News Update

Thursday 19th March – Sadly this event will no longer be taking place at Quoys

 Coronovirus (COVID - 19) Outbreak
Due to the virus now being in Shetland we are taking the necessary steps of reducing the number of potential transmissions by cancelling all our group activities till further notice.

We can still be contacted by email and will let you know as soon as it is deemed safe to resume our activities.
In the meantime remember to self isolate for seven days if you have symptoms, and keep washing your hands for the recommended time with soap and water.
Contact your GP or NHS 111 for further advice if you are unwell

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Tax Help for the over 60's

CHSS have told us about a charity called Tax Help for Older People which provides FREE tax advice to the over 60s on low incomes. The staff provide a helpline during office hours and the volunteers who are current and former tax professionals -  can be contacted on 01308 488 066. 

Further information about the service for the over 60s at Tax Help is available on their website at http://www.taxvol.org.uk

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Euan's Guide - accessibility information

For anyone planning a holiday or a day out "Euan's Guide" provides great accessibility information and reviews. This includes disabled access and accessible toilets available in hotels, self catering accommodation, restaurants and places of interest for folk wanting to get out and about. "Euan's Guide" can be found online at www.euansguide.com    

Eileen MacLeod from Sandness, who uses a wheelchair after her stroke has been providing reviews for the Guide. Eileen  has agreed  to become the official ambassador for Euan's Guide in Shetland and will be providing reviews, accompanied by photos of various places of interest. If you have any ideas of places that could be reviewed, either because their accessibility for wheelchairs, and for those with limited mobility, is good or bad, then she can be contacted by email at  eileenamacleod@btinternet.com

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Fundraising for MRI scanner
Harriet, one of our committee members, has designed a hat using the colours from the logo for the MRI scanner appeal. Her son Billy has helped to put the “Harriet’s Hat” pattern into print and it’s now available from various local outlets at £4, or online. Jamieson and Smith have made up packs of the wool needed to knit a hat, and are donating the money to the MRI fund. Harriet has set up a group of knitters who meet in the Gilbert Bain café, every fortnight on a Thursday evening, to knit hats and other items to make use of wool that has been donated for the cause. More information is available on the MRI Maakers Facebook page at ‎MRI Maakers‎ . Anyone who can knit is welcome to start knitting for the appeal.

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Ability Shetland
Ability Shetland have asked us to highlight some of the activities/equipment that they have on offer for adults with disabilities. They have provided wheelchairs for use in various halls throughout Shetland and also have 3 special all terrain wheelchairs that can be borrowed, and are suitable for using "off road" and on uneven surfaces.

The Wooton Lass is a motor boat that is currently based at the Lerwick Marina and is used to provide trips for organisations, groups, families and individuals. It is available for sightseeing and fishing trips for all ages.

The Wednesday club is a small group that meets every week at Islesburgh Community Centre for a social get together and lunch.  Book club days, film days, table top games and visiting speakers add a theme to sessions which are all accompanied by lively chat and as much coffee as you can drink. Transport is provided in Lerwick with the first pick-up at 1030. More details are available on their website or from Team Leader Stephanie Bain at stephanie.bain@shetland.org or by telephone on 01595 743922

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Market House Carers Group at Fjara
The Market House Carers Group now meet at the Fjara Cafe Bar on the first Tuesday of each month. If you are a carer you are invited to join them for a cuppa, some cake and a blether! The group is open to all unpaid carers and everyone is welcome.

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Self Help for Stroke website
Selfhelp4stroke is a free self management website for anyone who has had a stroke, and can be found at www.Selfhelp4stroke.org. This is a free resource and the information is displayed in video, audio and interactive formats. Many of the resources are also downloadable.

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