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EVERYTHING WITHIN FOR
RESIDENTSOF WELWYN
A Guide published by Welwyn’sParish Plan Action Group
sponsored by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council’s
Community Chest
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WELWYN PARISH COUNCIL
Dear Welwyn Resident,
This Guide is designed to inform you about various facilities and sources of advice and help available in Welwyn Parish, which is made up of Welwyn Village, Digswell, Oaklands and Mardley Heath.
Where possible, we have “kept it local”, although some of the specific medical help, for example, is offered nationwide.
We have included an important section on what activities are available to you, to keep you active and perhaps to introduce you to new friends through a social club or an interest group.
The information published was correct at the end of July, 2009.
If you have any comments, please contact the Parish Council Office in Lockleys Drive, Welwyn – 01438 716667. More information will soon be available on the Parish Plan’s new website - Google “Welwyn parish plan”.
We hope you find our Guide useful.
All the best !Welwyn Parish Plan Action Group
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CONTENTS
USEFUL NUMBERS ... page 4STAYING AT HOME ... page 5GardeningClearing a SpaceAids and AdaptationsEquipment SuperstoreOther AidsAnchor Staying PutMeals on WheelsFINANCE ... page 7Citizens Advice BureauWelwyn Hatfield Benefits AdviceSaving on energy in your homeMEDICAL ... page 9Local DoctorsPharmaciesOpticiansDentistsParticular ProblemsHospitalsCARING FOR A RELATIVE AT HOME ... page 15Adult Care ServicesCarers in HertfordshireShort Breaks for CarersGETTING ABOUT ... page 17Blue Badge SchemeMotabilityPublic TransportMEETING PEOPLE, ENJOYING YOUR LEISURE ... page 20LIBRARIES ... page 22SECURITY ... page 24
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USEFUL NUMBERS
GAS EMERGENCIES 0800 111 999GAS (LOSS OF HEATING) 0845 0744002
ELECTRICITY (LOSS OF SUPPLY) 0800 7838 838
UTILITIES
Light and HeatBritish Gas/Electricity 0845 600 5122Npower 0800 316 2604E.ON 0800 404 5065Southern Electric 0845 7444 555
Water supplyThree Valleys Water 01707 268111Water leaks on roads 0800 376 5325
SewerageThames Water 0845 9200 888 www.thameswater.co.ukAnglian Water 0845 7145 145 www.anglianwater.co.uk
COUNCIL SERVICES
Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council main switchboard : 01707 357000Herts County Council main switchboard : 0300 123 4042
Bin collection 01707 357000 welhat.gov.uk Council House Maintenance 0800 111 4484 welhat.gov.ukPlanning Applications 01707 357000 welhat.gov.ukHighways including pavements, 01438 737320 hertsdirect.org.ukgrass verges, street furnitureand lighting.Adult Care Services 03001234042
AGE CONCERN 0845 6013446
TRADING STANDARDS 08454040506
TELEPHONE PREFERENCE 08450700707To prevent “junk” calls
POLICE NON-EMERGENCYfor inconsiderate parking orother nuisance. 0845 33 00 222 National Police Headquarters
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STAYING AT HOMEMost people are anxious to live independently in their own homes, but need help to do so. There are many local organisations and individuals who will support you in this. If your difficulty is financial, please see our “Finance” chapter, but if it is a question of “house-keeping”, read on !
GardeningIt is possible, for example, to find a volunteer gardener to help to keep your garden under control - there is nothing worse than seeing a garden you have tended lovingly for years becoming overgrown and unsightly - although it may attract interesting wildlife !If you are a council tenant, Welwyn Hatfield run a Gardening Welfare Scheme, which is only for council tenants who can no longer manage to cut their grass or hedges. The service is free and can be arranged by your housing officer. Phone 01707 357000.If you are living in your own property, however, the Council for Voluntary Service may be able to find a volunteer to do gardening. In this case phone 01707 274861.Groundwork is a national organisation that organises groups of young people into “Greenaiders”, working parties to help clear untidy areas of land. Contact them on 01707 255189 e-mail [email protected]/hertfordshireor look on their web site to see if they can help you (google “Groundwork”).
The Parish Plan Action Group are hoping to introduce a garden-share scheme, which would mean your inviting someone to cultivate your garden in return for a share of his/her produce. Let us know if you want to go on the waiting list!
Clearing a SpaceIt is often a good idea to rearrange your home as time goes on. As a bonus, your unwanted furniture could benefit someone else, and may be collected free of charge.If you have unwanted furniture or small electrical items, the ETCETERA Charity Shop would be pleased to receive them. Etcetera is affiliated to the Connect Club, which helps people managing a mental health problem. They also accept working PCs, beds and bedding, curtains, household goods, clothes and shoes, bric-a-brac, books, toys, records, tapes, CDs, videos, DVDs and crockery. If you have any donations please phone Etcetera on 01707 273296 or 273294. The MID HERTS FURNITURE RECYCLING SCHEME passes on furniture and electrical items (all tested). To find out more about donating or receiving items please call 01707 395635. Mid Herts Furniture Recycling Scheme is based at 26-28 Hyde Way, WGC, Herts, AL7 3UG.
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Aids and AdaptationsGeneral InformationA few changes to your home, or some extra equipment, could allow you to stay there. Contact Herts. County Council’s Disability Information Bureau if you need information or advice on topics such as equipment, transport, and sources of support. You can contact the bureau by telephone, email, post or online.Telephone: Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm on 01438 737444 or 01923 471444 Textphone: Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm on 01438 737359 Email: [email protected] Post: Disability Information Bureau, PO Box 153, Stevenage SG1 2GHLoans You can borrow equipment like wheelchairs from Herts. Action on Disability, on 01707384260, or the Red Cross, on 01992 586609. Equipment Superstore ! Another valuable source for equipment and adaptations is the Terry Stevens Centre at the Commons, Welwyn Garden City (near the QEII), which is in the form of a shop where you can buy many smaller items of equipment including aids for people with arthritic hands, see how to adapt your kitchen or bathroom to suit your needs, and even choose an automatic armchair ! The staff are very helpful and friendly, and can visit your home to assess your needs. They operate as part of Herts Action on Disability. The Centre can also fast track equipment where your doctor, health visitor or hospital has recommended it. If you need temporary equipment to help you after an operation, for example, this can be provided free of charge.The Terry Stevens Centre’s telephone number is 01707 324581, or email : [email protected], website www.hadnet.co.uk.
Other AidsHerts. County Council will provide bath grab rails and hand-rails inside or outside the home - telephone 01707 357800. For other aids, contact Adult Care Services, who will assess your needs and contact the Council. This number is 01438 737400.Home repairs or adaptations to help you stay at home or even larger scale work to renovate your house to suit your needs may qualify for a grant from Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, telephone 01707 357242, e-mail [email protected].
Anchor Staying Put They can provide you with guidance and assistance to carry out whatever repairs, improvements or adaptations are necessary to help you to continue living in your own home. They offer to help you through the process of having work carried out from beginning to end. They are a not-for-profit organisation.
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You can contact them at the address below from 9am until 4.30pm for visitors and on the telephone from 9:30am until 4:30pm :
Anchor Staying Put North and Central Herts Agency 126 Great North Road Hatfield, Herts AL9 5JN
Telephone: (01707) 255710 or 255711 for the handyperson (SAFE) project.e-mail: [email protected]
If you need help with day-to-day living, contact HCC’s Home Care Services through Adult Care Services on 01438 737400.If you are not eligible for free care, the same contact can give you a list of HCC approved agencies, or you can look in Yellow Pages “Nurses Agencies and Care” section.
Meals on WheelsHow do I apply for Meals on Wheels?You need to be referred by your GP surgery, social worker or Warden who will send us a form with all your details and dietary requirements. They can normally start the service the day after they receive the referral.
How much do the meals cost?Hot lunches are delivered to older and vulnerable people who are unable to cater for themselves 7 days a week. A main course with a dessert costs £2.80 per day or £2.30 without a dessert. Their preferred method of payment is by Direct Debit or a bill can be sent monthly and this can be settled by cheque, via the post office with a payment card or by making a payment on the debit/credit card hotline tel. 01707 357755. Can special diets be catered for? They can supply special diets for diabetics and vegetarians, lower fat foods, soft foods for people who have difficulty chewing and swallowing and ethnic meals for Asian and Jewish customers.What time are the meals delivered?Anytime between 11.30am and 2pm, but normally before 1.15pm.
For more information please call the Meals on Wheels Office 01707 357128. They also need volunteers !
FINANCE
Financial advice on housing and benefits is available from a number of public agencies. These are the ones listed by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, with contact details:
T he Citizens Advice Bureau can advise on financial matters affecting local residents including advice on benefits and assistance to manage debts. Advice is given on an
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appointment basis. A very successful project is in place to assist residents with claiming disability benefits including home visits where appropriate.
Welwyn Hatfield Citizens Advice Bureau Queensway House, Queensway Hatfield AL10 0LW Phone: 01707 262607 (Advice line)email: [email protected]
Web pages: www.adviceguide.org.uk or www.welwynhatfieldcab.org.uk
The Council’s benefit section can advise on entitlement to benefit which can assist in payment of rent and Council Tax. Advice can be given at the Council office and home visits can be arranged for assistance with claims. Financial assistance where an overpayment of benefit is present can also be given. The Council’s Council Tax section can advise where arrears of Council Tax are present.
Welwyn Hatfield Borough CouncilCampus East Welwyn Garden City AL8 6AE Tel: 01707 357000 E.mail: [email protected] for Council Tax advice or [email protected] for Housing Benefit advice.
Government Benefits advice is also available from 0800882200 and Disability Benefit advice from 08457103456.Help the Aged’s Senior Line – 0808 8006565 and Age Concern’s Infoline on 0800009966 can also help with general finance enquiries.
Saving on energy in the homeWinter Warmth Advice LineThis provides free advice on keeping warm and well in winter and an information booklet “Keep Warm, Keep Well”, available from :
Winter Warmth Advice Line,PO Box 777SE1 6HAAdvice line: 0800 0857000Tel: 01623 724524Textphone: 0800 0857857Website: www.doh.gov.uk/kwkw
Warm Front (England) Warm Front is the government's main grant-funded programme for tackling fuel poverty in England and was launched in June 2000. Households who meet the eligibility criteria (if you have savings over £22 000 you may not qualify) are offered a grant of £2,700 or £4,000 (if oil central heating has been recommended) to help with their insulation and heating such as:
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Loft insulation, Draught proofing, Cavity-wall insulation, Fitting central heating, Fitting gas room heaters with thermostat controls Hot water tank insulation. Energy efficient light bulbs, Converting a solid fuel open fire to a glass front fire
To apply for a Warm Front grant you need to contact the scheme manager at:Eaga1st Floor Block ARichmond HouseWatermarkMetro Riverside ParkSwalwellNE11 9SZFreephone 0800 316 2805
To enquire if you qualify for additional benefits / warm front grant call 0800 072 9006 or email [email protected]
By the way, SAGA don’t just do holidays and magazines – they have a very practical and helpful approach to finance ! Contact their Personal Finance department on 0800 300 555, e-mail [email protected] or go to their website : www.saga.co.uk
MEDICALNHS Direct is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year whenever you have health worries. They can give advice or reassurance over the telephone if you cannot, or do not wish to, contact your doctor. Dial 0805 4647
LOCAL MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS : EAST AND NORTH HERTS PRIMARY CARE TRUST
Bridge Cottage Surgery41 High StreetWelwyn, AL6 9EF Telephone 01438 151413After Hours 01438 360965Emergency 03000 33 33 33
There are 8 doctors at the practice, led by Dr. Abrahams.You can make an appointment, possibly for the same day, by telephoning the surgery.You can speak to a doctor between 8.00-9.00am or 4.45-5.30pm.
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You can make an “urgent care” visit – no appointment – between 8.00-9.00am or 4.00-5.00pm.Internet service : You can make an appointment, request a repeat prescription etc. by contacting the practice via their website : www.bridgecottagesurgery.nhs.uk/Peartree Lane Surgery,
Peartree Lane Surgery110 Peartree Lane,Welwyn Garden City,AL7 3UJTelephone 01707 329292(house calls) or 01707 328919(appointments).
The practice includes 10 doctors and 7 practice nurses. Surgery is open from 8.30am to 6.30pm (up to 8pm on some days), and on Saturday mornings for pre-booked appointments.
LOCAL DENTISTS N. Osman32 High Street, Welwyn, Herts. AL6 9EQTelephone : 01438 715627
Knebworth Dental Surgery,64 London Road,Knebworth, Herts.SG3 6HJTelephone 01438 812160
The Village Dental Practice,3 Station Road,Knebworth, Herts.SG3 6APTel: 01438 816999
PHARMACY
Lloyds, 40 High St., Welwyn, Herts. Telephone 01438 7141104 Lloyds,131-133 London Road, KnebworthTelephone 01438 813166
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Lloyds,9 Shoplands,Welwyn Garden City, Telephone 01707 326754 Open 8.30-6.30 Monday-Friday, 8.30-5 on Saturday
OPTICIANS
Christopher’s Opticians,7a Station Road,KnebworthSG3 6APTelephone 01438 816306
OPTICIAN : HOME VISITS If you cannot get out to visit an optician, Roseoptical‘s specialist professionals will visit your home to provide a service including eye test, eye health check, prescribe spectacles if necessary and deliver and fit them. They can also have your own spectacles repaired or replaced.If you are entitled to free eye care, Roseoptical’s visits and treatment are free.Currently, everybody over the age of 60 is entitled to a free eye test (0ver 40 if you are suffering from glaucoma).If you have to pay for treatment, they make a small charge for visiting.
HELP WITH PARTICULAR MEDICAL PROBLEMSHere are a some agencies, both local and national, who may be able to assist you.
Note : The County Council offer a helpline on any disability, including visual or hearing impairment, which you can contact as follows :Write to the Disability Information Bureau,
PO Box 153,Stevenage SG1 2GHTelephone 01438 737444 or Textphone 01438 737359e-mail : [email protected]
Respiratory Diseases: British Lung FoundationThe team is made up of respiratory nurses, benefits advisers and counsellors for parents with children with respiratory problems. Write to :
The British Lung Foundation 73-75 Goswell Road,London EC1V 7LR
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Helpline Advice Service : 08458 50 50 20 (Mon to Fri 10 am to 6 pm)Fax: 020 7688 5556Web: www.lunguk.org
If they are busy please leave a message and they will call you back. Calls charged at your local rate. Calls from mobiles could be higher. Typetalk calls welcomed.
Visual Impairment
Contact Hertfordshire Society For The BlindChief Executive OfficeLeahoe HouseCounty HallPegs LaneHertford SG13 8DZ Phone: 01992 588145 (Sight-Line) 01992 588145email: [email protected] Web pages: www.hertsblind.com
Hard of HearingHelp is available from the following :
WEA Lip-reading classes. Hertford Baptist Church 15 Chambers St. Hertford Mondays and Tuesdays 2.00 to 4.00pm
Louis Read 01 920 821401 Green End House Braughing SG11 2PE email [email protected] Class based in Hertford Welwyn/Hatfield Hearing Advisory Service Woodside Centre Showrooms The Commons Welwyn Garden City
AlzheimersIf you are caring for someone with Alzheimers Disease, and need help or information,Telephone 020 7423 3500, e-mail [email protected] write to : Alzheimer's Society, Devon House, 58 St Katharine's Way, London E1W 1JXFor local information, call the Welwyn and Hatfield Branch : Alzheimer's Society, Foundation House, 2-4 Forum Place, Fiddlebridge Lane, Hatfield, AL10 0RNTelephone : 01707-265326 email : [email protected]
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They offer carer support, a support group in Welwyn, home based respite service, information, and social evenings in Welwyn Garden City.
Migraine The Migraine Action Association has 3 main aims: to provide information and reassurance to migraine sufferers and their families, to encourage and support research and investigation into migraine and to gather and pass on information about treatments available.They offer a quarterly newsletter and leaflets on all aspects of migraine.Contact the Migraine Action Association on 01536 461333, or [email protected]
HOSPITALS Local NHS Hospitals include the Queen Elizabeth II in Welwyn Garden City, the Lister in Stevenage and the Hertford County Hospital. Contact details and transport information is given below.Car parking is usually difficult and expensive at all three hospitals. Please consider using a bus or ask a friend to take you to and from your appointment. NOTE : WHEN PHONING, IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO ASK FOR AN EXTENSION NUMBER FOR THE WARD ETC. YOU WANT TO CONTACT TO SAVE TIME ON CALLS THROUGH THE SWITCHBOARD
QUEEN ELIZABETH IIThe QEII in Welwyn Garden City was the first full hospital to be built by the NHS, as a district general hospital currently providing about 315-beds. It offers a full range of general hospital services for people living and working in many parts of east and south Hertfordshire. A sub-regional service in ophthalmology, which includes an emergency eye casualty clinic, is based at the QEII.Contact Queen Elizabeth II Hospital,
Howlands, Welwyn Garden City, Herts.AL7 4HQTelephone 01707 365320
Email : [email protected] FROM WELWYN, MARDLEY HEATH AND OAKLANDS TO QEII : NO. 301 THE LISTER HOSPITALThe Lister is a 454-bed district general hospital in Stevenage. It offers general and specialist hospital services for people across much of Hertfordshire and south Bedfordshire and provides a full range of medical and surgical specialties.Contact Lister Hospital
Coreys Mill Lane,Stevenage,Hertfordshire,SG1 4AB
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Telephone : 01438 314333 BUS ROUTE FROM WELWYN VILLAGE TO LISTER HOSPITAL – NO. 301
THE HERTFORD COUNTY HOSPITALThe £8.5 million new hospital was opened on the existing Hertford County site in November 2004. The hospital provides a range of outpatient, diagnostic and therapeutic services, including x-ray and physiotherapy. It also houses a GP out-of-hours service, as well as a range of community services.
Contact Hertford County HospitalNorth Road,Hertford,SG14 1LPTel: 01438 314 333Email : [email protected]
BUS ROUTE : 301 CHANGE TO 388 AT WELWYN GARDEN CITY BUS STATION.
PATIENT ADVICE AND LIAISON SERVICE (PALS) This organisation provides advice, listens to your concerns and helps deal with any complaints you may have regarding your dealings with National Health services. These include your hospital and GP., dentists, pharmacy, optician, health centre, home nursing teams, and district and school nurses. Of course, the NHS expects all its staff to listen and respond to you to the best of their ability, but sometimes you, your relatives, carers or friends may wish to talk to someone employed especially to help you. This is where PALS comes in !PALS have offices at the QEII and Lister hospitals and can also be contacted at :
Office Address:Patient Advice & Liaison ServiceWest Hertfordshire PCTCharter HouseParkwayWelwyn Garden CityHertfordshire AL8 6JL
HOSPITAL DISCHARGE SCHEMEAge Concern have a short term scheme to help you get back on your feet after a stay in hospital. They will help with shopping, transport, a handyman scheme, legal matters and benefits. They will accompany you to the shops or to appointments and generally provide support and encouragement. They have Co-ordinators for the scheme at the QEII (01707 375814) and the Lister (01438 781560)
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CARING FOR A RELATIVE AT HOMEIf you are looking after a relative at home, you should be aware of various organisations who can help you !Hertfordshire County Council is the responsible authority for caring for adults and other vulnerable people, and for helping those who care for them.
Who is a Carer ?A carer is anyone who looks after a friend, relative, partner or child because of their disability, mental health problem or learning disability.
Carers are unpaid. About one in ten of the population is a carer. They do not need to live with the person they care for.
How do I get Carers' Services?Where caring has a significant impact on your life, and you are caring for someone who would be eligible to use County Council services, you can ask for a carer's assessment from Adult Care Services by telephoning 01438 737401.
A carer's assessment is a chance to talk with a worker from Adult Care Services about the support that you may need to carry on caring. About 700 carers per year are currently benefiting from these services in Hertfordshire.
Carers can also get support services in the form of direct payments (money instead of services). Ask your Adult Care Services worker for more details.
Carers can sometimes get Direct Payments - money to arrange their own carers' services in the form of an allowance or a grant. You need to talk to your Adult Care Services worker about it when you have your carer's assessment.
People with disabilities can also get Direct Payments to arrange their own services. Further details about this are in a leaflet called “It's your life, take control !”
What if the person I care for doesn’t want anything to do with Adult Care Services?You can have a carer’s assessment by yourself, looking at your own needs, even if the person you care for won’t have an assessment and doesn’t want any services.
After the carer’s assessment you may be able to get a service just for yourself.
What would happen if I were suddenly unable to care?If you look after a relative or friend who is ill, frail or disabled you may worry about what would happen if you were suddenly unable to care for them. Many carers told Carers UK that such worrying stopped them leaving the person they cared for at all, or for anything more than a quick dash to the shops. If the person you care for is an older person, is physically disabled or has a learning disability and is eligible for help from Adult Care
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Services, you are entitled to a Carers' Assessment. As part of your Carers' Assessment Adult Care Services can help you plan for emergencies with their new Adult Care Services Carers' Emergency Scheme
For general information about support available to carers who live in Hertfordshire contact Carers in Hertfordshire on 01992 586969.
ADULT CARE SERVICES CARERS' EMERGENCY SCHEME
The scheme means that if you are suddenly taken ill, caught in traffic or even in an accident yourself there will be a plan in place to help the person you care for.Even if you (and the person you care for) would want only friends and family to step in, an emergency plan can be agreed. And if you would want outside help from homecare or other services in an emergency they can discuss that with you too.Either way, the plan is on record so that it is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. As part of your carers' assessment you will be given an emergency card with a unique number so if you physically can’t tell them or anyone else what needs to happen, or are too distressed to remember, they can still find all the details you have given them previously.
Carers of an adult with a mental health problem
If you care for a person with mental health problems, you can contact Partnership Foundation Trust's Hertfordshire out of hours helpline for service users and carers on 01438 843322.
CARERS IN HERTFORDSHIRE
Recommended by the County Council, Carers in Hertfordshire is a charity which provides confidential advice, support and information to any carer who lives in Hertfordshire, or looks after someone living in Hertfordshire. They aim to provide quality services to all carers throughout Hertfordshire in accordance with their Equal Opportunities policy. Contact them whether you are new to caring or have been a carer for many many years, if you live with the person you care for or they live elsewhere.
How can they help? They can tell you about your rights as a carer
They can spend time helping you plan the support you need by problem
solving and telling you about local services and specialist organisations which may support you.
They can tell you about ways you can look after your own health, meet other carers and add your voice to theirs to influence provision of services.
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Write to :Carers in HertfordshireThe Red House119 Fore StreetHERTFORDTel: 01992 586969 . e-mail : [email protected]
What is Carer's Allowance?Carer's Allowance is paid if you care for someone who receives Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance (middle or highest care part). To get it you must be 16 or over and:
provide care for at least 35 hours a week (including time spent with the person checking they are ok, not just physically caring) and
not earn more than £87 a week from employment and not be a full-time student with 21 hours or more of supervised study per week.
What is Carers’ Grant?Carers' Grant is money which the Government gives Hertfordshire County Council to help make sure carers get breaks from caring.Most of the money goes to voluntary sector projects but a range of other flexible services can sometimes be funded out of the carers’ grant - not only breaks services, but also practical help for the carer. Usually the way to get a break or practical help funded by carers' grant is for you or the person you care for to have an assessment. A leaflet called “You look after someone” gives more details about this.
SHORT BREAKS FROM CARINGMany breaks are funded by groups like Crossroads - a charity that carers themselves can approach to get a break. The local Crossroads is : Hertfordshire Crossroads North : Telephone: 01462 455578
GETTING ABOUT
1) THE BLUE BADGE SCHEME
If you have your own car, getting around is not too difficult. And, if you have a severe disability, you may be able to claim a Blue Badge, which will enable you to park anywhere on street within reason, and to use disabled spaces in car parks. The Blue Badge is recognised throughout Europe.
There are parking spaces for Blue Badge holders in the three public car parks in Welwyn Village, and to enquire about disabled parking spaces in Welwyn Garden City please call 01707 357555.
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Who can get a Blue Badge?You are eligible if any of these apply to you or a passenger in your car :
you receive the higher rate of the mobility component of the Disability Living Allowance
you receive a War Pensioners' Mobility Supplement you use a motor vehicle supplied for disabled people by a Government health
department you are registered blind you have very severe walking difficulties and are a driver or a passenger. you are registered blind. you drive a vehicle regularly and have a severe disability in both arms.
The badge cannot be used for temporary disabilities such as a broken limb or convalescence.In Hertfordshire the badge is issued through Hertfordshire County Council’s Adult Care Services. Phone : 01438 737400
2) THE MOTABILITY SCHEME
The Motability Scheme offers disabled motorists who receive the Higher Rate Mobility Component of the Disability Living Allowance a brand new car every three years with insurance, personal accident cover, aftersales servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance from the RAC, an allowance of 45,000 miles over three years, and free tyre replacement. Customers who return their cars at the end of the lease in good order, and with no loss or damage claims, receive a £200 bonus.Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles are available on the Motability Scheme for recipients of the higher rate allowance (£43.45 per week). There is even a wheelchair accessible motorbike if you feel adventurous !.If you would like further details, telephone 0845 456 4566, or contact the Editor of Motability and Disability Today Magazine on : 01733 571858 or see the website : www.mobilityonline.co.uk.
3) PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Welwyn Village and Oaklands are well served by buses - you can travel to either the Lister or the QEII Hospital, for example, or go shopping in WGC, Stevenage or St. Albans. Digswell has less bus options at the moment, but the train from Welwyn North will take you to WGC or Stevenage bus stations, for example, and after that you have plenty of scope !
The bus pass scheme is available to residents of Hertfordshire who have a permanent disability, are in receipt of a mobility allowance or those who qualify on age. the scheme.
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NOTE : PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The Parish Plan Action Group publishes a free annual leaflet detailing bus routes, train timetables, coach and taxi information etc. Ask at the Parish Office in Lockleys Drive for a copy of the leaflet.
With free bus travel - when you have obtained your bus pass - and discounted train fares on your rail card, the world, or at least most of England, is your oyster.
Even bigger discounts are available on long journeys if you telephone the rail company for your rail company in advance. You can ask for their best price and their advice on how to plan your journey.
4) THE BUS PASS SCHEME
If you are over 60, you can travel free anywhere in Hertfordshire (or anywhere in England after 9.30am) once you have received your Bus Pass. You can apply for this by telephoning 01707 357111 or visiting WGC Library to ask for a form. You will need a passport sized photo to send off with your form, and you will then receive a “credit card” style pass. Your pass will allow you to claim reduced fares on other forms of transport, and an annual rail card will save even more if you use the train fairly frequently, or for longer journeys.
5) SHOPMOBILITYShopmobility is a national scheme whereby people who find it difficult to walk can use a powered wheelchair to take them round local shopping centres. Find out what is available in Welwyn Hatfield by calling the Borough Council offices on 01707 357111.
6) DIAL A RIDE What is Dial a Ride?Dial a Ride is a transport service for the elderly and people of any age who have difficulty travelling due to permanent disability or illness. It provides transport on a “taxi” basis for individuals who are members, and one companion.
Am I eligible ?As a general rule you are eligible if you are in receipt of mobility allowance, have a permanent disability that restricts your mobility or qualify on age.
What can I use it for?Whatever you like ! Shopping, visiting the doctor or dentist, going to places of interest, visiting friends and family.
How much will I have to pay ?Dial a Ride fares are comparable with public transport. The fares are quoted for a single journey and the booking office should tell you the cost of each journey
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Can I take a someone with me?Yes you may, as Dial a Ride does not provide companions or escorts. Companions will be charged at the same rate as the member.
You can join Dial a Ride by phoning 01923 443388 (afternoons only)
7) SHOPPER HOPPERShopper Hopper provides comfortable “bus” transport to local supermarkets for older and disabled people who have difficulty with shopping.How does the service work?Once they have received your application form they will contact you to arrange which day and which supermarket they can offer you.Once a week the bus will collect you from your home and take you and the other passengers to the supermarket, leaving you there for about one and a half hours. This is enough time to shop and have a snack in the restaurant. On the return journey the driver will help carry the shopping to your door, if you need him to.
How much does the service cost? Each return trip costs £1.50 and the driver will issue you with a ticket on the bus. For further details on ShopperHopper, contact John Lynch 01707 357124 or email [email protected] Internet : www.welhat.gov.uk/healthsocialcare/servicesfortheelderly/shopperhopper
M EETING PEOPLE AND ENJOYING YOUR LEISURE
Residents in Welwyn Parish are lucky in having a number of activities available in the villages or in easy reach by public transport. All the activities listed take place in the Parish. For reasons of space, we give contact names and telephone numbers only. For information about sports and other facilities in Welwyn Garden City contact the Borough Council on 001707 357000.
SPORTING
Badminton (50+)............... Peter James, 01438 714746Badminton (Ladies) ….......01727 859570Welwyn Sports and Social Club ...01438 714183Welwyn Tennis Club ….....Sheila Grimmond, 01438 820991Welwyn Bowls Club …......01438 716294 Digswell Tennis Club …....Membership Secretary 07802 920318Digswell Table Tennis …...John Davies 01438 717160Digswell Riding Stable …...Danecroft Riding, 01438 717422Riding for the Disabled …..Mrs. J Meredith, 01438 832651 or 01707 332159Jive Swing Dance classes..(Digswell) Trisha Sewell, 01438 718906
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LOCAL INTEREST GROUPSWelwyn Floral Group Contact: Mrs Jane Harper; Telephone: 01438 820073
Welwyn and District Garden Club : Mrs E.J. Coxall; Telephone: 01438 813335
Welwyn Local History Society : Paul Jiggen : 01438 716598
Digswell Players (Theatrical Group) Mrs. D. Holt : 01438 714780
Digswell Lake Society : Peter Neville 0845 0035253
Digswell Horticultural Society : Mrs. R. Wood, 01438 715764
Herts. Family History Association: Mr. J.Pearson, 01727 824454
WOMENS' INSTITUTES : Ayots and Welwyn : Mrs. Geraldine Moss, 01438 716638
Mardley Heath : Mrs. Margaret Frost, 01438 715346
Digswell : Mrs. S. Butler, 01438 716574
FRIENDS OF QEII HOSPITAL : Diana Holt, 01438 714780
FRIENDS OF DANESBURY HOSPITAL : Alan Toms, 01438 714422
WELWYN FRIENDSHIP GROUP : George Cubitt : 01438 714859, Olive Elderton : 01438 840061
ARTS AND CRAFTSWillow Watercolours : Fiona Pruden, 01438 840977 Mimram Quilters : Jill Elsdon, 01438 714277
RESIDENTS’ GROUPSWelwyn Planning and Amenities Group : Jon Green,
Digswell Residents’ Association : Peter Holt
CHURCHESSt. Mary’s Church, Welwyn Ladies Lunch and a Men’s Breakfast advertised through the Parish Magazine and the Church Notice Sheet which is available in church.
Coffee mornings and Fairtrade stall held in St Mary’s New Church House from 10-11.30am every Saturday morning.
Carer’s Group every third Thursday of the month for anyone who has to care for a relative or friend. The Group meets in St Mary’s New Church House at 12 for 12.30pm. Lunch is provided followed by a talk, music recital etc. Please contact the Church Office on 01438 840964.
On the first Thursday of the month there is a short service of hymns and prayers followed by coffee at the Hall in Stuart Road. Lifts are available : the contact is Su Blanch on 01438 716707.
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Digswell Village Church, Warren WayTuesday Morning Get Together : first and third Thursdays, 10.15am - Talk and Refreshments. Telephone Margaret Acton 01438 716737
Men’s Breakfast Group : first Saturday, 8.30am – Full English and Discussion. Telephone Peter Holt 01438 714780.
Royal British LegionKnebworth Branch : 01438 235235Legionline : 0845 7725725
THERE ARE MORE SUGGESTIONS FOR LOCAL ACTIVITIES ON THE PARISH COUNCIL WEB SITE :www.welwynpc.org.uk/welwyn interest
LIBRARIES Telephone numbers for Hertfordshire Libraries Customer Services to renew or reserve your books plus talking books, records, DVD’s etc.01438 737333 (Enquiries Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00, Sat 09.00-16.00) 01438 737373 (Renewals 03.00 - 23.45 every day) 01438 737599 (Minicom Mon-Fri 08.00-20.00, Sat 09.00-16.00)
Welwyn LibraryCivic CentreProspect PlaceWelwynHertfordshireAL6 9ER
Wheelchair access Accessible toilet in the Civic Centre
Hearing induction loop
Computer Facilities Internet and web-based e-mail Windows XP
Colour A4 printer
Services and facilities Photocopier Fax service
Home Library Service
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Open Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm
Sat. 9am-1pm
Knebworth Library7 St Martins RoadKnebworth HertfordshireSG3 6ER Access for people with disabilities
Disabled parking nearby Wheelchair access
Hearing induction loop Computer suite
Mobile Library ServiceA mobile library visits the Villages on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.Currently the stops and times are as follows :
Digswell : Outside the Cowper Arms – 4.00pm to 4.30pm
Oaklands : Outside the North Star 10.00am to 11.00am
Home Library ServiceThe Home Library Service can deliver books and recordings to your home free of charge if you are unable to reach your local library because you are housebound, have a disability, or care for someone at home.To find out more, telephone 01438 733333.
Cassettes for Blind and Partially Sighted PeopleIf you are unable to read a conventional book, but do not qualify for the free postal service, then the cassettes can be sent to your local library for collection.The stock of over 3,500 title includes fiction, biography, poetry, plays, humour and children’s tapes. Cassettes for Blind People is a free service, which lends books and information on audio cassette to people living in Hertfordshire who are visually impaired, or whose condition makes reading an ordinary book impossible. People who are Registered Blind or Partially Sighted can receive tapes via the free postal service provided by the post office. Those with vision of N12 or less are also entitled to this service, but must have their condition confirmed by an optician or doctor. They do not supply music.Applying for the serviceIf you are a Hertfordshire resident, then you can apply for the Cassettes for Blind People service. Call into your local library or contact 01438 737334 for further information.Talking Newspapers are also available – telephone 01438 717806.
Books on PrescriptionThe NHS have joined with the County Library Service to provide books recommended by your doctor to help you understand and cope with a medical or psychological problem. You need a “prescription” for the book from your doctor, which you can take to your local library. They will get it for you – all completely confidentially, of course. The library can also provide a catalogue of available books for you to order for yourself. These can be borrowed in the usual way.
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Open Mon-Fri 2pm-6pm
Sat. 9am-1pm
SECURITY
KEEP SAFE IN YOUR HOME
The Lifeline alarm system can be installed for home owners, Council and private tenants at a small weekly or monthly charge.Units are installed in the home and connect directly with Welwyn Hatfield Council’s Communications Centre at the press of a button. From there, their trained operators will summon the help needed to deal with any emergency.Telephone Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on 01707 357779.
FREE FIRE SAFETY CHECKHertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service offers Hertfordshire residents the opportunity to have a Free fire safety check of their home, carried out by firefighters from their local station.
Visits are by appointment only. All appointments will be pre-arranged with you. The firefighters that call will always be in uniform, use an agreed
password and show an ID card.
The assessment will look at all areas of accident and fire risk within your home. They will advise you on the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms (where necessary they will supply and fit one free of charge).They will also give advice and information on how to stay safe from fire, including:
Safe disposal of smoking materials, candles, heaters, electric blankets.
Dangers from harmful substances. Kitchen hazards
Finally, the Firefighters will help you to make an escape plan to prepare you, should a fire occur in your home.
Call one of the numbers below to arrange your free appointment:Freephone 0800 587 3347, 01923 471399 or 01438 737399
GENERAL SAFETY IN THE HOMEAnchor Staying Put will carry out a security survey of your home and install devices such as smoke alarms, door chains and window locks to give you peace of mind in your own homeTelephone : 01707 255710 Email: [email protected]
www.stayingput.org.uk
FALLS PREVENTIONFurther advice on safety at home is available from the Falls Prevention service of the Herts Accident Prevention Group. Contact Sandra Hone, Health Promotion Officer, on 01707 357202.NOTE :The Hertfordshire Home Safety and Security Service will install safety measures like locks, door chains, spy holes and smoke alarms and provide expert safty advice.
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They will check your home for fire safety and provide a handy person service at a modest cost for small jobs around the home for people over 60 and those registered as disabled.To contact them, telephone SAFE, 126 Gread North Road, Hatfield, AL9 51Z, telephone 01707 255711.
EMERGENCY ALARMSThe Borough Council can install 'Lifeline' alarm call equipment for a weekly charge to Council tenants and a quarterly charge for private tenants and homeowners. Units are installed in the home and connect directly with their Communications Centre at the press of a button. From there their trained operators will summon the help needed to deal with any emergency.www.welhat.gov.uk/housing/supportedhousing/thelifelinealarmsystem
For others who may need help, such as younger people with a disability, the Council does in some circumstances offer a 'Listening Lifeline'. For a small charge they will keep the details of carers and relatives at the Communications Centre. When they receive a call for help these people are called out in a prioritised order, with the emergency contact as a last resort.Telephone Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council on 01707 357779 for more information
REPORTING A NUISANCETo report any kind of noise, damage or inconsiderate behaviour, use the Herts. Police non-emergency number : 0845 00 33 222.
You will be referred to the Contact Line Operator, who will take your complaint and call you back with the result if you wish.
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