With the advent of colder weather and darker nights, I am pleased that the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will be providing some support to those eligible for Winter Fuel Payments.
These payments provide a crucial boost for pensioners worried about the cost of switching on the heating as the temperature drops.
If you are eligible for this payment, you should have already received a letter informing you how much you will get and how it will be paid.
Payments are normally made in November/December. If you think you may be entitled to this payment but have not received a letter, you can call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160.
Additionally, there is lots of great advice and tips on keeping warm and well in winter available from www.ageuk.org.uk.
It is well-documented that the arrival of the darker nights and shorter days can have an adverse impact on our mental health. Therefore, I was particularly pleased that I could attend the official opening of ‘The Place’ in Newmarket Street, Ayr last week.
This is a new venture run by threesixty, an Ayrshire charity supporting mental health and wellbeing. I was intrigued by the ‘public living room’ idea: this is a welcoming space which anyone can access, and which provides an opportunity to sit, relax and chat with others.
It opened on November 15, so if you are passing, drop in and say hello. For further information please call 07375 702560.
Your mental health is extremely important and if you are feeling down or depressed, please speak to someone you trust.
Alternatively contact the Samaritans on 116 123, text SHOUT to 85258, or phone Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87. Do not deal with it on your own. It is not a sign of weakness to seek help. It really isn’t.
Winter tends to bring increased demand on many services and the South Ayrshire Foodbank is no exception. Many more people than ever are being referred to food banks,and if you are able to donate it is very much appreciated.
While any donations are welcomed, they are currently much in need of tinned potatoes, vegetables and hot meals like tinned stew or mince, diluting juice, small jars of coffee, tinned rice pudding and UHT milk.
There are collection points across South Ayrshire, including supermarkets, some of which offer to match any donation, thereby increasing its value.
Further information is available by emailing info@southayrshire.foodbank.org.uk
During UK Parliament Week, I was delighted to be invited to give a talk on my work as an MP in Westminster and in the constituency to the 1st Coylton Boys Brigade.
This was followed by a debate led by two of the boys and a vote on the subject of Homework, which ended in a tie. A very good exercise in democracy.
My thanks to the leaders and volunteers of the Boys Brigade who give up their time to organise these fantastic activities for our young people.
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