Thank you for comments and suggestions, I've checked and the nearest Age UK office is in Taunton, around 20 miles away. Where we lived before, there was an Age UK agent who visited the village hall in the next village, every other week, for 2 hours, I don't know if there's a similar scheme here, I haven't yet attempted to find out. There is a CAB in Minehead which is open for drop ins on weekdays, I've spoken to them and they said although they would be willing to help out with forms, it does depend on how busy they are and how many people are waiting, as the forms take a long time to fill in (don't I know it!). They did say they could do it by appointment, but there's a waiting list for them! I've decided to fill in the forms myself, although they are somewhat confusing, it just needs careful thought and time. I'll do it for 30 mins or so at a time, in my bedroom not the lounge, as husband will either have the TV on or he'll be talking at me non-stop (he always does, except when he's asleep 😒). Even when I ask him to be quiet as I need to fill in forms, do emails, etc....he just can't help himself, or else he forgets. And when he's not talking to me, he's humming or whistling or talking to his computer or laughing at some silly video he's watching on his computer....he couldn't do a sponsored silence, he wouldn't last out for 5 minutes! 😂
If I just do the form filling for 30 mins at a time, then stop for a break and a coffee (or even leave it until the next day), then I won't get frustrated and headachy, which will make it easier. I know I can print some of the required 'proof of' documents off my computer (assuming I can get my printer working again and 'talking' to my laptop). However, the form does state the required documents have to be originals, not copies, so I don't know whether ones I print off will be acceptable. But, as I said yesterday, if they decline to accept them then I shall ask to see a supervisor and make a point of telling them that there's no other alternative. I might even drop in a comment about age discrimination as us 'oldies' aren't always able to cope with official things.....in this age of 'wokery' (how I despise that term!!!) that might gee them up! 😉😁. I'm tenacious and determined, if nothing else.
I've made cheese scones this morning, to have with a cuppa soup for lunch, followed by a piece of fruit. We like this and have it about once a week, it takes no time at all to knock up 4 scones and bake them in the air fryer, I don't even weigh out the ingredients, just do it by eye and a 'chuck it in' mentality. For dinner I shall make cauli mac n cheese, accompanied by green veg and husband will probably have some of the chicken I roasted for him yesterday.
Just a thought - I remember when I had to do some of this stuff for my mother and they wanted originals. I made copies at the local library and got the Librarian to certify them as copies of originals he had seen. This worked for us (the Librarian said he was asked to do it a lot!)
ReplyDeleteI was wondering if the housing officer could help you with the forms, or maybe she knows someone who could? Might be worth asking. If you do have to hand over the originals, and they're going to be hanging on to them for some time, take copies and write on the copy the date/time/name of person (if you know it) when you've handed them in. Then at least you have some proof if they go astray. I have to say, whenever we've had to send in originals, they've always been returned safely, but best to be prepared! Good luck! xx
ReplyDeleteYou certainly have a good plan for filling in those forms.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Yes good idea to take your time with the forms.. when you send them they will inform you if something isn't right. Here in Wales we have everything in Welsh and English!
ReplyDeleteI think that when they state that the documents shouldn't be copies I think that this is relating to things like Birth and Marriage Certificates. More and more people bank online or have utility accounts online so a printed statement (that shows name and address) is acceptable but photocopies of the docs that were NOT online originally isn't.
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