A - Z of Older People Services
The Senior Passport provides a range of services for older residents in Westminster.
There are a number of different ways in which you can search for a service. However, if you can't find the service you are seeking, our switchboard will be pleased to help you: phone 020 7641 1444
We are adding new items to our A-Z of services all the time. Please contact us with your suggestions.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
Abuse of older people
See Safeguarding
Adult Education
A range of classes such as computers, exercise, and English for speakers of other languages are available.
Tel: 020 7297 7297
Website: www.waes.ac.uk
Adult Services Department
The council provides a range of services for eligible older people. These include home meals, home care, day care, community alarms, direct payments, respite care and equipment.
For residents in North Westminster (NW8, NW1, W2, W9, W10)
4 Frampton Street NW8 4LF
Tel: 020 7641 1175
For residents of South Westminster (SW1, SW7, W1, WC2)
9th floor City Hall, London SW1E 6QP
Tel: 020 7641 3897
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/
See also Senior Passport
Advocacy
Advocacy Plus (previously known as Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents) enables the over 60s to get the rights they are entitled to and the services they need.
Tel: 020 7837 6744
Minicom: 020 7434 2083
E-mail: info@advocacyplus.org.uk
Website: www.wassr.org
Age Concern Westminster
Day centres, information and advice on a range of issues affecting older people in Westminster.
23-25 Praed Street London W2 1NJ
Tel: 020 3004 5610
Fax: 020 7402 3332
E-mail: enquiries@acwestminster.org.uk
Website:www.acwestminster.org.uk/
B
Benefits
You may be entitled to extra benefits that you are not aware of, for example Pension Credit, Attendance Allowance, Carers allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax benefit
Tel: Freephone 0800 99 1234
Website: www.thepensionservice.gov.uk/
There are other ways to get a benefit check too: contact the Westminster Benefits Advice Team for more information Tel 020 7641 8977. They may be able to offer a home visit if needed
See our Your Money section of the website
Buses
Transport For London (tfl) is working to make buses safer and easier to use for older people. If you have any concerns about your experience, contact tfl.
London Buses Customer Services
84 Eccleston Square
London SW1V 1PX
Tel: 0845 300 7000 (0800-2000 Monday to Friday)
Textphone: 020 7918 4435 (0800-2000 Monday to Friday)
Fax: 020 7027 9914
E-mail: customerservices@tfl-buses.co.uk
Website: www.tfl.gov.uk/buses/
Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) organisations
There is a range of organisations working with BME groups in Westminster. See Voluntary Action Westminster (www.vawcvs.org) for more information.
Westminster City Council also has a Partnership for Racial Equality
Website:www.westminster.gov.uk/communityandliving/ethniccommunities/racerelations/index.cfm
The Migrants ResourceCentre works with migrants and refugees and in partnership with other agencies to enable migrants and refugees to fully participate in society
Website: www.migrantsresourcecentre.org.uk
Chinese Community Centre
Website: www.ccc.org.uk/
Queen's Park Bangladesh Association
Website: www.multikulti.org.uk/agencies/bengali/london/21337/
British Arabs Resource Centre
Website: www.casweb.org/barc/
Marylebone Bangladesh Society
Website: www.mbs-uk.org
C
Carers
If you are helping to look after a relative, you may want support and advice about your caring role.
Website:
www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/carers
Carers Network Westminster is an organisation which also offers support and advice to those in a caring role.
Office 8, Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, London W10 4JL
Tel: 020 8960 3033
E-mail: info@carers-network.co.uk
website: www.carers-network.co.uk
You may be entitled to a Carers allowance too
Website: www.direct.gov.uk/CaringForSomeone/fs/en
Another useful organisation is Carers UK
Website: www.carersuk.org/Information/Helpwithcaring/Whathelpisavailable
Chiropodists- see podiatrists
Citizens Advice Bureau
For free, confidential and independent information and advice on a range of issues affecting individuals, including debt, benefits and housing issues.
Website: Westminster Citizens Advice Bureau
Paddington CAB
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/bureau_detail.html?serialnumber=100078
Pimlico CAB
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/bureau_detail.html?serialnumber=101241
Clubs
see day centres
Community Alarms
An alarm to wear round your neck that can summon help 24 hours a day if you fall or become unwell.
Website: Community Alarm
Computer classes
See Adult Education
Community protection and community safety officers
Community protection is working with the Metropolitan Police to create safer neighbourhoods for you to live in.
Website:www.westminster.gov.uk/policingandpublicsafety/crimeandlawenforcement/cityguardians/
The Community Support Officers and Safer Neighbourhoods teams are dedicated to your community and are additional to other policing teams and units in London.
Website: www.met.police.uk/westminster/saferneighbourhoods.htm
Council Tax benefit
If you are on a low income, you may be able to claim towards the cost of your council tax.
For a guide to calculating your entitlement-
Website: www3.westminster.gov.uk/benefits/
See also Housing Benefit
D
Day Centres/clubs
see also leisure
Ever wanted to join a club, study another language or learn to dance? There's plenty on in Westminster.
Age Concern Westminster
Website: www.acwestminster.org.uk/clubsandactivities.html
GLAD Monday
www3.westminster.gov.uk/weldis/organisationdetails.cfm?contactid=5967
Radicle St Margarets
Website:
www3.westminster.gov.uk/weldis/organisationdetails.cfm?contactid=6045
WELDIS
Web site: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/socialissues/weldis/search.cfm
See also Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) organisations
Dentists
To find an NHS dentist near you, click here
Website: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/dentists.htm
Dialaride
A bookable transport service available locally for those with disabilities.
Website: www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/3222.aspx
Or to contact the office covering Westminster
Hathaway House, 7d Woodfield Road, London, W9 2BA
Tel: 020 7266 6100
Fax: 020 7266 5079
See also FreedomPass and Taxicards
Direct Payments
If you are eligible for assistance from Westminster's Children and Community Services and can manage your own services either alone or with some help, you could get a Direct Payment.
Website: Direct payments
Doctors
See G.Ps
E
Education
See Adult Education
F
Fire brigade
see smoke alarms
Freedom pass
Freedom passes are available to permanent London residents aged 60 years and over, and those who have eligible disabilities. They allow older people who live in Westminster to travel free on London's public transport network.
Tel 020 7641 2266
Website: http://www.freedompass.org/
See also Taxicards and Dialaride
G
GPs
If you need help in finding a doctor in your area, Westminster PCT has information available to assist you
Website: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/gps.htm
H
Home Care
If you are finding it difficult to manage at home on your own, then you can ask for an assessment for help from a home carer
Website:www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/practicalsupport/homecare.cfm
See also direct payments
Home library service
Free home delivery of books every three weeks, in regular or large print, music and spoken word cassettes or CD, videos, DVDs and magazines.
Tel: 020 7641 5405
Minicom: 020 7641 4879
Email: homelibraryservice@westminster.gov.uk
Website: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/libraries/findalibrary/hls/
See also Libraries
Home meals service
Hot meals delivered to your home seven days a week or frozen meals delivered weekly. Available at subsidised rates to assessed eligible residents or generally available for private purchase.
Tel: 020 7402 0785
Website:www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/practicalsupport/homemeals.cfm
Housing Benefit
If you are on a low income and have savings of less than £16,000, you may be eligible to apply for Housing Benefit to help with the cost of your rent, whether in private, housing association or council accommodation.
Call in at
Third Floor, Westbourne House, 14-16 Westbourne Grove, London, W2 5RH
or
180 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, SW1V 1ER
Or call the Westminster Benefits Service on 0800 072 0042 (Freephone)
See also Council Tax benefit
Housing Options
If you are considering moving to sheltered or supported accommodation, you will need to apply to Westminster's' Housing and Advice Office.
Housing Assessment and Advice Centre, 101 Orchardson Street, NW8 8EA
Tel: 020 6741 1000
Email: hoscustomerservices@cwh.org.uk
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/housing/housingoptions/contact-us.cfm
I
J
Jab (flu vaccination)
Don't let flu get the better of you! If you're aged 65 or over, then you are eligible for a free flu vaccination
If you would like to make an appointment to receive one, contact your local GP.
K
Keep Warm Keep Well
The 'Keep Warm, Keep Well' campaign is launched each autumn by the Department of Health. It is a campaign to give information and advice about staying well in winter by keeping warm. Older people are particularly vulnerable and are also eligible for a winter fuel payment.
See information on our website:
www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/wellbeingandsafety/keepwarm.cfm
See also Healthy Homes
L
Libraries
Westminster Libraries are open to all who live in Westminster. They offer books, CDs, language courses and talking books, as well as newspapers, magazines, local information and access to computers.
To find your nearest library: www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries/findalibrary/
See also home library service
Leisure
There are many opportunities to get involved in leisure activities in Westminster; some at a reduced cost for older people.
For some more information
http://www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/wellbeingandsafety/social.cfm
M
Meals on wheels
see Home Meals Service
Mental Health
Many people can be affected by a mental illness at some stage of their lives. Help is available for you if you need it
Website: www.cnwl.org/index.html
Other support agencies include:
Westminster MIND
Website: www.westminstermind.org.uk/
Samaritans - see Samaritans
Westminster Pastoral Foundation - a charitable organisation that offers counselling to individuals
Website: www.wpf.org.uk/
Message in a Bottle
Message in a Bottle is a scheme for those aged 60 or older who live alone, or have an illness or disability, to ensure their medical details are stored somewhere where they can easily be found in the event of an emergency.
N
News
For the latest information on issues that affect older people, see the Adults Services webpages
www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/
or see our general older peoples pages
www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/
O
Older people
see Adult Services Department
Opticians
If you are unable to visit your High Street optician because of illness or disability, you can ask for a home visit. For a list of those providing this service, please ring the Westminster PCT switchboard on 020 7150 8000.
Organisations
There are several organisations in Westminster offering services and support to older people. These are some of the larger ones:
Age Concern Westminster
see Age Concern Westminster
Open Age
Providing a wide range of activities to enable older people to develop new skills and fulfil their potential, as well as to encourage and support social interaction and reduce loneliness and isolation.
1 Thorpe Close, London, W10 5XL
Tel: (020) 8964 1900
Fax: (020) 8964 0989
Email: mail@openage.org.uk
Website: www.openage.co.uk/
Abbey Community Centre
Offers a range of activities for older people to join in with, including tai chi, healthy walks, a social club and keep fit.
34, Great Smith Street, London, SW1P 3BU
Tel: 020 7222 0303
P
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)
PALS are part of the Primary Care Trust (PCT) but will also offer impartial and confidential advice about the service.
They are not a formal complaints service, but will be able to advise you how to complain if you wish to.
Tel: 0800 5878818 (Freephone)
Website: www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/pals.htm
Parking
If you have a permanent disability, you may be eligible to apply for a Disabled Parking Badge (known as a white badge in Westminster). This allows you to park for free in certain areas.
Tel 020 7641 5124
Website:
www.westminster.gov.uk/transportandstreets/parking/disabledparking/permits/index.cfm
If you are a severely disabled resident you may be eligible for an individual parking bay near your home.
Tel: Parking Services on (020) 7641 5124 for details
Alternatively, you can contact our 24 hour parking information line on (020) 7823 4567.
Write to:
Disabled Person's Parking Applications, PO Box 6100, London, SW1P 6FG
You can also obtain an application pack from any of the City Council's One Stop Services
Website: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/transportandstreets/parking/disabledparking/
Passports
If you were born on or before 2nd September 1929, you are eligible for a free standard 10-year passport.
Tel 0870 521 0410 (UK Passport Advice Line)
Pavements
If you notice a broken or uneven pavement in your area and are worried about falling, you can alert the Pavement hotline who will fix it.
Tel: 020 7641 6275
Pharmacies
To see a list of all pharmacies in Westminster
Website:
http://www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/services/pharmacists.htm
Podiatrists
You may be eligible for a NHS podiatry service.
For further information contact
Westminster PCT Podiatry Services
Health @ The Stowe. 260 Harrow Road. London. W2 5ES
Public and referrer enquiries: 020 7316 6808
Fax: 020 7316 6809
email: podiatryenquiries@Westminster-pct.nhs.uk
Police
There are five local police stations in Westminster
In case of emergency, always ring 999
Belgravia
202-206 Buckingham Palace Road, Belgravia, London, SW1 9SX
Tel: (020) 7730 1212
Minicom: 020 7321 6998
Open 0700 - 2200 or 0700 - 2300
Charing Cross
Agar Street, London, WC2N 4JP
Tel: (020) 7240 1212
Minicom: 020 7321 8201
Open 24 hours a day
Marylebone, 9 Seymour Street, London, W1H 5AA
Tel: (020) 7486 1212
Minicom: 020 7321 9394
Open 24 hours a day
Paddington
Paddington Green, 2-4 Harrow Road, London, W2 IXJ
Tel: (020) 7402 1212
Minicom: 020 7321 8333
Open 24 hours a day
West End Central
27 Savile Row, London, W1S 2EX
Tel: (020) 7437 1212
Minicom: 020 7 321 8701
Open 24 hours a day
Website:
www.met.police.uk/westminster/
Primary Care Trust
Information about health service provision by Westminster's Primary Care Trust
15, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5JD
Tel 020 7150 8000
Website:
www.westminster-pct.nhs.uk/index.htm
Q
Questions:
For more information about any of the items you have seen here or if you can't find what you are looking for, call us on 020 7641 1444 or contact us.
R
Repairs
'Staying Put' is a charitable organisation that works in partnership with Westminster City Council to offer a small repairs service (e.g. carpentry, plumbing and minor repairs) to those residents over 60.
Contact:
Staying Put, Offices 6 & 7, Canalside House, 383 Ladbroke Grove, London W10 5AA.
Email: isps@sbha.co.uk
Tel: 0208 206 5890/1
Website: Staying Put
Rescard
The Westminster Rescard, for Westminster residents, gives you discounts on admission to a number of venues in the city, including restaurants, museums, galleries, theatres, and leisure facilities.
To find out more and apply
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture/rescard/index.cfm
S
Safeguarding
Westminster City Council has a Safeguarding helpline you can contact if you have any concerns that you are being abused, or you know an older person you are worried may be being abused. Telephone 020 7641 2176
Website: http://www.westminster.gov.uk/services/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/abuseadults/
Samaritans
Samaritans are available to talk to 24 hours a day, every day.
Tel 08457 90 90 90
Website: www.samaritans.org/
Westminster's local branch:
46 Marshall Street, London, W1F 9BF
Tel 020 7734 2800
Open 9am - 9pm daily
Security Grants
Westminster has a 'Safe and Secure' scheme. If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for a security grant to help make your home safer. Both owner-occupiers and people who rent can apply.
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/housing/private/grants/safeandsecure.cfm
Senior Citizens Forum
Westminster Senior Citizens Forum is a group run by older people, for older people in Westminster. Its main aims are to give older people a strong voice, and to promote the interests of all older people to the relevant statutory and voluntary bodies.
Contact Isobel Hunter on 020 7636 4175 for more information
Website: Westminster Senior Citizens Forum
Senior Passport
The Senior Passport offers one telephone number to access everything you need to know about local services and sources of advice and support for older people.
Tel: 020 7641 1444
Website:www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/seniorpassport/index.cfm
Shopper service
A free bus service to specific supermarkets for older or disabled people with mobility problems.
Days of service depends on where you live
Book between 10am and 12 noon, Monday to Thursday
Tel: 020 7641 2009
Social Services
see Adult Services Dept
Smoke Alarms
The London Fire Brigade supplies and installs free smoke alarms for older people in Westminster.
Call the Fire Brigade free on 08000 28 44 28
Website:
Smoke Alarms
Sport
see leisure
T
Taxicards
If you cannot use public transport due to a permanent disability, you may be eligible for a Westminster taxicard. A taxicard allows a number of subsidised taxi journeys per year with an authorised cab company.
Tel 020 7641 2266
Transport
see Freedom Pass, Dialride and Taxicards
U
Unaddressed mail:
To stop unaddressed mail being delivered to your home, write to
Door to Door Customer Service team, Royal Mail, Wheatstone House, Wheatstone Road, Swindon, SN3 5JN
V
Visual Impairment
If you are registered blind or partially sighted, or have a visual impairment that cannot be corrected by using traditional spectacles, the Visual Impairment Rehabilitation Services may be able to help.
Tel: 0207 641-3950
Website: Sensory Needs
Also see Opticians
Volunteer Bureau Westminster
If you would like to get involved and offer your services as a volunteer you will be very welcome.
Contact Westminster Volunteer Bureau, 53-55 Praed Street, London W2 1NR
Tel: 020 7402 8076
Website: www.volunteer.co.uk/
Voluntary Action Westminster
Voluntary Action Westminster is an independent charity that works with community and voluntary groups in the City of Westminster.
Website: www.vawcvs.org/
W
WELDIS
WELDIS (Westminster's Elderly and Disabled Information Service) is an information database of both local and national organisations for older people, carers and those with a disability. Search online for information on a range of different services.
Website: WELDIS
X
Xmas
Christmas can be a lonely time if you have no family around to support you. Westminster has a number of good clubs who can offer companionship and support to older people this festive season - see Day Centres
Y
You want more?
Visit the Senior Passport pages to access everything you need to know about local services and sources of advice and support for older people.
Website: www.westminster.gov.uk/healthandsocialcare/adultservices/older/
Z
Zinc (vitamins, minerals and general healthy eating)
Eating the right diet is essential as you get older. Click here to find out what foods will help you to stay healthy and active.
Website: www.eatwell.gov.uk/agesandstages/olderpeople/
Was this useful?
Whatever your interest, Westminster City Council welcomes and encourages you to get in touch with suggestions for improvements to the site. Please tell us how useful this page was to you.
