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Older & Wiser |
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The Older & Wiser concept
These annual events use stage shows and entertainment to share information on serious topics in a none threatening way with the over 50’s of Aberdeen. Each show illustrates everyday situations where older people are put at risk and contains a careful balance of the possible consequences and the right way of dealing with the risks portrayed. Audience participation is encouraged to reinforce the lessons learnt and each show is followed by short presentations by relevant agencies that assist older people with the illustrated risks. Finally, the audience are given ‘goody bags’ with relevant safety items, useful literature, and information on places to get advice and assistance. Previous topics include bogus callers, trips & falls, financial scams, available benefits, and home hazards. Bogus Callers Shown The Door By Aberdeen Safer Community
Trust
Older and Wiser, the annual show run by Aberdeen Safer Community Trust for the 50+ festival, is going out on the road this month. On 8th November, Older and Wiser will take place at Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen, aimed at residents over the age of 50 from the Tillydrone, Seaton, King Street and Old Aberdeen areas of the city. The free event provides advice and information on everyday situations where older people can be put at risk. It uses entertainment and interactive activities to demonstrate simple techniques to deal with the risks portrayed. As part of the day’s event, local educational theatre company, Livewire Productions, will stage a play showing how to beat doorstep cheats. The drama aims to show senior citizens the range of excuses used by bogus callers, con men and persistent salesmen and will also demonstrate simple but effective techniques to remove and avoid them. Commenting on Older and Wisers’ activities, Emma Bellu, Chief Executive of the Trust said: “We are more than pleased to be hosting Older and Wiser again, which is now in its sixth year. Anybody can be susceptible to bogus callers and older people in particular often live in fear of crime. Older and Wiser sets out to tackle these issues by providing practical and easy to implement advice wrapped up in a fun and entertaining day out.” She added: “If we can prevent this type of despicable crime occurring while getting the message across that it does not happen very often, it will go a long way to making our senior citizens feel safer in their homes.” This year’s roadshow event will take place at Elphinstone Hall on the 8th November with doors opening at 12 o’ clock and the main event beginning at 12.30pm. Teas and coffees are provided as well as a goody bag containing useful security items. |
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* Don't let anyone unknown into your home unless you are expecting
them.
* Always use a door chain. * Do not keep large amounts of money in the house. * Always check ID, but don't call the number they give you, call the number in the phone book instead. The number on the card could just be another conman waiting to play their part. * Remember it's ok to put your safety first. Be rude if you have to. * Never buy from someone at the door; they'll learn you have money in the house and could come back for more Remember STOP, LOCK, CHAIN, CHECK: STOP: Pause before you open the door and think if you're expecting anyone LOCK: Check your other doors and windows are locked CHAIN: Use a door chain or bar, it means that you keep control of the situation CHECK: If the person is unknown, ALWAYS check their ID and do it properly! Look at the person at the door and compare it to the picture (but don't open the door to do this, use a spy hole or mirror). Phone the company they claim to be from. Look it up in the phone book. * Beware of legitimate salespeople using the hard sell. And remember, if you do have to sign something to get them to leave, in most cases you have 7 days to cancel. Call your local Trading Standards (at the council) as soon as possible and they will help you. * Not everyone is a criminal but it's always safest to check. If a person has a legitimate reason for calling they WILL NOT MIND waiting while you check them out. |
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