Information Now

Self Care

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:31:50 GMT

What is self care?

Self care means keeping fit and healthy, as well as knowing how to take medicines, treat minor ailments and seek help when you need it. If you have a long-term condition, self care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it.

Energy Saving Lightbulbs

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:08:21 GMT

Bogus Callers

Fri, 12 Oct 2012 13:52:11 GMT

Northumbria Police is asking residents to be aware of doorstep crime, to avoid becoming a victim of crime. People who call unexpectedly at your home are not always who they say they are and while you might think you are being rude by refusing someone entry into your home, remember it is your property and your decision whether to invite them in.

Just because a caller says they are from a company, the council or even the police, it does not mean they are. It could be a bogus caller trying to get into your home to steal your property.

Don�t let strangers into your home. Always check their identity first. If in doubt, keep them out!

National Insurance

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:23:47 GMT

You pay National Insurance contributions throughout your working life, to build up your entitlement to certain state benefits, including the State Pension.

The contributions you pay depend on how much you earn and whether you’re employed or self-employed.

You stop paying National Insurance contributions when you reach State Pension age.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:38:26 GMT

The introduction of Personal Independence Payment is part of a wider reform of the welfare system. It aims to provide financial support to those who face the greatest challenges to living independently.

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for people of working age (16 to 64) from 8th April 2013, even if they have an indefinite or lifetime award.

Pension Age

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 10:44:19 GMT

Pension Age is changing. This is the age at which you can claim your State Pension. Please visit the State Pension article on Information Now for further details on pensions.

Universal Credit

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:54:21 GMT

Universal Credit is a new single payment benefit for people who are looking for work or on a low income.

Universal Credit will be launched in October 2013 and will replace:

income-based Jobseeker�s Allowance
income-related Employment and Support Allowance
Income Support
Child Tax Credits
Working Tax Credits
Housing Benefit

For more information about these benefits please visit Benefits section on Information Now.

Accessible toilets

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 09:43:46 GMT

Simple Payment Service

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 11:40:16 GMT

Withdrawal of cheques

By Autumn 2012 benefits and pension credit will no longer be paid by cheque. You should have already received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) asking you to think about how you want to be paid when they no longer pay you by cheque.

The Department of Work and Pensions Customer Payment Centre contact details can be found at the bottom of the page.

Mobility Scooters

Thu, 16 Aug 2012 10:06:48 GMT

Mobility Scooters (or mobility vehicles) are a fantastic way of getting out and about for people who have mobility issues. There are lots of different type of scooter available to choose from in the UK. They fall into 2 different types of group of mobility scooter

Class 2 - with a top speed of 4mph and are either 3 or 4 wheeled
Class 3 - with four wheels with a top speed of 8mph

Mental health and wellbeing support for veterans, their families and carers

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:13:35 GMT

Advocacy - support available to get your voice heard

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:08:06 GMT

Do you want things in your life to change?
Do you feel that you are not being listened to?
Do you feel like you are on your own?
Do you need help to speak up for yourself?
Advocacy Centre North can help you

What is an Advocate?

Advocacy is free of charge
Independent
On your side
Helps you to find information
Talks things through with you to find out what you want
Supports you to get your views across at appointments and meetings
Helps you to understand your rights

What can an Advocate help with?

Accessing services such as Health, Housing, Social Care
Personal budgets
Safeguarding from abuse
Writing important letters
Making complaints

Payment Methods

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:15:27 GMT

There are a number of ways of paying for goods and services in shops, on line or by post.

For more information and advice on payment methods available please visit the www.payyourway.org.uk website.

Mobile Phones

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 10:33:13 GMT

Mobile phones are a very popular way to keep in touch with others whilst on the move. They can be used to make phone calls and send text messages. Some phones can also be used to send and receive photos and emails, listen to music or the radio, to take photos, and lots more.

Smart phones, such as iPhones and Android phones, are also very popular. Smart phones can do almost everything that a computer can do, such as send emails, create documents, make video calls and connect to wireless internet. You can download applications (or ‘apps’) such as maps, games, Facebook, Twitter, photography, internet radio and much more.

You can purchase a mobile phone handset or contract online, or you can visit a shop. Some shops will offer phone demonstrations and can advise on what phone would suit you best. To help you think about the options please see below;

Food and Friends

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 11:26:28 GMT

There are loads of great places that you visit for good food in Newcastle. Some organisations offer special discounts for older people and others provide a tailored service such as lunch clubs where you can socialise with other like minded people. Please see below for more information on places where you can eat out in Newcastle

To see what is available please click on the name of the venues below to go directly to their information .

St Martin’s Centre Community Lunch Event
Age UK Newcastle -Lunch and Leisure Clubs
Contact the Elderly - Tea Parties
Get Into Newcastle Website

Fraud and Scams

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 10:42:00 GMT

It can be difficult to know how to handle a situation when you are approached directly by an unknown person or organisation who tries to sell you something or persuade you to give them money or your personal details. This could be through cold calling, doorstep callers, email, telephone, or by post.

However, you can make yourself less likely to be the victim of crimes like fraud or scams by taking some sensible precautions, as detailed in this section.

Making your computer easier to use

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:25:29 GMT

As computers require the use of a mouse, a keyboard and reading text they can be more difficult to use for a number of reasons. For example, if you have a disability, a visual or hearing impairment, a learning difficulty or dexterity problems. There are some steps that you can take to help make your computer easier to use without having to purchase new equipment.

Feeling Lonely?

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:29:20 GMT

We all feel lonely at some point in our lives. It is perfectly normal to feel lonely, as it is a sign that as humans, we often enjoy the company of others. Loneliness can be felt momentarily or it may be felt for much longer. It can be useful to think of positive ways to overcome any feelings of loneliness that you may be experiencing.

First Contact Referral Scheme

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:23:59 GMT

The First Contact Newcastle service offers free support from a number of reliable organisations who could help you to stay safe, healthy and independent in your own home.

If you are aged over 50, or if you know someone who may be interested in this service you could help them to complete the on-line referral form. After receiving your completed form you will be contacted as soon as possible from the organisation or organisations who can help. These organisations can offer a mix of services, some may offer to visit your home and check that you have a working smoke alarm, if not they can fit one for you free of charge. Others may telephone you to offer advice for example to find a cheaper energy supplier to help save you money. Others may be able to telephone you to arrange an appointment if you would like to check if you can claim some benefits and increase your income.

Just What I Need

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:07:06 GMT

Just what I need! is a different way of providing older people with information about services that may be useful to them.

3 eye catching stories have been produced to raise awareness are services that are available across Newcastle, including themes such as home repairs, staying active and digital technology. You can download these leaflets for free below.