Christmas is a time for fun and festivities but it can also be a cause of stress for many of us for a number of reasons. Independent Age have created a free guide with lots of information about how you can enjoy a stress free Christmas this year, it covers things such as:
• Budgeting
• Family and relationships
• If you’re lonely over the Christmas period
• Celebrating Christmas with someone with dementia
• Christmas following a bereavement
• Christmas and care homes
Click here to download the free guide.
Find out what support you’re eligible for this winter.
People sometimes think it isn’t worth claiming Guarantee Pension Credit because they’d only be a few pounds better off, however, they don’t realise that if you qualify then you may also be eligible for free NHS dental treatment and help paying your Council Tax.
Almost two out of 5 people who qualify for Pension Credit aren’t claiming it, and it only takes one phone call. If you find it hard to make ends meet every month, or worry about how you’re going to pay your next bill, this free guide Moneywise can help you boost your income and cut your bills.
Have a look at the free guide to see what extra money and concessions you may be entitled to this winter.
You can also read more about staying warm this winter and the Winter Fuel Payment in the next article.
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 Make sure you stay warm this winter.
Cold weather can affect your health, when the temperature drops below 8C some people are at an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, flu, pneumonia, falls and injuries, hypothermia. You’re most likely to be vulnerable to the effects of cold weather if:
• You’re over 65
• You have a long term health condition
• You’re disabled
• You’re pregnant
• You have young children
• You have a mental health condition
• You’re on a low income (and can’t afford heating)
Visit the NHS website and find out:
• How to be prepared for the cold weather
• How to keep your home warm
• How to protect your health in the cold
• About how to look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives
Independent Age have a Winter Wise guide available to download. It has practical tips for staying warm and healthy in the winter months and includes information on Winter Fuel Payments so that you don’t need to dread the cold weather.
The Winter Fuel Payment is between £100 and £300 and payments are made automatically between November and December. Payments are based on age, whether you receive certain benefits and who you live with. If you live with someone else who is eligible the payment is split between you. Read more on Independent Age website.
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Anger Awareness Week takes place from 1-7 December this year.
The aim of Anger Awareness Week is to identify anger as a disturbing social issue which needs to be brought out into the open and addressed effectively. Anger Awareness Week will help people befriend anger by using the right tools to calm themselves down and to deal effectively with this emotion, be it of their own or that of others.
Participating in National Anger Awareness week will encourage people to think about how anger impacts their lives and of creative ways to deal with this powerful emotion. Contrary to popular belief, if channelled correctly anger can in fact be a creative rather than a destructive force.
Available to download is an Anger Awareness Week Kit and a Keep Calm Over Christmas Kit.
The NHS website also has lots of useful information about managing your anger.
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Jingles, the Wellbeing Elf, will be arriving on 1 December to see what is happening in North Lincolnshire and report back to Santa Claus. You can follow his visit on facebook and twitter. He will be at a different location every day.
To join in the fun, follow on Facebook & Twitter, search for
@NorthLincsAIS or #NLCWellbeing.
For further information on North Lincolnshire Wellbeing Hubs, visit the Adult Information Hub website. The Hubs are open over the festive period Mondays to Fridays excluding bank holidays.
Check out what's on at your local wellbeing hub, download the latest newsletter here.
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Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise you can do. Anyone can do it and it's very easy to get started.
Joining your local walk scheme and you'll have great company, trained walk leaders and safe walking routes to get you on your way.
Walking for Health offers various ways to help you get out and about and walking your way towards a healthier, happier lifestyle.
At Normanby, there are morning walks on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays as well as Thursday afternoon. Short 1 mile entry level walks take place every Wednesday at 11am. The short walk is suitable for people in using wheelchairs and walking aids. Evening walks take place on alternative Mondays and Wednesdays from May to August. These walks are all led by qualified volunteer Walk Leaders, who are trained first-aiders.
If you are not sure how far you can walk, go along and join in on any Friday at 10.30am at Normanby Hall country park , where three different length walks are available.
For mor information, read the walks leaflet or contact Christine Johnson on 01724 297631.
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Christmas Opening Hours
Christmas can be a difficult time of year for those caring for someone who is ill or disabled. Should you need someone to talk to over the festive period, please see the Helpline opening hours below.
The office will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day.
The Helpline – 01652 650585 - will be open 10am to 2pm on Thursday 27 up to and including Monday 31 December.
The Carers’ Support Centre office will re-open on 2 January 2019.
There is lots of useful information and advice on the Carers Support Service website.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Wishes to you all.
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The Samaritans offer a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way – about whatever’s getting to you. You don’t have to be suicidal.
Find out why their service works and what you can expect when contacting them.
If you have any concerns about the service before you try it, hear from others about how they've been helped. Please don’t suffer alone.
Thought about becoming a volunteer?
You can make an amazing difference at Samaritans helping to support people around the UK and Ireland when they need someone to talk to or they are going through a difficult time in their life. We welcome and value every volunteer, from all walks of life.
Whatever your interests, experience or skills, there is a role for you, and we will train, mentor and support you in whatever role you choose to do.
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£100,000 to help older residents feel safe
£100,000 has been allocated to deliver the Safe and Sound Home Assistance scheme to help older residents feel safer at home across North Lincolnshire.
Residents aged 70 and over, who own their own home, can apply for a grant for home improvements to be made to increase security.
The grant will be available for the installation of window locks, window alarms, additional door locks and other security measures and the council’s Handyman Service will carry out the minor adaptations.
Grants will be approved if a valid application is received from the home owner, including proof of ownership of the property (including proof of occupying the property as their own or main residence for the last 12 months).
The grants will be issued on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum grant amount will be £250. Applications can be received up until 31 March 2019 with only one application per household.
To find our more information about Safe and Sound Home Assistance, including how to apply, email handyperson@northlincs.gov.uk or call the Home Assistance Team on 01724 297000.
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Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis are the two main forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, affecting more than 300,000 people in the UK. Yet it is a largely hidden disease, and one that causes stigma, fear and isolation – it’s thought that many people with the condition go undiagnosed and suffer in silence. It doesn’t have to be like this.
If you think you may have Inflammatory Bowel Disease read about:
Further information can be found on the Crohn's & Colitis UK website as well as on the NHS website.
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Players have a one in 50 chance of winning a prize, plus there is a jackpot of £25,000 up for grabs! Tickets cost just £1, and are available online.
Fifty pence in every pound goes to your chosen charity - double the amount the National Lottery gives to good causes. Players can choose which good cause they want to support when they buy their tickets. The draw takes place every Saturday at 8pm.
For more information call 01724 304040 or email support@lincslotto.co.uk
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There are a variety of activities for adults of all ages and abilities. Sports and activities include getting families active together, parkrun, chair based exercises for the over 50s, cycling and disability sports.
Have a look at the timetables and you will see there is something for everyone.
If you would like further information please email: community.recreation@northlincs.gov.uk or telephone: 01724 297270
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 Enjoy an enchanting Christmas at Normanby Hall
Step into a winter wonderland this Christmas at Normanby Hall Country Park and enjoy fabulous festive activities that the whole family will love.
The magical Regency mansion will be elegantly decorated from 23 November and there will be lots to get involved in including Breakfast with Santa, Santa’s grotto and festive feasts.
New for 2018 is the Normanby ‘pop-up’ cinema. Enjoy Christmas favourites like The Polar Express and Miracle on 34th Street, with popcorn, a hotdog and a drink. Tickets cost £6 and can be booked online (subject to availability).
Children can meet Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas in their cosy grotto at the back of the Walled Garden on 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 and 17 December between 11am and 3pm. It costs £6.50 per child; this includes meeting Father and Mother Christmas, a special gift, and a ride on the miniature railway. Buy your tickets from the Gift Shop on the day from 10.30am. Make sure you buy tickets early on the day to avoid disappointment.
For more details on Christmas at Normanby Hall, go to the Normanby Hall website or call 01724 720588.
Lots of other great things happening at Normanby Country Park, check out the website for details about the Christmas Market, Field of Hope, Christmas Crafting and lots more. Download the Christmas brochure here.
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There's so much going on in libraries in North Lincolnshire, why not pop into your local library and find out more. For example:
The 'Read and Rabbit' book group are currently looking for new members to join them. The group meets at 1.30pm on the first Tuesday of the month, at Scunthorpe Central.
If you would like to find out more or are interested in joining, please contact library.enquiries@northlincs.gov.uk
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Time to spare? Enjoy helping people?
Volunteering is a great opportunity to learn new skills, gain some work experience and improve your CV. It can also be a rewarding activity if you are retired or semi-retired, or just want to do something fulfilling with your spare time.
If you volunteer with the Home Library Service, you will also be providing a much-needed lifeline and service to people who may be isolated, lonely and facing the challenges of being housebound through disability, illness or old age.
If you can spare a few hours a month, please get in contact. For more information please see the library web pages or call 01724 860161 and ask for Jane for an informal chat. You can leave a message for Jane if she is not available when you call.
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3 December - 10am to 4pm
Christmas Art Market at the Ropewalk
With more than 40 stalls with work from the region’s artists and craft makers on sale, browse a wide selection of unusual handmade gifts that you will not be able to source on the high street.
The Ropewalk - Ropewalk, Ropery Lane, Barton-upon-Humber, North Lincolnshire DN18 5TW, UK
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7 December 2018 - Shower Singers Christmas Concert - a celebration of Christmas songs and carols for all the family - starts at 7pm at St Lawrence's Church, Scunthorpe. Tickets cost £5 on the door. Includes seasonal refreshments.
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12 December 2018 - The Singing for Pleasure Choir Winter Concert – seasonal songs and music plus the chance to join in if you wish. Starts 7.30pm at Diamond Jubilee Town Hall, Kirton Lindsey. Tickets on the door or contact Mary 01652 648435 – cost £7 (under 16s free).
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Friday, 14 December 2018 at 7.30pm - The Wold Singers will be holding their Christmas Concert at Old Brumby United Church, Ashby Road, Scunthorpe.
Tickets are £6.00 and include light refreshments.
Tickets may be obtained from Ann on 01724 850518
or on the door on the night.
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Do you want to get out and meet people, join a group to improve your fitness or maybe there's an activity you've always wanted to try but never got round to it? Below are some ideas to get you started.
If you prefer to speak to someone, call the Adult Information Service (AIS), who can provide you with a list of activities in your area. Call 01724 296607. Friendly, helpful staff are waiting for your call.
- The Adult Hub Activity website has a wide range of groups and activities for you to get involved in. It is very easy to search by type of activity, area or if you have additional needs.
- Community Wellbeing Hubs are a great place to meet people and socialise. Wellbeing Hub contact numbers.
- Foresight Limited operates throughout North and North East Lincolnshire to meet the needs and requirements of disabled people, their families and carers. For further information, contact them directly via their website or call 01724 271381.
- Check out the Carers’ Support Centre there is always lots of groups and activities for Carers in North Lincolnshire.
- North Lincolnshire Council – What’s On pages on the council website. Lots of information about upcoming events, exhibitions and places to visit.
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