Useful non u3a information
That Elusive Odd-Job Man!
When the odd-job tradesman we have known and used has retire, we ask friends and neighbours to recommend someone. But where do you go if they can’t help? You never know when a blocked sink or damaged curtain-pole will need attention, and supremely competent though we might think we are, help is always needed! Plenty of adverts exist in phone books and papers, but there are no guarantees of honesty or reliability.
Mansfield U3A has been asked why it can’t produce a list of recommended trades-people as some other U3As have done. This is not something which we would want to do so as to avoid possible litigation.
However, Nottinghamshire County Council runs the
Handy Person Adaptation Service
There is no charge for jobs concerned with safety such as putting up handrails and grab rails, but other odd-jobs cost £15.00 and materials are extra. People leaving hospital and needing this service will be seen within a two days and the work will be completed in three days. Otherwise, customers will be seen within 3 days and the work completed within five days.
There is a Link to this service's website on the top right of this page. The County Council web page should answer all your questions and it leads to other useful pages.
The phone number for the service is 0300 500 80 80 and take option 1, then option 2.
Through Mansfield District Council, you can access a Lifeline monitoring service, a most useful service for older people who may be in danger of falling or losing consciousness.
There is a Link to the website at the top right of this page.
Mansfield District Council used to run a scheme called Handyperson Scheme. Unfortunately, this scheme is now available only for Mansfield D.C. tenants so ignore any information about this scheme.
Mike Allen
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Free Newspapers, Magazines and Audio Books Online from your LIBRARY SERVICE.
So what do you do?
1. First, join a Library. If you are a library member use your library card to set up e-reading online at Inspire.
If you are not a member you can join at your local library or follow this link :- Inspire to join online.
2. Follow the instructions on the library website for which Apps to use.
3. Then choose your newspapers,magazines and audio books!
4. You can also download the app onto your tablet or smartphone and use it as your reader.
Our libraries are in danger. Many have shut down; many are staffed purely by volunteers or library assistants and the volume of books borrowed is lessening every year. In fact, sometimes, it seems that the only use many people have for a Library is to use the computers to chat. The move to digital and online reading is one way to keep a vital public service going. It's worth trying.
Any problems contact Terry Whitehead or Bob Longden for help.
Terry Whitehead. ( Updated by Bob Longden 11/11/2023)
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Scams via phone and computer
People are always getting phone calls about their computer needing attention or 'your Amazon Prime subscription is due press 1 to speak to an advisor'.
However one which I think needs more attention is that some banks now ask you to access your account by saying a phrase into your telephone and they can verify you are who you say you are. Those clever scammers are going to latch onto this eventually so if someone tries to get into conversation with you and you know they are scammers but just want to waste their time (I know some people do take some satisfaction from this) take my advice and DONT. Sooner or later one of them will be recording your voice so they can contact your bank and empty your account.
Check out this site to protect your mobile and landline from cold calls, :- tpsonline
Terry Whitehead ( Updated 11/11/2023 Bob Longden)
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FREE WILLS
Obviously, most u3a members will have made wills, but many still forget to update them when circumstances change! In addition, members may well know other people who have not made any wills at all.
October, November and March are the months of 'free wills', when selected solicitors will help with writing wills in the hope that there will be a donation to certain charities.
Type 'Free Wills' into your search engine to find out who is offering what.
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Beyond Diagnosis is a service that offers emotional and practical support to anyone who has been affected by a cancer diagnosis; whether that is their own or loved ones.
Specially trained volunteers go into the homes or into the community to people who have been affected by cancer to offer 1-2 hours of support a week. This is often just to have a friendly chat and a cuppa to lift some of the loneliness and isolation felt by many clients, but can also be things like helping with shopping or going to a local café or garden centre.
We work across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, and whilst we are always promoting the service to anyone who may need a volunteer, we are currently recruiting new volunteers as we have a waiting list of people who need a volunteer. If you would like our help or would like to become a volunteer, I can be reached on either keeley.cochrane@selfhelp.org.uk or 07415833964 or
0115 9111662. Keeley Cochrane