Improving quality of life in Westminster

Activities, opportunities and services

A resource directory for older people in Westminster

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“There should be more information for older residents about what's available and what's going on.” This was one of the key messages that came back to us in our recent survey about older people's quality of life in Westminster. The publication of this booklet is just one of the steps we are taking to ensure that older residents in Westminster have the information they need to get the advice, help and support they need. The booklet covers a whole range of topics from volunteering and advice on benefits through help to stay independent at home to transport and leisure activities. We hope you will find it useful. If you are looking for information but can’t find it here, please ring Senior Passport on 020 7641 1444 and they will try to help. Later this year we will be publishing a more comprehensive directory of services, activities and opportunities for older residents in Westminster. Last year we launched a new magazine, Westminster Plus, specifically for older Westminster residents. If you don’t have a copy delivered to you, please ring Senior Passport and they will add your name to the mailing list. Cllr Christabel Flight Older People's Champion Westminster City Council October 2008

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This booklet has been produced by Open Age with support from Westminster City Council as part of a programme to improve older people’s quality of life in Westminster. Web: www.openage.co.uk/ Tel: 020 8964 1900 We would like to acknowledge the information provided by WELDIS information service in compiling this directory. WELDIS is an information database that you can access via the Internet - www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis/

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Useful Local Numbers

Senior Passport T: 020 7641 1444 Help and information on services for older people in Westminster. NHS Direct T: 0845 46 47 T: 0845 606 4647 (minicom) For 24-hour confidential health advice. Interpreters available. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) T: 0800 587 8818 T: 020 7486 9582 (textphone) For general health information. Westminster Primary Care Trust (PCT) T: 020 7150 8000 Westminster City Council (main switchboard) T: 020 7641 6000 T: 020 7641 8000 (minicom)

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Numbers to call in an emergency Police - Fire – Ambulance 999 Typetalk for all 3 services 0800 0 999 For local non-emergency issues:

Belgravia Police Station 020 7730 1212 Charing Cross Police Station 020 7240 1212 Marylebone Police Station 020 7486 1212 Paddington Green Police Station 020 7402 1212 West End Central Police Station 020 7437 1212 St John's Wood Police Station 020 7486 1212 Harrow Road Police Station 020 7402 1212 Gas - 24hr emergency service 0800 111 999 0800 371 787 (minicom)

Electricity - 24hr emergency service EDF Energy 0800 028 0247 0800 085 6780 (minicom) Thames Water - 24hr 0845 920 0800

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Contents Leisure activities ......................................................... 2 Volunteering and employment ................................... 6 Transport, travel and parking ...................................... 8 Money and benefits .................................................. 11 Getting your voice heard........................................... 13 Housing advice ......................................................... 15 Repairs and practical safety at home ....................... 17 Personal safety ........................................................ 19 Help and independence at home.............................. 21 Help caring for someone at home............................. 22 General health ......................................................... 24 Mental and emotional health..................................... 28 Services for black & minority ethnic communities 30 Numbers to call in an emergency ............................. 32 Useful local numbers ................................................ 33

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Leisure activities (see also page 30)

There are many organisations in Westminster that offer a range of classes and activities at concessionary prices for people aged 50+. Contact the organisations below, or call Senior Passport on 020 7641 1444.

Abbey Centre A: 34 Great Smith Street SW1 T: 020 7222 0303 E: enquiries@theabbeycentre.org.uk W: www.theabbeycentre.org.uk Offers a range of health, educational and social activities including keep fit, yoga, tai chi, bowls, befriending and social clubs. Also an older people’s group for Spanish and Portuguese speakers. All Souls Clubhouse A: 141 Cleveland Street, W1 T: 020 7255 9756 W: www.clubhousew1.org Befriending, lunch club and activities including keep fit and art and crafts. Church Street Drop-in Centre A: 10 Church Street, NW8 T: 020 7723 1104 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis Lunch, social events, activities and support.

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Dutch Pot A: Maida Centre, 221 Lanark Road W9 1NX T: 020 7575 3111 or 0208 969 0417 Lunch and social club for older people from Black African Caribbean communities. Jewish Care Direct Helpline T: 020 8922 2222 E: jcdirect@jcare.org Call or email for information on Jewish Care’s range of services including community centres, special day care, home care and residential care homes. Marylebone Bangladesh Society A: 19 Samford Street London NW8 8ER T: 020 7724 7427 E: mbs@london.com Lunch club and activities. Queens Park Bangladesh Association A: Office - 1 Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL T: 020 8968 1177 E: info@qpba.org Information and advice.

Refugee Support Service T: 020 7266 9575 Only by referral from your GP or Social services.

Westminster Faith Groups Directory Held at Westminster Reference Library T: 020 7641 1300 A: 35 St. Martin's Street, London WC2H 7HP

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Services for black and minority ethnic communities

Many organisations provide specialist support, advice and leisure activities for the different communities in Westminster. BME Health Forum, Westminster Primary Care Trust T: 020 7150 8128 E: amjad.taha@westminster-pct.nhs.uk W: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/diversity/bmehealthforum. The BME Health Forum aims to improve health and reduce inequalities for BME communities. Black and Ethnic Minority Diabetes Association T: 020 7723 5357 T: 07774 832 863 (mobile) W: www.bemda.org British Arab Resource Centre - BARC A: Office 6, Beethoven Centre Third Avenue, London, W10 4JL T: 020 8962 9432 E: barclondon@yahoo.co.uk W: www.casweb.org/barc Provides information, advice and some social activities to meet the needs of Arabic speaking communities. Chinese Community Centre A: 2nd Floor, 28-29 Gerrard Street W1D 6JP T: 020 7439 3822 E: info@ccc.org.uk W: www.ccc.org.uk/ Provides lunch, activities, general advice and support.

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Dutch Pot A: Maida Centre, 221 Lanark Road, W9 T: 020 7575 3111 or 020 8969 0417 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis Lunch and social activities for older people from African Caribbean communities. Covent Garden Day Centre A: E42 Odhams Walk, Shelton Street WC2 T: 020 7240 5733 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis Age Concern run drop-in centre offering lunch and a range of activities and classes. Leonora Centre A: Ada Court 10-16 Maida Vale London W9 (NB: moving to Lanark Road at end of 2008, check for details) T: 020 7286 0386 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis Age Concern run drop-in centre offering lunch and a range of activities and classes. St Margaret’s Drop-in Centre A: 1 Carey Place, 40-44 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1 T: 020 7821 1621 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/weldis Lunch, social events, activities and support. Beethoven Centre A: Third Avenue, W10 T: 020 8969 5881 W: www.dominionhg.co.uk Varied activities including yoga and exercises.

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Home library service A: Home library Service, Church Street Library,

Church Street NW8 T: 020 7641 5405 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries/access/hls.cfm Delivers and collects books, DVDs and videos for Westminster residents who find it difficult to get to a library. There are thirteen branch libraries in Westminster. For details about your local branch, call Senior Passport on 020 7641 1444. Moberley Sports Centre A: Kilburn Lane, W10 T: 020 7641 4807 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/sports/sportsunit Activities for 50+ on Wednesday mornings.

Open Age A: 1 Thorpe Close, W10 T: 020 8964 1900 W: www.openage.co.uk Runs activities across the City including computer classes, exercise classes, and creative and performing arts. Ring for details of classes in your area. Reaching U T: 020 7724 6930 W: www.acwestminster.org.uk/ReachingU.html Provides a range of classes and leisure activities for people over 50 across Westminster, arranged by Age Concern Westminster, Open Age and Westminster Adult Education Service. Call for details of times and venues.

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Westminster Alcohol and Drug Project A: 474 Harrow Road W9 T: 020 7266 6200 W: www.wdp-drugs.org.uk Call for advice and support. Camden, City, Islington and Westminster Bereavement Service A: 293-299 Kentish Town Road, London NW5 2TJ T: 020 7284 0090 E: cciwbs@btconnect.com W: www.bereavement-service.org.uk Free confidential bereavement counselling by trained volunteer counsellors. Samaritans’ Helpline T: 020 7734 2800 (local) T: 08457 90 90 90 (national) A: 46 Marshall Street W1F 9BF W: www.samaritans.org/ Can support you or tell you who else can help. Open hours for callers, 9am-9pm.

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Mental and emotional health

Mental health problems such as depression are common in people of all ages and can often go unrecognised. Memory loss and dementia become more common with ageing. These organisations can help. Your GP can help if you are concerned about your own or someone else’s mental or emotional health. Westminster Mind A: 526 Harrow Road W9 3QF T: 020 8969 2434 E: enquiries@westminstermind.org.uk W: www.westminstermind.org.uk/ Mental health support and advice. Memory loss and dementia support T: 020 7641 7431 Call the development officer for dementia, working with Westminster City Council and Westminster Primary Care Trust. Alzheimer’s Society T: 020 7423 3500 E: enquiries@alzheimers.org.uk W: www.alzheimers.org.uk The society works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia.

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Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) T: 020 7297 7297 W: www.waes.ac.uk Runs a large number of classes for residents of all ages including computers, fitness and arts and crafts. City Literary Institute (City Lit) A: Keeley Street WC2 T: 020 7831 7831 W: www.citylit.ac.uk Day and evening classes. Concessions available. Westminster Leisure Centres Concession Card T: 020 7641 2012 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure Discounts and free swimming for people with disabilities, people aged 60, and people on benefits or unemployed. Apply at any leisure centre. Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10. Porchester Centre, Queensway, W2. Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1 Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H. Westminster Rescard T: 020 8752 8192 W: www.rescard.com Enables discount admission to some venues, restaurants, museums, galleries and theatres.

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Volunteering and Employment

If you would like to get involved in helping others, there are many opportunities in Westminster. Abbey Centre A: 34 Great Smith Street SW1 T: 020 7222 0303 E: enquiries@theabbeycentre.org.uk W: www.theabbeycentre.org.uk Provides opportunities for volunteering. Age Concern Westminster A: 268-272 Edgware Road, W2 T: 020 7724 6930 W: www.acwestminster.org.uk Has opportunities across Westminster including befriending people who are isolated or housebound. Volunteer Centre Westminster A: 53-55 Praed Street W2 T: 020 7402 8076 E: info@volunteercentrewestminster.org.uk W: www.volunteer.co.uk Offers a range of volunteering opportunities in the City. Retired Seniors Volunteer Programme (RSVP) A: 237 Pentonville Road, London N1 T: 020 7643 1385 W: www.csv-rsvp.org.uk/site/home.htm Encourages people aged 50+ to volunteer in their area.

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Walk in Minor Injuries Units Soho Centre for Health A: Frith Street, London, W1D 3HZ T: 020 7534 6500 Victoria Centre A: 63 Buckingham Gate, London, SW1 E6A T: 020 7340 1190 St Charles Hospital A: Exmoor Street, London, W10 6DZ T: 020 8962 4262 Hospital Accident & Emergency Units St Mary’s Hospital A: Praed St, London, W2 1NY T: 020 7886 6401 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital A: 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH T: 020 8746 8000 St Thomas' Hospital A: Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7EH T: 020 7188 2127 Charing Cross Hospital A: Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9NT T: 020 8846 1001 University College Hospital A: 250 Euston Road, London, NW1 2PG T: 0845 155 5000 Extn 70001 Western Eye Hospital A: 171 Marylebone Road, London NW1 5PN T: 020 7886 6666 Extn 0

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Message in a Bottle T: 020 7641 1444 (Senior Passport) W: www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/minab.cfm Keep personal and medical details in a plastic bottle in the fridge, where it can be found in an emergency. Senior Passport Line can tell you where to pick up a bottle near you. Red Cross Wheelchair hire T: 020 7793 3360 E: medicalloanla@redcross.org.uk W: www.redcross.org.uk Call for further information. Sensory needs Hearing advice - RNID Helpline T: 0808 808 0123 Text: 0808 808 9000 E: information@rnid.org.uk W: www.rnid.org.uk Visual impairment advice - RNIB Helpline T: 0845 766 9999 E: helpline@rnib.org.uk W: www.rnib.org.uk

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If you are looking for a paid job, these organisations can help. New Futures 50 Plus A: c/o Open Age 1, Thorpe Close W10 T: 020 8964 1900 W: www.openage.co.uk If you are over 50 and finding it hard to get work, trained advisors on this project may be able to help - with advice on finding courses, confidence building, CVs and job searches. Third Age and Employment Network A: 207-221 Pentonville Road London N1 T: 020 7843 1590 W: www.taen.org.uk Aims to promote an effective job market that serves the needs of people in mid and later life and employers.

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Transport, Travel and Parking

On 1st April 2008 everyone aged 60 and over became entitled to free local travel anywhere in England. If you have renewed your Freedom Pass since that date, the facility will be automatically added to your pass. It should have an expiry date of 31st March 2010, a rose logo and a bus hologram.

Freedom Pass T: 020 7747 4858 (London Councils) W: www.freedompass.org Free for everyone aged 60 and over. Allows free travel on buses and tubes in London after 9.00am on weekdays and at anytime at weekends. Apply at your local post office with proof of age and residency. Freedom Pass for younger disabled adults T: 020 7641 2266 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/ Assessment through Westminster City Council. Dial-a-Ride T: 0845 999 1999 W: www.dialaride

Free local door to door transport for people with disabilities. Reduced fare for essential carer. Ring to register and book.

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Foot care at home - Podiatry T: 020 7316 6808 E: podiatryenquiries@westminster-pct.nhs.uk You can access this service if you are registered with a Westminster GP. Staying well Expert Patients’ Programme T: 0800 587 8818 E: expert.patient@westminster-pct.nhs.uk A free six week course for anyone with a long-term health condition. Aims to help people to practise the skills and knowledge they have to manage their illness. Falls Prevention Advice (Westminster Rehabilitation Service) T: 020 7641 4001 If you have had a fall recently, or are worried about falling, you can get help and support to improve your mobility. Fit for Life Programmes. Referral by your GP only, if your diet and weight are affecting your health. Flu jabs, if you are 65 or over. Ask at your doctor’s surgery.

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General Health

For all health emergencies, call 999. Contacting GP and community services PALS - Patient Advice and Liaison Service T: 0800 587 8818 T: 020 7486 9582 (Textphone) E: pals@westminster-pct.nhs.uk W: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/pals.htm Provides confidential advice, support and information on a range of health related matters including complaints procedures and registering with a dentist or doctor. NHS Direct T: 0845 46 47 For advice on a range of health issues, including information on chemists / pharmacies open out-of-hours.

Out-of-hours service T: 020 8969 7777 If you are ill and need to speak to a GP or district nurse outside surgery hours. Emergency dental or GP Service helpline T: 020 7377 7151 Mon-Fri 6.30pm - 10pm Weekends 7.30am - 3pm Dental home visit services T: 020 7534 6524 By referral from your GP or Dentist

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Shopper Service T: 020 7641 2009 W: www.shopperservice Free bus ride to specific supermarkets for people with mobility problems. Day of service depends on where you live. Book between 10am and 12noon, Monday to Thursday. Taxicard Scheme T: 020 7641 2266 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/ For people with a permanent and substantial disability. Call for an eligibility assessment to travel by taxi at a reduced rate for a limited number of journeys each year. Disabled parking – White badge scheme A: Disabled Parking Applications, PO Box 991 Westbrook,

Warrington WA4 9EF T: 020 7641 5124 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/parking/ Gives Westminster residents with disabilities exemption from parking restrictions in the City. For an application form or more information, call the above number or write to the above address. Disabled parking – Blue badge scheme A: Disabled Parking Applications, PO Box 991 Westbrook,

Warrington WA4 9EF T: 020 7641 5124 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/parking/ If eligible, you can apply for a Blue Badge for use in areas outside Westminster. London has bays solely for Blue Badge holders visiting from outside Westminster.

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Parking in Westminster T: 020 7823 4567 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/transportandstreets/parking/ For all you need to know about parking in Westminster, including permits and the White and Blue Badge schemes, see the Park Right Booklet available from the Website above. To order a copy call Senior Passport 020 7641 1444. Transport for London Travel Helpline T: 020 7222 1234 W: www.tfl.gov.uk Travel information service line, for up to date information on public transport in London including route planning. National Rail Enquiries T: 08457 48 49 50 W: www.inquiries

A Senior Railcard costs £24 for a year. Save a third on fares. Free assistance for disabled passengers – call 24 hours before your journey. TravelWatch T: 020 7505 9000 E: enquiries@londontravelwatch.org.uk W: www.londontravelwatch.org.uk The official watchdog organisation representing the interests of transport users in and around the capital.

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Westminster Carers Service A: Sixth Floor 25 - 27 Oxford Street London W1D 2DW T: 020 7434 0670 E: westcarers@westcarers.co.uk W: www.westcarers.co.uk Offers a home based respite care service to carers, including carers of older people. Office of the Public Guardian A: Archway Tower 2 Junction Road London N19 5SZ T: 0845 330 2900 W: www.publicguardian.gov.uk Advice on managing the affairs of someone who lacks the capacity to do so themselves.

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Help caring for someone at home

If you are looking after someone who is ill, frail, disabled or having difficulty managing, these services may be able to help. Carers’ Network Westminster A: Office 8, Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL T: 020 8960 3033 E: info@carers-network.co.uk W: www. carers-network.co.uk Provides information, confidential advice and support for carers living in Westminster. Senior Passport T: 020 7641 1444 for the Adults Services Department W: www.westminster.gov.uk/seniorpassport Adults Services can offer a carers’ assessment, and, depending on eligibility, arrange services to support you as a carer. These may include respite care and advice on injury prevention. Admiral Nurses T: 020 8206 7132 or 0845 2579406 E: info@fordementia.org.uk W: www.fordementia.org.uk/ Offer a specialist counselling, advice and support service for carers of people who have dementia.

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Money and Benefits

Many older people do not claim all the benefits they are entitled to. Please make sure you are not missing out. Westminster Benefits Advice Team T: 020 7941 6906 A joint team with the Pension Service, Age Concern Westminster and Westminster City Council. The team will do home visits to check your benefits and help with completion of forms. Pension Service - at Age Concern Westminster A: 268-272 Edgware Road, London W2 1DS T: 020 7724 6930 W: www.acwestminster.org.uk The Pension Service runs an advice session at Age Concern Westminster on Mondays from 1.30pm to 4pm. Age Concern Westminster A: 268-272 Edgware Road, London W2 1DS T: 020 7724 6930 W: www.acwestminster.org.uk Hold advice sessions and can do home visits to give advice and information on a range of issues including benefits, legal issues, tax and wills. Westminster Citizen’s Advice Bureau A: Paddington CAB, 441 Harrow Rd London, W10 Pimlico CAB, 140 Tachbrook St, London, SW1 T: 0870 126 40 40 (Helpline) W: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

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Department of Work and Pensions (Newcastle DWP) T: 0845 606 0265 Tx: 0845 606 0285 W: www.dwp.gov.uk Gives information and advice on a range of benefits for people over 50 and people on Pensions. See also The Pensions service W: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk Home Heat National Helpline T: 0800 33 66 99 (Helpline) W: www.homeheathelpline.org/ Advice on who to contact to spread the cost of your gas and electricity. Healthy homes/Warm Front T: 0800 389 1943 W: www.warmfront.co.uk W: www.westminster.gov.uk/environment/energy/healthyhomes Grants for heating installation and insulation.

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Help and independence at home

Call Senior Passport on 020 7641 1444 for information about Westminster Adults Services. You will receive an assessment of your needs. If you are eligible, support and assistance can be provided to help you manage more independently at home. There is a charge for some services. Support may include: Community Alarms (24-hour life line alarm) Day care Home care: laundry, shopping & personal care Home meals Direct Payments (purchasing your own home care) Equipment and adaptations to your home Help on returning home from hospital Rehabilitation with Westminster Rehabilitation Service Falls prevention assistance Advice with sight and hearing needs Assessment for extra care housing, residential care or nursing home care. Advice on other types of suitable housing.

Senior Passport can also give you advice about a range of other services that might be of interest to you for example leisure activities and drop-in centres.

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Women’s Trust Advocacy Service T: 020 7034 0303/4 (9am-5pm, Mon-Fri) T: 0774 708 0964 (out-of-hours emergency number) 24-hour support for women who have been or are affected by domestic violence. City Guardians for a Safer Neighbourhood T: 020 7641 2306 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/policingandpublicsafety/crimeandlawenforcement/cityguardians/ The City Guardians service seeks to reduce the effect of anti-social behaviour. They help to make public areas safer and cleaner by patrolling the street. Ask for your local area team. Anti-social Behaviour 24-hour Hotline, Westminster City Council T: 020 7641 3000 Part of an initiative to fight low level crime and anti-social behaviour. Can report incidents 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Police In case of emergency dial 999 For information on local police, see page 32

Women’s Aid T: 0808 2000 247 24 hours freephone E: helpline@womensaid.org.uk W: www.womensaid.org.uk A national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children.

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Getting your voice heard

If you have concerns, or would like help to get your voice heard, or just want to express your views, these organisations may be able to help.

Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents A: 55, Dean Street London W1 T: 020 7439 3131 E: info@wassr.org W: www.wassr.org Personal help to get the rights you are entitled to. Westminster Social Services Complaints A: 14th Floor East City Hall 64 Victoria Street SW1 T: 020 7641 1999 E: ChildrenandCommunityServicesComplaints@westminster.gov.uk W: www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/complaints Contact if you have any complaints or concerns about your social care services. Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) T: 0800 587 8818 Tx: 020 7486 9582 W: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/pals.htm Contact PALS if you have a complaint or problem with the NHS or just want advice.

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Westminster Senior Citizens’ Forum T: 020 7262 1717 E: mallinson@dsl.pipex.com An organisation run by older people, for older people. Meets about every six weeks to discuss a range of issues and is a good forum for getting your voice heard. Westminster Action Network on Disability (WAND) T: 020 7641 5722 E: info@wand.org.uk W: www.wand.org.uk An organisation of disabled people for disabled people; provides advocacy and support for people aged 18 to 65. Greater London Forum for Older People A: 1st Floor, 21 St George's Road, London SE1 6ES T: Tel: 020 7820 6781 E: admin.glf@pop3.poptel.org.uk W: http://www.greypower.org.uk/glf/ Seeks to give older people a voice. Holds regular meetings and events and supports local forums in London. Local councillors T: 020 7641 6000 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/councilgovernmentanddemocracy/councillors For information on how to contact your local councillor about your concerns.

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Personal safety

You should always be able to feel safe in and around your own home. If you have any concerns, these organisations should be able to help. Senior Passport T: 020 7641 1444 Can put you in contact with Westminster City Council’s Adults Services Department if you are concerned for your own safety, or if you have a concern about abuse of a friend or relative. Community Alarms T: Tel 020 7641-4528. W: www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/homesupport/alarms.cfm A 24-hour pendant alarm to summon help in an emergency. Elder Abuse helpline T: 0808 808 8141 E: enquiries@elderabuse.org.uk (note - confidentiality not guaranteed with email and not for urgent queries) W: www.elderabuse.org.uk/ Mon-Fri 9am-5pm. A freephone helpline for anyone concerned in any way about the abuse of older people.

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Staying Put T: 020 8206 5890/1 E: sps@sbha.co.uk Charity offering small repairs and assistance for people aged 60 and over. Free for those on benefits, small charge for others. Electric Blanket Safety Check T: 020 7641 1111 Westminster Trading Standards Hotline. Refuse and Recycling T: 020 7641 2000 Contact the Westminster City Council Environment Action Line if you have any questions about recycling, waste collection, street cleansing, abandoned vehicles, noise and other street-related issues. Free removal of bulky items.

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Housing advice

Housing problems can sometimes cause difficulties – these organisations might be able to help. Housing Options, Westminster City Council A: 101, Orchardson Street NW8 T: 020 7641 1000 E: hoscustomerservices@cwh.org.uk W: www.westminster.gov.uk/housing/housingoptions/ Can advise about council housing, sheltered housing, supported accommodation, homelessness and other housing issues. Private rented housing advice One Stop Drop-in Services: 62 Victoria Street SW1 6QP 317 Harrow Road W9 3RS 90-91 Church Street NW8 8EV Tel: 020 7641 6161

Age Concern Drop-in housing advice A: 268-272 Edgware Road W2 1DS T: 020 7724 6930 E: amather@acwestminster.org.uk W: www.acwestminster.org.uk/ Can give general housing advice and signpost you to further help.

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Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents (WASSR) A: 55, Dean Street W1D 6AF T: 020 7439 3131 E: info@wassr.org W: www.wassr.org Will offer advice and support and will advocate on your behalf with housing difficulties. Senior Passport T: 020 7641 1444 W: www.westminster.gov.uk/seniorpassport Will signpost you to the right Department for help.

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Repairs and practical safety at home

There are a number of ways you can improve your safety at home and stay as safe and independent as possible. Smoke alarms T: 08000 28 44 28 E: smokealarms@london-fire.gov.uk W: www.london-fire.gov.uk/ Free fitting and home safety check by the Fire Brigade. Age Concern Westminster A: 268-272 Edgware Road W2 1DS T: 020 7724 6930 W: www.acwestminster.org.uk Can assist with some minor repairs in your home. Safe and Secure grants (Westminster City Council) T: 020 7641 6161 E: res@westminster.gov.uk W: www.westminster.gov.uk/housing/private/grants/safeandsecure.cfm Improve your home security - free if you are on certain benefits, or if you have suffered more than one burglary in the past 12 months. Essential home repairs grants (Westminster City Council) T: 020 7641 6161 Assistance with home security, energy efficiency and essential repairs for older people or disabled people on low incomes in private sector homes.