Category Archives: Uncategorized

Important deadline approaching to secure your free TV licence. From 1 August the free TV licence for people over 75 will only be available for those who claim Pension Credit.

Important deadline approaching to secure your free TV licence
From 1 August the free TV licence for people over 75 will only be available for those who claim Pension Credit.

If you – or someone you know – could do with more money, as well as continuing to get the free TV licence, now is a good time to claim.
You may be eligible, even if you own your home or have savings.
People who receive Pension Credit can also get free dental treatment and possibly help with Council Tax, housing costs and heating bills.
Pension Credit is a benefit for people over state pension age. It is extra money that could top up your retirement income and help with the cost of living, but more than a hundred thousand families in London entitled to receive it could be missing out.

You can apply by phoning the Government’s claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm) or online https://apply-for-pension-credit.dwp.gov.uk/start. They will need to know some details about you to check whether you are eligible. Information you may need to hand includes:
• Your National Insurance number
• Information about your income, savings and investment
• Your bank account details.

Applications can also be made
• by post: call the number above and ask them to send you an application form or you can download a copy from the website www.gov.uk/pension-credit
• by Textphone: 0800 169 0133
• using Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone): 18001 then 0800 99 1234 Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm.

If you would like more information about Pension Credit or have any questions about this letter, please call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800 169 6565.

The Advice Line is open from 8am to 7pm every day of the year. Advisors can also connect you with your local Age UK and confirm that this letter is genuine. Other organisations that may be able to give you more information include Citizens Advice.

Have your say on refinements to the design of the Lower Thames Crossing

Have your say on refinements to the design of the Lower Thames Crossing

The consultation is now open, until 23.59 on 12 August 2020.

We are proposing a number of refinements to the design of the project following feedback received from earlier consultations, discussions with stakeholders, ongoing design development and new technical data.

Your feedback is vital in shaping the scheme and will help us develop our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

Find out more

Online consultation
Our proposals will be available to view on our dedicated consultation website from 14 July 2020 until 23.59 on 12 August 2020.

Online exhibition
You can visit our online exhibition where you can explore an interactive map, watch videos explaining the proposals, and download documents including the guide to consultation, response form, environmental impacts update, and maps.

Visit the exhibition here.

Mature mentors needed for looked after young people

Havering Council has launched a search to recruit over 50s volunteers who can use their life experiences to help local young people to achieve their aspirations.

More mature people are being sought to become Future Choice Mentors for young people between the ages of 18 and 24 who are in care or who have left care to help them to achieve their goals in employment, education and training.

There are currently around 250 young people in care in the borough living in foster care, semi-independently or in residential accommodation.

Councillor Robert Benham, Havering’s Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Families, said:

“Getting ready to go out into the world of study and work is a big deal for young people and can be quite daunting, so it’s important that they are prepared and ready. Having someone they can talk to about their dreams and aspirations and how they can go about achieving them is important.

“Someone who has experienced life and can act as a mentor will help them as they will have a wealth of life experiences that they can share to support them.”

Young people have drawn up the mentor’s role. Among the attributes they are looking for is someone who is committed to act in their best interests and able to work jointly with agreed plans. They also need experience of working with young people.

Mentors will be expected to help them to access courses, complete applications and to prepare mentally and emotionally for what’s ahead. Mentors will also be expected to have weekly contact with the young person via telephone calls and messages or face-to-face. The role will last for 12 months.

For further information email earlyhelpvolunteer@havering.gov.uk

Coronavirus. Important advice and help for those who are ‘shielding’ at home

Good afternoon,

We have produced an advice leaflet about the support that is available for those who are shielding at home due to coronavirus.

It’s very important that people who have received a letter from the NHS advising them to stay at home and avoid all face-to face contact continue to follow this advice, rather than advice given to the general public. The Government is currently advising people to shield until the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.

There is lots of support available for people to manage staying at home. This includes help with getting food, essentials, medication, staying active, and looking after their wellbeing. You can download the leaflet here.

Annie Robertson

Communications and Engagement Manager

Barking and Dagenham, Havering and Redbridge Clinical Commissioning Groups

Cancellation of the HAVO50 Forum garden party and some sad news.

Due to the current situation we will probably have to cancel the Garden Party planned for August. All future meetings are still cancelled at present, we will keep you informed when we are able to resume activities hopefully in the Autumn/Winter.

Sadly John Paul Land, aged 84, peacefully passed away in The Royal Hospital Chelsea on 9th April. A Romford boy who joined the Army and became a Chelsea Pensioner a good friend to the Forum and he also supported many events across the Borough.

Take care, stay safe.

Are you COVID 19 isolating or vulnerable, then you can get help from the NHS Volunteer Army by calling 08081963646.

“Millions of vulnerable people and their families are now able to directly call on the army of #NHSVolunteerResponders — to get support with shopping and medication deliveries, and regular friendly phone calls” The telephone number is 08081963646

Read more at NHS ENGLAND

***PLEASE NOTE***

It is important to stress that the service is for people being shielded from COVID-19 or who are otherwise vulnerable because of their age, frailty, disability or because they are pregnant. It’s not a service for all members of the public.

Calls are being directed through the RVS Call Centre, who will confirm the best they can that the call for help meets the criteria.

It is also important to note that GPs, pharmacies, local authorities and community nurses remain really important to the service so there is a continuing effort to raise awareness with these healthcare professionals.

Havering Council launches new hotline for urgent help on coronavirus

Havering Council has launched a new free-to-call helpline for residents with urgent needs because of coronavirus.

The helpline – 0800 368 5201 – will be launched from 0930 this morning and calls will be answered from staff redeployed from other council services.

Residents can also email for help on covid19support@havering.gov.uk

We are asking residents with concerns around care, urgent issues around health and wellbeing, lack of access to supplies including food and medicine to call the helpline.

Residents with less urgent needs or needing advice on other council services should contact the council via the options on www.havering.gov.uk/contactus

For more information and other updates from Havering council goto https://www.havering.gov.uk/news