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Services for older people

This page brings together information on council services and links to other organisations that we think might be useful to the older members of the Salisbury district community. Just as we have our young people's website, we would like to use this page to introduce you to the parts of our website and other sites that could be relevant to older people, especially those thinking about or enjoying their retirement.

Money matters

Make sure you are not spending more than you need to by finding out about council tax discounts and see if you are eligible for housing and council tax benefits. You could also apply for additional help through the pension credits system.

Information about state pensions is available from the Department of Work and Pensions.

If you are still at work, or would like to get into employment, you may find it useful to visit the JobcentrePlus and to find out about the new legislation against age discrimination in the workplace.

Your home

One of the easiest ways to reduce your utility bills is to make sure your house is energy efficient. Grants are available to help you with the costs. You can also apply for winter fuel payments to make sure you can afford to stay warm in cold weather.

If you own your own house, you can get assistance from our handyperson service (provided in conjunction with Age Concern) and from the decent homes grants.

Our Careconnect programme is designed to make sure you are safe while you're at home and can stay independent for as long as possible.

Kerbside recycling makes it easier for many residents to stay green, especially if you can't make it to your local recycling centre. You can also get help with disposing of your non-recyclable rubbish through assisted collections.

People of any age may be eligible for sheltered housing through the council, and as a sheltered housing tenant you can have your say through our forum.

Getting about

You can apply for a concessionary bus pass, entitling you to free travel, if you are a resident of the Salisbury District Council area who is over 60 or has a long-term disability. Local bus services are mainly provided by Wilts and Dorset bus company, and there are also a number of community transport programmes such as the Mere and district Wigglybus.

Shopmobility, located near City Hall, is a scheme that enables people with temporary or permanent walking difficulties to get about in Salisbury city centre. This is complemented by the Access Salisbury guide, which contains comprehensive details about the accessibility of a wide range of day-to-day local services, including places of worship, shops and transport providers.

If you have severe difficulty in walking, you may wish to apply to Wiltshire County Council for a Blue Badge, part of the national parking concession scheme. Many of Salisbury's car parks have dedicated spaces for disabled parking.

Senior railcards can save you a third of the cost of many train journeys.

Health and fitness

There are a variety of fitness classes and keep-fit options available at our three leisure centres, Five Rivers, Durrington Pool and Tisbury Leisure Centre. You'll find discounted rates for classes and swimming sessions, as well as dedicated fitness sessions for older customers, such as Nifty at 50.

You're more likely to experience certain types of health problems as you get older, so websites such as BBC Health have dedicated sections for senior health. It is also worth getting the flu jab if you're eligible, as you're more vulnerable to complications as you get older, or if you have chronic health conditions such as diabetes.

If you haven't already done so, think about making a will. This is important for people of all ages, to make sure your money and other assets are disposed of according to your wishes. There are also many voluntary services that can help you if you are dealing with bereavement.

In your spare time

Volunteering can be a rewarding way to spend some of your spare time. Salisbury District Council for Voluntary Services can put you in touch with organisations that need your help.

Tending an allotment, going fishing, or taking your grandchildren around Salisbury's play areas are all good ways to keep fit as well as busy.

If you are interested in what's going on around your neighbourhood, keep an eye on our regular consultations and have your say, or join a forum. You could even consider getting involved in your parish council or standing as a district councillor.

Our What's On guide has plenty of ideas for activities and excursions, many of which offer concessionary rates for older people. And if you are 75 or over you can get a free television licence.