Transport, Heating Support and Home Safety
Transport
Blue Badge Scheme
Provider: Dept of Infrastructure
The Blue Badge scheme provides an important service for people with severe mobility problems. It provides on-street parking concessions for people with severe mobility problems. Benefits include free on-street parking in ‘pay and display’ bays.
You can apply for a Blue Badge if you:
- receive the higher rate of the mobility part of Disability Living Allowance
- receive a War Pension Mobility Supplement
- receive a benefit under the Armed Forces and Reserve Forces Compensation Scheme within tariff levels one to eight (inclusive) and have been certified by the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) as having a permanent and substantial impairment which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty walking
- are registered blind
- receive eight points or more under the ‘moving around’ activity for the mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- drive a vehicle regularly, have a severe disability in both arms and are unable to operate, or have considerable difficulty operating, all or some types of parking meter
- have a permanent and substantial disability which means you cannot walk or have very considerable difficulty walking – in this case your doctor may be asked to confirm your eligibility
Address: PO Box 64, Enniskillen BT74 0BL
Tel: 0300 200 7818 Fax: 028 6634 3730
Email: bluebadges@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/motoring-and-transport/blue-badge-scheme
British Red Cross Home and Well Scheme
Provider: British Red Cross
Components vary but can include supported hospital discharge transport and access to wheelchairs.
Tel: 028 7034 2569 / 078 6071 5718 / 028 9073 5350
Email: ni@redcross.org.uk
Community Transport
CDM Community Transport
Provider: CDM Community Transport
CDM is a charitable organisation, specialising in flexible, affordable community transport. Primarily funded by the Department for Regional Development, they provide transport services for individuals and community groups.
CDM offers access to vital local services – post offices, shops, doctors, local health services – as well as social outings and community group trips.
How to use CDM services?
In order to use CDM you will need to register as a member. Joining CDM is easy – just contact the office and their staff will be happy to talk you through the registration process. Membership for individuals is £5 and £20.00 per year for groups.
Once you have signed up as a member, simply contact the office to book your transport giving as much notice as possible. We will do our very best to have a vehicle available for you.
Dial a Lift – for registered members. Door to Door Transport is available to registered rural dwellers who are unable or find it difficult to use public transport to local services such as: shopping, clinics, post office, chemist and access to training. Dial a lift CANNOT be used for hospital appointments, Health Trust led Day Centres or school to home transport. Bookings Must be made no later than 4 o’clock on the previous day.
Available – Monday to Friday 8.00 am – 6.00 pm
SIF – Funding from Social Investment Fund offers an extension to our operational hours for Dial a Lift and can now provide new and current members with transport to: Shopping Trips, Church / Chapel Services, Further / Higher Education, Training & Employment, Recreation, Hospital appointments – outside operational areas.
Extended Hours: Monday – Friday 8 am – 8 pm Saturday & Sunday 9 am – 5 pm
Feeder Service – Your local rural transport partnership can provide transport from your door to the bus stop to members who can travel on public transport and want to go outside their operational area.
Group Hire is available to registered ‘Not for Profit’ groups within your Council area. Groups have a choice of having their own driver trained in-house to MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme) standard or they can book a paid driver. Groups include: Church, Sport, Community.
Tel: 028 8676 7766
Email: rory@cdmcommunitytransport.co.uk Facebook: @CDMCommunityTransport
- Out and About Community Transport, Magherafelt
Provider: Out and About Community Transport
Community Transport schemes are an important transport option for older people, among others, providing accessible transport on a membership basis. There are four Community Transport operators within the Northern Trust area. Each operator provides a number of service options to suit different travel requirements. For individuals there are Dial A Lift and Social Car schemes which provide door to door travel by minibus or by car with a volunteer.
Location: Unit 15 Station Road Industrial Estate, Station Road, Magherafelt BT45 5EY
Tel: 028 7930 0123
Email: info@outandaboutct.org Facebook: @outandaboutct
| Services | Cookstown (CDM Community Transport)
Magherafelt (Out & About Community Transport) |
Funded by: |
| DAL
Dial a Lift ARTS |
Monday to Friday
8am – 6pm Fares based on distance travelled Can use bus pass. |
DfI – Department for Infrastructure
DAERA/DfI |
| ARTS
Assisted Rural Transport |
Members can use their Bus Pass to avail of Free or Half Fare travel on Dial-a-Lift services.
Initially funded by DAERA, however as a result of reduced budgets, DfI have made up the shortfall |
DAERA – Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs |
| SIF
Social Investment Fund |
Monday to Friday
8am – 8pm Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm No bus pass valid on this service |
OFMDFM |
| DATS
Disability Action Transport Service |
Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm
Saturday & Sunday 9am – 5pm No bus pass valid on this service Magherafelt (Out & About) – N/A |
DfI – Dept. for Infrastructure to Disability Action, Belfast, CDM delivers the service |
| Group Hire | Available with or without driver to registered groups | |
| Training | MiDAS (Minibus Driver Awareness Scheme)
MiDAS Car & MPV Passenger Assistant Training 5 Steps to Safety |
Disability Action Transport
Provider: Disability Action
DATS is a local urban transport service for people with disabilities or for those who find it difficult using mainstream public transport. Membership is free but a fare is charged for each trip taken. You will need to complete a membership application form and meet the criteria for membership.
Tel: 0845 608 5555
Email: transport@disabilityaction.org
www.disabilityaction.org/transport
Proparamedics (Medically Assisted Care & Transport)
Provider: Proparamedics is the leading independent ambulance service in Northern Ireland.
The company offers four core areas of business: Event Medical Cover, Patient & Medical Transfers, Insurance Repatriations and First Aid Training.
Proparamedics has been carrying out non urgent patient transfers since 2009. Our team of skilled First Aid and Ambulance Care Attendants have extensive experience in assisting with the movement of patients from hospital to home, hospital to hospital and to medical appointments.
Proparamedics operate their non-emergency patient transfer service 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year so we are available at all times should you or someone you know need transportation to or from a hospital or medical appointment. We are available in periods of adverse weather conditions and transport disruptions.
Perhaps you or your family member would like to attend an important family occasion, visit a special location or see a crucial sporting or entertainment fixture, but can’t make it due to the complications of a chronic health condition? At Proparamedics our specialist medical team can help you get to weddings, Christenings, Birthday celebrations, Funerals, Other important family events, Vital cup matches or concerts
Location: 10B3 Weaver’s Court, Linfield Business Park, Belfast BT12 5GH
Tel: 028 9023 2373 (9am-5pm) 24 Hour: 078 7016 3227
Email: admin@proparamedic.com
Translink (free bus pass / bus timetables)
- 60+ Smart Pass
To be eligible to apply for a 60+ SmartPass you must be aged between 60 and 64 and permanently resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months. To be eligible to apply for a Senior (65+) SmartPass you must be aged 65+ and permanently resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months.
Email: smartpass@translink.co.uk
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/60senior-smartpass
Half Fare Smart Pass – Disability Living Allowance/PIP
To be eligible to apply for this half fare concessionary travel pass you must be getting either the higher or lower rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance or PIP. The award of this benefit must also have been provided for at least 12 months, you must be aged between 16 and 59, and have been permanently resident in Northern Ireland for a minimum of three months.
Email: feedback@translink.co.uk
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/half-fare-smartpass-disability-living-allowance
Find out bus/rail timetables and plan your journeys
Tel: 028 9066 6630
Heating Support
Boiler Replacement Grants
Contact NI Direct to find more information on support to replace boilers for people in owner occupied properties.
www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/grant-to-replace-your-boiler
Cold Weather Payment
Provider: NI Direct Government Services
If you’re receiving certain benefits, you could qualify for extra money for each week that there is very cold weather in your area. This is known as a Cold Weather Payment.
Tel: 0800 022 4250
www.nidirect.gov.uk/cold-weather-payment
Energy Efficiency Grant Schemes
Provider: Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme
If you own or privately rent a property, there are a number of grant schemes available that provide assistance and support with improving the energy efficiency of your property. The Northern Ireland Sustainable Energy Programme have grant schemes which provide varied levels of support. The insulation measures provided can include loft insulation, cavity wall insulation and hot water tank jackets. Also a grant towards installing a new gas or heating system may be available if the property has Economy 7, solid fuel or NO central heating.
For further information and to find out if you are eligible to avail of these grants, please contact your local council and ask to speak to your Energy Efficiency Advisor.
Tel. 0300 0132 132
Email: info@midulstercouncil.org
Energy Saving Trust
Provider: Energy Saving Trust
We are a leading and trusted organisation helping people save energy every day. We are independent and impartial so the advice we give is all about helping you.
Location: River House, 48 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BE
Tel: 028 9244 9819 or 028 9244 9820
Email: energy-advice@est.org.uk
Mid Ulster Energy Efficiency Scheme
Provider: Mid Ulster District Council
Provides tailored support for clients in relation to energy efficiency, including the generation of referrals to other available support schemes.
Tel: 03000 132 132
Email: slaine.cullen@midulstercouncil.org (CTN) raisa.donnelly@midulstercouncil.org (MFT)
www.midulstercouncil.org/Community/Affordable-Warmth
Winter Fuel Payment
Provider: NI Direct Government Services
Winter Fuel Payments are different from Cold Weather Payments. Winter Fuel Payments are yearly one-off payments to help eligible people pay for their heating in the winter. They are not linked to temperature. This is different to Cold Weather Payments which eligible people may get for each period of very cold weather in their postcode area.
Tel: 084 5915 1515
www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment
Provider: Disability Living Foundation
Disability Living Foundation (UK) provides free, impartial advice about all types of disability equipment and mobility products for older and disabled people.
Tel: 0300 999 0004
Home Fire Safety Check
Provider: Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service helps support older people to live safely and independently in their own home through a free home fire safety check provided by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service. The home fire safety checks are carried out by operational fire crews from their local station.
Tel: 028 9260 0477
www.nifrs.org/fire-safety/fire-safety-check-form
Mid Ulster Agewell Partnership
Provider: MU Agewell Partnership
Agewell seeks improve services for older people in the community. This includes reducing isolation, promoting positive health and well-being and improving home safety through a number of ways. For example, Good Morning Call for Over 50’s, Home Maintenance (over 65’s) for small repairs that they can’t do themselves, links to reablement and information and advice services through the Community Engagement Officer who can go out and speak to groups for free.
Location: Unit 3, 80-82 Rainey Street, Magherafelt, BT45 5AJ (Mon-Fri 8.30am – 4.00pm, Friday 8.30am-1.00pm)
Drop In Centre, 2c Park Avenue, Cookstown BT80 8AH
Tel: 028 7963 2170
Email: marie.devlin@agewellpartnership.org
www.facebook.com/marie.devlin.9887
Mid Ulster Home Safety Scheme
Provider: Mid Ulster District Council
Mid Ulster Home Safety Scheme helps those over 65, families with children under 5 and vulnerable adults/children avoid serious accidents within the home. The Scheme includes free home safety visits, home safety equipment (where criteria is met) and home safety talks to groups (open to all age groups).
Tel: 03000 132 132
Email: EnvironmentalHealth@Midulstercouncil.org
www.midulstercouncil.org/Community/Home-Safety
Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership
Provider: Police Service Northern Ireland
The Policing and Community Safety Partnership promotes community safety actions and links to policing across Mid Ulster.
Tel: 03000 132 132
Email: pcsp@Midulstercouncil.org
www.midulstercouncil.org/Community/Policing-Community-Safety-Partnership
Personal Alarms (Life lines)
Help with cost may be possible with a Discretionary Care Grant if on income support / Pension Credit and Savings less than £100. Contact Number to apply for the grant is 0800 587 2750
Age NI Personal Alarms
Provider: Age NI Charity
The Age NI Personal Alarm Service gives users the freedom to live independently in their own home, safe in the knowledge that if there is an accident or they have a fall, they can get help quickly. Personal alarms offer peace of mind to friends and family, knowing that if there is an emergency or if assistance is needed, they will be contacted quickly by our emergency response centre. The Age NI Personal Alarm service is provided by PPP Taking Care Limited.
Location: AgeNI Enterprises Ltd, 10 College Street Belfast BT1 6BT
Tel: 0808 100 4545 or 028 9023 3341
www.ageni.org/personalalarms
Careline
Provider: Eldercare (UK) Ltd
Careline is a dedicated service operating throughout Northern Ireland brought to you by Eldercare (UK) Ltd.
We provide pendant alarms and other technology-enabled care services providing safe and independent living for people. We give our customers, their relatives and friends, peace of mind that whatever circumstances occur, we’re at hand to help.
Tel: 0808 100 2435 (Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm)
Email: info@eldercare.co.uk
To find out more about us, pendant alarms and all our services, please visit our main website www.eldercare.co.uk
Care Direct 24/7
Provider: Care Direct 24/7
Care Direct is a provider of Telecare & Telehealthcare, assistive technologies and enablement products throughout Northern Ireland and Ireland. We provide a 24 hour monitoring service, 7 days a week, 365 days in the year, our main office based in Maguiresbridge in Co. Fermanagh is open Monday to Friday from 09.00 – 17.00.
We have two divisions, Care Direct 24/7 providing lifelines and panic buttons with a wide range of additional peripherals and Care Direct Enablement providing products such as wheelchairs, commodes, walking frames, disposable bed pads, incontinence care etc
Location: 72 Gardiners Cross Road, Enniskillen, BT94 4QA
Tel: 028 8953 1663
www.caredirect247.com Facebook: @caredirect247
Radius Fold Telecare Personal Alarms
Provider: Radius Fold Telecare and the NHSCT
Radius provide Fold Telecare, which is a Personal Alarm pendant service directly to you in your own home, providing peace of mind that help is always available all year around.
Location: 3 Redburn Square, Holywood BT18 9HZ
Tel: 028 9039 7103
Email: enquiries@foldtelecare.com
www.radiushousing.org/telecare www.foldtelecare.com
Task Community Carelink
Provider: Task Ltd
The CareLink Button can save you in an emergency, or during a moment of concern. Indeed in any situation when you cannot reach the phone, simply press it to summon help, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Location: Guardian House, Portrane, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)1 843 5889 / +353 (0)1 843 5901
www.taskltd.com
Telecare Choice
Provider: Telecare Choice
Telecare Alarms assist people and help them to remain safe in the comfort of their own home.
A Telecare Alarm service provides elderly people who live alone with somebody to call for help if they suffer a fall, feel unwell or need some reassurance. Simplicity is at the heart of the Telecare Alarm and our 24-hour service allows elderly people across the UK to remain confident in the comfort of their own home.
Location: Hayfield House, The Street, Hindolveston, Dereham, Norfolk, England, NR20 5BU
Tel: 0800 635 7000
For Sales Enquiries: sales@telecarechoice.co.uk
For Customer Support: support@telecarechoice.co.uk
PSNI Crime Prevention
The PSNI Crime Prevention Officer is available to provide home security visits to older/vulnerable people who are experiencing fear of crime or who have been a victim of a burglary. For more information on the Crime Prevention Officer service, please contact us.
Tel: 101
Radius Housing Floating Support Service
Provider: Radius Housing Association
Available to private home owners as well as housing executive tenants, the scheme can assist those people aged 55 and over to remain in their own home for longer by providing a low level housing support service.
The service can be provided for a period up to six months and is easily accessible by applying directly to Radius. An exit plan will be developed with the service user regarding longer support needs when they are exiting the scheme.
Support can include: Befriending. Advising on food preparation. Reminding and non-specialist counselling where this does not conflict with similar services provided as personal care. Assistance with the maintenance of safety of the dwelling. Assistance with arranging minor repairs to and servicing of domestic equipment and appliances. Assistance in how to engage with individuals, professionals and other bodies with an interest in the welfare of the service user. Assistance in dealing with claims to social security benefits and other official correspondence relevant too sustaining occupancy of the dwelling. Encouraging socialising, day trips, weekly luncheon clubs, coffee mornings and a range of other group activities.
Tel: 0330 123 0888 Mobile: 078 7284 1260
www.radiushousing.org Facebook: @RadiusHousing T: @RadiusHousing
For more information about your local area, please contact Anita Kelly, Locality Community Navigator: Tel: 078 1419 6935 or Email: communitynavigator.mu@ageni.org
This list is intended to act as a guide to support services available for people living in Mid Ulster Locality area. Inclusion is not exhaustive and does not necessarily constitute or imply any endorsement or recommendation of that organisation or service.
If you are aware of organisations/community groups that would like to be included in this directory (free of charge), please contact the community navigator.
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