It looks as if 2017 is going to be a very hard year for our local health and care providers; almost daily we hear new issues facing our Care and Health providers, the problems the NHS face and doctors surgeries, says the Melksham Seniors group.
“As a local organisation we are not sure if politicians demanding a seven day opening of surgeries is the right answer, or whether a weekend drop in health centre based on a similar practice of the pharmacies who offer an out of hours shared service, is more worthy of considering,” says Brian Warwick, chair of the group which represents the 55+ in the community.
“We believe the public should be given the opportunity to say what they require and can be afforded.
Public meeting
“The Seniors public meeting on Wednesday 25th January at 2.15pm as mentioned elsewhere in the columns of this paper will give the community the opportunity to input into ways of the Melksham Community at least being able to express their views on obtaining the best local health services, even at this time of severe constraints.”
In the coming months the group has a wide range of forthcoming events planned. These include:
January
9th: Activity Club at the Forest Community Centre at 1.30pm.
16th: Film Show at the Assembly Hall at 1.30pm “Meet the Parents.
25th: Public meeting on Care & Health in our Community. 2.15pm Town Hall.
February
6th: Activity Club at the Forest Community Centre at 1.30pm.
20th: Film Show at the Assembly Hall at 1.30pm ‘Love is a Many Splendored Thing’.
March
6th: Activity Club at the Forest Community Centre at 1.30pm.
20th: A very special meeting ‘ Musical Scambusters’ 2pm for 2.30pm
‘Scambusters The Musical’ comes to Melksham
“Scams are a menace that are aimed at all of us and need to be taken very seriously,” adds Brian.
“‘Scambusters Musical” is presented by a professional theatre production group with serious messages delivered in a very light hearted way. It tells the story of three individuals who separately and in different ways become the victims of scams.
“Written with communities in mind to raise awareness, particularly amongst the elderly, the storyline will prompt discussion, and the catchy songs will stay with the viewer long after the event. Come along and do bring friends, even family members – have a hot drink and enjoy the show and music !!
“Just think, have you or a family member ever been scammed or do you worry about scams?
“Could you actually spot a scam before it’s too late? What would you do if you were scammed – who would you tell?
“Wiltshire Trading Standards are working hard with us to raise awareness of scams and how to avoid being a victim. They want the whole community to recognise the signs of a scam, whether it comes via the doorstep, telephone, letter or e-mail in order that they do not become victims of scammers.
“Most of us know that we must take care when unexpected requests for information or money come our way, but many of us are quite unaware of just how clever, or convincing, scammers can be. Without care any one of us could be caught unawares, make an unwise decision and end up a victim.
“Trading Standards Officers regularly meet victims, like John who was scammed out of his injury compensation via a bogus investment scam involving many thousands of his compensation; Joan who parted with a large sum of cash on her doorstep for roofing repairs that were not required and never completed; or Peter who gave his bank details and passwords to a caller he believed was from his bank, only to find his bank account later raided by the scammer.
“As part of their work in raising awareness, Wiltshire Trading Standards have commissioned Solomon Theatre (www.solomontheatre.co.uk/) to perform ‘Scambusters the Musical’.
“Please help the Seniors and Wiltshire Trading Standard to get the right message out to your friends, family members and into our community. “
The Seniors are an independent organisation run by Seniors for Seniors and not by any local authority.
