Grey Matters Consultancy - Southport

Message below from Sefton MBC, please help to spread the word about this scam.

Heartless fraudsters have been calling elderly Sefton residents and telling them that they need to switch over their LifeLine service straight away because their landline is going digital.

LifeLine is a call button worn as a pendant or around the wrist that enables the wearer to contact and speak with Sefton's service monitoring centre.

The centre team can then call a named responder or the emergency services. The service is often used by older people prone to falls or other incidents, and enables them to live independently.

Scammers

A Sefton Council spokesperson said: “We have been contacted by three of the service’s users who have been called by scammers, telling them they need to sign up ahead of the digital switch over and urging them to divulge their bank details.

“They have then become aggressive if the user doesn’t agree to sign up and wants to think about, saying they have to sign up ‘today’.

“Fortunately, the service users have not been scared into sharing their bank details and have contacted the Council."

Gradually replaced

The analogue telephone system that has been used for many years is being gradually replaced with a modern digital system with the process due to be completed by the end of 2025. Sefton Council is liaising with phone companies on the switch to digital and will be in touch with anyone who needs to do anything about their LifeLine service.

Frightening

The spokesperson added: “Sadly, there are some heartless people out there who are willing to try and frighten older and vulnerable Sefton residents into sharing their financial details so that they can steal their money.

“We urge anyone contacted and asked for any personal details like this, to hang up straight away and call us directly on 0151 934 3785.”

You can use this link to find out more about LifeLine and other equipment and technology available to help adults in Sefton stay independent.

https://news.mail.sefton.gov.uk/DFE62B77464B06027A2CB0FCD8ED47B2EE33D0B0E7D62768106DA5A720FCD8FD/B46968BEE48EFC2A4B5E03BD81B05DFB/LE35

A big thank you to Fiona and all the lovely volunteers at Formby Council for Voluntary Service CVS - The Formby Luncheon Club. I was really pleased to have been invited to lunch today to meet the members and let them know a little more about attendance allowance. What a fabulous place, so welcoming, a lovely friendly atmosphere and great food!

If you or someone you know over the age of 60 lives in Formby and would benefit from the friendship and support that this lovely group offers then you can contact Fiona on 01704 877311. They meet three times a week for lunch and also have movie and afternoon tea sessions a couple of times each month.

Thank you to all the volunteers involved, they do a great job and provide a valuable services to all their members.

13th - 19th May is Mental Health Awareness Week
No mind left behind
Every year, 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem.

But too many of us aren’t getting the help we need.

Over 2 million people are waiting for NHS mental health services, and since 2017 the number of young people struggling with their mental health has nearly doubled.

People tell us they feel overwhelmed and hopeless. They need support right now. With your help we can build a better future, where mental health is handled right.

For more information please visit the https://www.mind.org.uk/

Today is International Nurses Day and we would like to give a big shout out and a huge thank you to all the nurses out there who make a remarkable difference to so many lives each and every day 💕💕💕

Many people are still on lower rates of Attendance Allowance from when they were initially granted the benefit. If their health needs have increased they could now be entitled to an uplift like the lady below. If that could be you or your relative then call me, Carolyn, and I can help 07946 304426.

Struggling with your Attendance Allowance claim? You're not alone.
Many individuals find the 30-page AA1 form challenging, and the DWP expects nothing short of perfection.
Did you know that over 50% of initial Attendance Allowance claims are rejected? But here's the good news – our success rate is over 99%!
Why? Because we understand how to fill out the form flawlessly and use the language that the DWP understand.
If you're grappling with the AA1 form or have had a seemingly valid claim rejected, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help you get the support you deserve!

It's great being able to help people and we are so pleased to have received this lovely review

Are you struggling with the Blue Badge application process, we can help, please just get in touch for more details.

Delighted to receive this lovely testimonial from a happy client. Thank you 🙂

Those who are at increased risk from COVID-19 can book their spring vaccination appointment now.

People that are eligible

People that are eligible include those who:
• are aged 75 or over (on 30 June 2024);
• have a weakened immune system;
• live in an older adult care home.
All of these groups could be more likely to be severely ill if they catch the virus.

Bookings open now

Vaccinations start from Monday 22nd April and continue until Sunday 30th June, but bookings have opened this week.

The NHS is sending texts, emails, NHS App messages or letters to those who are eligible. However, people are being urged not to wait to be invited for their top-up protection, but instead book now.

You can book a vaccine appointment via the NHS website or by calling 119 for free.

https://tinyurl.com/ycybc3cm

I use the post boxes in Southport regularly and love to see all the hard work and creativity of the Southport Hookers - they really brighten up everyone's day. Which one is your favourite? 🙂

On Friday I reported about Marjorie who was celebrating her 110 birthday. I've now been made aware that a great-grandfather from Southport has become the world's oldest living man.

Congratulations to John Tinniswood, who is 111 years and 225 days old, puts his longevity down to a fish and chips on a Friday and having hiked regularly when he was young.

Mr Tinniswood, who now lives in a care home in Southport, advises "exercising the mind" and "moderation".

See his full story here https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-68741070

Congratulations to Sefton's oldest female resident Marjorie Hodnett who celebrated her 110th birthday on Monday. Doesn't she look incredible!

See what the full story and Marjorie's secret to success.

https://www.seftonbubble.com/post/the-oldest-lady-in-merseyside-and-the-16th-oldest-person-in-the-uk-celebrates-her-110th-in-sefton

Today (5th April 2024) is National Walk to Work Day.
Taking simple steps to improve your health could pay dividends years down the line and taking part in National Walk to Work Day could help put you on the right track to a healthier you.

Walking can help to clear the mind, burn calories and get your heart pumping. And doing this before work could encourage and influence you to eat healthier throughout the day.

With the clocks changing and the mornings getting lighter, there’s no better time to go for a walk and you never know it could lead to a new-found enthusiasm for walking and become a daily or weekly occurrence. Guaranteed you will feel the benefit of your walk, no matter how short a journey it is.

The weekly rate at which Attendance Allowance is paid has increased from the 6th April 2024 to:

Lower rate £72.65
Higher rate £108.55

Do you need help completing your application?

Have you had an application rejected?

If so just get in touch as we are here to help.

Today is International Women's day so to all amazing women, have a great day!

Do you know about Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is one of the most underclaimed benefits by pension age people. Yet it can be worth up to £101 a week that's over £5000 a year.
Attendance Allowance does not impact your pension neither does it matter about the amount of savings you may have and it's not taxable.
Do you need grab rails, ramps, extra support at home from family or friends, taxis for hospital appointments? These things all all cost money.
If you are struggling let us help you claim Attendance Allowance. Or if you had a claim rejected then let us help you to re-apply.
The Attendance allowance application form is 30 pages and many people don't claim as they no idea where to start.
We have great reviews about the services we provide.
Call us for a chat to see whether we can help.

Did you know that today (20th Feb) is National Love your Pet day?

Pets can provide many health benefits for older people who often live alone or in group facilities, pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and physical activity and help them learn.

One study has found a that strong attachment to a pet was associated with less depression among older adults.

Pets really can be good for you in so many ways so make sure you show your pets some extra love today!

Did you know on average 52% of Attendance Allowance claims are rejected. Mostly this is not because the applicant isn’t eligible, it is due to the form not being completed accurately.
If you have a relative who is in this position I can help. I have 100% success rate.
Call me for a confidential chat on 07946 304426 and they could soon be receiving up to £101.75 per week non means tested and tax free.

Check this out, older people definitely need better representation so please consider supporting.

We need a Commissioner for Older People and Ageing! I’ve signed Age UK’s open letter. Will you sign too?

Struggling with your Attendance Allowance claim? You're not alone.
Many individuals find the 30-page AA1 form challenging, and the DWP expects nothing short of perfection.
Did you know that over 50% of initial Attendance Allowance claims are rejected? But here's the good news – our success rate is over 99%!
Why? Because we understand how to fill out the form flawlessly and use the language that the DWP understand.
If you're grappling with the AA1 form or have had a seemingly valid claim rejected, don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here to help you get the support you deserve!

At Grey Matters Consultancy we see a lot of people who have tried to claim Attendance Allowance and had their claim rejected.

The organisation, Policy in Practice, estimates that 1.1 million eligible people could be missing out on up to £5.2 billion a year in unclaimed Attendance Allowance.

Don’t be one of the 1.1 million. Attendance Allowance is worth up to £101 a week that could be over £5000 a year. How would that help you?

Did your Attendance Allowance claim get rejected? If so then let us help you to re-apply.

We offer an initial telephone confidential consultation to allow us to discuss your eligibility for Attendance Allowance. If you decide to go ahead then we will look after you every step of the way and make the whole process as simple as possible.

‼️ Have you been paid your Winter Fuel Allowance? Double check that the payment has been made if you usually receive it. ‼️

If you haven’t then you’ll need to ring

https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment/how-to-claim

The deadline for you to make a claim for winter 2023 to 2024 is 31 March 2024.

Winter Fuel Payment Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with their heating bills - claim form, how much you get, eligibility

Have you ever heard of Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government-funded benefit designed to provide financial support to those of pensionable age who require assistance due to a health condition or disability .
It's tax-free and non-means-tested, which means your financial situation doesn't affect your eligibility.
Attendance Allowance is aimed at helping people to live independently and comfortably in their own home.
To find out how I can help you or someone you know, please give me a call me for a confidential chat and we can see whether applying is the right thing.
Carolyn Gorman 07946 304426

Are you looking for something fun to do that will cheer you up during this winter weather? If so check out this Variety Show on Monday 29th January starring Asa Murphy at the Gild Hall Formby. Everyone is welcome just make sure you book your ticket with Julie Lawson Community Events CIC in advance.
I'm looking forward to attending so if anyone has any questions about Grey Matters Consultancy - Southport and would like to meet me please just reach out.

Have you ever heard of Attendance Allowance?
Attendance Allowance is a government-funded benefit designed to provide financial support to those of pensionable age who require assistance due to a health condition or disability .

It's tax-free and non-means-tested, which means your financial situation doesn't affect your eligibility.

Attendance Allowance is aimed at helping people to live independently and comfortably in their own home.

To find out how I can help you or someone you know, please give me a call me for a confidential chat and we can see whether applying is the right thing.
Carolyn Gorman 07946 304426