Scam Workshops and Senior Fraud Prevention in Somerset & North Somerset
The Fibromyalgia Support Group has been meeting for several years, offering weekly sessions across multiple venues. Both members and the committee live with Fibromyalgia and/or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, and they actively collaborate with Fibromyalgia Action UK to raise awareness and provide support.
Their gatherings at Mead Vale Community Hall feature a mix of guest speakers, informative discussions, social time, and gentle exercise. Additionally, the group holds a weekly hydrotherapy session at Pure Gym and meets on the first Friday of every month at The Duke of Oxford pub for an informal chat.
Guided by the belief that education, peer support, lifestyle adjustments, and a positive mindset can help transform an FM sufferer into an FM survivor, the group fosters resilience and hope.
Home Instead was recently invited to speak at one of their meetings, and Rao gladly delivered a presentation on Scam Awareness. The session was a success, leaving both sides feeling they’d gained new friends and meaningful connections. Rao has a personal tie to the group, as his wife, Kiran, lives with Fibromyalgia and has found support through their community.
Rao, Managing Director of Home Instead, has been a member of Ashcombe Park Bowling Club for the past six months, where he’s formed many friendships. After mentioning his Scam Awareness Workshop to the committee, they enthusiastically invited him to present it to the entire club.
Based at Ashcombe Park on Milton Road in Weston-super-Mare, the club proudly fields Men’s, Ladies’, and Mixed teams, welcoming players of all levels—from casual beginners to seasoned competitors. Beyond the greens, the club hosts a lively social calendar, including Friday evening drinks, themed dinners, breakfast clubs, and seasonal holidays.
Rao’s Scam Awareness Workshop was well-received, with members leaving equipped with practical tips to stay safe. Home Instead looks forward to continuing its partnership with the club as both a collaborator and proud sponsor.
Pegasus Court is a well-maintained, purpose-built retirement residence situated on the seafront of Weston-super-Mare, offering stunning coastal views and convenient access to local shops and amenities. Designed for individuals aged 60 and over, the development features spacious apartments, a large communal lounge, landscaped gardens, a fitness suite, a guest suite, and a laundry room.
Residents can enjoy a vibrant social calendar, including weekly activities such as Flexercise classes, music groups, wine nights, and bingo, as well as ad-hoc events organised by the management team.
In April, Rao, Managing Director of Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea, delivered an insightful Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop at Pegasus Court. The session provided valuable advice on recognising modern scams, including the latest tactics used by fraudsters. Attendees found the workshop highly informative—some even shared their own experiences of being targeted. The event left residents feeling more confident in identifying and avoiding potential scams.
Weston u3a is a group for anyone no longer in full-time employment who wants to keep their mind and body active while enjoying a vibrant social life. Members take part in a growing range of Interest Groups, covering everything from arts and languages to fitness and technology—all led by passionate volunteers.
Many join the u3a simply to connect with like-minded people in a relaxed, friendly setting. As a self-help organisation, they thrive on members sharing their knowledge and skills. Mike, former Managing Director of Home Instead, was invited to give a talk on scam awareness as part of the u3a’s educational agenda. Around 50 members enjoyed the 45 minute talk and workshop, and joined in with the quiz questions, activities and examples. Overall feedback was hugely positive, and the group felt they had gained a valuable insight into scam awareness.
Every Tuesday morning, the Western Active Stroke Club meets at Worlebury Golf Club, offering a welcoming space for around 70 stroke survivors to connect, socialise, and stay active. For many members, the club has become more than just a weekly event—it’s a chance to forge lasting friendships, with meetups often extending beyond scheduled activities.
The group enjoys a lively mix of social and recreational activities, including games, shared meals, presentations, pantomimes, and even an annual holiday. As part of their program, Mike from Home Instead Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon & Burnham-on-Sea delivered an engaging Senior Fraud Prevention Workshop. The session drew a large, attentive audience, with members particularly appreciating Mike’s practical advice on spotting and avoiding scams.
Each attendee received useful handouts, including a scam-identification checklist to display at home—a handy tool for recognizing fraudulent phone calls in real time. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing gratitude for the valuable insights shared.