4 Information Communication and Advice

4 INFORMATION COMMUNICATION AND ADVICE

● Age Concern Fact Sheets and Local Information Age Concern |Sutton Contacts Local Services and contacts National Services and Helplines

● Benefits

● Trading Standards

● Making a Will

● Arranging Your Own Funeral

● Coping with Bereavement

Age Concern Sutton Borough Telephone helpline 020 8770 4090 www.ageconcernsutton.org.uk Email: [email protected] Reviewed November 2010

1 Age Concern Sutton Services

Reception number  020 8770 4092

Fax number  020 8770 4093

Brokerage  020 8770 6876

Charity Shop  020 8770 0206 First Contact/ Information & Advice  020 8770 4090 Service Helping Hands  020 8770 4091

Home Fire Safety Assessment  020 8770 4097

Home Security Service  020 8770 4097

Homeshare Project  020 8770 4096

Insurance Service  020 8770 4092

Podiatry Service  020 8770 4092

Handy Person  020 8770 4097

Sutton Voice (Advocacy)  020 8770 4709

User & Carer Project  020 8770 6875

Age Concern Sutton Borough  Helpline 020 8770 4090 Website: www.ageconcernsutton.org.uk Email: [email protected] Address: 1 Lower Square, Civic Centre St Nicholas Way, Sutton SM1 1EA

2 INFORMATION COMMUNICATION AND ADVICE Local Contacts

Age Concern Thursday from 10.15 am to 12.00 noon Age Concern Beddington and Wallington Provides information service, trolley  020 8669 0915 service for users of Ludlow Lodge Day Centre.

Age Concern London Age Concern London works within the London Boroughs, campaigning to improve  020 7820 6770 the quality of life for older people and F: 020 7820 1063 enhance their status and influence. They Website: www.aclondon.org.uk provide information, reports and other E: [email protected] publications. ACL also help to develop and support a strong network of borough Age Address: 1st Floor, 21 St George Road Concern groups within the London area. London SE1 6ES

Befriending/ Visiting/Advice

Age Concern Sutton Home Share Project Befriending service for isolated older  020 8770 4096 people.

Provide skilled and compassionate St Christopher’s Hospice palliative care. Aims to give access on  020 8768 4500 appropriate care and support, whenever Website: www.stchristophers.org.uk and wherever they need it regardless of E: [email protected] who they are.

51-59 Lawrie Park Road, London SE26 6DZ

St John’s Hospice An independent hospice works in partnership with health and social care

3  020 7806 4040 (Hospice) providers to deliver specialist care,  020 7806 4038 (Day Services) compassion and expertise in palliative  020 7806 4049 (Volunteering) medicine Website: www.stjohnshospice.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: 60 Grove End Road, London NW8 9NH

Offering specialist medical and nursing St Raphael’s Hospice care for people with cancer and other serious illness as well as providing support  020 8335 4575 for their families Fax: 020 8335 4574 Website: www.straphaelshospice.org.uk E: [email protected]

London Road, North Cheam, Sutton SM3 9DX

To provide support, promote and develop Sutton Centre for the Voluntary Sector the voluntary and community sector in Sutton  020 8644 2867 F: 020 8641 5753 Website: www.suttoncvs.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: Granfers Community Centre 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton SM1 3AA

Sutton Women’s Centre Provides advice, information and support  020 8661 1991 on health, education, employment, Website: www.suttonwomen.co.uk childcare, and all women’s issues. Also E: [email protected] have support workers specializing in domestic abuse. Address: 3 Palmerston Road, Sutton SM1 4QL

4 Sutton Citizens Advice Bureau Advice and information on range of issues including housing, homelessness,  020 8405 3552 Helpline benefits, debt and employment  020 8405 3535 Legal AId Website: www.suttoncabx.org.uk Helpline: Address: The Central Library, St Nicholas 10am – 4pm Monday -Friday Way, Sutton SM1 1EA

Carers

The Princess Royal Trust Provides information, advice and support Sutton Carers Centre for carers

 020 8296 5611 F: 020 8296 5616 Website: http://www.carers.org/local- centre/sutton E: [email protected] Address: 12-14 Benhill Avenue, Benhill House Sutton SM1 4DA

Death

Age Concern UK Pre-Paid Funeral Plan This is available at the local Age Concern Sutton Borough office.  020 8770 4092

Disability/Health

Advocacy Partners Speaking Up Advocacy Partners Speaking Up is (Voice Ability) changing its name to Voice Ability on December 2010  01223 555800 (General) Fax: 01223 555801 Provides an advocacy service for people  020 8330 6644 (Surrey, Merton and Sutton) with learning and physical difficulties and Website: www.speakingup.org older people. www.voiceability.org (available December 2010) E:[email protected]

Address: Surrey, Merton and Sutton Office Advocacy Partners Speaking Up McMillan House 54 Cheam Common Road Worcester Park, Surrey KT4 8RH

5 Sutton Mencap Provides residential, education and employment services, leisure opportunities  0808 808 1111 (Helpline) and individual support and advice for Wallington  020 8647 8600 people with learning Website: www.mencap.org.uk disability, their families and carers. www.suttonmencap.org.uk E: [email protected]

Multiple Sclerosis (London Borough of The Sutton branch committee are Sutton) volunteers dedicated to helping people affected by Multiple Sclerosis  020 8395 6060 (24 hours) E: [email protected] Main Contact: Tony Knappett

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) The PALS teamare here to provide Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals patients, families and carers with confidential help and advice, support and  020 8296 2508 (St Helier Hospital) services.  01372 735243 (Epsom Hospital) Website: www.pals.nhs.uk E: [email protected]

Address: PALS Epsom & St Helier University Hospital NHS Trust Wrythe Lane Carshalton SM5 1AA

Sutton Centre for Independent Living and Learning (SCILL) Promotes a variety of services for disabled  020 8770 4058 people to make informed choices and F: 020 8770 4061 decision to help towards a more Textphone: 020 8770 4046 independent way of living. Free, impartial Website: www.scill.org.uk and confidential information by post, E: [email protected] phone, or personal visit to the fully accessible office. Address: 3 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton SM1 2SW

6 Mental Health Foundation Provides information, advice and support for people with mental health problems. It  020 8770 0172 is also a place to socialize and a wide Fax: 020 8770 7175 variety of activities are available. Website: www.smhf.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: 63 Downs Road, Belmont, Sutton SM2 5NR

Sutton Advocacy for Mental Health Provides advocacy services for any person that has or is experiencing mental : 020 8773 3692 illness, or their carer. Address: 14 Beacon Grove, Carshalton SM5 3BA

Enviroment

Environmental Health Services Sutton For information and advice on  020 8770 5070 environmental issues such as pavements, Fax: 020 8770 5540 noise problems, rubbish removal and skip Website: www.sutton.gov.uk services. E: [email protected]

Address: 24 Denmark Road, Carshalton SM5 2JG

Age Concern Sutton Handy Person project provide gardening services for the over 50s  020 8770 4097

Gardening Service May be able to help with providing Volunteer Centre Sutton gardening services.

 020 8722 8921

Vineworks Handyperson Scheme Vineworks in partnership with London Borough of Sutton provide small repairs  020 8685 6644 and DIY jobs including gardening services  020 8685 6640 for older and vulnerable adults. Fax: 020 8648 6427

7 E: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.kidstop-cic.org.uk/vine_project

Address: Unit 3, 24 Wandle Way Willow Lane Industrial Estate, Mitcham, CR4 4NB

Hearing Impairment

Surrey Deaf Interpreting Agency Part of the Dear Services Team. To book  Voice / Minicom: 01372 360 718 an interpreter for sign language. Fax: 01372 363 239 Website: www.surreycc.gov.uk E: [email protected]

Address: Rentwood Resource Centre, School Lane, Fetcham, Leatherhead Surrey KT22 9JX

Volunteer Centre Sutton Volunteers maintain NHS hearing aids in SHARP – Sutton Hearing Aid Remedial homes for older people who cannot get Project out.  020 8661 5900 Fax: 020 8642 7242 Via the volunteers Website: www.vcsutton.org.uk E: [email protected]

Keeping Warm

Sutton Borough Citizens Advice Bureau Sutton Borough Citizens Advice Bureaux help people to resolve their legal, money  020 8405 3552 Helpline and other problems by providing  020 8241 2148 Volunteer information and advice, and by gathering Website: www.suttonadvice.org.uk evidence to influence policy makers.

Address: St Nicholas Way, Sutton, SM1 1EA Helpline: 10am – 4pm Monday - Friday

London Borough of Sutton For a list of local councilors contact Civic Offices, for the address or telephone  020 8770 5000 number of your local MP. Website: www.sutton.gov.uk

8 London Borough of Sutton Adults and Older People Provide information and services for  020 8770 6080 adults and older people from the London Fax: 020 8770 5178 Borough of Sutton Website: www.sutton.gov.uk E: [email protected]

Sutton Racial Equality Council

 020 8770 6199 F: 020 8770 6198 Advises and assists organisations to Website: www.suttonrec.org.uk support community cohesion and E: [email protected] integration and eliminate discrimination in London Borough of Sutton Address: 2 Grove Cottage, Grove Park, High Street, Carshalton SM5 3BB

Trading Standards/ Business Regulation Service

 020 8770 5070 For information and advice about  08454 04 05 06 hotline consumer complaints Website: www.sutton.gov.uk Search ‘trading standards’

Sutton Pensions Outreach Team (SPOT) SPOT made up of staff from both the Pension Service and the London Borough  0208 687 3621 of Sutton to offer service to people aged Website: www.sutton.gov.uk 60 above on pensioner related benefits and issues. Address: Civic Offices, St Nicholas Way, Sutton

Sight Impairment

Sutton Association for the Blind (SAB) Assists people who are blind and partially sighted  020 8409 7166 Website: www.sab.gb.com E: [email protected] Address: 1st Floor, 3 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton SM1 2SW

9 Sutton Talking newspaper A tape of news items from your local area

 020 8642 8546 Website: http://sutton.talking-newspaper.co.uk

Address: 25 Worcester Road, Sutton SM2 6PR

National Contacts

Age Concern and Help The Aged (AGE UK) AGE UK is the national organisation  020 8765 7200 providing services and speaking on behalf Infoline: 0800 169 6565 (Advice 8am – 7pm) of older people. AGE UK produces a wide 0800 107 8977 range of books specifically for older Website: http://www.ageuk.org.uk/ people. E: [email protected]

Age Exchange – The Reminiscence Centre Aims to improve the quality of life for older people by emphasizing the value of their  020 8318 9105 memories to old and young, through Fax: 020 8318 0060 pioneering artistic, educational and welfare Website: www.age-exchange.org.uk activities. E: [email protected] Address: 11 Blackheath Village London SE3 9LA

Centre for Policy on Ageing Research, library and information service on aspects of older age.  020 7553 6500 Fax: 020 7553 6501 Website: www.cpa.org.uk E: [email protected]

Grandparents Association Information and advice on grandparents’ rights.  0845 434 9585 (Helpline)  01279 428040 (Admin)  0844 357 1033 (Welfare) Website: www.grandparents-association.org.uk E: [email protected]

10 Contact the Elderly For lonely and frail older people, who have no support from friends or family. Organise : 020 7240 0630 Sunday afternoon tea parties at volunteer Fax: 020 7379 5781 hosts homes. Members are collected free Freephone: 0800 716543 of charge. Website: www.contact-the-elderly.org E: [email protected]

Address: 15 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden WC2E 8QG

Averting HIV and AIDS An international HIV and AIDS charity based in UK , working to avert HIV and Website: www.avert.org AIDS worldwide through education, E:[email protected] treatment and care

Address: 4 Brighton Road, Horsham West Sussex RH13 5BA

National Association of Widows Offers a friendly helping hand to all widows and their families.  024 7663 4848 Website: www.widows.uk.net

Address: National Office, 48 Queens Road Coventry CV1 3EH

Women’s Royal Voluntary Service An age positive charity that offers services to help and support older people to live  0845 601 4670 (volunteer) well, maintain independence and involve in  029 2023 2668 (24 hours welfare services) local community Website: www.wrvs.org.uk

Carers UK Advice and information for carers of older people. Carers Line : 0808 808 7777  020 7378 4999 Carers line open Wednesday & Thursday F: 020 7378 9781 10am – 12pm, and 2pm – 4pm Website: www.carersuk.org E: [email protected] [email protected]

11 Counsel and Care Provide information, advice and support for  0845 300 7585 older people and carers. Advise on a  020 7241 8555 range of community care issues. Fax: 020 7267 6877 Website: www.counselandcare.org.uk E: [email protected]

Twyman House, 16 Bonny Street, London NW1 9PG

Directgov Government Information for Carers Provides lots of information regarding your Website: www.direct.gov.uk home, housing associations, council houses and other public services

Information for people with any sort of Shelterline housing related problems.  0808 800 4444 Website: www.shelter.org.uk Hotline E: [email protected] 8am – 8pm Monday - Friday 8am – 5pm Saturday - Sunday

Cremation Society of Great Britain Provide information and advice on cremation  01622 688 292/293 Fax: 01622 686 698 Website: www.cremation.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: Brecon House 1st Floor 16/16a Albion Place, Maidstone Kent ME14 5DZ

CRUSE Bereavement Care Promotes the well-being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by  0844 477 9400 death to understand their grief and cope Website: www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk with their loss. Provides counseling and E: [email protected] support. Offers information, advice, education and training service. Address: PO Box 800, Richmond, Surrey Helpline open 9.30am – 5pm weekdays. TW9 1 RG

12 National Association of Funeral Directors Provide information and advise on which funeral directors are members of the  0845 230 1343 association, bound by the code of practice. Fax: 0121 711 1351 Also run an arbitration service for Website: www.nafd.org.uk complaints. 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday Address: 618 Warwick Road Solihull, West Midlands

Registering a Death Provide information and advice on the subject of registering a death in the UK.  0845 643 9769 Website: www.registeringadeath.co.uk E: [email protected]

Address: 145 -157 St John Street, London EC1V 4PY

The Natural Death Centre Independent funeral advice service. Provide information on all types of funeral  01962 712 690 choices, especially advice and support on Website: www.naturaldeath.org.uk family organized, environmentally-friendly funerals, and Natural Burial Grounds. Address: In The Hill House Ring Mon – Fri 10am – 2pm. Watley Lane, Twyford, Winchester SO21 1QX

13 Disability Alliance Educational & Research National charity which works to relieve the Association poverty and improve the living standards of disabled people. Provide information on Website: www.disabilityalliance.org tax credits, benefits, social care to disable E: [email protected] people, their families and carers. Address: Universal House, 88-94 Wentworth St London E1 7SA

DIAL UK Provides information and advice services to disabled people and others on all  01302 310 123 aspects of living with a disability Fax: 01302 310 404 Website: www.dialuk.info E: [email protected] Address: St Catherine’s. Tickhill Road Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN4 8QN

British Red Cross (Equipment Loan) Short term hire of wheelchairs, commodes and others. After referral by GP or Wimbledon  020 8944 0246 therapist, can provide specialist equipment. Website: www.redcross.org.uk E: [email protected] Address: 28 Worple Road, Wimbledon, London SW19 4EE

Motor Neurone Disease Association MND Association provides support, information and research on motor  08457 626262 (MND Connect Line) neurone disease. MND’s mission is to  01604 250 505 ensure that every single person affected by Fax: 01604 638 289 / 624726 MND can secure the care and support they Website: www.mndassociation.org need. E: [email protected]

Multiple Sclerosis Society Provides support, research, information and advice on multiple sclerosis.  0800 800 8000 (Helpline)  020 8438 0700 Fax: 020 8438 0701 Website: www.mssociety.org.uk E: [email protected] Address: MS National Centre 372 Edgware Road, London NW2 6ND

14 Depression Alliance Provides help and information, research and other services on depression . Website: www.depressionalliance.org E: [email protected]

Address: 20 Great Dover Street, London SE1 4LX

Deaf Services Specially trained technical officers, can arrange to visit you at home and can help  Voice / Minicom: 01372 376 558 by providing a number of services,  01483 517898 (Out of Office Hours information and advice. Emergency) Website: www.surreycc.gov.uk E: [email protected] Address: Rentwood Resource Centre, School Lane, Fetcham, Leatherhead Surrey KT22 9JX

Royal National Institute for the Deaf Information and resources for deaf and hard of hearing people, their families,  0800 808 0123 friends and employers, and professionals.  0800 808 9000 Textphone Fax: 020 7296 8199 Textphone: 0800 808 9000 Website: www.rnid.org.uk E: [email protected] Address: 19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL

Royal Association for Deaf People Promote the welfare and interest of deaf people such as advice, advocacy and  0845 688 2525 employment services. Website: www.royaldeaf.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: 18 Westside Centre, London Road Stanway, Colchester, CO3 8PH

15 Office of the Public Guardian The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for ensuring that receivers or  0300 456 0300 Helpline attorneys are appointed to look after the  020 7664 7755 Textphone financial affairs of clients, or donors, who Fax: 0870 739 5780 are not mentally capable of doing so Website: www.publicguardian.gov.uk themselves. Supply leaflets and answer E: enquiries. [email protected] Helpline: 9am – 5pm Monday - Friday

Home Heat Helpline Provide information and advise on how to save energy and bills. If you have  0800 336 699 difficulties paying fuel bills, contact the Minicom: 0800 027 2122 electricity and gas provider at once. Website: www.homeheathelpline.org.uk Helpline: 9am – 8pm Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm Saturday

Heating Helpline Provide services and information on  0800 840 4069 heating from safety advice to searching for Website: www.heatinghelpline.org.uk qualified heating engineer. Address: Heating and Ventilating Contractors Association Esca House, 34 Palace Court, London, W2 4JG

Winter Fuel Payments Helpline Information on winter fuel payment. You may be eligible for winter fuel payment  0845 915 1515 if you have reached 60 years of age. If you  0845 601 5613 Textphone are on income support, automatic Website: www.direct.gov.uk/ payments are made during very cold Search ‘winter fuel payment’ weather – there is no need to claim Helpline: 8.30am – 4.30pm Monday - Friday

British Gas Energy Trust Provide grants to help to help individuals  01733 421 060 Application Request Line and families in need to meet arrears of Fax: 01733 421 020 utility bills and other essential domestic E: [email protected] bills. Need to be a customer of British Gas Website: www.britishgasenergytrust.org.uk or Scottish Gas.

British Gas Energy Trust PO Box 42, Peterborough, PE3 8XH

16 EDF Energy Trust Can provide grants to help with arrears of gas / electricity bills and other essential  01733 421 060 domestic bills. Need to be a customer of Fax: 01733 421020 EDF Energy. E: [email protected] Website: www.edfenergytrust.org.uk PO Box 42, Peterborough, PE3 8XH

A priority service register for all gas and/ or British Gas – Home Energy Care Register electricity customers who are elderly, disabled or chronically sick. Record special  0800 111 999 (24 hour Gas Emergency) requirements and help to provide the right  0800 072 8625 ** services according to your needs. E.g. free Website: www.britishgas.co.uk gas safety check

**Line: 8am-8pm Monday – Friday 8am-6pm Saturday Provides information and advice on Gas Gas Safe Register Safe Register. A place to find and check a  0800 408 5500 registered gas engineer or gas business.  0800 408 0606 Textphone Website: www.gassaferegister.co.uk E: [email protected]

PO Box 6804, Basingstoke RG24 4NB

EAGA 1. Warm Front Grant 1. Warm Front Grant 2. Home Energy Efficiency Scheme 2. Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) (HEES)  0800 316 2805 (Warm Front)  0800 316 2815 (HEES) Provides grants to improve the insulation Website: www.eaga.co.uk and heating of eligible elderly, low income E: [email protected] households.

Energy Watch / Consumer Focus Help and advice for consumers to find out  020 7799 7900 the best energy deals and check on your Fax: 020 7799 7901 consumer rights. Can also help to make an Website: www.consumerfocus.org.uk effective complaint if in need. E: [email protected]

4th Floor , Artillery House, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RT

Department for Work and Pensions Provides advice to pensioners and people

17 planning pensions. Website: www.dwp.gov.uk

Direct.gov Pensions and retirement planning information. Website: www.direct.gov.uk Government Information for the public Provides lots of information regarding public services at one place.

HM Revenue and Customs HMRC’s provide information regarding tax credits, national insurance, income tax and Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk others.

NI Direct Government Services A one-stop direct website for all government information and services Website: www.nidirect.gov.uk including direct online services. Information such as motoring, employment, tax & benefits, health, legal rights and etc.

National Debtline For free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems.  0808 808 4000 Fax: 0121 410 6230 Helpline: Website: www.nationaldebtline.co.uk 9am-9pm Monday –Friday 9.30am – 1pm Saturday Address: Tricorn House, 51-53 Hagley Road Edgbaston, Birmingham B16 8TP

Independent Age Charity helping older people on low incomes providing information and advice,  020 7605 4200 practical help and emergency financial aid. F: 020 7605 4201 Website: www.independentage.org.uk E: [email protected]

Address: 6 Avonmore Road, London W14 8RL

The Royal British Legion Aim to look after the welfare and needs of serving and ex-service people and their

18 : 08457 725 725 Legionline families. Website: www.britishlegion.org.uk Legionline: 9am – 4pm Monday - Friday Address: 199 Borough High Street, London SE1 1AA

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Provide help and support for those who association (SSAFA) served in armed forces and ex-service men and their families  0800 731 4880 Helpline  020 8770 4992 Sutton Helpline: 10.30am-10.30pm Daily  020 8377 6449 London Website: www.ssafa.org.uk E: [email protected] [email protected] Address: 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London SE1 2LP

Tax Back Helpline HM Revenue & Customs For claiming overpaid tax on Bank and  0845 077 6543 Building Society interest. Website: www.hmrc.gov.uk

Veterans UK Veterans-UK is created as a first stop for veterans seeking help and advice.  0800 169 2277 Website: www.veterans-uk,info Helpline: E: [email protected] 8.15am-5.15pm Monday – Thursday Address: Service Personnel and Veterans 8.15am-4.30pm Friday Agency, Norcross, Thornton Cleveleys, Lancashire FY5 3WP

Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) Information advice and Support for Blind and Partially sighted people.  0303 123 9999 Helpline  020 7388 1266 Helpline: Fax: 020 7388 2034 8.45am-6pm Monday – Friday E: [email protected] 9am-4pm Saturday Website: www.rnib.org.uk

Address: 105 Judd Street, London WC1H 9NE Information Communication and Advice

19 There are many ways to find information and advice about your local area, national policy and legislation that affects you as an older person. Coming in to the information service is one way, you can also access our website at www.ageconcernsutton.org.uk or you can visit the library or other voluntary organisations in the borough.

Don’t be afraid to ask, we are here to help you make more of life!!!!

Age Concern Factsheets & Local Information

Age Concern Sutton holds ACE factsheets that are the most comprehensive guide to the issues that affect older people in the UK. You can also access these online at www.ageconcern.org.uk or by calling 0800 00 99 66. We also have information on a wide range of local issues from Aids and Adaptations to Winter Warmth.

Please speak to an advisor from the service on 020 8770 4090 who will help you to identify the factsheet or other information source best suited to your query.

Benefits Understanding Your Entitlements

The pensions and benefits system is very complex, so it can be daunting trying to work out what you are eligible to. It is important to do so, as even with savings, you may be entitled to certain benefits. The best way to find out what you are entitled to is by being financially assessed. You can get information from Age Concern Sutton Borough on 020 8770 4090 who also have a home visiting service for housebound clients.

Benefits you may be able to claim can include:

 Pension credit  Working tax credit (if you have not retired)  Housing benefit  Council tax benefit  Social fund  Attendance Allowance

Alternatively Sutton Pensions Outreach Team (SPOT) offers a friendly and professional service to people who want to find out more about their entitlements to state pensions and welfare benefits. A home visiting and a form completion service is also available.

Trading Standards

20 Sutton’s Trading Standards Service tries to ensure the highest levels of fair trading and consumer protection for everybody who lives, works or does business in the Borough.

Sutton’s Trading Standards achieve this by:

 Investigating allegations of unfair trading  Responding to complaints from customers  Checking goods for safety and quality

Trading Standards carry out investigations into:

 Falsely described goods, including “clocked” cars  Misleading descriptions in catalogues and holiday brochures  Counterfeit goods  Misleading pricing and “sale” price reductions  Mock auctions

Making a Will

Making a will means that your wishes can be followed and known. Organising your legal matters will help your family. Coping with bereavement can be very difficult even if it was expected. So it is important that your family know they have support available to help them cope.

Why do I need to make a will? – It makes sense to write a will because, even if you feel you do not have much to leave, it is important that what you do have is left to the people you care about. If you do not make a will, this means that you are ‘intestate’. This means that your spouse or civil partner will inherit unless you state otherwise. Also if you are not married to your partner they will not inherit

Who can I contact for advice about making my will? Age Concern Sutton Borough holds information about Wills, fact sheets and forms. We have a postal Will writing service.

What is power of attorney? – When you hand over to someone of your choice, the power to deal with your finances. If you are concerned about becoming mentally incapacitated you should consider including Power of Attorney in your will.

If you have any concerns about legal matters, contact your local citizens advice bureau for advice. There are a number of charities and agencies which can provide advice and legal help.

21 If you are ill and concerned about not being mentally capable of making treatment decisions in the future, or if you worry that treatment against your wishes or religious beliefs may be carried out if you have had an accident and you were admitted to hospital, you can state your wishes in an advance statement or directive which is known as a ‘living will’.

Funeral Plans

Many people put off discussing their funerals with relatives as they feel it could be embarrassing and upsetting. With Age Concern Funeral Plan, this can be avoided because you make the decision on the arrangements that you feel are most appropriate. Then, using the payment option you prefer, you pay for the services specified in your chosen plan.

How do I go about arranging my own funeral? – Age Concern Sutton Borough offers you some very valuable and reassuring benefits which you should consider whatever your age. Not only will you be able to select the funeral arrangements that are most appropriate for you, but you’ll have the lasting peace of mind of knowing that these are in safe hands. Also, your family will be spared the worry of having to decide on the arrangements themselves and the financial pressure of paying for them will be eased.

Once you’ve made your arrangements, your funeral director will carry them out whenever they are required, including any special arrangements or requests you may have made. Your details are held centrally and are only released to the funeral director when they are needed.

It will only take a few minutes, yet the rewards of taking this simple step will last forever. You will need to complete a Personal Arrangements Form and send it to Age Concern Sutton Borough with your selected method of payment and we will do the rest. There is no upper age limit and no medical questions will be asked. You are guaranteed to be accepted. Contact Age Concern Sutton Borough with any questions you have or to ask for a Personal Arrangements Form, on 020 8770 4090.

22 Coping With Bereavement

Coming to terms with the death of a loved one is very difficult, even if that person had been ill for some time and the death was expected. You will probably experience a range of emotions after a death. There are a number of practicalities that need to be sorted out after the death. If possible, ask a family member or a friend to be with you so you are not alone during the next few weeks.

What is the first thing I need to do after someone’s death? – The GP of the deceased must issue a death certificate and a funeral director should be contacted to start arranging the funeral. Death must be registered within 5 days and the Will will be read if there is one.

What kind of support is available if I cannot cope by myself? – Talk to a member of your family or a doctor if you are concerned that you cannot cope. Even if you do not feel like being sociable, try and take up offers from friends and family.

● You will experience many emotions – some of them unexpected, but try to accept your feelings and understand they are a normal part of grieving. Grieving is a natural process, so take as long as you need to come to terms with your bereavement. Don’t feel you should be ‘getting over it’ as this will just make you feel worse.

As well as sadness and a longing for what has gone, you may also feel a number of emotions such as:

 Guilt

 Numbness

 Let down by the person who has died

 Shame for feeling so helpless

 Anger – either at the person who has died or at oneself for still being alive, at friends and family who do not understand, or at God for letting it happen.

Grief can trigger physical problems too, so talk to your doctor about any problems you are experiencing.

23 The Sutton and Merton website provides two leaflets for carers. ‘Caring for someone who is seriously ill or dying at home’, and ‘What to do after a death in Sutton and Merton’. The website to access these leaflets is: www.suttonandmerton.nhs.uk/ec/documents/update/readnew.asp?id=6. Alternatively if you do not have access to the internet, you can get your copies of the leaflets from Age Concern Sutton.

There is also quite a lot of information on Cancerbackup’s website about dying and bereavement – http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Resourcessupport.

Organ Donation

Age limits for organ donation no longer exist. The general age limit for donation however is 70. Organ donation enables the deceased to give their organs to the NHS to save other peoples’ lives. You can do this by joining the NHS Organ Donor Register and carrying a donor card. Almost everyone who wants to be a donor can donate at least tissues, if not organs as well. Do not assume that you are not healthy enough to donate, the medical staff will do the testing to find out. It doesn’t matter who you are, you have the power to give someone the greatest gift in the world. Talk to your family about organ donation if you are thinking about it.