For useful advice on choosing footwear for problems like swollen feet, arthritis, diabetes, odd sized feet or cold feet visit fifedirect.org.uk. There is also lots of information on foot care available on the Society of Podiatrists and Chiropodists web site ‘feet for life’ (visit www.feetforlife.org). Mobility shops in Fife stock a range of footwear to suit people with problems like oedema, corns and bunions and very wide feet for example. You can also find out more by contacting Fairprice Mobility on 01592 652244. If you have a problem with your feet that you cannot address with self-help you can contact your doctor for medical advice.

Demand Responsive Transport is available in Fife to help people who have difficulty with transport. They have a number of drivers and offer help with transport to hospitals, doctors, health related appointments, visiting and social journeys. This service is available for those who are elderly and frail, people with disabilities, and anyone who is unable to access public transport. All passengers under 18yrs of age must be escorted. You will be asked for the date and time of your journey, the pick-up arrangements, the destination address, the approximate waiting time for the driver and any special requirements. You need to book at least 24 hours ahead. This service also has wheelchair-accessible minibuses for hire. For further information please visit www.fifedirect.org.uk. Fife Council also offer concessionary travel in a variety of schemes. For further information and to find out if you are eligible for consessionary travel please visit www.fifedirect.org.uk.

For information about taxi services able to transport someone in a wheelchair contact Disability network Fife customer service centre on 01592 203993, or visit their website at www.disabilitiesfife.org.uk.

If the walking aid was privately purchased then contact should be made with the company it was purchased from. Replacement ferrules can be purchased at most high street pharmacy shops.

People may lose interest in going out for a whole variety of reasons including illness, bereavement or an unexpected life event. If you are worried about this you can speak to your GP for advice and support. Your GP may also be able to find out if there are any local support groups in Fife. You can also contact Alzheimer's Scotland for additional support and advice if you are concerned about your memory in particular. Samaritans is a local service that promotes well-being by providing information or arranging a time to meet up and talk. If you would like to contact them please call Samaritans Dunfermline on 01383 722222 or Samaritans Kirkcaldy 01592 654242. Email jo@samaritans.org or visit their website: www.samaritans.org. To search for community groups, organisations, informaiton and support in Fife please visit www.onyourdoorstepfife.org where you can access services and information in your surrounding area.

Lifeline is a telephone based system which you can use to summon help, call assistance, or give you reassurance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The main role of the lifeline service is to obtain help for an elderly or disabled person when an emergency arises. The 'Lifeline' is connected to our Control Centre and there is always a Control Operator on duty to respond immediately and this Operator is supported by a Mobile Warden Service. For more information please contact 0800 999 0400 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm or email info@lifeline24.co.uk. Alternatively the Fife Falls Response Team can be contacted by pressing Community Alarm, via your GP or NHS24 (Tel. 111). Encouraging the people of Fife to become more active, more often is the main priority of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust. This can be achieved by participating in health related partnerships as a means of improving health and reducing falls. Groups such as: Walking, Move More Fife, Active Options 2 and Disability sports Fife. For further information visit www.fifeleisure.org.uk. A community alarm service is also available and further information is available at www.fifedirect.org.uk.

A commode can be used as an alternative if you are unable to get to your toilet safely. There are different types of commodes available so it is important to consider these to ensure you get one that is suitable for you. Various commodes can be loaned to you or purchased following an assessment of your needs. Contact either: Age UK on 0800 849 8032 who offer free discrete delivery of your choice pf products. They are open Monday-Thursday - 8am - 6pm, Friday - 8am - 5:30pm and Saturday - 9am-1pm. Or The Red Cross on 0844 89 300 90 or 01904 202154 who also offer commodes with free dellivery and an option of express delivery.

Fife Council's Transport Services offer deman responsive transport which provides wheelchair- accessible transport free of charge to to members of the commmunity who have trouble accessing mainstream public transport. Dial a Ride is a free shopping service, offering accessible transport to major shopping centres for the elderly and disabled living in Fife. For more information please follow the link to the main Dial a Ride page on this website www.fifedirect.org.uk. Journeys need booking before the day of travel by telephoning the DIAL A RIDE BOOKING LINE 03451 55 11 88 between 9.00 am and 2.30 pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively Ring & Ride is a door to door service bookable in advance which will take you anywhere in the local area.All buses have very low steps and drivers who are on hand to help if you need assistance. Call the booking office on 03451 55 11 88 Monday to Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm or by post at Rothesay House Rothesay Place Glenrothes Fife KY7 5PQ.

A bus pass, called a freedom pass, is available if you are blind, deaf, partially sighted, without speech, have poor mobility, learning disabilities or have been refused a driving licence on medical grounds. For further information please call the Transport Concession Team at www.fifedirect.org.uk.

Fife Council also offer concessionary travel in a variety of schemes. For further information and to find out if you are eligible for consessionary travel please visit www.fifedirect.org.uk.