Age Care Association AGM

Sun, Mar 28 2010

Charles Betty, President, welcomed the volunteers to this year’s Annual General Meeting, which was held at the Hotel Tamisa Golf, Mijas Costa. He summarised the various ways in which the Association had been able to help English-speaking residents during the past year and then went on to talk about the future aims for Age Care. He reported that several new volunteers had been recruited during the year, which meant that the Association had now increased in size.

Charles went on to say that many more enquiries are being received from older people wishing to return to the UK where they can access non-exportable benefits. He stated that he expects our resources will be called on even more this year because of the financial crisis, as more people are seeking financial help because of the currency exchange rate fluctuations. Age Care is unable to help with monetary donations, but will advise on how to access benefits both in UK and here in Spain. Residents who are registered on the Padron can apply for various kinds of help from the Spanish Social Services. It is very important to be registered on your local Padron.

The Treasurer, Maurice Featherman, gave his report and thanked the many organisations who have contributed to Age Care Association in the past year. He then pointed out that our constitution is very comprehensive and is pertinent to Spanish law. Maurice went on to say that one outstanding result this year, had been the great success of the Age Care Charity Shop since its opening last May. The shop gives the welfare team a regular income which can be relied on at all times. The Shop Manager, Beverley Morland, thanked all the shop volunteers who had worked so hard, especially this winter coping with flooding, a robbery and trying to work out on the terrace in the terrible weather we have experienced.

The Welfare team gave their report on the many cases they have been involved with and also mentioned that they now have links with various other groups on the coast, including Church groups and other help organisations, such as the Alzheimer’s Group. The team are now liaising with Spanish Social Services and medical services.

The point was made that it should be made very clear that Age Care Association is not an emergency service. In cases of emergency please call 061, another important number to remember is 902 471111, which gives you access to the doctors’ translation service in English. The meeting was then closed and Charles Betty thanked everyone who had attended and all the volunteers for their sterling work throughout the year.

About Age Care Association

Age Care Association is a fully registered, non-profit making organisation staffed entirely by volunteers. Our Spanish registration number is 6282 – CIF – G92487602 (Registro de Asociaciones de Andalucia). The majority of our work is helping older British people living in the Province of Malaga, but we do not exclude other nationalities that speak English. We provide welfare information, practical support and two help lines (Telephones: 691761088, and 655903182). The Association also has a hospital and home visiting team. Other volunteers visit people in Care Homes when necessary. As part of our work we have repatriated some individuals to the UK, where there are more caring facilities and access to benefits unavailable in Spain. Some of our volunteers have had careers in nursing, education, psychology and other caring professions and are accustomed to listening in a sympathetic and kind manner. We work closely with the British Consulate, Royal British Legion, and branches of the International Lions.