Giving Back Edition 1

GIVING BACK to the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida

Please consider a DONATIONin exchange for this magazine

© Copyright 2024

The contents of this publication may be subject to copyright.If you wish to reproduce any elements, either text or images, you must first contact the Editor to establish if reproduction is permissible and what terms of use may be available.Please note this may include the charging of fees.

Email: office@givingback.es

The content of GIVINGBACK, is provided to raise awareness of news events, help, advice and support available from the many local charities that operate in the Southern Costa Blanca and Costa Calida and by those individuals and companies who are working on behalf of those charities.

Publication of articles on services provided or developments does not mean that they are endorsed by the publishers of this magazine.

Editorial Team:

To contact the Editorial team, email: office@givingback.es or office@theleader.info

Want to make an editorial contribution?

Contributions are most welcome.

To raise awareness of a charity, a charitable initiative, scheme or organisation that offers help, advice or support twithin the community contact the Editorial Team by email: office@givingback.es or office@theleader.info

For advertising opportunities please email: office@givingback.es

While the publishers have taken all reasonable care to ensure that all material is accurate at the time of going to press, they can accept no responsibility for errors or omissions.No liability is accepted for omission or failure from any cause.

Opinions expressed are those of the individual contributors and not necessarily those of the publisher.

All advertisements are accepted only on the grounds that they comply with all relevant legislation.

Inclusion of an advertisement cannot be construed as an endorsement of the advertiser or the product by the publishers, their employees or agents. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for any transaction between readers and advertisers.

No material in this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission from the publishers.

Dear Readers, I

t is a privilege to be invited to contribute a message to the first edition of this new magazine, which has an excellent and helpful purpose: to highlight the work of British charities and provide clear and comprehensive information to British people about the support available to them.

There are many British charitable organisations in Spain and I have had the pleasure of meeting some of them. The work they do is, quite frankly, inspirational, and can make an incredible difference to people’s lives.

Whether it be helping people access Spanish welfare, giving emotional or social support, or even providing financial help for those faced with lifechanging illness or loss, there is a lot of assistance available to the approximately 414,000 Britons who call Spain home.

This is particularly true in and around Alicante province, so it is fantastic to see this magazine shine a light on their work.

As Ambassador, a big part of my job is supporting British people in Spain. My team in the Consulate in Alicante (alongside our other Consulates) provide help to British people in a crisis, whether that be a personal crisis, such as being the victim of a

crime, being hospitalised or imprisoned, or losing a loved one, or a much larger crisis affecting many.

We operate a 24/7 helpline (965 21 60 22) and provide online and in-person services too.

Across all of Spain, we work very closely with charitable organisations and we greatly appreciate their efforts and insights.

Another key part of my role is ensuring that British people living in Spain know their rights and obligations, so please forgive me if I take advantage of this opportunity to share a few important points that I am often asked about:

PENSIONS: Many British people here do not realise that if they have worked in Spain, even for as little as one year, they may be eligible to claim a Spanish state pension. They could even combine social security contributions made in other European countries to count towards their eligibility. Check if you’re eligible on the Seguridad Social website.

HEALTHCARE: It is very important that all British people living here are correctly registered for healthcare in the Spanish system. If you’re not correctly registered, you could face medical bills. Furthermore, if you decide to return to the UK, you must let theNHS Business Services Authority know to recover your entitlement to free healthcare in the UK.

ID CARDS: It’s not obligatory, but we do strongly advise that all British people living in Spain get a TIE(Spain’s version of an ID card for foreigners). The TIE is equivalent to the original Green Certificate (which remains a valid proof of legal residence in Spain) but is more durable, dependable and therefore the best way to prove your rights.

More support and tips for British people living in Spain is available on our Living In Spain Guide’on gov.uk and of course, within the pages of this magazine. I hope you enjoy this first edition!

Hugh Elliott

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Spain

GIVING BACK empowering local charities

Iam delighted, at long last, to introduce this new magazine, a publication that I feel is long overdue here in Spain, one that I hope will provide a unique platform for charities and charitable organisations to showcase the important work that they all carry out on our behalf, and hopefully, help to generate additional funds, which will better enable them to carry out their important work.

Whilst this first edition is by no means at the stage that I hope it will eventually reach, it will at least start to provide an insight to the good work that they all do, to allow them to introduce their charities in a little more detail, to publicise details of the many activities that they provide in the local community, and that we can enjoy, usually free of charge.

Allthough not able to do so in this edition, because of the difficulties encountered with a number of the municipalities, it will eventually feature information on the Spanish Welfare system, how we can all become registered so that we can enjoy the many benefits that are available to us here in Spain, and there will always be space, of course, for news of any relevant or important changes to UK and Irish benefits and pensions.

We have registered the web domain name www.g ivingb ack.es which we hope to have running alongside the magazine very soon. All that we now need is your information, anything that you are able to let us have, good news stories telling

readers of your positive achievements, the activities and events that you offer, as well, of course, as your essential information and contacts, and any local news that you might like to impart.

The publication dates currently planned for 2024 are 1 June, 1 September and 1 December for the Christmas 2024 edition.

We would also be delighted to receive details of your upcoming events which will be placed in the ‘What’s On’ pages.

Articles should be sent by email to: office@givingback.es

We also hope that as the magazine builds in content and in reputation, it will eventually become the ‘one stop’ publication that you and our readers will be able to reference for all local charitable and appropriate trade information.

Essential Info

Call 112 for ...

Police, Fire service, Ambulance, or other emergency services

They can speak to you in English (and other languages).

TORREVIEJA MEDICAL FACILITIES...

TORREVIEJA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL965 695 500

HOSPITAL QUIRÓNSALUD TORREVIEJA (Private)

900 301 013.

CSI TORREVIEJA LA LOMA (24 hrs)

Telephone: 965 290 340 - Emergencies: 965 290 353

CS TORREVIEJA PATRICIO PÉREZ (24 hrs)

Telephone: 966 926 868 - Emergencies: 966 926 878

CS TORREVIEJA SAN LUIS

Telephone: 965 290 270 - Emergencies: 965 290 271

CSI GUARDARMAR DEL SEGURA (24 hrs)

Telephone: 965 290 285 - Emergencies: 965 290 295

SAN FULGENCIO CA EL OASIS

Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 15:00

Telephone: 965 721 600

CSI ROJALES (24 hrs)

Telephone: 965 290 255 - Emergencies: 965 290 265

CS SAN MIGUEL DE SALINAS (24 hrs)

Telephone: 966 926

Our Mission

Paul Cunningham Nurses mission is to assess and deliver high quality care to terminal prognosis patients in their own home.

Nurses are provided free of charge after an holistic assessment,we will discuss what needs have been identified and what care is required.

To protect the Nurses and patients we hold a range of equipment including Wheelchairs,Hospital beds,pressure mattresses,Walking sticks,walking frames and many other aids to improve comfort and quality of life.

These items are provided free to our terminally ill patient's.

Palliative Care

Understanding the nuances

between standard palliative care and end-of-life palliative care is crucial,especially when it comes to the compassionate services offered by Paul Cunningham Nurses.

Palliative care begins upon the diagnosis of a life-limiting illness, aiming to alleviate suffering

alongside other treatments.Endof-life care,a subset of this, becomes vital as individuals near the final stages of their journey. When hospitals extend care beyond their walls,patients

receive visits from palliative care teams focusing on medication and assessments.

Paul Cunningham Nurses,however,go further,providing holistic support including medical assistance,emotional care,and practical aid.

Free Services

They offer essential services free of charge,relying on funding from their charity shops.Supporting them ensures continued access to compassionate end-of-life care,a lifeline for many in their final days.

If you would like more information,donate or become a Volunteer please call us on 966 790 363

Chris Rodley,Charity Secretary

INTRODUCING THE ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION OF TORREVIEJA CONTACT US FOR SUPPORT

The Alzheimer's Association of Relatives/Friends of Torrevieja (AFA Torrevieja) is an association that cares for people with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases. It was founded in 2004.

Since 2007 it has been located in the building on Avenida de la Estación Nº1, 03185 Torrevieja (Alicante), visible from the N-332 just south of the Park of Nations..

The opening hours are from 9am to 7pm, from Monday to Friday, where the following services are provided: cognitive stimulation, physical stimulation, functional stimulation, social and psychological intervention, attention and auxiliary nursing care. We also have a meal service and transport.

It currently offers its services in the following areas: Torrevieja; Guardamar del Segura; Los Montesinos; La Mata; San Miguel de Salinas; Pilar de la Horadada; Rojales: Ciudad Quesada.

Its main objective is to improve the quality of life for those suffering from Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as providing assistance to their relatives.

It also has a specialised interdisciplinary team made up of a physiotherapist, psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist, nursing assistants and socio-health care staff, a driver and monitor. These are some of the other programmes carried out by the Association:

- Intergenerational programme

- The music of our time

- The labyrinth of memory

- ReActivate yourself workshop.

If you want to work on your memory and keep your cognitive functions active.

This workshop is aimed at people with no diagnosis or with very early diagnoses of Alzheimer's disease, dementia or cognitive impairment. The timetable is from Monday to Thursday from 10:0012:30h.

Different activities are carried out to work on cognitive functions such as attention, memory, calculation, orientation, etc; with the aim that these people maintain their level of independence for as long as possible, work on cognitive functions and acquire routines that promote a better quality of life.

Anyone interested in our services, can contact us through:

- e-mail: tecnicas@afatorrevieja.es

- telephone: 966702500/636128350

If you want to VOLUNTEER we also have a place for you. PLEASE

The best things in life are FREE

As we get older our bodies go downhill. Some things we must live with, but our mobility and flexibility can be improved in less than a month and maintained in the longer term at EASY Exercise.

If you or someone close to you shuffles rather than walks, spends hours sitting in an easy chair, or is thinking about buying a walker or mobility scooter call 663 771 345 to book a FREE trial at EASY Exercise, Sophia Wellness Centre, La Regia (Cabo Roig). There is no pain, no heavy lifting, no running or jumping, EASY Exercise is exactly the opposite. The motorized machines move you while you sit or lie down comfortably. EASY Exercise works on a complete range of muscles without straining you or causing you any pain or discomfort. Too good to be true? We offer you a FREE trial, so you can see for yourself. Here is what some of our EASY Exercise members have to say:

Petter F (75).

I have very severe mobility issues but since joining EASY Exercise after only one month my body is much more agile, much less stiff in my back, I am feeling much stronger and walking better. I like the atmosphere there and will continue with my EASY Exercise routine three times a week.

Anne B (56).

Following surgery I had no energy and restricted upper body movement. Since joining EASY Exercise over one month ago I have more energy, find movement easier especially on stairs and I feel better about myself. EASY Exercise is at a slower pace, but I can see the results.

Peter S (80).

I had no intention of joining EASY Exercise because I am very active. I go for long walks once a

Try, for free, a gentle, full body workout at Sophia Wellness Centre

week and enjoy ballroom dancing. I was only there to drop my wife and collect her later. I have been tormented with sciatica pain for months and wondered if EASY Exercise might be able to help? Following a FREE trial, I gave it a go and couldn’t believe it because two weeks later my sciatica pain is gone and hasn’t returned.

Searching for the cure for Type 1 Diabetes

The scale and surge of the diabetes crisis affects approximately 500 million people and is rapidly incresing. It is a chronic, metaboÒoc disease characterised by elevated llevels of blood glucose, or blood sugar, which leads over time to serious damage to te heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

Specsavers ”pticas has signed an agreement to fundraise for the charity DiabetesCERO throughout 2024, to help them find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes. They aim to raise over 5,000 for the charity, to fund important research projects in Spain searching for a cure.

During the fundraising period, stores will be taking part in challenges and activities to raise funds. They will also be talking to customers and local residents about diabetic retinopathy, one of the leading causes of preventable blindness in the world.

Francisco Jurado, store director of Specsavers ”pticas Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia explains why they chose DiabetesCERO as their official charity for 2024, ëDiabetes is a very big problem on a global level and one that is growing quickly, with an estimated 537 million people in the world suffering from the disease. This disease is associated with a range of potentially serious health complications, if not correctly controlled.í

ëOne of these complications,

which weíre seeing more and more of during eye tests, is diabetic retinopathy. If this is undiagnosed and untreated, this can develop into Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) and cause permanent vision impairment and blindness.

Thatís why weíre supporting DiabetesCERO by pledging to raise 5,000 for the charity in 2024 and want to educate and inform people in our community about the link between diabetes and vision loss. We encourage anyone with diabetes to ensure they carefully manage glucose levels to prevent health complications. They should also have regular eye tests, including the latest technology, to check the health of the eyes and identify any nerve damage early, before it affects their vision.í

In Spain there are over 1,000 people diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes every year, and most of those are under 15 years old. This is a growing problem, yet its cause is not known and there is no cure. The charity DiabeteCERO wants to change that by funding research projects in Spain to find the cure to

Type 1 Diabetes.

For Isabel MÈrida, President of DiabetesCERO: ëthe agreement with Specsavers ”pticas is a unique opportunity to put the focus on the prevention of diabetes-related vision problems. People with Type 1 diabetes often start daily blood glucose monitoring at a very young age, and in the long run, complications associated with this condition can arise. We must not forget that diabetes is behind the majority of cases of blindness in working age adults in Spain.í

ëMoreover, this charity campaign not only focuses on prevention, but goes one step further. Astep that for us is crucial: raising awareness of the importance of investing in research to cure a disease that is often invisible to the rest of society, yet has a brutal impact on the families who live with it.í

You can find collection tins in Specsavers ”pticas in Guardamar, Torrevieja and La Zenia. Please pop in to make a donation to help fund vital research into Type 1 Diabetes. To find your nearest store to donate, visit www.specsavers.es

WE ARE HELP AT HOME COSTA BLANCA

Charity Centre

Local 118/119, Monday to Saturday, C.C.

Flamenca Beach, Calle Niagara 2, Orihuela Costa, 03189, Alicante Spain +34 711 049 0842

https://www.helpathomecb.com charitycentre.helpathomecb@gmail

Also in Cuidad Quesada +34 711 03 95 56 helpathomequesada@gmail.com

WHO WE ARE?

Our volunteers offer short term support and assistance for people of all ages in their own homes. The areas covered are from Pilar de Horadada to La Marina, Including Torrevieja,Quesada, Rojales, San Luis, La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, all areas of the Orihuela Costa

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US?

– Playa Flamenca (Orihuela Costa Head Office) – Second hand ladies, mens and childrens fashions, jewellery, electronic goods, bedding etc.

– Ciudad Quesada – Advice and guidance.

We rely on a team of volunteers who donate their precious time to the charity, without whom we could not survive. Aside from revenue generated in our stores we rely on financial donations from the public and local businesses and the many fundraising events organised by our fundraising team held throughout the year.

For more details explore our website or to offer support contact our head office.

THE AREAS WE COVER:

From Pilar de Horadada to La Marina, Including Torrevieja, Ciudad Quesada, Rojales, San Luis, Orihuela Costa – (La Zenia, Playa Flamenca, Punta Prima, Villamartin, Cabo Roig, Campoamor, Los Altos, Los Dolses).

OUR MISSION & BELIEFS

We are caring members of the local community, largely funded by the sale of your donated items which go towards provision of the following services:

– Respite care

– Help with transport needs (certain conditions apply)

– Translation services

– Advice

– Shopping services

– Companionship

– Befriending

– Help with documentation to apply for welfare and financial benefits from the Spanish Government.

(This help is offered free and subject to the resources available to the charity)

We can also provide mobility and rehabilitation equipment when available for hire or for sale. Ranging from hospital beds, wheelchairs, walking frames, commodes, crutches to accessibility ramps.

If you require HELP or would like to join us in HELPING OTHERS explore our website or contact our head office in Cabo Roig at: +34 965 328 794

charitycentre.helpathomecb@gmail.com

After the client feels ready to go on without our support we do a ” Keep in touch” spot check and give them a call to check on their well being.

In many circumstances this care can be ongoing with many long term illnesses which we review on a regular basis.

NO COST

This help is provided free, and is subject to the resources available at the charity. As we rely heavily on donations to provide all this help we regularly organise and attend events to raise funds.

Another Aspect of HAHCB ( over recent years and with the help from our local community) some examples:We helped raise 2,000 euro to provide shoes for the children in San Jose Orphanage

We help raise funds to help not only individuals but also Charities:Caritas e.g we bought milk, toiletries, hampers for families in need that do not have the resources. Reach Out we gave over 3,000 euro for the homeless to provide meals, we gave them 2,000 euro towards a new oven to cook the meals for the homeless in their centre.

We raised 31,000 euro to help the Red Cross buy a new ambulance (cost 60k) We raised over 8,000 euro to buy 7 mobile defibrillators for the 5 police cars in Orihuela Costa, one for the new ambulance, one for the Emerald Isle. We raised 5,000 euro for Adiem, a special needs charitable organisation to help them purchase a mini bus

HELP AT HOME COMMUNITY HUB

Some activities in the Community Hub are as follows:

MONDAYS 11.00-12.00 what we call our intercambio.

Currently about 15/20 people coming along. These are various nationalities who all want to enjoy speaking Spanish or English, This is held in the garden area of the Community Hub. 5 euro to attend with a cup of coffee or tea.

ON TUESDAY we have a small group of people who come along for a chat and gentle exercise.

THURSDAY MORNING is for an art class. There are lots of photos on our facebook page.

For any of these activities come along or telephone on 643 474 198

Recently Help at Home have been increasing and updating their stock of Mobility equipment.

They have Hospital Beds, Wheelchairs, Walkers, Commodes, Walking sticks

Please call the office for information. 965 328 794

None of this would be possible without the wonderful work done by all of the volunteers. Some who work in the Playa Flamenca charity shops, others help in the office, the Community Hub. Visit Clients, or drive clients to appointments.

We have been extremely lucky to receive amazing contributions to our work from local groups who have fund raised for us.

I would like to mention just one of our supporters, Alfies Golf Society who through their generosity last year raised over 3,500 euro for the Help at Home CB.

Our future fund raising plans are monthly evening charity fairs at Playa Flamenca, A Murder mystery evening Drivers Bar (Fully Booked).

Fashion show Date to be confirmed.

Dinner Dance Date to be confirmed.

Help at Home Costa Blanca was established over 12 years ago, it is managed by an executive team of 5. They are all volunteers and are voted on each year at the Annual General Meeting.

Composition is President, Vice President, General Secretary, Treasurer, and a legal secretary.

There is always room for new recruits, whether to work in any of the above positions, or to assist in the operations of a busy charity.

Please contact the office on 965 328 794 for further information, or call into the Community Hub, or in the charity shops ask for the manager.

PLEASE

www.facebook.com/helpathomeplayaflamenca

NEVER BE AFRAID NEVER BE AFRAID TO LA TO LA Y Y Y Y OUR FEELINGS B OUR FEELINGS B ARE ARE

Samaritans in Spain – It is fair to say that when it comes to tackling worries and concerns, men and women behave very differently.

While women will open up and talk about their issues, men are more likely to see this as a weakness and so just ‘man up’ and get on with it.

However, it is well documented that being able to talk about fears, concerns and even suicidal thoughts can be profoundly cathartic.

Talking provides the opportunity for emotional release and relief, a space to gain a new and positive perspective. A sense of emotional support and understanding, and this applies to men just as much as it does to women.

Perhaps then it is no surprise that almost two-thirds of suicides worldwide are by men.

At Samaritans in Spain, we believe it is time for society to recognise that far from being a weakness, talking is incredibly empowering.

With the help of five brave men, for the past 12 months, we have been running a campaign to actively encourage the English speaking male community to ‘lay those feelings bare’.

As well as a series of posters, we also created vest tops and t-shirts which were worn by our volunteers at last year’s Benidorm Pride. While an unconventional and slightly risqué approach to a serious subject, we have seen an increased number of calls to our F REEPHONE number since the launch.

In fact the male/female call ratio has gone from 25:75 to a more encouraging 40:60 split.

To the men reading this article, we fully appreciate that taking this step may go against how you have been brought up and feel completely alien to you.

However, we guarantee that once you do,

you will wonder why it has taken you so long to acknowledge how you are feeling and validate those emotions by talking.

Isn’t it time you walked tall, and bared all?

Together we are Stronger

Samaritans in Spain is a confidential listening service and it currently operates

between the hours of 10am and 10pm every day.

We are available to ALL English speakers irrespective of Nationality who reside in mainland Spain or the Islands. We can be contacted via our FREEPHONE number which is 900 525 100.

SAMARITANSis a fully registered charity in Spain www.samaritansinspain.com operating under license from Samaritans UK www.samaritans.org and works closely with the global umbrella organisation Befrienders Worldwide www.befrienders.org.

THYWILLBE DONE

THE IMPACT OF NOT HAVING ASPANISH WILLON YOUR SPOUSE AND FAMILY

Many British Expats believe at least one of the following:

• Their Will made in the UK covers their Spanish assets.

• If they have no Will and are married with children, their spouse will inherit everything first.

• A Spanish Will made before 2012 will still guarantee their wishes will be able to be adhered to.

• If they are not married and have children,those children will automatically inherit everything.

In fact - EVERY ONE of the above statements is false.

Let’s go through this step by step then:

1. A Will made in the UK is not able to deal with Spanish assets effectively.

It would firstly need to be written containing a Brussels IV Regulation EU no 650/2012 succession clause stating that the law of either; England and Wales,Scotland,Northern Ireland,The Isle of Man or Guernsey and Jersey,should govern the succession of the testator’s estate and then,upon death,the Will would need to be translated into Spanish and be sent to have an apostille attached.

It’s much simpler to arrange a notarised Spanish Will, written in both Spanish and English,containing a Brussels IV clause that will guarantee your wishes for your Spanish estate will be able to be carried out.

2. If you do not have an up-to-date Spanish Will in place and are married with children, your spouse will not inherit all of your estate under Spanish law.

The way your estate will be divided is as follows: Your spouse would inherit a Life interest only (called an usufructo) in 1/3rd of your estate.

The other 2/3rds will get divided equally between your children.

The children then inherit the 1/3rd that your spouse had a life interest in when the surviving spouse dies.

Just having a life interest in 1/3rd of an estate is clearly not what the majority of married Expats want for their spouse after they die,which is why arranging a new Spanish Will choosing the law of your home nation to govern the succession of your estate and clearly setting out your wishes is so vitally important.

3. Spanish Wills made before 2012 will not have a Brussels IV clause in them allowing you to choose the law of your home country to govern the succession of your estate.

This means your wishes will not be able to be adhered to and in many cases,EVEN Wills written after this time refer to:

British Law or UK Law,neither of which exist,only the law of the home jurisdictions listed exist as legal entities,so it is much better to ensure that you update your Will to ensure your wishes regarding who receives your estate when you die are able to be carried out without any issue.

4. If you are not married and own a property jointly with a partner, that partner will NOT own the whole property when you die.

Your half of the property would be inherited equally by any children or by any surviving parents if you had no children,and,if no surviving parents or children,then your siblings and/or your nephews and nieces would inherit your share of the property.

Obviously, it is important that your wishes are able to be complied with when you die and with our Wills starting at just 99E including iva, now is the ideal time to call us on 865 756 058 to get yours sorted out properly and legally.

Paul Blackmore (Practice Principal) with little helper Benny, his rescue French Bulldog

CRUZ ROJA RED CROSS

Ivisited the Cruz Roja HQ in Alicante earlier this year and was very impressed at the scope of their work, not just ambulance and emergency service, event support and medical issues but a great deal more.

They declare a commitment to the vulnerable in our society, for example: the elderly with a Teleassistance system, home helps, and special attention, the young through sports and activities, integration, help at school and within their families.

They work to prevent violence in schools, and they give young people information on drug use, prevention of STDs and the promotion of healthy habits.

The Cruz Roja helps those with a disability with special equipment and assistance at home.

Immigrants/refugees and the homeless also come under their wing. They supply food parcels, clothes, equipment and basic needs. They may cover the costs of legal and asylum procedures-.

Women in danger from gender violence are also provided with help, often with mobile tele-assistance with a locator and they organise care for women in situations of prostitution.

There is currently a major project with Children and Women, particularly dealing with Gender & Domestic Violence. Every case is closely monitored and always followed up with Social Care and if necessary women & children can be re-housed

The environment is another charge upon the RED CROSS – the prevention of wild fires, surveillance of natural spaces and knowledge on how to protect the environment.

They work closely with Environmental education, taking Kayaks out into the rivers to clear pollution and log the different (foreign) species in the sea and rivers, also in the sea.

Volunteers are trained and attend workshops to enable them to deal with emergencies and in the various areas in which the organisation works.

Yet another community service is to provide workshops for prisoners.

Additional Services provided include:

Immediate attention over telephone with specialised professionals.

In case of an emergency at home immediate action is taken by mobilising the appropriate resource for each situation.

Notification to family members or responsible persons regarding any emergency.

Frequent follow-up calls to ensure the subscriber feels secure, specialized attention whenever the user needs it.

TELECARE RED CROSS

Pedro Domínguez is in charge of the Expat Support Project in the Alicante Province

Gives an immediate response at home by simply pressing a button when you need us, using a handsfree telephone system that allows you to contact us. It is a preventative service used to help people with disabilities, who are either socially isolated, elderly, sick, in a physically or socially risky situation, domestic abuse and are in need of either continuous support or when, in certain cases, they could suffer from either a crisis or deterioration in their disease.

You just let them know your needs and they adjust the service to suit.

They also have a GPS watch for people with cognitive impairment and also for people who enjoy running or walking in the countryside or in the mountains.

They have a call centre where they have English speakers. The emergency phone lines are manned 365 days of the year 24/7. They are located at Glorieta de la Solidaridad, 1, 03005 Alicante, but they have 31 more local points in the Province of Alicante to cover the needs of the whole area.

Pedro Domínguez is in charge of the Expat Support Project across the whole region of Alicante. (find his number at the bottom)

HOW ARE THE CRUZ ROJA FUNDED

Through its Members, Donations, Lottery: Sorteo del Oro & La Banderita.

Dermatology skin scan now available through AACC Campoverde

One of the many deserving charities in the area, is the branch of the AACC (Asociacion Alicante para la lucha Contra el Cancer), that is situated in Campoverde, where it is led by President Julie Hobbs.

Perhaps a little smaller than some of it’s neighbouring offices but, nevertheless, manned by volunteers who work just as tirelessly for the good and benefit of their local public, the charity has an office inside the Hearing Aid Centre in Campoverde village, just across the road from the Centro Salud.

It was first established over 20 years ago, finally becoming a part of the Alicante Regional Organisation in 2020, where it now provides subsidised cancer screening for: Breast Cancer Mammogram, Gynaecological Cancer Check, Prostate Cancer Scan, Blood Test (PSA), Dermatology Skin Cancer, Bowel Cancer, Colon Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, and Skin Cancer at the IMED Private Hospital in Torrevieja.

but usually they cost from 8-70e, a small price to pay for peace of mind. All of the costs and procedures are fully explained during your initial visit to the office.

Alternatively, if you are unable to visit the office but would nevertheless like to book a scan, you may to so via email at: aacc.campoverde-scans@hotmail.com

The office itself is a private room, inside the Hearing Aid Centre situated between the Panaderia and restaurant Ameli. We are open EVERY Tuesday 10:00-12:00. Please call in and make an appointment for a test. You will receive a warm welcome.

As well as Cancer screening, we now also offer a Dermatology service, with a skin scan.

Prices for the various procedures vary,

Fundraising regularly takes place at various bars and restaurants in the village, always extensively advertised and well supported, but the mainstay of the fundraising efforts come from the AACC Charity shop which is open every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00-12:00, for the donation and sale of good quality clothing, bric-a-brac, etc. It is situated in the basement of the Campoverde Health Centre, with access along the left-hand side of the Salud.

Irish Eyes were Smiling as Brian Bennet and the boys rocked St Patrick's Day. We raised 1020 euros for AACC Campoverde.

The Biggest thank you to Brian and the family, El Cinco and staff, The View and staff, our brilliant volunteers and the most sincere thanks to everyone in the Campoverde community who come out and support us every time.

Thank you to our local bars and entertainers. The money we raise adds to the much needed funds for many very worthy causes.

AACC are looking to recruit Volunteers to cover holidays and busy periods

If you have time on your hands and would love to be part of a friendly team of fundraisers who raise money for Cancer research and Early Detection Screening please pop into the AACC Charity shop on Tuesdays 10-12 and have a word with our Manager Caron Parry .

The Charity Shop Entrance

David is a fully qualified, & highly experienced Social Worker who is very proud to have been awarded UK Social Worker of the Year in 2015.

He has his own private Social Work consultancy and is fully legal in Spain and registered with Social Work England, the professional body for UK social workers.

Having a homeonthe Costa Blanca since 2007, he has established a wide network of health and social care professionals across many areas of Spain.

Prior to beginning his own business, David also had the great privilege of working for local charity, Help at Home Costa Blanca, as a Welfare Officer.

You can contact David on 0034 602 465 565 or by email at: advocacycostablanca@gmail.com

DEREK ADAMSON Expat Repat Services

Carolyn has been a Registered Nurse for 35 years and is registered in the UK with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, also fully legal and registered in Spain since 2019 working autonomously.

Carolyn has worked in a variety of clinical settings including general practice where she gained her Diploma in Diabetes management. She also worked in Australia.

With a vast amount of clinical knowledge and skills, Carolyn offers training to other healthcare professionals and families, as well as a community support group. Services provided by Carolyn are within the community and hospital in Quesada and surrounding areas. Contact Carolyn at info@caredirectcostablancasouth.com or by phone on: on +34 71100 6466

After 5 years’ service in the British Army, Derek went on to become a State registered HCPC paramedic. Following a successful career in Scotland, Derek moved to Spain 4 years ago to establish a repatriation company, Expat Repat.

They regularly support patients to return to the UK and other parts of Europe.

Other services also include assisting people in getting to Health appointments in the area.

The equipment they use has the capability to carry a wheelchair or a stretcher, plus relatives and can assist in all patient movement in the area at short notice. They also provide an emergency response service.

Expat Repat have also been involved in supplying first aid and defibrillator training to other businesses in the Orihuela Costa.

CAROLYN BEAN Care Direct Nursing Services

DAVID MINTO Advocacy Costa Blanca

Send your questions to: office@givingback.es

If you have a question relating to Health or Social Services here in Spain we will either find an answer for you or we will try our very best to put you in touch with someone who can provide the information, and possibly a solution, for you. Simply email your questions to office@givingback.es

DEAR GIVING BACK,

My Husband has recently been unwell and after a spell in Hospital he has been sent home and I’m struggling to manage his care on my own.

Do you have any advice on employing care staff?

TP. Los Altos, Orihuela Costa

Hello TP

Sadly, there isn’t a great deal of regulation in this area when it comes to English speaking carers. Its always best to do your own research when considering employing a care agency or a personal assistant and even better to meet a number of people before deciding.

Points to consider are:

1. Check their qualifications- (a range of caring qualifications are possible)

2. Request several references and check the persons CV.

3. Request sight of a DBS form (DBS =Disclosure & Barring Service)

4. If you choose to employ an agency then ensure the Managers can demonstrate an understanding of how to recruit competent staff. All the above particularly applies to the Managers of the Agency.

5. Always ask to see a copy of their personal liability insurance.

6. Request an assessment of how the carers will manage the care and the hours they think they will require.

7. Clarify how the carer or agency will cover absence for holidays, sickness etc.

For further information please contact Carolyn on 711006466

DEAR SIR OR MADAM,

I have recently moved to Torrevieja form the UK only to be told by my neighbour that me Disabled Parking Permit cannot be used.Is this true?

Elaine. San Luis, Torrevieja

Dear Elaine,

Unfortunately, as the UKleft the EUDisabled Parking Card Scheme along with Brexit, I am told that we still await clear information about the Disabled Parking Permit from the authorities here in Spain

Disabled parking badges showing the name of the holder which have been issued by another EU country can be used in Spain

until they expire, however, the situation with UK issued badges is slightly different, in that there is no nationwide policy, with any decisions made by your local administration. So, in your case your need to speak to the Torrevieja Town Hall.

I would suggest that you visit either Tourist Information or the Pangea Office opposite the seafront Gipsy Market to get a definitive answer.

Which welfare benefits are available for UK nationals living in Spain?

If you are living in Spain, even if you have registered as a Spanish resident, you can find details of UK benefits you may be entitled to and how to apply at the following website links from the British government. Most often, benefits people in Spain receive from the UK are state pensions and allowances for an illness, disability or a carer (but not UK jobseekers benefit or income support/universal credit).

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-spain

https://www.gov.uk/uk-benefits-abroad

https://www.gov.uk/claim-benefits-abroad

British State Pension

If you have lived and worked in the UK or a spouse has, you may be entitled to a British state pension (link to UK government site).

HEALTHY SENSE OF HUMOUR

´I think you are trying to turn me into a woman´, I accused the young lady oncologist.´Don’t get me wrong – I love women, I have done all my life. It´s just that – I´ve always been a man, and I´m kind of used to it.´

I was protesting my latest Prostate treatment in 2019 that involved a hormone injection which had a few male-challenging side effects.

I lost my hairy chest and stomach hair, my waistline thickened and I acquired´moobs´ – manboobs, two of´em. My natural masculine ´inclinations´ had slowed down several years previously, I was used to that - but this was taking things a bit too far I thought. ´You will never be a woman,´my lovely little Spanish doctor assured me. I was only joking, but you need a good healthy sense of humour with such an illness.

Cancer is prevalent everywhere, they even advertise people receiving the news on TV these days. Frankly there´s no good way to get the message, and back in 2016 mine was as matter-of-fact as can be.

After my local GP expertly observed my PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) was climbing steadily he sent me to Torrevieja Hospital. The safe level is 4, and mine went from 3.9 to 4.8 to 6.0, all in three months. This is done by simple blood tests at the local surgery. Following a thorough check at the hos-

pital I was soon booked in for a biopsy: not the most comfortable procedure but ten tissues were taken anally, the results in a couple of days.

NO IDEA WHAT’S IN STORE

Having been basically healthy for all my sixty-seven years I had no idea what was in store. Accompanied, as ever by my lovely wife Annie, the young male urologist came straight to the point: ´Of the ten tissues we took, three are cancerous and treatment is advised now. You could have Radiotherapy, but in your case we advise taking out the Prostate completely, and then it can’t come back. ´Wow, me cancer?´

My poor Dad had died of cancer in his neck and throat aged only 66, a legacy of pipe smoking starting in the Navy, otherwise we had no similar family problems.

We all agreed that surgery seemed the best course of action and Annie and I stumbled off to La Zenia Boulevard for some unnecessary retail therapy: shock does some strange things perhaps.

WONDERFUL STAFF

I won’t hear any criticism of Torry hospital and their wonderful staff. They have a very difficult job to do dealing with a) people with health problems, and b) those like me where my native country is not Spain.

Here understanding the language, particularly specialist medical information is needed. Despite this in now over eight

BY JOHN MCGREGOR

years I have always been treated with kindness, and on a first-name basis. One of my middle names is Wylie, and I am often called John Willy which brings an ironic smile given the circumstances.

Remember that bit about ´It can´t come back´? Well, it did, within several months it appeared some cancerous cells had escaped outside the Prostate and were lurking about somewhere. In 2017 I had five weeks of Radiotherapy, done at the supersmooth Quiron private hospital, but all done under the wonderful Spanish National Health Service - fantastic.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 21

At Quiron the little lady doctor there looked like she had been plucked from a Flamenco stage, with long black curly hair, make up and blingy jewellery, the white coat seemingly at odds with her appearance.

BACK TO TORREVIEJA

Soon after the treatment at Quiron I´transferred´from Urology to Oncology back at Torrevieja. But in 2019 the PSA began to climb alarmingly, even reaching 43.

At this stage I was told chemotherapy would normally kick in, but some success had been given to men with a different course of treatment: four large yellow tablets were to be taken at the same time every day, only obtained from the hospital pharmacy. There were some side effects like emotional highs and lows, but the new tablets worked a treat.

The PSA went down to 0.1 and I was gratefully allowed to go on holiday to the USA for three weeks, safely accompanied by my tablets and Annie. We had a great time with some wonderful memories.

MORE GOOD YEARS

Two more good years went by, while those six-monthly hormone injections

started, but the tablet effects wore off –and chemo started in January 2022. I had nine sessions three weeks apart, the usual side effects meant all my hair rapidly disappeared, the moon face appeared, loss of taste, sleeping patterns disturbed etc, it goes with the chemo job.

It proved a lively six months, my wife and I caught Covid together in April, not good, but somehow I managed a scooter trip to Mojacar with the lads for four days in May.

I recovered steadily from the chemo –or so I thought - but a(nother) scan last year revealed an area which needed zapping, so June/July back to Quiron for another five weeks of radiotherapy: Monday to Friday at 20.30. But hey, since then the PSA has stayed at 0.01 since the end of the radiotherapy so at the moment I feel – well, nearly normal, except…

…I´ve conveniently missed out a few other visits to Torry hospital along the way. This week I´ve been on the treadmill again for a cardiology follow-up from three years ago when they kept me in after a routine check revealed angina. Oh, and an inconvenient and painful appendicitis in January just gone meant two days in hospital while that was extracted - operated on within three hours of arrival in Urgencias.

PROSTATE AWARENESS

Although I try to see my treatment in a positive, sometimes hopefully humorous way, there is a serious message here –that Prostate awareness for men over the age of fifty is important, it can and does kill if not discovered early. All it takes is a visit to anyone´s local surgery to ask for a simple blood test to include PSA. All sorts of Prostate treatments are available, it doesn’t have to be cancerous as it was with me.

All this means I am a very lucky, grateful boy to still be here, alive and kicking at the age of seventy five.

Thank you Torry Hospital – for everything.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Book your prostate test with the AACC in either Orihuela Costa or Campoverde.

Orihuela Costa call: +34 865-942-795 or drop into the centre on the lower level of CCPlaya Flamenca.

If you live in the Pilar/Campoverde area email: aacc.campoverde@hotmail.com or call into the charity shop underneath the salud.

Further south and information is available from MABS on: +34 620 422 410.

“ Our Information Guides cover key issues that we are regularly asked to help with. Some of the information is specifically aimed at UK nationals.

AGE IN SPAIN

Supporting English Speakers in Spain www.ageinspain.org

Age in Spain is a nationwide charity covering the entirety of mainland Spain and its islands. We provide support to the Englishspeaking community, including individuals from various nationalities, not just UK nationals.

Our mission is to enable English speakers in Spain to live their best life and be well prepared for the changes that later life brings. We offer assistance through our Infoline, Friendline and Veteran Support services. Additionally we have a dedicated healthline service for private medical Insurance quotations and medicals, a will writing service and a translation service.

Our trained volunteers aim to provide reliable and thoroughly researched information and guidance on a wide range of topics, such as obtaining a driving licence, understanding visa requirements, utilising the online digital certificate, and accessing the local health and social services systems. We also developed a comprehensive guide titled 'Moving to Spain', which contains invaluable information, even for long-term residents.

Our Friendline service connects trained volunteers with like-minded members who

desire a weekly phone call from a familiar voice. Through this exclusive telephone contact, many enduring friendships have been forged. If you would like to start receiving regular calls from one of our volunteers, please contact us via our Infoline number or through the contact link on our website. You may also know an isolated older person who would benefit from joining this service, please urge them to reach out to us.

We encourage you to visit our website at: www.ageinSpain.org.

On the homepage, you can subscribe to our regular email newsletter to keep up to date with issues and events which may affect your life in Spain. In addition, if you are a Facebook user, you can find us at 'Age in Spain' and 'like' our page to stay up-todate.

Our Infoline telephone number is (+34) 932 209 741 and is open Tuesdays to Thursdays 10:00 until 13:00. Please note that we do not have a physical presence, as all our volunteers are dispersed throughout Spain. Regardless of your location within Spain, we are here to provide advice and assistance. Feel free to reach out to us and we will be delighted to help.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THIS MAGAZINE

GIVING BACK is more than just a magazine. It is a platform that enables meaningful connections, mutual support and the opportunity to share beneficial ideas.

It is a community, a network, through which we can provide encouragement through one another, offer advice and share innovative ideas that will enable us to be stronger, to create a brighter furure for charities in the communities we serve.

It is important, however, if we are to produce an effective publication, that we have your support, be it through articles, photographs, good news stories, or even submisions promoting your charity or your charitable event.

Articles for the July edition of the magazine should reach the editor by 9 June 24.

WHO ARE WE? WHO ARE WE?

For over 40 years as a registered charity, we have been supporting people and likeminded charities throughout the Vega Baja area.

The charity is totally reliant upon donations, funds raised from our charity shop in and local car boot, and fundraising events. Working alongside other organisations such as social service departments, British consulate and town halls, we offer support to individuals and families without judgement or prejudice.

Our San Miguel centre offers not only advice and information, but also includes, a charity shop, welfare team and mobility equipment hire offering some of the cheapest hire charges on the Costa Blanca with a 50% discount for members of the charity.

HOW DO WE HELP?

Support is offered in many ways, dependent upon individual needs. For some, a listening ear is what is required, and our experienced counsellors are called upon. Others may need help in a more practical way.

Changes in personal circumstances can mean that people may not have adequate funds to feed their families. We offer food vouchers for local supermarkets and work together with the individual and signpost them to other agencies when necessary.

We provide access to up-to-date information either via our offices, and through our website and Facebook page. Practical support is offered – from assisting people in their applications for benefits from either the UK or Spain, TIE exchange, registration of S1’s, passport applications to any other administrative activity which they require support with. From time to time the Elective Committee announce Special Projects. These projects focus on different areas of concern that we become aware of and where we feel we can best support people to improve their lives.

Special Projects will be announced through our social media pages and our office in San Miguel.

Calle Lope de Vega 46, San Miguel de Salinas, 03193 Alicante. Telephone: 966 723 733

EVENTS

Our fundraising events have a dual purpose. Not only do we raise valuable funds to enable us to provide services but also encourages people who may be lonely and hesitant to get out and about, to meet new friends. We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to be involved in a fundraising event with us.

MEMBERSHIPS

HELP Vega Baja has a membership scheme where, for a small fee, members are entitled to an array of additional benefits. Many of the benefits are health related but discussions continue with local businesses and organisations to increase benefits covering all aspects of day-to-day living.

Membership applications can be completed at any of the HELP Vega Baja sites, and online at www.helpvegabaja.com where full details of current benefits are available.

DONATIONS

We are extremely grateful for the donations that we receive from our supporters. Whether you are a local business or individual, your donations are very much appreciated and can be made at our San Miguel Centre or online.

If you wish to discuss donating to the charity or leaving a legacy in your will to HELP Vega Baja, please contact our secretary.

We are also grateful to receive any items – unfortunately not electrical – that can be sold in our San Miguel charity shop, to raise much needed funds.

VOLUNTEERING WITH HELP VEGA BAJA

Our team of volunteers are extremely important to the charity and enable us to continue with the work we do. If you are interested in finding out how you can join our team, please get in touch. We are happy to work around your existing commitments.

WHO ARE WE?

We are the Association of Movers and Shakers (AMS), a registered charity based in Almoradi working across the Costa Blanca area.

Since April 2017 we have supported people affected by Huntington’s Disease, but since 2021we also support people affected by:

Ataxia

Motor Neurone Disease

Multiple Sclerosis

Parkinson’s Disease

We aim to provide a local contact point and mutual support in a friendly atmosphere, where families, carers, and individuals (our Members) can share thoughts and experiences.

For people, whose lives are touched by a neurological disease the effects can be quite devastating.

It is not just the sufferer who needs support and help, but other family members too, who play a major part in caring for a person with a neurological disease.

THE ASSOCIATION OF MOVERS AND SHAKERS, COSTA BLANCA

Calle Badajoz 9, El Bañet, Almoradí 03160 Facebook @moversandshakers - www.amscb.org.es

Email info@amscb.org.es

Phone +34 711 008 250 - Whatsapp +34 711 008 250

WORKING TOGETHER

We are volunteers and rely on the generosity of local people through donations and our fundraising events. Without this generosity it would be impossible to continue our work.

We have Ambassadors who regularly support and promote the Association either by holding events in their restaurants or putting us in touch with others who can help us in our work.

Others hold collection tins in their bar and friends of the Association hold collection boxes at home for small change. One of our volunteers makes greetings cards from recycled cards which are sold in bars and to local people.

Working together in this way helps us achieve our goal – no amount raised or donated is too small.

Every cent we collect counts!

HOW DO WE HELP?

Members of the Association are sufferers of the five neurological diseases we support, and their carers.

A member must be resident in Spain. There is an annual membership fee of 10 euro which offers free access to:

Support from our Liaison Officer who will

AAN - ASOCIACION DE AYUDA

AL NECESITADO DE SAN FULGENCIO

Help and assistance where or when necessary Calle Sierra Castilla 42, (near Cards and More).

The charity started about 10 years ago by Pauline Prior (now in the UK). Her and Peter, her husband, started by doing quiz nights and the money was used to buy a few bits to help out with a handful of family´s.

Over the years they registered the charity and it has grown to what it is today. We now have up to 85 family´s a month on our list.

We spend on average 3,200 euros per month on food, cleaning products and personal hygiene products. In fact last month the bill for food was just over 3,200 euros.

Our charity shop is open six mornings a week.

Monday to Friday 10-2pm, Saturday 10-1pm. We are in Calle Sierra Castilla 42, (near Cards and More).

The list of family´s comes from Social Services, we don´t have access to address or phone numbers for privacy reasons, however, they have to show us some sort of I.D.

The food is ordered from Dialprix and delivered to the Catholic church where we have a large storage room, and the food boxes are collected from there by the family´s each month.

Each Christmas we put out our shoe box appeal. I will make up a list of boys and girls with their ages and people write on the box which child it will be suitable for.

Each child will usually be given two or three gifts depending on how generous people are. Four years ago I heard about an orphanage in Orihuela, San Jose Obrero.

offer confidential advice and support in respect of:

Grants available from the Association.

Grants and allowances available ether in Spain or the United Kingdom.

Information about other charities and care agencies who may be able to assist Members, for example hire of equipment.

The Movers and Shakers Club held every Friday at 1.00pm - 3.00pm where Members meet up for a drink and a chat on a full range of topics, and to exchange ideas and information.

The Club is held at: O’Brien’s Bar, El Raso, Guardamar del Segura.

Free tickets to all fundraising events and help with transport if needed.

VOLUNTEERS

Without volunteers we would not be able to continue our work. If you are interested in volunteering. For example, fundraising or volunteer driving, contact Marion Smith on mobile or WhatsApp: +(34) 711 008 250

We welcome all enquiries.

At the moment they have 73 children aged between 8 and 17.

Although we do not provide food to them, we do take a lot of clothes, shoes and toys throughout the year, and of course Christmas.

During the year we normally hold two Fashion Shows and Two Race Nights. An Easter Fair and a Christmas Fair, and a Gala Dinner in December.

Brenda Bentley President

Email: oc.communitycare@gmail.com

Norah Bond – President

Eva Johansson - Secretary General

Community Care Association wish to thank all existing Members and welcomes new Members who take part in the activities held at Centro Civico Alameda Del Mar, Calle Santa Alodia, Playa Flamenca, Orihuela Costa, 03189. We believe you matter, want to have fun in the sun and to enjoy your time living in Orihuela Costa.

The aim of CCA is to provide a friendly environment for everyone of all nationalities, over 60 years of age, to take part in social therapeutic activities, meet new friends, learn Spanish to communicate with ‘the locals’, integrate and join in their fascinating cultural events.

CCA offer sessions in 3 rooms Mondays between 14:00h till 18:0h. 2 rooms on Wednesdays 14:00h till 16:00h, 1 room 14:00h till 18:00h and Thursdays, 1 room between 14:00h till 18:00h.

SPANISH CLASSES AT 3 LEVELS. Beginners, Intermediate and Conversation, plus Spanish Games, ie “Quien Soy”, Scrabble, Quiz and Culture. Artistic watercolour Art classes, Bridge, Singalong sessions and Needle Crafts where you can refresh existing or learn new skills, Mondays. Beginners Foundation, Level 1 and Intermediate Level 2. These sessions are not on a ´drop in’ basis, to enable students to learn to speak basic Spanish uninterrupted.

Shorter sessions to be arranged by demand, 8 - 10 week Spanish classes can be arranged for Members who cannot commit to six months sessions.

SPANISH GAMES, CONVERSATION AND CULTURE. These classes are great fun and easy, to enjoy learning the Spanish language.

CCA intend to organise a Spanish Cultural group which will include UNESCO Heritage sites and the fantastic historical festivals celebrated throughout Spain. Bridge sessions. Bring your own cards. Wednesdays. Watercolour Art sessions for absolute Beginners and budding artists. Bring your own materials. Singalong to easy listening music from the past and present, Music therapy sessions for all ages.

Thursdays. Needle Craft sessions. Come and join our craft group, why not try knitting / sewing / embroidery. You can explore up-cycling / alterations as well as simple soft furnishings. This group will help you explore your creative side (we all have one) as well as meet new friends. Tutor led session, we can all learn from each other and share our skills as well as develop new ones.

COMMUNITY CARE FORUM. The objectives are simple, to encourage a healthy and agreeable mode and style of life for Spanish and non Spanish residents on the Orihuela Costa.

The aims and objectives of Community Care Forum is to identify Social Welfare Services offered and how to obtain them, information which is not readily available.

To work closer with the Social Welfare Services to ensure information is available online, in the press and leaflets at local business venues for every resident in Orihuela Costa to access easily in order that they can help themselves or a neighbour in need, especially the elderly, frail, vulnerable and disabled.

To support Members and the community of Orihuela Costa by offering for those in need, of information and advice how to apply for a Blue Badge / Mobility Permit, Spanish Social Welfare Services support and Attendance Allowance from the UK.

Information to access the Red Cross/Cruz Roja, Caritas, HAHCB, AECC Orihuela Costa Branch. The Movers and Shakers group who support Parkinsons, MND, HD, MS, Alzhiemers and Dementia plus ADIEM - Mental Health and Abuse related issues.

To liaise with Town Halls, Councils and any kind of Administration, organization, public or private, at any territorial level, to improve the health care for the population of this area.

Collaborate with the local Social Welfare Services and all Charities and Associations registered in Orihuela Costa, with the intent of providing information regards social welfare needs,

Expertise on legal and administrative concerns relating to health care, particularly relative to the elderly, vulnerable and disabled residents living in Orihuela Costa.

Guest Talks, Sessions and Meetings to highlight the profile of the Association and to enable the entry of volunteers to undertake their work, being voluntary work for the Association.

You can contact us by email with your contact details for more information and which activity session/s you want to join. Email. oc.communitycare@gmail.com.

Meanwhile, we wish you well and look forward to seeing you at CCA sessions in the Civic Centre in Playa Flamenca.

Taking Action Early

Due to the early detection of her breast cancer Maria’s passion has been to impress upon the people of Orihuela Costa the importance of early detection and the fact that it can save your life if cancer is detected early enough.

Nowadays Cancer affects 1 in 2 people in their lives, Maria Wilson was one of the unlucky ones, or lucky, depending on which way you look at it. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2010.

Fortunately for Maria whilst visiting the local hospital in Torrevieja she and a friend thought it would be a good idea to book a mammogram, as her last one was many years previous in the UK.

The mammogram showed two small tumours and so she was admitted for a full mastectomy of the left breast.

She is adamant that the early detection of her breast cancer saved her life. This is why she insists The Pink Ladies push ìEarly Detectionî at every opportunity

After her surgery Maria and a group of her girly friends decided to set up a fund raising group to raise monies to help in the fight against cancer, they called the group Maria and the Pink Ladies and in June 2010, just a few months after her surgery, they organised their first ìWalk for Lifeî along the sea front in Torrevieja.

Maria completed the walk in a wheel chair pushed by husband Carl.

Due to the success of this they continued to organise events throughout the Orihuela Costa and soon became well known locally for their fund raising efforts and arranging for early detection cancer screening tests.

To date (March 2024) the group have raised over Ä570,000, all of which has been donated firstly to the AECC (Espana Contra el Cancer) but since 2014 the AACC (Associacion Alicante Contra el Cancer).

Cancer affects men and women alike and so the group decided to encourage men to join and help in the fight against cancer and so they became the Pink Panthers.

ALLof the groupís efforts helping in the fight against cancer have been and always will be on an unpaid volunteer basis and Maria insists she will never give up this work for she fears that the people of the Orihuela Costa will be left without support should they be affected by cancer. It is her passion.

Due to the early detection of her breast cancer Mariaís primary aim has been to impress upon the people of Orihuela Costa (whatever their nationality) the importance of early detection and the fact it can save your life if cancer is detected early enough.

Maria and her group of volunteers push the AACC®s ìEarly Detection Programî at all their events, at their dedicated office in Playa Flamenca, through their web site, Facebook page and at a weekly stall at Zenia Boulevard.

They organise early screening tests for many different types of cancer but mainly Breast, Cervical and Prostate, and book over 50 tests every month for men and women, and so are probably responsible for saving many lives if, as we know that EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.

The Pink Ladies office, on the basement floor of Flamenca Beach Commercial Centre, is open between 10.00hrs and 13.00hrs, Monday to Friday, where members of the public are encouraged to attend to seek information on cancer, book a screening test or to make a donation.

They have an information stand at Zenia Boulevard on Mondays between 12.00hrs and 14.00hrs and of course there is more information on their web site, together with the facility to book a cancer screening test through the website at: www.pink-ladies.org or directly by email: info@pink-ladies.org

They can also be contacted by telephone on (0034) 865 942 795

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If you have some time to spare why not contact Maria and offer a small amount of your time become a Pink Lady or Panther and help in the fight against cancer.

The AACCOffice in CCPlaya Flamenca

Age Concern España

The Day Centre is situated at Calle Paganini, Urb. La Siesta

Age Concern España, a fully registered not for profit Spanish organisation, has been providing support and promoting the well-being of the over 50s in Spain since 1994.

Through our volunteers we provide a range of services to help with integration into Spanish life and to provide information, advice and support for common issues that affect the over 50s. Aging sometimes weakens your body and will power as well.

When elderly people are worried about their future, we provide moral and spiritual support. We also arrange live psychic readings online free with Expert psychics to get better counselling.

Age Concern is a non-profit making charity especially helping and supporting people over the age of 50 of all nationalities. The Day Centre is situated at Calle Paganini, Urb. La Siesta, 03184 Torrevieja. Tel: 966 786 887. Open Mon – Fri 10am – 1.30pm while our two charity shops are based in Central Torrevieja and Los Montesinos.

NEW OPENING TIMES:

Please note that our shop in Torrevieja centre has a change of opening times. It is now open on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday only between 10.15 am and 12.30 pm. The Los Montesinos shop is open Monday to Friday between 10am and 2pm.

LIFELINE SERVICES

LIFELINE is the name that Age Concern calls its welfare section. Our volunteers make home visits and carry out in depth

assessments, to ascertain the help required.

They advise on where to get nursing care, Liaise with Social Services, and through the Befriending Service match volunteers to beneficiaries to give support with shopping and friendship.

Give advice on care aids and information about residential care homes.

To give peace of mind, we have a Keep in Touch scheme, where a volunteer will ring each morning to check on the welfare of the client.

Through an outside company we can also provide personal alarms.

A team of volunteers visit a residential care home every Friday afternoon. The Lifeline team also organizes a monthly Luncheon Club for beneficiaries.

CARE & MOBILITY AIDS

Age Concern retain a huge selection of aids that are lent out (for a small donation) to people who are in need of help to improve their mobility and environment.

LENDING LIBRARY

A valuable asset attached to our Day Centre and manned by friendly volunteers. Open every Tuesday from 10.30am – 12.30pm.

AGE CONCERN BEREAVEMENT GROUP

Have you lost somebody close to you? Are you finding life difficult after a bereavement? Come along and chat to other people in the same situation.

We meet very Tuesday from 2-4pm at the Age Concern Centre, Calle Paganini, La Siesta, Torrevieja. Call 96 678 6887. Everyone is welcome.

RUMMIKUB

This fascinating and addictive game is one of our most popular activities. Held every Tuesday from 13.45 – 16.00 in our Day Centre, it brings people together for an extremely sociable afternoon.

BINGO

Every Wednesday, from 2pm, the Day Centre is full of our bingo enthusiasts having a great couple of hours enjoying 10 Bingo games where they can win lovely prizes.

This popular afternoon is more than playing Bingo it’s the chance for friends to meet socially and catch up on all the news, and there’s never a dull moment!

SPANISH LESSONS

Spanish lessons are held weekly but contact the Day Centre for current information.

Our resident tutor conducts lessons for all abilities from beginners, improvers and proficient all lasting for one hour. Small groups allow the tutor to concentrate the tuition to individual’s levels in a quiet area.

Age Concern Costa C·lida Is Based in MazarrÛn

Age Concern hold regular their meetings on the Camposol Urbanisation in Mazarron. It is the local Mazarron based branch of Age Concern Espana, offering support, help and useful information to expats living in the area surrounding the Mazarron

municipality.

The charity holds regular support meetings, monthly social events and trips and offers a phone helpline for those needing urgent assistance, with principal activities held on the Camposol Urbanisation

The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10 - 1 p.m

To enquire about equipment hire or return please contact 634 306 927, however equipment is not available in person on Fridays without a prior appointment.

We are not an emergency service but for advice or information between 10 am and 4 pm please contact 634 344 589. In an emergency, contact 112 or F.A.S.T

For Event information or to book tickets for any of our regular events please contact 634 344 589 or contact us via our Facebook page "Age Concern Costa Calida"

Our Facebook page is the best place for advice and information or email us at ageconcerncostacalida@gmail.com

BUTTERFLY CHARITY BALL

We are pleased to announce The Butterfly Charity Ball will be held on Friday 27th September 2024 at La Marina Resort and Camping.

If you would like to attend this event please contact Mary on 616 076 072 or email: lamarina@debra.es

We look forward to your support

Advice &Info

634 344 589

Lifeline Mazarron & Puerta

634 325 408

Lifeline Camposol

634 312 516

Equipment loan

634 306 927

Events &Publicity

623 118 062

LIVING THROUGH OLD AGE IS A BLESSING

By Bernie Comaskey

Ispent a couple of days in hospital last week, something, thank God, that I have experienced less than half a dozen times in my lifetime.

Again, I am consumed with gratitude, admiration and affection towards the medical personnel who looked after me – especially the nurses. Both my surgeon and anaesthetist were Westmeath men so I couldn’t be in better hands!

What a wonderful feeling it is (probably full of drugs!) to wake up in the recovery room and be still alive!

‘The Hermitage’ was very busy.

Somebody said that a significant number of patients were there due to falls following the icy spell. Let this be a warning to all of us.

I was dropped off at the hospital at 07.00 and it was 10.00 before I went to theatre. The thoroughness of the checkin and ‘pre-op’ leaves nothing to chance.

Everything is checked and rechecked several times. It is a tedious procedure but necessary and reassuring.

Then I was ready to go down. Sitting there in a cubicle, with nothing more than a back-to-front petticoat shielding my dignity from the world; one has to feel an emotion of vulnerability.

After what seemed like an eternity, the warden … I mean nurse, arrived in to take me to theatre. We looked each other over and then she nearly knocked me out with her first question; “Are you mobile?” Holy God …. ‘AM I MOBILE?’ I was tempted to give an answer along the lines of a Dublin lady, the mother of a friend, when asked in hospitable, ‘How are you this morning, Margaret?’

Margaret had been a deeply religious lady all of her life and would never have used a bad word, but with the onset of dementia, bizarrely, her language became rather colourful and very funny because of being so out of character.

It was a black junior doctor who asked how his patient was this morning, and the popular young doctor shook with mirth all day as he retold Margaret’s reply; “Get your black a##e into this bed and I’ll show you how I am!”

“Are you mobile?” “I am mobile enough to hike across the Pyrenees last

September”, I replied.

When the very efficient and helpful nurse said that she wouldn’t be able to do that, I felt honour had been restored and I had regained the initiative!

Let’s face it: I know that somebody in their 80th year is old – so I am old. The good thing about all this is that the older I get, the more I love and cherish every single day. I know that no matter how well it goes, there are only so many days left. (Of course that can be said about life at any age) I do not waste any day. There is no shame in being old. On the contrary, old age should be an exalted state and ‘elders’ valued like they used to be in bygone ages. Ageism is a relatively new thing – and it has become such a problem that a 2021 global report by the WHO found that age stereotyping is now internalised by children as young as four.

But it is up to us to show them the error of their ways! We can be ourselves; be a bit dashing and daring if we choose. Old people are whatever they are going to be – so there is no need to pretend or do anything other than be ourselves. This is a ‘fun time!’

Yes, of course there is a price to pay for everything; and there is a price to pay for the privilege of living through old age.

We pay with more physical ailments and

more time attending the funerals of dear friends.

This is the normal cycle of life and only we, the lucky ones, can see it through. ‘Yesterday is gone, forget it; tomorrow didn’t come, don’t worry; today is here, get busy!’

Unfortunately not all old people embrace the prospect … or rather they do embrace their age for a different reason. There are those who couldn’t wait for it so they might do nothing, be a victim, act helpless and play the poor me. This moaning minority is what gets old age a bad name. They enjoy being miserable and making those around them miserable as well.

One more thing: There is a multi-billion industry out there, selling the fantasy that you can look young again. Don’t fall for any of it; spend your money instead on a Shannon cruise in Athlone. Your face may look weather-beaten afterwards, but you will be much happier than staring at a mirror convincing yourself that the cream is working!

Life is as good as you make it, at any age. Go for it; and when the young nurse asks if you are mobile enough to walk to the next room … give her Margaret’s answer!

DON’T FORGET

Age is like love. It cannot be hidden.

IS THERE ANYONE MORE DESERVING? OVER 50 YEARS OF CHARITY SUPPORT

SYLVIA GALLIMORE, who lives in San Miguel De Salinas, Alicante, was awarded a BEM (British Empire Medal) for “services to charity and the community”, as part of the 2023 King´s Birthday Honours list.

The award is particularly significant as it comes just three years after the same honour was bestowed on her son Daniel, by HM Queen Elizabeth II, who lost his sight when he went to the aid of a young man under attack at cash point in Bristol.

Although Sylvia’s recognition comes after many years working in Spain with with the charity Help at Home, the citation traces her voluntary work back prior to her arrival in San Miguel, going back over 50 years to her first involvement in voluntary work with a play group in St. Barts Church Hall, Bristol.

Since those early days she has worked unselfishly with the Woman’s Royal Voluntary Service at Horfield Prison in Bristol, an animal rescue and a rehoming project in the same city.

In 1996, Sylvia moved to focus on the visually impaired community in Bristol, raising funds for the Royal National Institute of Blind People and Avon Sports and Leisure, during which time she organised theatrical ‘audio described’ performances, as well as ‘touch tours’ in the Bristol museum and at local art galleries.

While she subsequently moved with her family to Spain Sylvia still helps the charity from afar, also spending time writing books to raise money for a charity run by her son, ‘Have Stick Will Travel,’ of which she is a trustee.

Indeed, together with Daniel, Sylvia played a crucial role in establishing the ‘Have Stick Will Travel’ charity, organising numerous fundraising initiatives to obtain technology for visually impaired people, helping them be more independent in their homes. She also supports several sports teams made up of visually impaired people.

More recently, since she has been living in San Miguel de Salinas, Sylvia works with the charity Help at Home, which helps people with mobility or health problems attend medical appointments or run errands. She has also written a book called 'Sleeping Rough' to raise funds for the charity ‘Shelter’, which supports homeless people.

While she could have waited for an invitation to collect her award in UK, Sylvia chose to receive her BEM last week, from the British Ambassador, Hugh Elliott, at a ceremony that was held at his private residence in Madrid which she attended, along with her husband and a group of relatives and friends, many of whom work with her at ‘Help at Home’.

Sylvia said of the occasion, “It was a wonderful few days for me. It was really lovely; the Ambassador and his wife were charming, and we all had a very pleasant time. They opened up their home to us, provided delicious tapas and plenty of wine. Everyone was absolutely delightful to us all.”

“There are kind people everywhere and I am privileged to know a great many of them. But no charity can run without volunteers, even an hour a week can help. There are an unbelievable number of people out there who give up their time freely. They think they are just a cog in the wheel, but without them, nothing could be achieved. No one can do anything on their own, so thankyou to everyone who has been so supportive to me over very many years.”

Images courtesy of ‘Brits in Spain’.

Number of Troubled Adolescents in Valencia Community Increases by 50% in Three Years.

“It is now taking up to six months to provide mental health appointments.”

Messages in a demonstration of young people demanding mental health policies

ìThe increase in deaths by suicide continues to rise and is already three times that of deaths caused by traffic accidentsî.

The number of adolescents and young people, with depression or suicidal tendencies, who go on to self-harm, has increased by 50% in three years in the province and in the Valencian Community, with Psychologists now agreeing that the delays by public health, who are taking up to six months to provide mental health appointments, or the two months that it takes to obtain a private consultation, is seriously affecting the mental health of many children.

Alicante psychologists have said that more than 50% of mental disorders manifest themselves during adolescence, which is when personality begins to crystallize, and significant changes occur; hence the importance of carrying out early intervention to "reduce the suffering of young people" and to prevent mental health problems from developing and often becoming chronic.

Comments like "what a disgusting life"; "what a s**t situation"; and the lack of desire to live, of enthusiasm or motivation, is what adolescents describe most in their consultations with psychologists, as well as not knowing what to do, what direction to take, or what goals they should aim for, with considerable fatigue and lack of energy, blocking and preventing them from taking action that would elevate their mood.

This means that around 15% of adolescents present severe or moderately severe depressive symptoms, with suicidal thoughts around 10.8%; but only "a low percentage" of young people receive the treatment they need, according to Unicef studies.

Specialists state that depression can become "a serious health problem."

Furthermore, half of the children who call the Alicante telephone of Hope (965 13 1122), a 24-hour service that answers over 200 calls a year from youngsters considering suicide, have serious symptoms of depression and they are getting worse.

Although the months of restrictions brought about by the pandemic are now behind us, many were spent in isolation, with many people experiencing little or no social contact, and even now the situation has not been reversed, despite our return to normality.

"There has been a gigantic collapse in public health during the last six months that has also had an impact on the private sector, with a waiting list of more than two months," says one specialist who has his own practice in Alicante. This aggravates the depressive symptoms when many are looking for a solution and their symptoms often become chronic.

This is a situation "mainly linked to problems with their relationships, whether with adults or peers. They do not have people to share their problems with," says Germ·n Ricardo, head of the association in Alicante.

Nicol·s CondÈs, psychologist and coordinator of the association Proyecto Hombre, also agrees with the hopelessness in the future of young people, with the conformist attitude and short-term thinking, "it is difficult for them to be enthusiastic about projects."

"These problems usually occur in the adolescents and young people we treat, but lately more people have suffered from depression, who tell us that they are trying to cut themselves and often do, and also with negative and hopeless thoughts, about which we adults are not helping," he said.

Specialists state that depression can become " a serious health problem", especially when it is recurrent, even if it is of moderate intensity; and that it can cause "great suffering", affect school and family activities and, in the worst cases, lead to suicidal ideation or behaviour and increase the probability of consuming substances.

For this reason, they say it is imperative that they ask for help, when necessary, because this allows for early intervention that can contribute to reducing suffering and avoiding greater chronicity or discomfort in young people. "That is why it is important to make this reality visible and break the stigmas or false myths that still exist around mental health and that can cause young people not to dare to ask for help."

Young people in Alicante demonstrating for greater investment in mental health