Sat, Jul 4 2009

Clubs & Associations

By: Age Care Association

There are a number of voluntary organisations in the Province of Malaga involved in providing help and advice to older people in need. The publishers of this brochure, Age Care Association, have for some years been caring for older English speaking expatriates on the Costa del Sol and inland. This brochure it is hoped will be available to other Associations, Clubs and Welfare Groups. It is also our intention that copies can also be seen for example, at health centres, hospitals, residential care homes, Royal British Legion branches, churches and any other group with a caring remit. It is not possible to publish an exhaustive list of clubs, etc, who have a concern for, and give practical help, to those in need. What follows is a short description of a few selected groups with a caring brief.

Age Concern Estepona and Manilva is a charitable organisation caring for older people along the lines of Age Concern in the UK. They have volunteers helping older individuals to become full members of the community in which they live. For those requiring assistance they have a Lifeline telephone 650163928.

It has been estimated that in the Province of Malaga there are between 50 to 100 clubs, associations and welfare groups. Some of them provide care and advice for members. The Arroyo Social and Welfare Club in Benalmadena is an example of a club, which in addition to social activities supports members by a range of welfare activities. The branches of The Royal British Legion also provide support, and when necessary financial back-up to ex members of the British Armed Forces and dependants. The Royal British Legion motto: Service – not Self succinctly sums up their welfare philosophy. For more information about the Royal British Legion see the weekly free British newspapers.

The Royal Air Force Association has branches on the coast; they care for ex members of the RAF and dependants. See the local press for details of activities and telephone numbers.

There are many churches of different dominations that give advice, help and charity when needed. They have an important historical role in caring for people. If you need their support you will find information, location and telephone numbers in the free press and also in some telephone directories.

The Spanish Red Cross (Cruz Roja) have branches in most towns and villages. As well as transporting sick people to hospitals, etc. they can also offer many different kinds of help. See a telephone directory or contact Age Care Association help lines 691761088 or 655903182 for the location of branches.

The International Association of Lions Clubs has branches on the Coast. They are dedicated to providing help and funds for those in need. The Lions are a prime example of caring by the community for the community. Again their activities and events can be found in the local free press.
In the province of Malaga there are Masonic Lodges that have a tradition of helping and caring for people in need.

Clearly, it is not possible to include all groups who look after and care for older English speaking people in this part of Andalusia. More information can be obtained from our telephone numbers, 691761088 and 655903182.

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.