01204 363056 - bolton · 2018. 11. 5. · left to right: georgette kay (health linkworker), saeed...

01204 363056

A booklet for carers, with information and tips on

saving money and managing finances

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Bolton Carers Support

Dear Carer

When you look after someone you may find

that there are many ‘hidden costs’ of caring.

You may have higher heating bills or perhaps

you have paid out for minor adaptations to

your home. You may be contributing to the

costs of day care or respite care. All of this

can have a significant effect on your family

finances.

We hope that you will find this ‘Money

Matters’ booklet useful. It contains a range of

information about benefits, grants, low cost

loans, debt, and other money matters, and

directs you to local services that can help.

We will update this booklet in 2018 and

would appreciate any feedback you have

about it. Please contact us using the details

on page 5 to let us know what you think.

Kind regards, Michelle Clarke (Chief Officer)

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About us Page 4 - 5

Money coming in Page 6 - 7

Money going out Page 8 - 9

Get to grips with your money Pages 10 - 11

Benefits Pages 12 - 14

Council Tax Discount Page 15

Where to get benefits advice Pages 16 - 17

Tips on filling out the forms and useful websites Pages 18 - 19

Low cost savings and loans Pages 20 - 21

The Social Fund budgeting loans Pages 22 - 23

Debt advice and support Pages 24 - 27

Applying for grants Pages 28 - 31

Breaks for carers Pages 32 - 33

Consumer advice and legal advice Pages 34 - 35

Looking after someone else’s money Pages 36 - 37

Making a will Pages 38 - 39

Transport Pages 40 - 43

Help with health costs Pages 44 - 45

Aids and equipment Pages 46 - 47

Adaptations to your home (disabled facilities grants) Pages 48 - 49

Recycled furniture and white goods Pages 50 - 51

Free cinema tickets and TV licenses Pages 52 - 53

Keeping warm Pages 54 - 55

Food and nutrition Pages 56 - 59

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There are 9 part-time members of staff working at Bolton Carers Support:

Left to right: Michelle Clarke (Chief Officer), Ann Brown (Admin & Finance Worker), Bev Strang (Information & Advice Officer).

About us - Bolton Carers Support

What We Do Bolton Carers Support has over 20 years’ experience of providing information, emotional support, training and short breaks for local carers. We are a friendly ‘first point of contact’ for anyone over the age of 18 who is caring for a family member or friend who is ill, elderly, or who has a disability.

Left to right: Georgette Kay (Health Linkworker), Saeed Anwar (Support Group Co-ordinator), Angela Pagett (Information and Advice Assistant).

Left to right: Peter Harmer (Activities Co-ordinator), Elaine Holt (Benefits Advice Worker), Zoe Hill (Outreach Worker).

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Our support for carers includes:

■ a telephone helpline for information and emotional support

■ information and advice appointments at our office

■ a wide range of short breaks

■ newsletter and factsheets

■ a benefits advice service

■ courses and workshops

■ support groups

How to Contact Us

Phone us on - 01204 363056

Book an information and advice

appointment to see us at our office

Thicketford Centre, Thicketford Road, Tonge Moor,

Bolton, BL2 2LW.

Write to us - at the above address.

Email us - by contacting

[email protected]

or visit www.boltoncarers.org.uk

Registered Charity No 1082166 Co Ltd by Guarantee 3965369

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Money Coming In

Before you can take action to improve your finances you need to know exactly what money is coming in and where it all goes. Use the household income and expenditure sheets to get to grips with your money.

Do… be straight with yourself

about how much money you've got coming in and how much

you spend.

Do… consider whether you

would be able to find money in a hurry if you had to

(to pay an unexpected bill, for example).

Do… review your budget every so often, particularly if your circumstances change, to make sure you're living within your means.

Don’t…. put off dealing with your

finances until tomorrow. Take

action now.

Don’t…over-stretch yourself by

spending more than you can afford.

TIP! If you have access to the internet there is a useful simple budget planner at www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

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Household Income Sheet You can work out your income and expenditure on a weekly or monthly basis, whichever works best for you.

Income (weekly / monthly) £ Wages / salary _____________ Wages / salary (partner) _____________ Pension income _____________ State benefits _____________ Child maintenance _____________ Contribution from others _____________ Other _____________ TOTAL INCOME _____________

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Money Going Out Spend some time reviewing recent bank statements and bills to get an accurate picture of where your money goes. The more accurate your income and expenditure sheets, the more control you will have over your finances.

Keep a spending diary Sometimes, it is easy to overlook small items of

expenditure, yet over the course of the year these

can add up significantly. Keeping a ‘spending diary’

for a few weeks can help you identify such costs.

For example, buying 2 magazines a month at £3.75

each adds up to £90 a year.

Allow for occasional items Don’t forget occasional items such as birthdays,

Christmas, or other festive presents and holidays. Work

our how many birthdays you usually buy for, an average

amount per birthday, and budget for it.

Annual expenses Think about other things you pay for once a year, such as car tax and insurance, house and contents insurance, television licence and so on. It is helpful

to put in a monthly amount for these, by dividing up the amount that you spend during the year.

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Expenditure (weekly / monthly)

Household £ Food / housekeeping _______________ Mortgage / rent _______________ Council Tax _______________ Electricity _______________ Gas _______________ Water _______________ Phone / internet _______________ Prescriptions / health costs _______________

Financial products Loan / card payments _______________ Pension contributions _______________ Savings / investments _______________ Life insurance _______________ Buildings and contents insurance _______________

Leisure Going out _______________ Alcohol / cigarettes _______________ TV Licence / satellite _______________ Holidays _______________ Subscriptions _______________ Other _______________

Children Childcare _______________ Child maintenance _______________ Other _______________

Car Car insurance / tax _______________ Petrol / maintenance _______________ Travel expenses _______________ TOTAL EXPENDITURE _______________

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Get to grips with your money

Not much money left over? If you find that you are regularly struggling to make ends

meet, you need to take action now.

Are you missing out?

Check whether you or the person you care for

can claim benefits. A small, regular increase in your income could make a big difference to how you manage.

Get money-wise Check the APR on your credit card or loans. This shows the overall cost of borrowing, including interest and charges. See if you can shop around for a better deal.

Talk to family Members

Talk to others who live in your house, for example, adult children - are they contributing enough?

Try cutting back

Are there any non-essential items which you can do without for a while to help you get back on track?

Switch suppliers to get a better deal

You may be able to save money by switching services such as phones, electricity or gas to new suppliers. Why not start by looking at MoneySavingExpert.com/utilities/ to find out more then do some of your own research on the best deals?

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Money Saving Expert Money Saving Expert is a useful

website aimed at saving you money on almost anything from:

cards and loans; utility bills; banking and savings; to

mortgages and shopping. The site was founded by the journalist and

author Martin Lewis. Visit www.MoneySavingExpert.com

and give yourself a money makeover.

For free, clear and unbiased

money advice visit

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk

or ring 0800 138 7777

The website has a useful savings

and mortgage calculator.

Mental Health and Debt Guide 2017

This guide covers how to handle

debts when unwell, how to work

with banks, specific tips for

people with bipolar disorder or

depression, and other useful

information.

Download the guide for free at

www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/mental-health-guide

Help with the cost of cancer

See Macmillan’s financial guides

■ Housing costs (MAC14650)

■ Insurance(MAC14285) ■ Help with the cost of cancer

(MAC4026) ■ Managing your energy costs

(MAC11290) ■ Money worries: how we can

help (MAC16024)

Download the booklets or ring for a free

copy to be posted to you

0808 808 0000 www.macmillan.org.uk/financialsupport

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Claiming Benefits Over £1.1 billion in carers allowance goes unclaimed each year (Carers UK). We can help you find out whether you're entitled to Carers Allowance so please contact us for advice.

Carers Allowance This is a weekly benefit of £62.70 (April 2017) to help you look after someone with substantial caring needs. You don’t have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for. This benefit is

for people who are unable to work full-time because they look after someone who needs a lot of care or supervision.

You may be able to get Carers Allowance if : ■ You’re not in full-time education / studying over 21 hours a week; ■ You earn no more than £116 a week (after taxes, care costs

while you’re at work, and 50% of what you pay into your pension);

■ You care for that person for more than 35 hours a week; ■ The person you look after gets one of these benefits: Personal

Independence Payment daily living component; Disability Living Allowance middle or higher care rate; Attendance Allowance; Constant Attendance Allowance at or above the normal maximum rate; or Armed Forces Independence Payment.

Claim Carers Allowance on Form DS700

Apply online at www.gov.uk or contact the Carers Allowance

Unit on 0345 608 4321.

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Claiming Carers Allowance

Carers Allowance can only be back-

dated for 3 months so claim straight

away if the person you care for

already gets one of the qualifying

benefits. Otherwise, claim Carers

Allowance within 3 months of a

successful benefits claim.

Carers Allowance is not affected by

other income or savings. It is

taxable and is treated as income for

means-tested benefits but it entitles

you to an extra carers premium in

those benefits so there is an overall

increase in your benefit.

Carers Allowance overlaps with

some other benefits e.g.

r e t i r e m e n t p e n s i o n a n d

Employment & Support Allowance

but if the other benefits are less

than the Carers Allowance rate of

£62.70 you will be paid a top-up of

Carers Allowance. If they are more

than £62.70 you will have an

underlying entitlement to Carers

Allowance which can help with other

benefits and the carers premium.

Important Check!

If you are caring for an adult (other

than your partner) who gets a means -

tested benefit, they may be getting a

severe disability premium included in

their benefit. If you claim Carers

Allowance they can no longer get the

severe disability premium, so do get

independent advice before claiming

Carers Allowance.

Disability Living Allowance You can only make a new claim for

Disability Living Allowance if you’re

claiming for a child under 16. Anyone

over 16 must apply for Personal

Independence Payment instead. ‘PIP’

is gradually replacing Disability Living

Allowance for people aged 16 - 64,

even for those with an indefinite or

lifetime Disability Living Allowance

award.

Tip!

Contact Bolton Carers Support on 01204 363056 to make an

appointment with our benefits adviser

Elaine Holt.

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Attendance Allowance Attendance Allowance (AA) is for people over 65, who need help with personal care because of physical or mental disability. It is paid at two different rates, depending on the level of care needed. Lower rate AA £55.65 per week (April 2017) is for people who need frequent help or constant supervision during the day, or supervision at night. Higher rate AA £83.10 per week (April 2017)is for people who need help or supervision throughout both day and night or for people who are terminally ill.

Get a claim pack from the Attendance Allowance Helpline 0345 605 6055 Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm (Press 1). AA can be backdated to the date of your claim (e.g. the date you call the helpline, as long as you return the form within 6 weeks).

Income Support

Is available only to limited

groups of people.

You may be able to get this if

you have less than £16,000 in

savings and your income is

below set limits.

You must not work more than

16 hours per week and your

partner must not work more than

24 hours per week.

Pension Credit

If you are aged 60 or over and

have a low income the

Guarantee Credit prevents your

income falling below a set

amount.

If you are aged 65 or over and

have moderate savings/pension

in retirement the Savings Credit

rewards you for some of the

savings or income you have for

retirement.

Pension Advisory Service- An independent organisation

providing free advice from pensions professionals. Helpline 0300 123 1047 www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk

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Check Your Council Tax! Are you entitled to a Council Tax discount? Reading this page may save you money

Council Tax is paid at a flat rate regardless of how many adults live in the property. A discount can be applied to the bill if:

• only one adult lives in the property or no-one lives in the property or

• adults living in the property are ‘disregarded’. This includes some carers, people aged 18 for whom child benefit is payable, students, and people who are ‘severely

mentally impaired. Children and young people under 18 are always ignored.

A 25% discount applies if, after taking into account disregarded people, there is only one adult resident in the property. A 50% discount applies if, after taking into account disregarded people, there are no adults resident within the property. To be disregarded as a carer you must provide over 35 hours of care a week and live with the person you care for BUT not be the spouse / partner of the person or their parent if you care for a child under 18. The person you care for must get DLA highest care/middle component rate or the higher rate of AA or Constant Attendance Allowance.

To qualify for the severe mental

impairment discount, the person you

care for must have a severe and

permanent impairment of intelligence

and social functioning. The person you

care for must get DLA (middle or high

rate care component) or AA or

Constant Attendance Allowance or

Severe Disablement Allowance or

Incapacity Benefit or Employment and

Support Allowance or the disability

element of Working Tax Credits or

Income Support where disability

premium is included. To qualify for the

discount they will need a certificate

from their GP.

You may be able to get a reduction in

Council Tax under the disability

reduction scheme, if anyone resident

in the property is ‘substantially and

permanently’ disabled and if there is

an additional bathroom or kitchen

which is needed by the disabled person

or if there is a room (other than a

bathroom, toilet or kitchen) needed by

and mainly used by the disabled

person or there is enough space for the

disabled person to use a wheelchair

indoors.

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Where to get Benefits Advice

Bolton Welfare Rights Service

This is a free service provided by the Council.

“We give advice and information on your entitlement to social

security benefits, and can help you to challenge or appeal

decisions given on your benefits. We can give advice if you are a

resident in Bolton (i.e. your Council Tax bill comes from Bolton

Council).”

Advisers can give you information about benefits and how to claim them and signpost you to other sources of help and information. They can also help with complex cases, appeals and tribunal representation.

Please note: demand for Welfare Rights appointments is high so they will inform you whether or not they can offer assistance or representation, based on their staff capacity.

Email: [email protected] Advice Line 01204 333820

There are many different places to get benefits advice — here are some of the main ones:

Age UK Bolton Information and Advice

Age UK Bolton want to make sure that older people can get hold of up-to-date information and advice on a range of issues that are important to them and their carers. They can help with:

• benefits queries and other money matters • health and social care issues

• housing and transport queries • filling in forms

• understanding documents and much more

Contact Eileen O’Rouke, Information and Advice Officer at Age UK Bolton 01204 382411 or email [email protected]

“The service is free, private and confidential and if we can’t help we can put you in touch with people who

can.”

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Bolton and District Citizens Advice Bureau

“We can help with housing and employment issues or deal with

queries about consumer or tax issues. We can advise on legal

matters, answer questions about immigration and we have lots

of experience on family and personal matters too.”

Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau provides both general and specialist

advice which is free, confidential and impartial. The Social Welfare

drop-in session held at 26 - 28 Mawdsley Street is open Tuesday,

Wednesday and Friday 10am to 3.30pm. On Monday and

Thursday pre-arranged appointments only.

03444 889 622 (Monday to Friday, 9 am — 5 pm)

www.boltoncab.co.uk

Benefits Home Visiting and Take up Service

A visiting service is provided by Bolton Council

to local residents over the age of 60 who have

a disability or who are vulnerable. The team

offer advice on and help complete application

forms for a range of benefits. To find out more

or to make an appointment please telephone

01204 331901.

Benefits advice for carers

Bolton Carers Support offers benefits appointments for carers on Wednesdays, from 11 am to 1 pm, and home visits for carers over the age of 65. Please ring 01204 363056 to make an appointment.

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Some tips on filling out the forms

Answering questions about illnesses and disabilities Make sure you list everything even if it is a long-standing illness or disability and you have got used to managing it.

Keep records Keep a copy of forms or a summary of key points. Note the date / time you spoke to an adviser, who you spoke to, and any action agreed.

Information about how your disabilities affect you The decision on benefits is made on the information you provide so don’t make any assumptions about what the decision-maker will know.

Consider how your disabilities affect you during the day / night. Keep a diary for a few days before filling in the form (to answer questions about how long you need help for / how often. You may under-estimate your needs).

What if your condition varies from day to day? If your condition varies, explain this - say how many good and bad days you have and what such days are like.

Get advice if your benefits application is rejected Ask for a revision of your case if you feel it wasn’t assessed properly (your application will be looked at again). Or appeal against the decision. You have only 1 month to do either of these so act quickly and get advice.

Have all your information to hand It may be helpful to have these details ready before filling out the forms: -your National Insurance number -proof of benefit payments, such as bank or Post Office account statements -details of any savings or investments, e.g. recent statements -proof of expenses, such as mortgage payments, rent, council tax -proof of earnings, such as payslips and details of maintenance payments -brief details of your medical condition, medication and your GP contact details.

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Disability Rights UK

This website has useful fact-sheets on a range of

benefits, including:

• Attendance Allowance • Carers Allowance • Disability Living

Allowance • Employment & Support Allowance • Housing Benefit • JobSeekers Allowance • Pension Credit • Personal Independence

Payment • Tax Credits • Universal Credit www.disabilityrightsuk.org

The Government’s ‘one-stop’ website www.gov.uk

This website has a vast range of information, presented

clearly and concisely.

There is a section on benefits which includes:

• Benefit entitlement • Benefits for families • Carers and disability

benefits • Child benefit • Death and benefits • Heating and housing

benefits • JobSeekers Allowance

and low income benefits • Tax credits

You can apply online for benefits through the website.

Useful

websites

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Low Cost Savings and Loans

Hoot - Wise with money

Bolton’s Credit Union

How a credit union works

The money saved by members is pooled together and used to

offer low interest loans. With loans ranging from £200 to

£15,000 at a fair rate of interest, there’s a loan to suit all

needs.

A range of savings accounts are offered, with ‘regular savers’,

‘Christmas savers’ and ‘young savers’ included.

Who can become a member of Hoot

To become a member you must be aged 16 or over and live,

work or study in the BL0-BL9, M25-M29, M38, M45 and M46

postcode areas.

It is simple to join - just complete an online application form or

collect a form from their office in Bolton Town Centre.

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Some of the benefits of becoming a member of Hoot:

❖ safe and convenient way to save

❖ access to low cost affordable loans

❖ deals on electrical goods via the Co-operative Electrical

❖ help in making your home more energy efficient with interest free Green Loans

❖ Christmas Savings Accounts

❖ free life cover on loans

❖ local community collection points (see website or ring the office for places, days and times)

❖ the credit union prepaid card

❖ you can save as little or as much as

you like – starting at £1 per week

The office address is : The Square

53 - 55 Victoria Square Bolton

BL1 1RZ

01204 365024

email : [email protected]

website : www.wisewithmoney.org.uk

mailto:[email protected]

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Help for one-off expenses - the Social Fund Community Care Grants and Crisis Loans have

been abolished and replaced by different

welfare assistance schemes and advance

payment of benefit. If you are on a low

income, the Social Fund may be able to help

you with one-off or occasional expenses. If you

meet the conditions, the Social Fund can

provide funeral payments, maternity grants,

budgeting loans and cold weather payments.

Budgeting loans—the Social Fund

If you are on a low income, the Social Fund may be able to help

through their budgeting loans for certain expenses.

Interest-free

Budgeting loans can help with essential expenses which are difficult to

budget for if you are on benefits. The loans have to be paid back to

the Social Fund, but they are interest-free so you only pay back the

amount you are awarded.

How they work

A budgeting loan can help pay for:

■ furniture or household items such as washing machines

■ clothes or footwear

■ rent in advance

■ costs linked to moving house

■ maintenance, improvements or security for your home

■ costs linked to getting a new job

■ repaying hire purchase loans

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■ maternity costs

■ funeral costs

Eligibility

You are only eligible for a budgeting loan if you’ve been on certain

benefits for 6 months e.g. Income Support, income-based Job

Seeker’s Allowance, income-related Employment and Support

Allowance, or Pension Credit.

What you could get

The lowest amount you can borrow is £100. You could get up to:

■ £348 if you’re single

■ £464 if you have a partner

■ £812 if you or your partner claim Child Benefit

How much you could get depends on whether you: can pay the loan

back; have savings of more than £1,000 (£2,000 if you or your

partner are 63 or over); are paying back an existing loan.

Paying back the loan

The repayments will be taken automatically from your benefits. The

amounts you repay are based on how much benefit you get and what

you can afford. You normally have to repay the loan within 2 years.

How to apply

Apply online at

https://www.gov.uk/budgeting-help-benefits

or phone the Social Fund on 0345 603 6967

and ask for form SF500. If you prefer you can

pick the form up at your nearest Jobcentre Plus.

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Dealing with debt If you are in debt and finding it hard to

cope, it’s important to deal with the problem straight-away. The longer

you ignore your debts, the worse the situation becomes. Follow these

three steps:

Make a list of everything you owe Gather together all your bills, credit card and bank statements and sort out exactly what you owe, and to whom you owe it (your ‘creditors’). Put these debts in order of importance. 1

Identify your priority debts The most important (‘priority’) debts aren’t necessarily the biggest debts. Priority debts are ones where serious action can be taken against you if you don’t pay what you owe. Priority debts include mortgage repayments, rent, taxes and payments ordered by the courts: if you don’t sort these debts out, there’s a

possibility you could lose your home or go to prison.

2

Work out what you can afford to re-pay Talk to your creditors about your situation and what you’re going to do about it. Offer a reasonable amount to be repaid regularly to clear the debt, and stick to it. Many creditors will

co-operate because debt can be expensive for them.

3

Please don’t worry - take positive action to tackle your debts and use the help of one of the debt advice

agencies listed on the following pages. You are not on your own.

!

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National Debtline www.nationaldebtline.org

0808 808 4000

Monday to Friday 9 am to 8 pm Saturday 9.30 am to 1 pm

Get expert debt advice National Debtline is run by the Money Advice Trust charity. 9 out of 10 people who get help from National Debtline say they feel more confident in tackling their debts and managing their money as a result. “Our advisers are at the heart of our

service. Their expert knowledge of how to help people tackle their debts has helped millions of people...some of our advisers have been with us for over 20 years. Dealing with debt can be a tricky and complicated task, but our advisers will help you fully understand all of your options. They won’t judge you, and they will support you.”

Free factsheets

National Debtline has factsheets on a wide range of topics, including: • particular debts, such as

council tax recovery, mortgage arrears, payday loans, water rate arrears

• court action • dealing with creditors • debt options such as

bankruptcy, debt-management plans, debt relief orders and individual voluntary arrangements

• dealing with debts when someone dies

They also have sample letters you can use.

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Debt Advice and Support

StepChange Debt Charity

www.stepchange.org

“It’s important to find the best debt solution for you. Once we understand more about your debt problem we can suggest a plan of action tailored to you.”

Free advice on problem debt. Call free from landlines and all major mobile providers on:

0800 138 1111

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 8 pm, and Saturday 8 am - 4 pm.

Christians Against Poverty

Christians Against Poverty is a charity that gives free debt help to

anyone regardless of faith, age, gender, race, disability or sexual

orientation. The combination of home visits, a befriending service,

and debt counselling, helps people who are struggling financially

to work themselves out of debt.

The service includes budgeting and specialist advice, creditor

negotiation and a full insolvency service. To book an appointment

please phone the New Client Enquiries Team on

0800 328 0006

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Bolton Money Skills Service

www.boltonmoneyskills.org.uk 01204 331968

The Money Skills Service provides free information, money

guidance and training to help people take control of their finances.

The service offers Money Skills Sessions free to local residents.

The sessions include: budgeting, dealing with debt, making

informed decisions as a consumer, loans and savings.

One-to-one appointments

Individual appointments are available

at locations around the borough

to help anyone who is at risk of

repossession, eviction, or who is

unable to pay housing costs.

Bolton at Home Debt and Money Advice Service

01204 329868

email: [email protected]

This is a confidential, free and impartial advice service to help you with all your debt and money related issues. The service does not make any judgements about your financial situation or any problems you are facing.

You can also get support at Bolton at Home’s UCAN Centres. To find your nearest UCAN Centre please ring 01204 328000 or visit www.boltonathome.org.uk/ucan

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Applying for Grants

There are different charitable trusts that may be able to give

grants to individuals. Such grants are generally for ‘people in

need’ who are on low income and have few savings.

Turn2Us

Turn2Us is a national charity that helps people in financial hardship to gain access to welfare benefits, charitable grants and support services.

• There is an online Benefits Calculator to find out if you are entitled to any benefits or tax credits.

• You can do a Grants Search to find out if you may be able to apply to a charitable fund. With over 3,000 funds on the website the online search tool helps you identify relevant ones.

• If you are from a professional background and are now on a low income or claiming benefits (and you have less than £4,000 in savings) you may be able to apply to the Elizabeth Finn Fund administered by Turn2Us.

Please visit the website www.turn2us.org.uk or call the free helpline on 0808 802 2000 available from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday. Calls are free from landlines and from major mobile network providers.

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The Family Fund The Family Fund is the UK’s largest charity providing grants for families raising disabled or seriously ill children and young people.

Grants can be provided for a wide range of items, such as: washing machines; sensory toys; family breaks; bedding; furniture; outdoor play equipment; clothing; and computers. Who can apply You can apply to the Family Fund if: • you are the parent of a disabled or seriously ill child or young

person aged 17 or under; • you have permanent legal residency in the UK and have lived in the

UK for the last 6 months; and • you have evidence of entitlement to one of the following: Universal

Credit; Child Tax Credit; Working Tax Credit; income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance; Income Support; Incapacity benefit; Employment Support Allowance; Housing Benefit; and Pension Credit. If you don’t receive any of these benefits, you can still apply but the Family Fund will need some extra information about your household income.

How grants are awarded

Depending on what you have asked for, your grant may be given through vouchers for purchasing goods or services from specified suppliers.

www.familyfund.org.uk 01904 550 055

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The ACT Foundation

The ACT Foundation accepts applications from people in poverty who have a physical and / or mental disability or who are elderly. It provides grants of up to £2,500 to enhance the quality of life for people in need. Decisions on grants are usually made within 2 months.

Examples of grants that may be considered:

• building adaptations where a Disabled Facilities Grant has been awarded and there is a shortfall

• respite at a registered centre for the applicant only • specialised beds and sleep systems • specialised seating and car seats • communication aids and software • sensory toys and equipment • vehicle adaptations • mobility aids

Grants that will not be considered:

• equipment or work for which there is statutory funding • building works (unless Disabled Facilities Grant secured) • ordinary domestic items e.g. white goods, furniture, clothing • deposits for vehicles • garden works • holidays

www.theactfoundation.co.uk 01753 753900

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01204 363056

Bolton Guild of Help can make small grants, typically in the

£100 - £250 range. These grants are generally for the purchase

of urgently required necessities, such as beds, cookers, fridge /

freezers, and carpets.

Initial telephone enquiries are encouraged to check eligibility. If

you are eligible to apply you’ll be asked to complete an

application form.

Bolton Guild of Help

Scott House

27 Silverwell Street

Bolton

BL11PP

01204 524858

Grants for People in need

Bolton Guild

of Help

Bolton Guild of Help

makes small grants to

individuals in need.

You must be a

resident of Bolton.

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Breaks for Carers If you are looking for a break, here are a few ideas to get you started. Those on the opposite page are breaks for carers without the person you look after.

Revitalise

Revitalise is a national charity providing short breaks and holidays for

disabled people and their carers. There is a Revitalise Centre called

‘Sandpipers’, situated by the Marine Lake in Southport. They have a

Revitalise Support Fund for people who would struggle to meet the cost

of their breaks. To find out more about their breaks and eligibility criteria

for financial help towards their breaks, please contact

0333 254 2507

www.revitalise.org.uk

Royal British Legion

The Legion can assist those who are Serving or have Served in the UK

Armed Forces, along with their carers. One way they do this is through

offering much-needed breaks at Byng House, situated on Southport

promenade, for those recovering from an illness, bereavement or other

life-affecting event. Please contact your local Legion office for more

information, or call the Legion’s helpline on

0808 802 8080

www.britishlegion.org.uk

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01204 363056

The Respite Association – free caravan breaks

Free holidays for carers are provided at seaside caravans in Newton Hall Holiday Park (Staining, near Blackpool) and Richmond Caravan Park (Skegness). The caravans have two bedrooms (one double room and one room with two single beds). There is no charge, but a £50 deposit is taken (which is fully refundable after the break has been taken). Breaks are available March to October.

To apply for a free break, you need to complete a simple application form available on the website www.respiteassociation.org or contact 01775 820176.

The form asks for contact details, brief description of your caring role, whether you currently get any respite, what alternative care will be provided for the person you look after, and details of who will be accompanying you (if relevant). If you are offered a free break you will be asked for the signature of someone who can vouch for you (e.g. GP, district nurse, social worker, or church minister).

The Ogilvie Charities – grants of £200 - £300 for breaks

To apply for a grant, you need to ask a social worker, community nurse or similar professional agency to contact the charity by post or email (payment is made direct to that agency) and provide the following information:

■ their name, job title and organisation address ■ your name and brief details of your circumstances ■ your household’s weekly income and expenditure ■ your proposed holiday venue date and costs ■ who will take over your caring role while you are away ■ whether you have approached any other charities for help with

funding the break

The Ogilvie Charities The Gate House, 9 Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk, IP12 4JJ

www.ogilviecharities.org.uk 01394 388746

http://www.respiteassociation.org

http://www.ogilviecharities.org.uk

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When you buy goods or services the law gives you consumer rights. These protect you from being treated unfairly by a trader. You might have received poor service or you might want to switch energy suppliers or cancel a contract. If you have any consumer problems, contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for advice.

The Citizens Advice Guide (see www.citizensadvice.org.uk) has a

useful consumer section which covers the following topics:

• cars and other vehicles • builders and home improvements

• phones, TV, internet and computers

• travel, leisure and food • common problems with products

• different ways of buying

• energy and water supply

• taking action about consumer problems • protection for the consumer

Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 03454 04 05 06

Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm

Consumer Advice - Citizens Advice Bureau

“Our consumer service provides independent, confidential

and impartial consumer advice for everyone. We believe in a better deal for consumers. We want consumers to know where they can turn to for advice, who will speak up for

them when things aren’t right and how they can help stop problems in the future.”

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01204 363056

Civil Legal Advice Get free legal advice if you’re eligible for legal aid.

0345 345 4345 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday 9am to 12.30pm Saturday www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

If eligible, you can get help from Civil Legal Advice for problems including: • debt, if your home is at risk • special educational needs • housing • discrimination • domestic violence • issues around a child being taken into care

You might be able to get legal advice if you qualify for legal advice and have a relevant problem. Civil Legal Aid is a national helpline in England and Wales. You will be asked questions about your problem and your financial situation. If it looks like you might qualify for help, you will be able to speak to an adviser.

Legal aid can help meet the costs of legal advice, family mediation and representation in a court or tribunal. You will need to show that your case is eligible for legal aid, the problem is serious, and you can’t afford to pay for legal costs.

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Looking after someone else’s money Taking control over someone else's money isn’t something to do lightly. It is a big responsibility and while you can do what you like with your own money, when you are managing someone else’s money you should: act reasonably; act in the other person’s best interests: and be able to show exactly how you have spent the money.

Some Basic Principles

Make sure that the person is properly cared for It may sound obvious, but your first consideration is to make sure the person is properly cared for, thinking about any particular needs he or she may have.

Try to put yourself in their position When making financial decisions on behalf of someone else, think about what that person would have done, if he or she had been able to.

Consult the person you are acting for Take time to explain what you are doing even if you don’t think he or she can understand. They may be able to understand some things.

Don’t be penny-pinching While it is important to use money carefully, there is no point in storing up money that could be used for the benefit and comfort of the person you are acting for.

Keep careful records of what you spend Record details of any money received, any money spent and what you have spent it on. By keeping regular up-to-date accounts you will always have a good idea what the person’s current financial position is.

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Third-party mandates - people who are physically unable to visit their bank or building society can authorise another person to do so. Contact your bank or building society to ask about their procedures.

Appointee - people who are entitled to a benefit or pension but who are unable to manage their own affairs can nominate someone else to take action on their behalf. The ‘appointee’ can then make the claims and receive payments. Contact JobCentre Plus 0345 604 3719.

Lasting Power of Attorney Anyone aged 18 or over with the capacity to do so can make a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) appointing a trusted person to act for them (the attorney) at a time when they are no longer able to take those decisions themselves. This includes a Property and Financial Affairs LPA and a Health and Welfare LPA.

Office of the Public

Guardian

_________________________________

For more information on lasting power of attorney,

please contact:

Office of the Public Guardian PO Box 16185 Birmingham

B2 2WH

0300 456 0300

www.justice.gov.uk/about/opg

A Property and Financial Affairs LPA can include paying your bills, collecting your income and benefits or selling your house.

A Health and Welfare LPA allows your attorney to make decisions on your behalf about your personal welfare, e.g. where you live, and can include the power to give or refuse consent to medical treatment.

The Office of the Public Guardian is responsible for the registration of LPA’s. It costs £82 to register each LPA. You can apply for a reduction if you earn less than £12,000 a year. You might also be able to apply for an exemption if you’re on certain benefits, such as Income Support.

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Making a Will

“No-one likes to think of their own mortality but if you have any assets - such as a house, savings and belongings - then you need to make a will. It can give you peace of mind and security.”

A very difficult situation for a family to deal with can be when someone dies ‘intestate’ (without having left a will). This can lead to family disputes and ill feeling.

Making a will sets out who is to benefit from your property and possessions (your ‘estate’). It is important to leave clear instructions, especially where a partner or a child with special needs may be left on their own.

Remember to tell your next of kin where you keep personal details, such as birth certificate and National Insurance number, as well as details of any accounts, insurance policies, mortgage, pension plans or other useful information.

Ring local solicitors to ask how much they charge for writing a will - it will vary according to how complex your will is, but you should be able to get some idea of costs.

According to the Money Advice Service a straightforward will for a single person costs between £100 - £200, and joint wills for couples can cost between £150 - £300. Please check that the cost you are quoted includes VAT.

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01204 363056

Are you over 50?

If you want to make a straightforward will, are over 50 and live in Bolton, Age UK Bolton’s confidential will-

making service is available at a specially negotiated rate of £90 for a single will and £150 for two wills (spouses

or partners). These prices include VAT. To book an appointment, please contact:

Age UK Bolton, The Square

50 - 55 Victoria Square Bolton

BL1 1RZ

Telephone 01204 382411

Do you care for someone with a learning disability?

MENCAP provides information booklets and free seminars on making a will and setting up a trust. The seminars explain what

a trust is, the benefits and types available, and how trusts work. MENCAP’s Wills & Trusts Team helps families plan for the future to provide financial security for a family member with a learning disability. They can provide information on

specialist solicitors in your area.

MENCAP, The Wills & Trusts Team, Freepost WD3537, London, EC1B 1AA.

020 7696 6925

www.mencap.org.uk or email [email protected]

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Motability

Since the scheme was set up in 1978, Motability has helped over 3 million people get mobile with a new vehicle.

Benefits of the scheme include a brand new car, powered wheelchair or scooter every 3 years, or Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle every 5 years, insurance, servicing and maintenance, and full breakdown assistance.

The Motability Scheme enables disabled people to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair by exchanging their Government funded mobility allowance.

You may be eligible to join the Motability Scheme if you receive the

• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance,

• enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment,

• War Pensioner’s mobility supplement

• Armed Forces Independence Payment

There is no upper age limit. As long as you receive one of the allowances, you are eligible for the scheme. Parents or guardians can order a car on behalf of a child aged 3 or over who is receiving Disability Living Allowance.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more information

www.motability.co.uk 0300 456 4566 8 am to 7 pm Monday to Friday, 9 am to 1 pm Saturday

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01204 363056

Travel Vouchers Travel Vouchers are for people who are not able to use ordinary buses, trains, or Metrolink and who have serious walking difficulties or are registered blind. They can be used to pay for taxis and for travel on accessible bus services such as Ring and Ride (please note: you must inform Ring & Ride in advance if using travel vouchers).

Who qualifies for vouchers? You may qualify for travel vouchers if you are a resident in Greater Manchester and you are: ❖ registered blind with your local authority, or ❖ in receipt of Disability Living Allowance, Higher Rate Mobility component, or ❖ in receipt of Higher Rate (formerly known as 24 hour) Attendance Allowance ❖ in receipt of the War Pensioners Mobility Supplement, or ❖ your GP will certify on your application form that you are unable to walk 100

metres (110 yards) or more, or climb steps of 300 millimetres (approximately 12 inches).

How do Travel Vouchers work? You will be given a user ID card and can buy substantially discounted vouchers - you can buy up to £120 worth of vouchers for £30. These can be used instead of cash for taxi or Ring & Ride journeys in Greater Manchester. Please note that you can’t have a Free Travel Pass

or Concessionary Travel Permit and Travel Vouchers, so you need to consider which scheme benefits you more.

For an application form and further information please contact

Concessionary Travel, Transport for Greater

Manchester, 2 Piccadilly Place, Manchester, M1 3BG

0161 244 1050 www.tfgm.com

42


Parking Permits The Blue Badge Scheme provides a range of parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems and who have difficulty using public transport.

Anyone who meets one of the following criteria is eligible for a Blue Badge without further assessment:

■ receives the higher rate of the mobility component of Disability Living Allowance

■ receives War Pensioners mobility supplement

■ receives Personal Independence Payment Mobility Component only

■ is a registered blind person under the National Assistance Act 1948

■ has been awarded a benefit (giving rise to a lump sum at tariffs 1-8 inclusive) under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme and has also been certified by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency as having a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking

You can still apply for a Blue Badge is you do not meet the above criteria but you have a severe disability in both upper limbs; or have a permanent and substantial disability which means you are unable to walk or have very considerable difficulty in walking; or have a child / children under 3 years of age who (because of a specific medical condition) need to travel with bulky medical equipment. Bolton Council charges £10 for Blue Badges. If collecting a Blue Badge, please note that the £10 fee is payable by card only, and you can only collect badges Monday to Thursday 9.30 - 12.30 / 2 - 4 pm.

Contact : The One Stop Shop Bolton Town Hall, Victoria Square, Bolton BL1 1RU 01204 337244

Apply online : www.gov.uk/apply-blue-badge

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01204 363056

VehicleTax (Tax Disc) Exemption You can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the

• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance

• enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment

• War Pensioners mobility supplement

• Armed Forces Independence Payment

The vehicle must be registered in their name or in a nominee’s name (someone appointed to drive for them). It must only be used for the disabled person’s needs e.g. shopping, attending appointments or getting prescriptions. It can’t be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use. You claim the exemption when you apply for vehicle tax. If you’re claiming for the first time, you have to claim at a Post Office. You can get a 50% reduction in vehicle tax if you get the standard rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment. https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/ vehicles-and-transport

Railcards

There may be savings you can make on rail travel - the Disabled Person’s Railcard costs £20 for a year or £54 for three years, and gives the person and an accompanying

adult one-third off most rail fares. www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk or 0345 6050 525

The Senior Railcard costs £30 for a year or £70 for three years and is open to anyone 60 or over. Savings of up to

a third on Standard and First Class Anytime, Off-Peak and Advance fares.

www.senior-railcard.co.uk or 0345 3000 250

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Are you entitled to help with health costs?

You may be able to get help with health costs if

you are on certain benefits or have specific

medical conditions. Different criteria apply to

different health costs such as prescriptions,

dental treatment, sight tests and travel costs to

receive NHS care.

Help for those on a low income

If you have a low income you may be able to get help with NHS costs

through the NHS Low Income Scheme, as long as your savings,

investments or property (not counting the place where you live)

don’t exceed £16,000, or £23,250 for people who live permanently

in a care home. Depending on your circumstances you may qualify

for full help (HC2 Certificate) or partial help (HC3 Certificate).

The rules governing who is eligible are broadly the same as those for

Income Support. To apply complete form HC1 available from

Job CentrePlus, hospitals, and GPs. If you need help making a claim

or have questions about the Low Income Scheme, call 0300 330 1343

to speak to an adviser. They can also fill in the form for you and post

it to you to sign and return. Or visit: https://www.nhs.uk/

nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/nhs-low-income-scheme.aspx

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01204 363056

Prescription Pre-Payment

Certificates

Prescription Pre-Payment Certificates (PPCs) are for people who need lots of prescriptions but have to pay charges. If you have to pay for more than 3 items in 3 months or 14 items in 12 months, you may find it cheaper to buy a PPC.

At April 2017 the charge for a single prescription is £8.60. A 3-month PPC costs £29.10 and a 12-month PPC costs £104.

To buy a PPC call 0300 330 1341 or ask your local pharmacy if they are registered to sell PPCs. Or apply online at www.nhs.uk/nhsengland/healthcosts/pages/ppc.aspx

Save money on over-the- counter medicines

I t ’ s possible to save money on many familiar branded medicines by

buying cheaper, generic equivalents. Many medicines have two names -

the brand name given by the drug company that manufactures it, and the

scientific name (generic name) for the active ingredients it contains. For

example, Panadol is a brand name, and the active ingredient is

Paracetemol. Neurofen is a brand name, and the active ingredient is

Ibuprofen. It is always worth asking your pharmacist if there is a cheaper,

generic version of the branded medicine you're buying.

TIP!

46


Aids and equipment for daily living

There are thousands of daily living aids and equipment available, including items such as: ■ bathing aids - seats, boards, mats and rails to make getting in

and out of the bath easier

■ dressing gadgets - for putting on tights and fastening buttons

■ good grip cutlery, plates and cups and safe-tilt guides for the kettle

■ raised toilet seats and frames, walking frames, back rests, air rings and hoists

Disability Officers / Independent Living Service

If you have a physical disability, or are

deaf or hard of hearing, or have a sight

impairment and are struggling to manage everyday activities,

the Independent Living Service may be able to help. It can

provide advice, information and equipment, Telecare, or

minor modifications / adaptations to your home to help you

maintain your independence and safety.

To arrange an assessment, please contact the Duty Disability

Officer on 01204 337020 / 337900 (Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm) or email

[email protected]

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01204 363056

Disabled Living Centre

Disabled Living is a registered

charity providing information

about equipment for disabled

children and adults.

Equipment is on permanent display for you to try. If you

require a piece of equipment not currently on display, they

may be able to obtain it for you to view at your appointment.

The service offers impartial advice about items that can help

you keep your independence. Appointments can be booked

with the Occupational Therapist to guide you in your equip-

ment choice.

Amongst the items on display are: stairlifts; wheelchairs and

scooters; bathing and toileting aids; seating and chairs; beds

and accessories; moving and handling equipment; kitchen and

household equipment.

Disabled Living Centre, Burrows House, 10 Priestley Road,

Wardley Industrial Estate, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LY

0161 607 8200 www.disabledliving.co.uk

48


Adaptations to your home

Disabled Facilities Grants are grants provided by your local authority to help meet the cost of adapting a property for the needs of a disabled person.

Who is a disabled person?

You (or the person you look after) are treated as a disabled person if one of the following applies:

• your sight, hearing or speech is substantially impaired;

• you have a mental disorder or impairment of any kind;

• you are substantially physically disabled by illness, injury,

impairment present since birth, or otherwise; or

• you are registered (or could be registered) disabled with

the local authority.

What can you get a grant for?

You can get a grant to help a disabled person:

• have easier access to and from the home (such as

widening doors or installing ramps);

• have easier access to a living room;

• have easier access to a bedroom;

• have easier access to a room where there is a toilet,

bath or shower (such as by installing a stairlift);

• have easier access and movement around the home; or

• have easier access to the garden.

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01204 363056

What is the maximum grant?

The maximum grant payable is £30,000 (the actual amount is

dependent on the income and savings of the disabled person

and his or her partner.) You may have to contribute to the cost.

Disabled children under the age of 18 can get a grant without

their parents income being taken into account.

When is the grant paid?

The grant will only be paid when the local authority is satisfied

that the work has been completed to their satisfaction and in

accordance with the grant approval (you should not have any

work carried out on the property until the local authority

approves your application). In order to check whether the

works are necessary there is normally an assessment by an

occupational therapist.

How long should an assessment take?

There is a 6 month time limit for the local authority to give you

a decision. This starts from the date of your formal application.

Please contact The Independent Living Service on

01204 337020 or 337900

email: [email protected]

50


Recycled furniture and white goods

If you need to replace furniture or white goods then you may want to save money by shopping for such items at a local charity that recycle furniture.

Bolton Community Transport & Furniture Services

This registered charity sells reused and new furniture and refurbished electrical goods.

“If you’re looking for a bargain, make sure you come and see what we’ve got. We sell good quality new and pre-used

furniture at low, low prices.”

Furniture includes sofas, chairs, beds, wardrobes and chests of drawers, dining tables, TV stands and side-boards. Electrical goods include washing machines, dryers, cookers, fridges and freezers. See displays at: ■ 139-141 Market Street, Farnworth ■ Unit A1, Lecturers Close, off Bridgeman Street ■ Sleep Matters, 28 Corporation Street, Bolton

Telephone 01204 364777 www.bctfs.co.uk

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01204 363056

Furniture4U

Furniture4U and Hoot Credit Union offer low cost ways to

furnish your home. Furniture4U works with local Bolton

suppliers so that it can provide a range of quality, affordable

items whatever your needs. So whether you’re looking for

furniture or white goods, they have a range of household items

to suit every budget.

Furniture4U also work in partnership with local voluntary

organisations to be able to offer a wide range of recycled

products at very low prices. So visit Hoot Credit Union at The

Square and talk to someone about a Furniture4U loan.

☺ Quality affordable items whatever your needs

☺ Great advice on budgeting and household finances

☺ Affordable payment options to suit your needs

The Square

53—55 Victoria Square

Bolton

BL1 1RZ

01204 368599 www.wisewithmoney.org.uk (click on Loans tab and choose Furniture4U loan from drop-down list)

Note: Hoot Credit Union offers affordable loans to help you buy the right

goods for your needs (subject to status).

52


Free Cinema Tickets

The Cinema Exhibitor Association Card allows the holder to obtain ONE free ticket for the person who is accompanying them to the cinema, provided the holder buys a full-price ticket. The intention is to enable people with disabilities to visit the cinema, along with their carer, on the understanding that the carer will provide any assistance required. Around 90% of cinemas accept the card. The eligibility criteria are kept under review, but currently people who receive one of the following benefits are eligible to apply for a CEA Card: • Disability Living Allowance • Attendance Allowance • Personal Independence Payment • Blind Persons Registration • Armed Forces Independence Payment Cards can only be considered for people who are 8 years of age or older. There is a £6 administration fee and the CEA Card is valid for 1 year. Apply online or by post:

CEA Card, PO Box 212, Waterlooville, P07 6ZN

0344 967 0101 www.ceacard.co.uk

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01204 363056

Free TV Licences If you care for someone aged 75

or over they are entitled to a free

TV licence for their home.

You will need to provide details of their:

name and address

date of birth

National Insurance number

current TV licence number

If the person you care for has already paid for a full year’s

TV licence but are due to turn 75 before it expires, the

licence can be converted to a short-term TV licence and

any over-payments refunded.

If you care for someone who is blind or severely

sight-impaired, they qualify for a 50% concession on their

TV licence. You’ll need to supply a photocopy of the

certificate or document issued by the local authority or the

ophthalmologist. Please contact TV Licensing:

0300 790 6165 www.tvlicensing.co.uk

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Keeping warm

The Energy Saving Advice Service Provides advice on reducing bills and making your home

more energy efficient. 0300 123 1234 9am - 8pm weekdays.

www.energysavingtrust.org.uk

Energy saving quick wins Switch off ‘standby’: You can save around £30 a year just by remembering to turn your appliances off standby mode. Check the instructions for any appliances you aren’t sure about—some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to be left plugged in so they can keep track of any programmes you want to record. Careful in your kitchen: You can save around £30 a year from your energy bill just by using your appliances more carefully. Using a bowl rather than a running tap to wash up can save you around £25 a year. Only filling the kettle with the amount of water you need can save £7 a year. Cutting back your washing machine use by just one cycle per week can save £5 a year on energy.

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01204 363056

Turn off lights: Turn your lights off when you’re not using them. If you switch a light off for just a few seconds, you will save more energy than it takes for the light to start up again, saving £14 on your annual energy bills. Take control of your heating: Installing a room thermostat, a programmer, and thermostatic radiator valves, and using these controls efficiently, could save you £75 a year. If you already have a full set of controls, turning down your room thermostat by just one degree can save around £80 a year. Priority Services Register The Priority Services Register is run by energy suppliers and offers extra free services to older people, people with disabilities (including hearing or sight loss), and people who have long-term ill health. To apply, you need to sign up to your energy suppliers Priority Services Register. If you have different suppliers for electricity and gas, you will need to register with each one. Ask your supplier for details. Services which might be available include: moving your meter to make access easier; free quarterly meter readings if you are unable to

read the meter yourself; priority support if your supply is interrupted; arranging for your bills to be sent to someone else

e.g. a carer, who can help you read /check them.

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Eat Well for Less Food waste is a major issue. The average UK

family with children throws away over £700 worth

of food each year: that’s a whopping £60 a month

wasted.

Planning meals and writing

(and sticking to!) a shopping

list can save you pounds.

Get your portions right and make

the most of the food you buy.

The Love Food, Hate Waste campaign has a useful

website with recipes and tips to help you reduce waste.

Get the free Love Food app for i-phone and android, with

portion planner, shopping list, my kitchen reminders, and

recipes for using up leftovers. Simply download the free

app from the website:

www.lovefoodhatewaste.co.uk

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01204 363056

Date labels

Best Before These dates refer to quality rather than food safety.

Foods with a ‘best before’ date should be safe to eat after the

‘best before’ date, but they may no longer be at their best.

Use By These dates refer to safety. Food can be eaten up to the

end of this date, but not after, even if it looks and smalls fine.

Always follow the storage instructions on packs.

TIP To extend the life of food beyond its date, freeze it before

that date, and later defrost and use within 24 hours.

It pays to be organised

Keep a pad and pen in the kitchen or set up a list on your

smartphone, then, throughout the week, when you’ve got through

the last of a particular foodstuff, add it to your list.

Spend a few minutes before going shopping thinking about what

meals you’d like to cook. Shopping for specific ingredients with

meals in mind will help you to use what you buy and stop you

buying food you don’t need. You don’t have to plan every meal in

the week: just having a clear idea of 4-5 meals will allow you to be

flexible with unexpected leftovers.

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Food For Life – Bolton Food and Health Team Would you like some inspiration on how to plan, shop for, prepare and cook healthy balanced meals for you and the family? Would you benefit from practical advice on healthy eating, portion sizes, and label reading as well as ideas for new recipes? Bolton Food and Health Team deliver food and nutrition sessions and courses in Bolton giving you the knowledge, skills and motivation to eat well. Sessions are held in various settings such as children’s centres, community centres and Bolton market.

Food and Health Team 01204 463175

email:[email protected]

Food for Life courses This free eight-week course is designed to help Bolton residents improve their cookery skills, learn more about healthy eating and reduce spend on weekly food shopping. You will learn to cook a different healthy dish each week. The sessions aim to improve your confidence and cooking skills, and teach you how to shop for fresh seasonal ingredients. The courses take place in the demonstration kitchen in Bolton Market. To find out when the next course is being held, please contact the Food and Health Team on 01204 463175.

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Do you know what’s in these family favourites?

A packet of your favourite chocolate biscuits contains a whopping 29 cubes of sugar, 37 grams of saturated fat, and 6 sachets of salt. Try fruit, veg sticks, or plain rice cakes instead.

A box of sugary breakfast cereal contains 56 cubes of sugar, 7 grams of saturated fat, plus 10 sachets of salt. Try porridge or plain whole-wheat biscuit cereals instead.

Just one pot of sugary yoghurt has 5 cubes of

sugar, 3 grams of saturated fat and almost half

a sachet of salt. Why not replace with fresh

fruit or tinned fruit in juice (not syrup).

Your favourite Cola drink may not have

any saturated fat or salt, but it does have

9 cubes of sugar in one can—more than

anyone should have in a day. Try sparkling

water with ice and a wedge of lime.

(information from the Change4life campaign at www.nhs.uk)

Contact Us

Bolton Carers Support Thicketford Centre Thicketford Road

Tonge Moor Bolton

BL2 2LW

Email: [email protected]

Website: www. boltoncarers.org.uk

September 2017

Registered charity 1082166 Company limited by guarantee 3965369

mailto:[email protected]

01204 363056 - bolton · 2018. 11. 5. · left to right: georgette kay (health linkworker), saeed...

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