Judy’s Top Tips for Saving Money & Utilising Services!
Here at Woody’s Lodge, Judy Thomas, one of our excellent and incredibly resourceful Support Officers has put together some top tips for saving money and utilising services that you’re entitled to. Take a look below for more information!
Driving Miss Daisy: an alternative to a taxi service
If you’re looking for a safe, friendly and reliable companion driving service for any reason! From shopping, hospital/doctor appointments to day trips or going to the airport, there’s no limit to the places that Driving Miss Daisy can take you.
Plus, all drivers are First-Aid trained and Dementia Friends, plus the cars can be wheelchair accessible if required. You can even buy Gift Vouchers to give to friends. We highly recommend Driving Miss Daisy!
Contact Driving Miss Daisy on 07960906670 or email [email protected]
Are you in Energy Debt?
If so, take immediate action and contact your energy supplier, they are there to help you.
It is in everyone’s interest that the situation is resolved. They will set up a Repayment Plan to suit your budget. If you are a pensioner, Disabled, or suffering with long-term health or illness or have serious financial problems you will be classed as vulnerable. There are measures in place to protect you against being disconnected. All energy suppliers have a department to deal with vulnerable customers.
Do not suffer in silence, contact your supplier today.
S.M.I (Severe Mental Impairment)
If you or your partner suffers with a severe mental impairment, for example, severe mental health, Alzheimer’s, Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, has had a stroke or have severe learning difficulties, then you may be exempt from paying Council Tax. You do need to be in receipt of certain benefits for this, although certain conditions apply.
Please refer to your Local Authority’s website and download the application form. Your Doctor will need to sign the form. If the exemption is awarded you can ask for the arrears to be backdated from when the medical condition was first diagnosed.
Deductions in your water rates
Did you know you can apply for a deduction in your Water Rates if you are on a water meter or waiting to have one installed?
WATERSURE is a scheme which helps people with their water bills. A member of your household must be in receipt of welfare benefits and you need to use a lot of water either for medical reasons or because your household has a certain number of school-age children.
If you get help, then your water bill will be capped. Please contact your water supplier for further information. Wales Water number is: 0800 052 0145.
Blue Badge Scheme
The Blue Badge Scheme allows people with severe mobility problems and those with certain other disabilities or conditions to park close to places they wish to visit. You will automatically qualify if you are in receipt of certain benefits, or your doctor submits a health report explaining how your disability effects your mobility.
If you are already a Blue Badge holder please note the badge does not apply to parking on private roads and land. The badge does not automatically give you exemption from car park charges.
When parking, the entire side of the badge showing the hologram must be visible from outside the vehicle, displaying the wrong side (the photo) can result in a parking fine or penalty charge notice.
Telecare Alarm Services
Telecare offers a range of services and devices which use technology to enable vulnerable people to live in independence and safety in their own home. Highly recommended for people with disabilities, risk of domestic violence, living with serious or chronic illnesses to name but a few.
The system can be used day and night 365 days a year. There are a number of devices available. Please speak to your Local Authority for more information.
If you live in the Vale of Glamorgan area, you can call 01446 700111 or visit their website.
Free Home Fire Risk assessment
Did you know the Fire Service and Rescue Service will carry out a Home and Fire Risk Assessment? They will visit your home at a time to suit you and you will not be sold anything. The visit will focus on three key areas:
1. Potential fire risks within your home
2. Put together an escape plan in case of fire
3. Check all smoke alarms and replace any for free
No more balancing on a ladder trying to replace a battery. Contact your local fire service to arrange an appointment and remember it’s free!
Woody’s Lodge is a communications and social hub for veterans of the armed forces and emergency services, along with their families. We provide safe spaces for armed service veterans, recent leavers, reservists and those who served in the emergency services to socialise and access a wide range of health and social services. If you’re a veteran of the armed forces or emergency services and need some support, contact our team to see how we could help you.
