Criminals are exploiting the analogue to digital switchover in the UK’s telephone network to scam elderly and vulnerable people, councils have warned.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said it had issued the warning after becoming concerned the transition was creating new opportunities for criminals.

Specifically, the LGA said it was concerned about the around 1.8 million people who use healthcare telephony devices, and which may need changing as part of the digital switchover.

It said it had seen recent reports of criminals who call residents with healthcare devices and claim the resident needs to hand over bank details as part of the switchover, or they will be disconnected. more

The Change Foundation has a walking football group on Friday mornings for the less mobile.

For example, Larry attends and it is the highlight of his week. He had a stroke and has recovered but his balance and memory are affected. He loves to practice football drills and then have a chat over tea and coffee afterward. This group welcomes more participants to grow their numbers.

Sessions are suitable for anyone who wants to practice and play at a slow pace and improve fitness and balance. Sessions take place on Fridays 10.30 am until 11.30 am at The Change Foundation Cricket Centre, Plough Lane Wallington SM6 8JQ. Outside on grass cost £5. Got more information Office@changefdn.org.uk 

No Panic (Sutton & Merton is a self-help group that offers support to those suffering from panic attacks, anxiety and phobias. Sufferers are encouraged to attend their weekly meetings where they may talk to fellow residents with similar anxieties, discuss their difficulties and learn techniques to help them deal with their problems.

The group sessions take place every Wednesday afternoon from 2 pm to 3:30 pm, and are led by an experienced Development Worker. These sessions are free to attend. Prior to attending the first session, please contact the office so they are able to assess whether they can provide the support you require. 

Venue: Granfers Community Centre, 73-79 Oakhill Road, Sutton, SM1 3AA

Tel: 07562 520954

Website: www.nopanicsuttonandmerton.org.uk

PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide is a UK charity dedicated to the prevention of suicide and the promotion of positive mental health and emotional wellbeing in young people. PAPYRUS exists to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives, by shattering the stigma surrounding suicide and equipping young people and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to emotional distress.

At HOPELINE247 – PAPYRUS’s dedicated suicide prevention helpline – trained advisers work on a safety plan with young people aged 35 and under who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, to help keep them safe for now. HOPELINE247 is available 24 hours a day, every day of the year (including bank holidays).

Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 07860 039967

Email: pat@papyrus-uk.org

For more information about PAPYRUS’s services, visit: papyrus-uk.org

Male One Stop Shop is exclusively for male victims of domestic abuse and the service is delivered by Cranstoun Transform, Sutton's provider of domestic abuse services. In the UK, one in 6-7 men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime and nearly half (49%) won’t tell anyone due to the shame and stigma of being associated with abuse of this kind (compared to 19% of female victims). 11% of male victims (7.2% of women) have considered taking their life.

Details on the monthly meeting venue, dates, and meeting times are available in this flyer.