With winter on its way, many householders will be thinking of carrying out maintenance work ahead of the bad weather. Rogue tradesmen know this, and residents are being urged to be very careful when approached by door-to-door salespeople. 

The warning comes from Northumberland’s Public Protection Trading Standards team who are asking residents to be vigilant, and to look out for elderly and vulnerable family members and neighbours too. More

Members of Speak up Sutton and Action voices participated in the Steams Fair Project surrounding the theme ‘what makes people happy’. 

As part of the project, members from both groups took on a photography course at Sutton College, which they enjoyed very much. They also took pictures of their happy places and things that make them happy, including some artwork.

The groups attended the Steams Fair where they were allocated their own shed to exhibit their work. Please take a look at this poster for an example of the event.

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