Scams
During times of 'disaster' there are always the few who would seek to take advantage of the disadvantaged and this challenging time is no different. Many kind and generous people are offering help, but up and down the country there are reports of scams and criminal activity.
If you are offered help, please make sure it is coming from a reputable source. And please make sure your loved ones are aware of the danger of responding to unsolicited leaflet drops, phone calls or calls at the front door.
COVID Vaccinations - remember COVID jabs are ONLY available via the NHS and you will never be asked to pay for your jab or any other NHS treatment. The NHS will never, ever ask for your bank details.
If you are offered help, please make sure it is coming from a reputable source. And please make sure your loved ones are aware of the danger of responding to unsolicited leaflet drops, phone calls or calls at the front door.
COVID Vaccinations - remember COVID jabs are ONLY available via the NHS and you will never be asked to pay for your jab or any other NHS treatment. The NHS will never, ever ask for your bank details.
Winter Warmth
Keeping warm really helps to keep you well over the winter months. Many people don’t realise that living in a cold home, particularly if you have a long-term condition, can cause serious health problems. If you are a Richmond resident, have a long-term health condition such as diabetes, or are aged over 65 you are eligible for a free service called ‘Winter Warmth’. If you request the service, an advisor from Richmond Council’s local not-for-profit organisation ‘Thinking Works’ will visit you in your home at a time of your choosing to give you advice. The service includes free devices to help cut your water and energy use that will either be installed on the day or during a second appointment. For those in receipt of income or disability benefits, grants towards heating and insulation are also available.
Call 0800 118 2327 for more details of see the Winter Warmth website.
Call 0800 118 2327 for more details of see the Winter Warmth website.
Water Bills
NHS Did you know you could get 50% off your water bill if you are on a low income? The WaterSure Plus scheme is Thames Water’s social tariff that gives low-income households a discounted rate on their water bill. A low income is considered below £19,201 if you live in a London borough. If you would like to know more, contact The Age UK Welfare Benefits Team on 020 8878 3546 or check Thames Water’s website on how to apply.
NHS Complaints
The NHS Complaints Advocacy Service replaced the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service (ICAS) in March 2013. The service can help people to raise a concern about NHS care or treatment. It is free, confidential, independent of the NHS and available to all residents of Richmond upon Thames. NHS Complaints Advocates can support people in many different ways, some of these being to explore the options available to them at each step of the complaints process, help them to write letters to the right people and prepare them for meetings and also attend with them if necessary.
For further information click here.
For further information click here.
Phone and Doorstep ScamsWe hear about phone and doorstep scams in Barnes, Mortlake & East Sheen far too often. Richmond Council and the Metropolitan Police are urging people to be vigilant of potential phone scams, with £100,000 lost in the London Borough of Richmond in the last six months and at least 70 people falling victim to a scam. Please watch the video and share it with others!
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