susan Horne.

Transport

Dave Willett organises a taxi for partially-sighted people to come to the Monthly meetings.  This must be booked with him. If you can’t make it, PLEASE RING HIM, to cancel it.

If you cannot access other transport you can register with Atwest community transport 01643 707090 and use the SLINKY bus to come to meetings.  You must have a bus pass.

PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU!!! Transport queries about outings should be addressed to the Events Committee.

Useful Telephone Numbers

West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members

Chairman:            David Kendall               01643 863505

Secretary             Margaret Bruford          01984 656367

Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead            01984 634739

Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:

David Willett                 01643 708592

Events Committee:

Shirley Williams            01984 632265

Sandra Kendall             01643 863505

IT Tutor:              Chris Brinkman             07719 376097 (NB: new number)

Seahorse Centre          : IT room                       01643 702021 or 07719 376097
(Tuesday and Thursday mornings, all day Wednesday)
Messages (Reception)                             01643 705000

E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk

Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk

Computers

The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events

Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them.  Help us to help you!

Limited Computer training at the IT centre is continuing for the future.  It is being funded differently from before, which makes it possible to carry on.  If you would like computer training, please let us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor.  You must be an active member of our association, which costs £10.00 per annum, (ie come to meetings and/or some of the activities which we arrange,) before you can have lessons, which cost £2.00 per hour, payable monthly in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Tuesday afternoons, Wednesday mornings and Thursday mornings.

If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.

Disability Advocacy Service

The service is provided by A4e.  Contact Jackie Churchill at 07841250277.  The A4e website is www.a4e.gov.uk.  Their address is A4e, 2nd Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JZ. The service will offer help if you need assistance with care arrangements, equipment, housing, blue badges, etc.

Chairman’s Report

Hello Everybody

I hope that you all have had a very nice Easter.  The weather could have been a bit better, but after a very long and cold winter we did see the sun on Sunday. Our last meeting I thought went very well.  We had Jean Gilbert, who you all know; Dorothy Lloyd, one of our founder members and a long time chairperson; and Peter and Heidi Morse, two of our trustees, as special guests, because as you remember it was a farewell to Chris and the IT side of the association. Margaret made the presentation to Chris for all his work and to Mary Court for all her help and time that she has given in helping Chris, so I was pleased to see that Mary and so many of the members came forward to pay their next year’s subs. I would like to thank Molly and Margaret for organising a fantastic buffet.  I am sure I speak for all that were there.  it was great.  Our next meeting will be on Monday 26th of April at the Seahorse Centre, 2pm.  The speaker will be Tom Bown from West  Somerset Council so please come along with plenty of questions for him.

Subs can be paid on that day or send a cheque made payable to WSDA to my address.

David Kendall

davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer’s Report

Sorry to have to remind members that the yearly subscriptions are due on the 1st of April 2010, still at £10.00.

The Events’ Committee:

Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265.

Future events:  Suggestions for future events would be very welcome and will give the committee something to work on.

FLUX – May 2010: This is a Somerset-wide Festival of Arts and Disability.  Events and exhibitions will take place in Minehead (The Seahorse Centre and Cream Café), Taunton (The Brewhouse Theatre, SCAT, the Tacchi Morris Arts Centre), Bridgwater (the Arts Centre) and Dulverton (Town Hall) as well as other venues in South and East Somerset.

There are art exhibitions, dance performances, music, film, plays and talks.  For further details, watch the local press or look out for publicity material from any of the venues, or look online at www.fluxnetwork.ning.com

Articles, letters and e-mails

Stroke Advice (Red Cross leaflet)

Suspect a stroke?  Act FAST!!  Call 999

A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.  Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK and leave many with a long-term disability.

When dealing with a stroke, speed is of the essence.  The earlier the casualty receives treatment, the better.

If you suspected someone was suffering from a stroke, what would you do?

Stroke symptoms

  • Facial weakness; drooping eyes/mouth
  • Weakness in one arm
  • Slurred speech
  • Dizziness, blurred vision
    • Sudden confusion

If you suspect a person has had a stroke, use the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Test) guide:

F – Facial weakness: the person is unable to smile and their eye and/or mouth is droopy

A – Arm weakness: the person is only able to raise one arm

S – Speech problems: the person is unable to speak clearly or can’t understand the spoken word

T – Test the signs and call 999 for emergency help if you suspect the person has had a stroke

Treatment for a stroke

Keep comfortable

Reassure and monitor and record vital signs – level of response

Check breathing and pulse until help arrives

Do not give anything to eat or drink

If casualty loses consciousness: open airway, check breathing

Be prepared to give CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)

EQUIPMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER

The Red Cross also provide other services, such as the loan of medical equipment but do remember that these services are not free. Telephone No. 0845 331 3331.

CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES: They will also provide transport to hospital and will wait for you while you attend your appointment.

Or they will supply support to you home from hospital and make sure you are settled and comfortable. Support and help rebuild confidence.  Shopping & escort shopping.  Make support visits. Collect prescriptions and pensions. Sit with you if your carer needs to go out.  Companionship These latter services are free of charge, but they would be very pleased with a donation.

Mary Court wrote:

Hello Everyone!

I really enjoyed working with Chris, helping to teach the members how to do things on the computer and I am sorry that I am no longer doing this. I want to thank you all for the flowers, which you gave me at the last meeting.  They were very much appreciated!  We had a wonderful party and it was good to see you all there.

Thanks again.

All the best

Mary

For Sale

I have 2 32” flat screen TVs for sale.  They are both fairly new, but I do not need them any longer.  One has an integrated digibox and I will sell it for £60.00 and the other one (without a digibox) is going for £40.00.

I also have an electric ironing press (Elna brand) which I will sell for £100.00

Phone me (01643 702129) if you are interested in any of the items.

Mary Court

Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185

BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.

Handy Numbers

A4e Disability Advocate: Jackie Churchill 07841 250277 www.a4e.co.uk

Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk

Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk

A Taste of Exmoor: Home cooked food delivered to your door! 01643 709856 or 07919 816197

AT West Community Transport 01643 709701

Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Scheme) 0845 3459133 or 01823 335285.  Renewals at 01278 437255

Breast Cancer Care 0808 800 6000 www.breastcancercare.org.uk

CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Minehead 01643 707484

Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk

Depression Alliance 0845 123 2320 www.depressionalliance.org

Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960 www.diabetes.org.uk

Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk

Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100

Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk

Hospital Transport 01278 727444

Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000

LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’ 0300 111 0102 www.makesachange.org.uk

NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk

MIND (National Association for Mental Health) 01643 708 765 deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk

Open DAWS (Cathy McGill) 01643 821112

PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) Ruby Haq 01278 437013 www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals

Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com

Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk

Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333

Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.org.uk

Stroke Association 0845 303 3100 www.stroke.org.uk

Talking Newspapers 01984 640 471

West Somerset Advice Bureau (similar to a Citizens’ Advice Bureau) 01643 704624

Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk

Next Meeting

The next meetings are in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 26th April and Monday 24th May 2010 at 2.00 pm.  See you all there.

Newsletter 108: January 2010

Monday, 8th February 2010, located in the category: Newsletters

Hello everyone! 
The next meeting is in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 22ND February 2010 at 2.00 pm.  As usual, sign the attendance book and if you visit The Seahorse Centre at other times sign in at Reception and wear a visitor badge.  There is no smoking allowed inside or in the vicinity of the building. 
Our address:
The Seahorse Centre, Stephenson Road, Minehead, TA24 5EB

West Somerset Disability Association Trustees:
Chairman: Terry Venner
Martin Greenwood, Peter Hughes, Peter and Heidi Morse, Susan Horne.

Transport
Dave Willett organises a taxi for partially-sighted people to come to the Monthly meetings.  This must be booked with him. If you can’t make it, PLEASE RING HIM, to cancel it. 
If you cannot access other transport you can register with Atwest community transport 01643 707090 and use the SLINKY bus to come to meetings.  You must have a bus pass.
PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU!!!  Transport queries about outings should be addressed to the Events Committee.

Useful Telephone Numbers
West Somerset Disability Association Committee Members
Chairman:  David Kendall  01643 863505
Secretary  Margaret Bruford  01984 656367
Accts/Treasurer: Molly Newstead  01984 634739

Transport for the monthly WSDA meeting only:
   David Willett  01643 708592

Events Committee:
   Shirley Williams  01984 632265
   Sandra Kendall  01643 863505

IT Tutor:   Chris Brinkman  Mob 07955 486105
Seahorse Centre : IT room   01643 702021 or 07955 486105
(Monday and Tuesday mornings, all day Wednesday and Thursday)  Messages (Reception)   01643 705000
E-mail: wsomersetdisability@tiscali.co.uk or wsomersetdisability@yahoo.co.uk
Web Site: www.westsomersetdisability.org.uk

Computers
The newsletter is also on our website with news of our activities and forthcoming events
Please tell us your e-mail if you have one, as an e-mailed newsletter is free but we must pay to post them.  Help us to help you!
Computer training at the IT centre will continue for a few weeks more until the end of March.  If you would like computer training, please let us know or talk to Chris our IT instructor.  You must be a member of our association (£10.00 per annum) before you can have lessons, which cost £2.00 per hour, payable monthly in advance and non-refundable.  There are regular classes on Wednesday mornings, Thursday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
If anyone has a problem with their computer at home and would like help from Chris, he will tell the committee of the problem and they will then decide what to do.

Disability Advocacy Service
The service is provided by A4e.  Contact Jackie Churchill at 07841250277.  The A4e website is www.a4e.gov.uk.  Their address is A4e, 2nd Floor, Victoria House, Victoria Street, Taunton, Somerset TA1 3JZ. The service will offer help if you need assistance with care arrangements, equipment, housing, blue badges, etc. 

Chairman’s Report
Hi Everyone
Now that Christmas and all the decorations have been put away for another year I will wish you all “A Happy New Year”.  Christmas lunch was good and because so few people attended we were able to have a free one.  I was sorry that not more of you were able to come.
At the January Monday meeting we had a very good speaker from Warm Street who set us a small quiz about saving money in the house.  Some of the answers came as a big surprise and amazed us all.  She brought lots of leaflets and in particular a thermometer which I found very informative and pleased to say my house is at the correct temperature.
It was also suggested that the money raised on the day, go to the earthquake appeal in Haiti, this was agreed by the members and the money that was collected was made up to £50.00. and taken to the bank.
We are still trying to arrange for a speaker at the February meeting.
As you know the I.T Room is closing at the end of March and we shall be having a small party to say thank you to Chris, we hope that all the members that have been taught by him in particular, along with everyone else will come along and say goodbye.  Dorothy Lloyd and Jean Gilbert have had an invitation to the send off.
I am sorry that I will not be attending the February meeting as I will be on holiday in Australia in all that sunshine.
David Kendall
davidalbertkendall@yahoo.co.uk

Treasurer’s Report
The raffle raised £20.00.  Thank you, everyone!
Sorry to have to remind members that the yearly subscriptions are due on the 1st of April 2010, still at £10.00.

The Events’ Committee:
Sandra Kendall 01643 863505, Shirley Williams 01984 632265.
Future events:  Suggestions for future events would be very welcome and will give the committee something to work on.

Articles, letters and e-mails
After a very quiet run up to Christmas with a visit to Cribbs Causeway and our lunch at the Windham Arms which I think every one enjoyed and went off well.
Then came Christmas day which was very quiet for me but very enjoyable, being on my own I still had the full Christmas lunch and ended up in the chair for an afternoon snooze.  Then came the snow and ice, having to keep the heating on all the time (I hate the cold) and having to stay in doors in case of falling over and breaking something.  I have a little Papillion dog and he did not like the idea that we could not go out, so all of a sudden we became divorced, if I was in the front of the house he was in the back and if I spoke to him he would pull himself up to his full height as if to say don’t you touch me.  After six days we were able to go out again and everything is back to normal.  It was very good to be able to get some fresh air again.  May I end with wishing you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year?
Friends (I think) bought me a very funny book for Christmas called “You know you’re past it when” and I have had many a laugh whilst browsing through it like
· Happy hour is a nap in the afternoon.
· Your children are beginning to look middle aged.
· You keep more food in the fridge than beer.
· You’re asleep but others worry that you are dead.
· You and your teeth don’t sleep together.
· Your ears are hairier than your head.
· You can live without sex but not without your glasses.
I shall continue to read this book and let you have more silly quotes in future News Letters
Molly Newstead.

Stroke Advice (Red Cross leaflet)
Suspect a stroke?  Act FAST!!  Call 999
A stroke, or brain attack, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted.  Strokes are the third most common cause of death in the UK and leave many with a long-term disability.
When dealing with a stroke, speed is of the essence.  The earlier the casualty receives treatment, the better.
If you suspected someone was suffering from a stroke, what would you do?
Stroke symptoms
· Facial weakness; drooping eyes/mouth
· Weakness in one arm
· Slurred speech
· Dizziness, blurred vision
· Sudden confusion
If you suspect a person has had a stroke, use the FAST (Face-Arm-Speech-Test) guide:
F – Facial weakness: the person is unable to smile and their eye and/or mouth is droopy
A – Arm weakness: the person is only able to raise one arm
S – Speech problems: the person is unable to speak clearly or can’t understand the spoken word
T – Test the signs and call 999 for emergency help if you suspect the person has had a stroke
Treatment for a stroke
Keep comfortable
Reassure and monitor and record vital signs – level of response
Check breathing and pulse until help arrives
Do not give anything to eat or drink
If casualty loses consciousness: open airway, check breathing
Be prepared to give CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation)
EQUIPMENT TO MAKE LIFE EASIER
The Red Cross also provide other services, such as the loan of medical equipment but do remember that these services are not free. Telephone No. 0845 331 3331. 
CARE AND SUPPORT SERVICES They will also provide transport to hospital and will wait for you while you attend your appointment.
Or they will supply support to you home from hospital and make sure you are settled and comfortable. Support and help rebuild confidence.  Shopping & escort shopping.  Make support visits. Collect prescriptions and pensions. Sit with you if your carer needs to go out.  Companionship These latter services are free of charge, but they would be very pleased with a donation.
 
For Sale
Self-propelling wheelchair for sale.  Immaculate condition.  £100.00 o.n.o.  Contact Judith on 01643 862185
BigKeys computer keyboard, (black letters on a white background.  Ring WSDA on 01643 702021.

RNIB
RNIB has teamed up with British Gas on a scheme to help blind and partially sighted people this winter.  British Gas has relaunched their Essentials Programme which is aimed at providing extra help to older people and those with a disability.  If you are a British Gas customer and claiming Disability Living Allowance or Attendance Allowance, or over 70 years old and claiming Pension Credit, then you may be eligible.
Through the Essentials scheme British Gas offers a range of free products and services to customers with sight difficulties, including free home insulation, advice on reducing your energy bills, appliance adaptors, an annual free gas safety check, a password scheme to provide reassurance that British Gas callers are genuine and bills in large print, audio and Braille.
RNIB is one of the charities working with British Gas on the Essentials scheme and can provide extra help to people with sight loss.  For example, RNIB can supply some everyday living products free of charge, such as a big button telephone, a talking watch or clock, extra lighting and kitchen equipment to help make cooking easier.  To receive the free RNIB products you will need to be assessed first by British Gas who will let you know if you qualify for the Essentials scheme.
RNIB can also give advice and support on issues such as welfare benefits, eye health, emotional support, reading, social activities and local sources of support.
To find out more about the Essentials scheme, contact RNIB on 0845 3304897 or email rnibhelp-project@rnib.org.uk

Handy Numbers
A4e Disability Advocate: Jackie Churchill 07841 250277 www.a4e.co.uk
Age Concern Information Line 0800 00 99 66 www.ageconcern.org.uk
Arthritis Care 0808 800 4050 www.arthritiscare.org.uk
A Taste of Exmoor: Home cooked food delivered to your door! 01643 709856 or 07919 816197
AT West Community Transport 01643 709701
Blue Badge (Disabled Parking Scheme) 0845 3459133 or 01823 335285.  Renewals at 01278 437255
Breast Cancer Care 0808 800 6000 www.breastcancercare.org.uk
CVS (Council for Voluntary Service) Minehead 01643 707484
Compass Disability Advocacy Service 0330 333 0089 (or 0844 984 2828) www.compassdisability.org.uk
Cruse Bereavement Care 0870 167 1677 www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk
Depression Alliance 0845 123 2320 www.depressionalliance.org
Diabetes UK 0845 120 2960 www.diabetes.org.uk
Engage CVS (CVS and Volunteer Centre) 01643 707123 www.engagews.org.uk
Free Directory Enquiries (with adverts) 0800 100 100
Help the Aged 0808 800 6565 www.helptheaged.org.uk
Hospital Transport 01278 727444
Independent Living (Disability and Mobility Aids) 01643 709000
LINks ‘Your voice on local health and social care’ 0300 111 0102 www.makesachange.org.uk
NHS Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
MIND (National Association for Mental Health) 01643 708 765 deborah.melmoth@mindinwestsomerset.org.uk
Open DAWS (Cathy McGill) 01643 821112
PALS (Patient Advisory and Liaison Service) Ruby Haq 01278 437013 www.somerset.nhs.uk/pals
Prestige Mobility (Customer Focus Team) 0970 787 1975 www.prestigemobility.com
Samaritans 08457 909090 www.samaritans.org.uk
Sky Helpline for the Disabled 08442 410333
Somerset Association for the Blind 01823 333818 www.somersetblind.org.uk
Stroke Association 0845 303 3100 www.stroke.org.uk
Talking Newspapers 01984 640 471
West Somerset Advice Bureau (similar to a Citizens’ Advice Bureau) 01643 704624
Winter Warmth Helpline 0800 085 700 www.dh.gov.uk

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be in the Seahorse Centre on Monday 22nd February 2010 at 2.00.  See you all there.

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