Page 2 - link magazine

10 The virtual Link Magazine now online @ www.swindonlink.com

Choose Credit Unions for Christmas saving A Happy New Year - or is it?
Swindon’s Credit Unions have seen an increase in interest in their
saving schemes following the Farepak fiasco. Christmas will have been a positive experience for many, but for
If any good can come out of the terrible losses suffered by Farepak some it was stressful and miserable, drawing out worries and diffi-
customers, it might be that people will think hard about how they save cult feelings which may prevail for weeks or months to come.
for Christmas 2007. The new year can signify ring- haps it would help to write down
This is the ideal time of year to join a credit union to start building up ing in the changes. Many start off the things that are good in your life
a fund for Christmas shopping. By saving regularly for three months, with good intentions but, after a and the things that are not so good.
it is possible to take a small affordable loan. All money deposited is struggle resolutions dissolve. This will give you a starting point
protected because credit unions are regulated by the Financial Services Making changes to our lives, our to look to the future.”
Authority. Most importantly the rate of interest is very low: 1 per cent relationships and within ourselves Colleague Annette Moore adds,
can be really difficult without help
per month on the declining loan balance (12.68pc APR). and support. “we can offer you the space to
Before Christmas, the Clivey Credit Union gave loans to several explore your worrying thoughts
Personal counsellors under-
families who lost money with Farepak. They were able to allow them a stand how frightening it can be to and feelings and we can help you
special dispensation to borrow without saving for the usual 12 weeks, make changes says Tina Deas of find ways of making and sustain-
because they had already shown that they were regular savers. counselling and support service A ing the changes that you want to
make in your life and assist you in
To become a member just take two types of ID, such as a utilities bill Time To Talk. “We can feel power-
or passport to the Clivey Credit Union on Clive Parade. Call 321833 for less and out of control. This in turn regaining some control.”
If you think that you need sup-
details and see the web site. adds to our levels of stress and port and would like to talk to some-
www.swindoncreditunions.co.uk
anxiety and we can start to feel one, call A Time To Talk which is
overwhelmed, perhaps giving us based at the Health Hydro, Milton
a sense of hopelessness about the Rd, Swindon. Tel: 07722 023950 or
future. mail: [email protected]
“If you are feeling confused per- www.attt.co.uk
Don’t let the winter blues get you Malnutrition can be a fork in the
Everyone feels a bit of a slump after the festive season, but if energy
levels don’t pick up in a week or so, you could be experiencing Seasonal road to recovery for older people
Affective Disorder or SAD, because of inadequate natural light. Age Concern launches Hungry to be Heard campaign
We at The Link have used light boxes for over 15 years and can say
that our work performance during the winter months is better for it. Malnutrition amongst older people in hospitals across Britain has
The SAD Lightbox Company is offering readers a 10 per cent discount been in the news recently and Age Concern is tackling the wide-
on any of their products. A light box may not suit everyone which is why spread problem by joining forces with consultant geriatrician, Dr
they offer a 28 day home trial. Jackie Morris, in producing valuable advice and information for
See the full story and discount details at www.swindonlink.com those affected.
Dr Morris, right, them on this.
says, “if you eat well in “The Intermediate
hospital you are more Care Centre, adjacent to
likely to recover from the GWH, but run by
illness quickly and get Swindon Primary Care
home sooner. Unfortu- Trust, has equally good
By Sue nately, a staggering six arrangements in place
◆ Your local family hairdresser ◆ 25% discount for Seniors out of ten older pa- and is in the business of
tients are put at unnec- helping to support peo-
Call now for an appointment on 01793 871120 or 07967 363322
essary risk of malnu- ple’s rehabilitation and
HOME VISITS AVAILABLE trition during their return home.”
stay.” “We have had sur-
Age Concern nationally knows prisingly few comments about
the extent of the problem only too food at the hospital, but that isn’t
SWINDON CYCLES well having been inundated with to say things are all fantastically
SWINDON CYCLES
Superstore calls since the official launch of its good. Recently I had one excellent
‘Hungry to be Heard’ campaign
report but two not so good. We
before Christmas. Older people are
Age Concern Swindon is trying to
reporting that the food served to work well with the GWH but what
With 250 bikes them is inappropriate, their meals do locally is raise the issues
amongst older people and also
are left out of reach, and often no
on show assistance or encouragement is with those who care for them.”
given to help them eat and drink.
Age Concern has produced a free
THE price is right Dr Morris adds, “the more that leaflet Don’t go hungry in hospital.
older people - and those who care This provides important tips for
THE parking is free for them - know about malnutri- older people in hospital that can
The choice tion, the more they can do to pro- reduce their risk of becoming mal-
tect themselves, or others.”
nourished and also useful infor-
is yours Commenting on the local situa- mation for carers on whether an
Parts, tion Jo Osorio, director of Age Con- older person is malnourished be-
cern Swindon, says the Great West- fore going into hospital. Four out
repairs, accessories, ern Hospital is making major of ten older people arrive at hospi-
back up stock strides in ensuring there is excel- tal already malnourished and the
lent nutrition support in place for leaflet describes the early warning
Open: Mon to Sat
9am to 5.30pm patients and are currently under- signs of malnutrition.
taking a self-assessment to see how For a free copy drop in or write
Closed Sundays
well they are doing. “The hospital to Age Concern Swindon, One
60a Beechcroft Road is focussing on where improve- Milton Road, Swindon SN1 5JE, or
Tel: (01793) 700105 ments can be achieved and Age telephone 692166.
Between Stratton Crossroads & Kingsdown
Concern Swindon is working with www.ageconcern.org.uk

1 January 07 10 14/12/06, 3:01 pm