Age Alliance in Dudley is a partnership of statutory, community and voluntary sector organisations and older people, which aims to improving the lives of older people living and working in Dudley Borough. There are nearly 59,000 people over the age of 65 in Dudley, representing 18% of the total population of the borough. These older people are likely to be service users of voluntary organisations. More...

The Healthy Footsteps for 50 Plus Programme fitness programme run by Age UK Dudley has issued its winter programme. Age UK Dudley’s LEAP Over 50 Project’s Health Walk programme offers regular walking for people aged over 50 to enhance their health, rest and play. The programme offers a variety of walks for many ability levels and are held during the week and weekends. Winter...

Age Uk Dudley is running a free six week cooking course for the over 50s in January, to be held at Huntingtree Healthy Hub, Huntingtree Road, Halesowen. Starting on January 17 2014 (1pm to 3pm) the course will help people to cook healthily. For more information contact: Maureen Lothian Eat Well in Later Life Coordinator 01384 267008 Age Uk Dudley Flyer www.ageukdudley.org.uk...

Are you aged 55 or over? Are you a resident in Dudley Borough? Wonder if your benefits are correct? Wonder if there are benefits that you could claim? Age UK Dudley is offering free and impartial advice. People can book appointments to come into our office at  Merry Hill shopping centre and check your entitlement—or if you prefer we can discuss over the phone. We can discuss possible entitlement to both means-tested and disability benefits, and also check to see if you could be entitled to the Warm Home Discount—a £135 rebate off your electricity bill (if entitled). For further information Age Uk Dudley can be contacted on: 01384 267006, or visit us at Unit 56a on the Upper Mall of the Merry Hill shopping Centre, next to Primark. We are open Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30 and there is an answerphone at all times, so please leave a message. (Please note that we will only be able to offer a Benefit /WHD check by prior appointment and it may be necessary to make a further appointment to discuss other issues)...

The public are being encouraged to choose their health services wisely over the Christmas and New Year period. Here in Dudley we have a range of NHS services available to help with a variety of illnesses and injuries including pharmacies, GP practices, out-of-hours services, NHS111 and walk-in centres. With the many services that are available, it can be confusing to decide where the best place is to be treated.  Below are some examples of conditions that you might experience at Christmas and where to go for advice and treatment. 1. Cold & flu: Self care at home.  If you’re feeling a little run down after too many late nights, you may be more susceptible to a cold. Take pain-relieving paracetamol, stay well hydrated and rest. 2. An itchy rash on your skin: Pharmacy.  Allergic reaction to that new aftershave you got for Christmas?  Pharmacists will be able to assess a rash and provide you with medication to help alleviate your symptoms.  To find your nearest pharmacist, visit www.nhs.uk. 3. Stomach ache: GP.  Over-indulgence and eating lots of rich food over the festive period may lead to indigestion.  Your pharmacist will be able to provide indigestion remedies, but if your stomach ache persists, your GP will be able to advise you of the best course of investigation and treatment. 4. A cut to your finger: Walk-in centre.  Be extra careful using a very sharp knife to carve your Christmas turkey, but if you do cut yourself and it is fairly deep and bleeding, visit your walk-in centre or minor injuries unit where they will be able to advise and treat you if necessary.  To find your nearest walk-in centre, visit www.nhs.uk 5. Sprains & strains: Walk-in centre, self care at home or GP.  Rushing around on icy pavements to do your last-minute Christmas shopping can lead to slips and trips.  Take care and wear supportive, flat boots or shoes if you venture out in ice or snow.  If you do fall and sprain your ankle or wrist, you can visit a walk-in centre for assessment, rest at home, or make an appointment to see your GP. Our free Choose Well app is also available to download for iPhones and Androids for information about your nearest GP, walk-in centre, dentist, pharmacist and A&E department wherever you are in Dudley. To find the App search Choose Well West Midlands For more information on Choose Well go to  http://www.dudleyccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/ For more information contact Lindsey Harding on 01384 321677 or...