Introduction
Updated February 2026.
This page is intended as a Guide to Services that are available in the local area to help and assist senior citizens and includes a very brief outline of the services and contact details for the organisations listed. It has been prepared by one of our members and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing. if you have any ideas for additions, please contact us through info@fetchamu3a.org.uk.
It is NOT intended to provide any recommendations whatsoever.
Transport
Hospital Transport
Epsom hospital has a patient transport service for patients who have a genuine medical need and are unable to travel to hospital on their own. A request needs to be made via your GP. The following website provides further details.
https://www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/patient-transport-service
Surrey Connect bus
Surrey Connect is a safe and reliable bus sharing service connecting you to your local community. It is available to everyone in Surrey. The service uses accessible minibuses, with journey bookings made on a first come first served basis.
You will need to set up an account. Further information is available at
https://www.surreycc.gov.uk/roads-and-transport/buses-and-other-transport/community-transport/surrey-connect
Bookham Help Your Neighbour
Provides assistance with transport to health services.
‘We help the elderly in Bookham who cannot use Public Transport and who do not have friends and relatives to take them to medical appointments.’
To register, ask for a leaflet or to request a lift please call us. We ask for a donation to cover the driver’s fuel expenses and can give you more information regarding this when you get in touch.
Contact: 07986 177234, Mon-Fri 9.30am – 12.30 pm
AA Membership
The AA offers a reduced annual membership fee if your travel is limited to within a 20 miles radius of your home. This is not advertised on their website, so you will need to speak to them when you renew your membership.
Health
Hearing
There is an informal NHS hearing aid clinic where you can receive basic maintenance or change batteries for NHS hearing aids only.
It takes place at St Mary’s church hall, 10a The Ridgeway, Fetcham, KT222 9AZ alongside their coffee morning on the Third Thursday of each month 10.45- 11.30.
Contact : email : office@stmarysfetcham.org.uk
Tel : 01372 375000
NHS Pharmacy First Service
You can go to a Boots Pharmacist for advice and prescription treatment for six common conditions, which are:
Sore throat
UTI (women 16-64 years)
Impetigo
Shingles
Sinusitis
Infected insect bites and stings
Best of all, you don’t need an appointment.
Eyesight
Eye tests at home. Contact your optician for further information.
Chiropody
Often, a significant determining factor for whether you receive certain free treatments via the NHS is how mobile you are. If you have a foot condition that limits your movement, you could qualify for free chiropodist and podiatry services through the NHS.
Zero VAT on mobility type items
If you are chronically sick or disabled, you may qualify for VAT zero rating on mobility type items. Ask at your local mobility store.
Bereavement Café
This is supported by Princess Alice Hospice. There is a team of trained listeners and the session meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month from 10.00 to 11.30 at St Mary’s Church Hall, 10a The Ridgeway, Fetcham, KT22 9AZ.
If you have any questions or concerns please contact Karen at the parish office office@stmarysfetcham.org.uk or call 01372 375000
Empty medicine blister packs
Not sure what to do with your empty medicine blister packs?
St Nicolas church in Bookham on the squareabout collects them and they are sent to Terracycle for recycling. Items can be placed in the labelled box near the south door in church from which they are collected regularly.
Whilst you are there, take a look at the other items that can be recycled as well or look on their website: St Nicolas, Great Bookham| Social responsibility
Utilities
Utility companies generally have a customer priority register – to enable them to prioritise services to those with higher need in abnormal supply events.
Eligibility criteria may be different for each utility – but generally may include, for example, senior citizens over defined age (eg 65 or 70), registered disabled, those with powered medical equipment.
Landline telephones
Landlines are not being phased out, but the UK telephone network is being upgraded, so landlines are changing to become internet based. For most, switching over will be straightforward, but some people may need new equipment or support to make the changes.
Telephone providers are working with the Government to make sure that no one who uses telecare is moved to a digital system until it’s confirmed that their system is working properly.
Although your landline telephone provider will contact you before the switch takes place, you should let them know about any telecare devices that you have in advance.
If you’re buying a new device that’s linked to the phone system, you should also check with the seller or manufacturer that this will be compatible.
What happens if there is a power cut ?
Unlike some traditional corded analogue phones, a digital phone that runs on mains electricity will only work in a power cut if it has a battery back-up. In these instances, phone companies are advising people to use mobile phones as a backup.
If you’re dependent on your landline phone – for example, if you don’t have a mobile phone or you live somewhere where the mobile signal is poor, then your telephone provider should offer you a so called ‘resilience solution’ to make sure you can make emergency calls during a power cut. This could be a mobile phone (if you have mobile signal) or a battery-backup unit that connects to your landline phone and provides power in case of a power outage.
This resilience solution should be provided free of charge to people who are dependent on their landline. If you’re not eligible for a free resilience solution, you may be able to purchase one from your provider or another retailer – talk to your provider about the options available to you
The following Age UK website gives information and advice :https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/money-legal/consumer-issues/changes-to-landline-telephones
(Source : U3A events website : https://www.u3a.org.uk/events/educational-events)
Fire Service
At our October 2025 u3a meeting we had an interesting and useful speaker from Surrey Fire Service who mentioned their ‘Safe and Well’ visits that they offer.
The speaker advised that:
‘’We (the Fire Service) believe that successful firefighting starts with prevention. So we have introduced a service where we can visit you, a loved one, or someone you care for at home to provide personalised advice about fire safety.
It’s totally free, available 24/7, and we will even fit free smoke alarms during the visit if you need them. We’ll visit your home at the arranged time, day or night, and share our expertise. The visit is friendly and informal, and there’s no need to tidy up or provide refreshments we’re here to keep you safe, not for the tea! After a chat about fire prevention, we’ll ask you to show us around your home so we can provide personalised advice on:
- Cooking and smoking
- Heaters and heating
- Candles and fireplaces
- Detection systems (smoke and heat alarms)
- Bedtime checks
- What to do if there is a fire
- Extra help and support
You can book your free safe and well visit by:
Calling free on 0800 085 0767 OR Text/SMS 07971 691898
Technology help and support
Free technical support & information for disabled and older people – details can be found on the following website : https://abilitynet.org.uk/free-tech-support-and-info
Lost or Stolen Mobile phone
To report a lost or stolen mobile follow these steps:
Contact Your Network Provider (e.g., Vodafone, O2, EE, Three):
Call their customer service immediately to report the phone lost/stolen.
Give them your IMEI number (see below); they will blacklist the device, preventing use on any network.
Report to the Police:
Call 101 (in the UK) or visit your local station to report the theft.
Provide the IMEI number and get a crime reference number (essential for insurance).
Ask them for your phone’s IMEI if you don’t have it or cannot find it..
To find your IMEI number
The IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number is a unique 15-digit serial number for identifying a device; every mobile phone in the world has one.
Unique Identification: Each mobile device has a unique IMEI number, ensuring that no two phones have the same ID.
Network Verification: The IMEI is used by the mobile network to verify that a device is authorized to use the network, preventing unauthorized access.
Device Tracking: IMEI numbers can be used to track down stolen or lost phones.
Blacklisting: If a phone is reported as stolen, the IMEI can be blacklisted, preventing it from being used on the network.
Finding your IMEI on your phone by:
Method 1: Entering *#06# on the phone’s dial pad.
Method 2: Checking your device settings. Open the Settings app on your phone. Look for sections like “About phone” or “Device information”. Within that section, you’ll likely find your IMEI.
Method 3: Looking at the sticker on the back of the phone or inside the battery compartment. If your phone has a removable battery, you might find the IMEI printed on a sticker under the battery.
Method 4: Reviewing the original packaging of the phone, as the IMEI is often printed on a label there.
When you have found your IMEI number – keep a record of it somewhere.
Age UK – LifeBook – a useful item LifeBook | Age UK
Age UK’s LifeBook is a handy way of recording the practical details of your life, from who insures your car to where you keep important documents. It’s also a way of ensuring your loved ones have the details they need if they have to sort something out on your behalf.
The LifeBook is divided into sections to help you organise your information: personal details, life contacts, financial, documents, possessions and final wishes. Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the various sections. Not everything will be relevant to you – you can just fill out the sections that are.
You can download a copy to complete and save on your computer –
Download your Lifebook to get started
If you’d prefer a print copy of the Lifebook to fill out, you can order one for free by calling Age UK Advice Line on 0800 678 1602.
Popping to the shops in Bookham?
There are eleven, free 30 minute spaces in the Lower Shott car park.
And Finally
Support your local communities by shopping and buying services from your local shops and traders – they may well be more inclined to help you when you need.
Comments and Feedback
Comments and/or feedback and any additional information will be welcomed.
Please send to info@fetchamu3a.org.uk
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