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SENIOR CITZENS
More than a quarter of the UK's population are aged over 55, and this proportion is set to rise. People are generally living longer and enjoying better health than previous generations.
Keeping fit and healthy is the key to staying mobile and maintaining an independent life. Whatever your age, regular exercise will provide many benefits, from helping heart and lungs stay in good condition, to strengthening bones. Exercise needn't be strenuous and there are many ways to keep fit - swimming and walking are easy to take up, or join a class or a club and make some new friends. Most local leisure facilities offer reduced prices for senior citizens.
More than one in three senior citizens live on their own, according to Help the Aged. Many people live very happily alone, but there are a number of precautions you should take to ensure you are safe.
Make sure your home has good basic security such as window locks and door chain. If you want to make your home more secure, the Crime Prevention Officer at your local police station can advise you.
Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme if one is available. (Find out from your Crime Prevention Officer.)
Think about getting a community alarm - a special telephone or pendant so that you can call for help in an emergency. For further information, contact Help the Aged.
Pin details of your doctor and relatives in an obvious place so that people know who to contact in case of emergency.
Get to know your neighbours. Arrange regular visits or calls so they will quickly spot when something is amiss. Your neighbours are the closest to help if you have any problems, and they may appreciate your help, too.
Although many people enjoy health well into old age, some senior citizens find that they need help with daily living. If you find you have difficulty coping alone, contact your local Social Services Department (look up your local council in the A-Z section of this directory) for information about services such as meals-on-wheels and home helps.
Age Concern offers support and help to older people and their carers. A wide range of services are available, in certain areas, including information, day care and home visits, escorted holidays, lunch clubs and meals on wheels.
Cash help may be available to senior citizens who need extra help. Contact your local Benefits Agency (look up in the A-Z section of this directory), which administers pensions and benefits on behalf of the Department of Social Security. Leaflets and claim packs are also available from your library, post office and Citizens Advice Bureau.
Age Concern - HOPWA Ho, Inskip Dr, Hornchurch, RM11 3UR. 01708 440046.
Barking & Dagenham OPWA - White Ho, 884 Green La, Dagenham, RM8 1BX. 0181-227 2890.
Help the Aged's SeniorLine - 0800 65 00 65. Free national information service, open 10am-4pm, Mon to Fri. (Minicom - 0800 26 96 26)
Local Helplines
Assist - 0181-595 9900. Advocacy service for all residents in the area.
Barking & Dagenham Bereavement Service - 0181-593 5035
Barking Havering & Brentwood Alcohol Advisory Service - 01708 740072
Blind Business Association - 0181-427 3052
Community Care - 01708 640391
Community Drug Advice Service
Dagenham - 0181-592 7748
Romford - 01708 734444
Crossroads
Barking & Dagenham - 0181-984 7689
Havering - 01708 757242. Support and advice for people who care for a person at home.
DIAL - 0181-595 8181. Disability information and advice line.
Disablement Association of Barking & Dagenham - 0181-252 5340 or 0181-592 8603
Drugline Essex - 01708 749151
Essex Disabled People's Association - 01245 287177
Health Information Service - 0181-591 9595
Life International - 0181-281 7550. One to one therapy for anxiety, depression, addictions, eating disorders and schizophrenia. 24-hour helpline.
London East Aids Network - 0181-478 7619
Lonepac - 0181-594 9418. Offers advice and information for lone parents.
National Childbirth Trust - 01708 441513
Relate - 01708 441722
Samaritans - 01708 740000
West Sussex Family Mediation Service - 01279 426749
Young Minds the Children's Mental Health Charity - 0345 626 376. Information for parents concerned about their children.
NATIONAL HELPLINES
For a list of national helplines, please turn to Helplines in the yellow Classified section of this directory.
Consumer Advice
For free advice on consumer problems, contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau (look up in the A-Z section of this directory) or the Trading Standards Officer at your local authority (look up your council in the Community section).
Personal Safety
The chances of being attacked are slight in the UK, but there are a number of steps you can take to reduce this risk even further.
If you live alone don't advertise it. Only use initials and surnames on nameplates, doorbells and telephone directories.
Put up a door chain and use it when opening the front door to people.
Always check the identification of strangers.
Never hand over cash or personal possessions to strangers.
Avoid walking alone at night and keep to busy, well-lit streets.
Don't listen to personal stereos when walking - they can make you a vulnerable target for would-be attackers.
If someone attempts to snatch your bag, let them have it. You are risking personal injury if you resist.
Don't display large amounts of cash.
Invest in a personal alarm.
Neighbourhood Watch
By deciding to join a Neighbourhood Watch scheme, you will become part of the largest crime prevention movement in the UK, with an estimated membership of 10 million people. The police rely on Neighbourhood Watch groups to help them reduce crime in the local community. For just a little time and effort, it has many benefits for the participants, such as reduced crime, a safer environment and cheaper insurance premiums.
To start a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme in your area, contact your local police division.
Victim Support
If you or any member of your family have been a victim of crime, you can get free advice and counselling from Victim Support (see Useful Contacts). The organisation is a charity which runs groups of trained volunteers all around the country.
Useful Contacts
Crimestoppers - 0800 555 111. Call free if you have information about any crime - you do not have to give your name and you may receive an award.
London Fire Brigade Fire Safety Office - East Ham Fire Station, 210 High Street South, East Ham, E6 3RS. 0171-587 2108.
Victim Support
Barking & Dagenham - 0181-594 5566
Havering - 01708 740010
