Only the lonely

[Ragged Robin]

Yesterday I heard that the residents of Karaman have started a scheme to ensure that vulnerable people in their community are not isolated and there is care available for those who do not have anyone to help them in an emergency. The circumstances were not such that I could ask for further details.

Today I see a thread here about a gentleman on his own who had an accident. His kind rescuer commented that "this is a wake up call for us all".

I am sure there are more people struggling to cope on their own, or to help a partner when they themselves are frail, than most people here realise. There are probably a lot of lonely peope around as friends and relatives die off, or repatriate themselves.

Even if they have money , facillities such as sheltered housing do not exist here. On the other hand if they do not have money, a return to the UK could result in untenable complications in getting medical treatment, and subsequent necessary care.

I wonder if there is anyone here who lives in Karaman who could telll us how their scheme works, and anyone from elsewhere who feel such a scheme should be instituted either in other villages (accepting that Karmi/Karamen is somewhat different from other villages ) or even countrywide.

[Keithcaley]

I think that unless ex-pats have the resources and have made arrangements for their care later in life, then they should seriously look at returning to their Country of origin in time to benefit from the social care provisions to which they would be entitled, rather than relying on the charity of others, in circumstances which are avoidable.

They came here knowing that they had limited travel options, and no prospect of State-funded Social Care in this Country, so why should the responsibility for their care be thrust upon their compatriots?

Just an alternative point of view

[PoshinDevon]

I think that unless ex-pats have the resources and have made arrangements for their care later in life, then they should seriously look at returning to their Country of origin in time to benefit from the social care provisions to which they would be entitled, rather than relying on the charity of others, in circumstances which are avoidable.

They came here knowing that they had limited travel options, and no prospect of State-funded Social Care in this Country, so why should the responsibility for their care be thrust upon their compatriots?

Just an alternative point of view

Agree with this.

I do think that the “ex pat” community in North Cyprus is on the whole compassionate and caring and the majority will offer help to those who need it. There are many examples each month of this happening. Something as simple as a plea for blood I know has been quickly answered by those in a position to donate. On the whole I do think people “care” and will help if they can.

However; those who decided to make North Cyprus their permanent home should have understood that health care and care in general for those with health issues, infirm or elderly is different and should have made arrangements to ensure their future needs could be met. Of course when younger, fit and healthy the thought of what might happen or be needed in those twilight years is far from many peoples minds but it should have been part of the thought process when deciding to live in North Cyprus permanently.

Plan for the best but be prepared for the worst.

[snd1966]

In my prayers I include please take me quickly if I am in North Cyprus!

but hey in the UK what were my neighbours called? here I know the whole street but can't even communicate fluently with them

no wonder there is that saying blood is thicker than water but under the impression guilt is the biggest factor.

Maybe someone should tell the government there is money to be made getting agencies up and running for us lonely old people more guaranteed in the future. But as Harry is getting help it must be there but then suppose cost comes into it at a later date.

Well done Karmi but they have always been different up there probably due to the fact they were the first real large foreign community and stuck together.

[kiplet]

Ragged Robin.
It would be interesting to....as you say investigate any existing or near future schemes that are up and running or in the pipeline.

A little help here and there takes a little organising yet the benefits are great..

[Keithcaley]

In my prayers I include please take me quickly if I am in North Cyprus!...

Me too!

[kayc]

so there is no nursing homes here in north cyprus or rehabilitation facilities? That's surely a need that isn't being met if that is the case.

Even a service such as a "visiting nurses association" which could provide assisted living care, home health aides, personal care workers and even hospice care services would be viable here and likely a successful and profitable business - considering there are many retired persons living here - both cypriots and foreigners.

[mrsgee]

Apparently, so we were told when we were at the Near East Hospital with Harry, there is a geriatric care facility which is part of the Near East in Lefkosa. Eddie, the front of desk very helpful chap, offered to try and get Harry in there, but it is a minimum stay of three months, and 3,500 tl per month, this covers all medical care, food, private room, bathroom, television....all you would expect from a private care facility, and of course 24 hour support. Very reasonable price given it covers everything. Harry didn't want it so we did not pursue any further. Don't know if there are any others, but yes, I imagine this type of facility could be a real God send.

[kayc]

not to be insensitive or crass, but when I think about it - I haven't seen a cemetary here north Cyprus. What do they do with the dead? (float 'em out to sea for the sharks? Just a tad bit of humor on a serious topic )

[Ragged Robin]

Very quickly kayc before we go back on topic, There are two British Residents Cemeteries ,one oppposite the Pia Bella in Girne, which is now full, and one out in the sticks up a muddy tortuous mountain road. I was at a funeral at the former yesterday, but will only be able to get to the latter when they take me in my coffin. There is, of course, a charge for membership and no have to pre-book but compared with costs in UK it is minimal. There is also a Foreign Residents Assocation with it own cemetery - you could find this on a google search. I believe Karaman/Karmi has its own cemetery .

There are of course Turkish Cypriot Cemetaries but you have to be the right religion. There are also old Greek cemeteries (one adjacent the Girne British one)

What there are not are crematoria (again religious) , even for animals.

I do not know what happens to those who die without making arrangements, the responsibiity would ultimately be the Beleydiye. Perhaps they are shoved in with the Greeks, but you did not hear me say that!

The cemetaries (Greek and English) in Girne are beautiful peaceful places and well worth a visit. It was a comfort to think of ending up there among old friends , but I proposed and someone else disposed. The new one I dread as it is cold and lonely and inaccessible.

[Keithcaley]

There is also a British Cemetary in Lapta which has easy access.

It's at the far side of the existing cemetary https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3496706 ... ,16z?hl=en

[kayc]

before we leave this end game section of this topic, might I ask "do they have embalming here prior to burial or is it 'box 'em up and get 'em buried before the days end' - which I believe is the traditional Muslim (and Jewish) tradition.

My apologies in advance to Round Robin - I know my sentence structure and punctuation on this post is horrendous.

[Keithcaley]

'Box 'em up'? - Wrap 'em up, more like!

[carrierbag]

We have been to two local Muslim funerals and the body is not embalmed (strictly forbidden in Muslim law). The body is carried to the grave in a wooden box. The body, wrapped in a shroud, is then removed from the box and placed in the grave, facing Mecca. The body is then covered in blocks of stone or wood (not touching the body), leaning up against the side of the grave and the male family members then fill in the grave.

[frontalman]

There is also a British Cemetary in Lapta which has easy access.

It's at the far side of the existing cemetary https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3496706 ... ,16z?hl=en

I think you'll find it's classed as a burial ground for foreigners, Keith, not just British. Ooooohhh that felt good.

[ozankoys]

For whoever thinks that the geriatric rooms at NE hospital at Karakum are 3500 tl all in - think again!! That is the basic cost & any medical supplies be it even a plaster or aspirin is charged on top of this. The rooms are very large with ensuite facilities & electric beds but there is no social aspect to the facility.
There is a refrigerated morgue at Lefkosa where foreigners are kept until arrangements have been made for them i.e. burial here in one of the foreign cemetries or repatriated to their home countries.
With regard to a company offering nursing, caring etc the company & staff costs here are horrendous so coupled with the bureaucracy I seriously doubt this would be a 'profitable' venture.
I would think the majority of elderly people in UK end up living on their own & despite the NHS & Social Services the care they receive leaves a lot to be desired unless they can afford to make private arrangements.
To employ a live in carer here I believe costs in the region of £1200 per month which is far cheaper than in UK!

[Ragged Robin]

No there are no embalmers here, nor is there anybody able and/or willing as far as I know to lay out the body, and this is something the BCC cannot (understandably ) undertake

Thinking about it kayc's suggestion of burial at sea actually sounds an attractive option, but I have never heard of it being done here.

I had a very good TC friend , a lovely lady, westernised and sophisticated and religiously very moderate. However, when a mutual friend died in hospital in Turkey and , having been returned home in a coffin, was burried in it rather than sitting up facing Mecca she was desperately upset.

[Ragged Robin]

There is also a British Cemetary in Lapta which has easy access.

It's at the far side of the existing cemetary https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3496706 ... ,16z?hl=en

Maybe Keith, but I dont live in the Lapta area, and I registered for the BCC in Girne before others were even thought of , and it is there old friends are buried.

Also I bought and arranged for the planting of a tree in the Greenfield Cemetery in memory of lost ones in the UK, before I realised that I would never be able to access it alone.

[Ragged Robin]

so there is no nursing homes here in north cyprus or rehabilitation facilities? That's surely a need that isn't being met if that is the case.

Even a service such as a "visiting nurses association" which could provide assisted living care, home health aides, personal care workers and even hospice care services would be viable here and likely a successful and profitable business - considering there are many retired persons living here - both cypriots and foreigners.

Apart from the above there are no nursing homes or similar in N.Cyprus, There used to be a voluntary organisation which arranged home nursing, home care, but as the old hands left it fell into decay and has not been heard of recently. I quoted it on an earlier post about the gentleman who fell at the Vet's and would love to know if it is still extant.d

There is an Old Folks Home (I think in Lapta) but it is TC. I dont know if foreigners would be accepted, but the language problem, let alone food and customs would probably create insurmountable difficulties for most.

But I was not thinking of Hospice Care or even Nursing Homes. The care of the chronically ill and those with dementia calls for skills beyond most of us.

For the purpose of this post I was looking at a little compassion and help for people living alone, or caring for the ill or disabled, who might need help with lifting (eg. gas cylinders), changing light bulbs etc. And for the temporarily ill who might not be able to get to the shops, post office etc. And, since there have been occasions, of people dying alone and being found days later, some system of checking on singletons to make sure they had help (even just calling an ambulance!) Maybe even an occasional meals on wheels service.

[Keithcaley]

There is also a British Cemetary in Lapta which has easy access.

It's at the far side of the existing cemetary https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3496706 ... ,16z?hl=en

I think you'll find it's classed as a burial ground for foreigners, Keith, not just British. Ooooohhh that felt good.

I'll make you feel even better - I spelt 'cemetery' wrong...twice!

[Mowgli597]

Regarding dying in the TRNC, this may be of some assistance from the point of view of information (not to the deceased, obviously!):

http://www.standrewskyrenia.org/funerals/

[mrsgee]

Ozankoys, the facility I was talking about, for around 3,500 tl per month, as I said in my post was not in Karakum but LEFKOSA. I am only telling you what was offered to Harry when we took him to NE at Karakum.... it would be a place in LEFKOSA.

To address another point about burials here, having lost a very good friend 18 months ago, I can only say the BRS were absolutely invaluable. Phoned them and a representative came the following day to discuss with us, and his widow, what needed to happen. I can say that the mortuary is not pleasant by any stretch of the imagination, it is not kept at a low enough temperature for a body to be there for more than a few days, certainly not in the summer. The process over here is completely different to UK, not to put too fine a point on it, the body is left as it was, not washed...so not a very pleasant duty for the person having to identify it to get it released for burial. My husband did this as it was felt it would be too distressing for his widow. But, at the end of the day, the BRS sorted everything, he was buried in a coffin, representatives attended the funeral and gave guidance every step of the way, including the process for registering the death, which is not simple. They even got a standard bearer from the Glorious Gloucesters to attend. For the cost of being a member of the BRS, which is a pittance, it takes away all the worry if you are suddenly faced with such a situation.

Sadly, although there are great ideas as to what could be put in place, it is all a long way off. As I have said before this really is a huge wake up call for all expats living here, think about the future, not just the here and now.

[frontalman]

There is also a British Cemetary in Lapta which has easy access.

It's at the far side of the existing cemetary https://www.google.com/maps/@35.3496706 ... ,16z?hl=en

I think you'll find it's classed as a burial ground for foreigners, Keith, not just British. Ooooohhh that felt good.

I'll make you feel even better - I spelt 'cemetery' wrong...twice!

It's hard to be perfect all the time

[Ragged Robin]

Messages 2 and 3: This is the attitude that has changed the expat community here for the worse This is not about Charity it is about caring for fellow humans.

Since 1996:

1. The BRS was running a Permanent Health Care scheme for members. A few years later it was cancelled. Those who subscribed and had not claimed lost all the money they had paid in.

2. Invested money was earning good interest. Since then there has been a global financial crisis, and lowered interest rates. Even those who have not lost capital are getting less interest.

3, The rate of exchange has yo yo'd . At one stage I actually lived on the constant decrease in the value of the OTL

4. The rate of inflation in North Cyprus has increased way out of proportion to the British . Those who have an Index Linked pension struggle to keep up with local rate: the latter imho is due to the unreasonable expectations and extravagance of later expats.

5. A lot of people have lost money on fraudulent housing schemes. Some were a bit naive perhaps, but not their fault. Nobody has suggested that a recent request for crowd funding a claim against losses in this area is "aking for Charity"

6. People who maintined homes in the UK may have been forced to sell them at a loss because of the financial crises and the damage caused to their properties by unscupulous tenants and ir responsible agents.

7. Money has also been lost on investement with an organisation which was advertised in the ST. Andrews Magazine and intitially supported by the BRS.

Additionallly no one could predict the increasing hostile attitude of the British Government to expats, and the difficulties to be experienced in gettig back into the National Health Service and the so called Social Services, which are no longer able to assist elderly and lone people who live in the UK

to be continued..........................

[silverfox1]

"To be continued"........ I do hope not!

This repetitive pessimistic diatribe has become boring and irksome imho.

[PoshinDevon]

mrsgee - Thank you for your message number 22. Whilst a little harrowing it should hopefully give food for thought. It appears the help provided by the BRS was also invaluable and it has certainly made me consider joining when we are next on island.

I also agree with your final comment about planning for the future, not just living for the here and now. Before we purchased we certainly seriously considered how we would manage our time in North Cyprus especially as we grew older and our health requirements and support needs increased.

Thanks again.

[Cally]

I must admit I joined BRS in case anything happens to me whilst visiting. A good friend has details of my wishes & with the help of BRS I hope all goes to plan if the occasion arises.

Sadly I learnt to expect the unexpected so have everything planned in the event.......

[jofra]

Would this thread not be more appropriately placed in the specially created "Disability Matters" section...?

[Ragged Robin]

"To be continued"........ I do hope not!

This repetitive pessimistic diatribe has become boring and irksome imho.

If you dont facing facts , dont read it. There is no need to be insulting and your post in other forums would be deleted.

[Ragged Robin]

Would this thread not be more appropriately placed in the specially created "Disability Matters" section...?

Actually I did think about that Jofra. But it is about a lot more then disabililty ; more about age and illness and people living alone, and often the illness may indeed be temporary in normally able bodied and healthy people and all that is needed is a couple of visits to a Supermarket and a chemist and perhaps feeding a pet. Just neighbourliness really.

[Ragged Robin]

To continue my earlier post,, the point I am making is that it is very unfair (as well as lacking compassion ) to suggest that people who made every possible provision before coming to live here,and who have made their home here should go home if they are alone and fall illl, or a partner falls ill, through circumstances beyond their control. It is also impractical as we all know the difficulties that face someone who has to return to Uk with no home, and no surviving relatives in position to help. "the best laid plans of mice and men go oft astray."

I consider messages 2 and 3 to be offensive, and crticism of the plans and aspirations of permanent residents comes particularly ill considered from "swalllows" However I think I have found out what I wanted- while there are some kind and thoughtful people on this forum the majority are totallly materialistic and uncaring.

Meanwhile we have strayed off topic. The purpose of this thread was to help the living, not the dead!! Has anyone got any suggestions for some kind of mutual assistance for those in temporary need of practical (not financial) help in emergencies. The intention was not to create yet another "Charity" , nor to tackle the more serious illness situation, but simply to avoid the situation raised in another post where no one know anything about a man on his own who apparently needed help.

[Keithcaley]

... a couple of visits to a Supermarket and a chemist and perhaps feeding a pet. Just neighbourliness really.

What on earth makes you think that that is not what happens at the moment?

It happens all the time, all through the Ex-Pat Community.

Friends and groups of people help others that are known to them, without any publicity or praise or any thought of recognition - it's what friends and neighbours do, and always have done.

There will always be those who choose not to mix or make friends, and they may well fall outside of the safety net of a circle of friends who know of their circumstances and needs - I really don't see what can be done about such self-imposed exile - although even then, the recent case of Harry Fearnley has demonstrated that there are angels in our midst (in the guise of mrsgee) and that the BRS and others are still there to help.

My remarks in Post 2 were intended to highlight that everyone has some responsibility for their own circumstances - at no point did I imply that I or others would or should be unwilling to offer assistance 'in extremis', simply that individuals ought not to simply 'leave it to chance' and then rely on the goodwill of total strangers.

I do find YOUR remarks that the majority of people on this Forum are materialistic and uncaring to be extremely offensive, as well as being totally uninformed - if you were actually aware of what occurs outside of your own little 'bubble', and bothered to engage with the Ex-Pat community , you would become acquainted with the generosity of character displayed by most...

[Ragged Robin]

Can we get back on topic please and stop proving my worst suspicions by unwarranted attacks on others' experiences and lifestyle. This communty is not friendly or helpful to those who do not fit their perception of a good lifestyle and people fall through the cracks because they cant attend functions or cant afford or just dont want to join in the keeping up with the Jones's cliques

I started this thread because I felt it unfair that people were making judgement about a man who apparently was in no position to respond or explain
why he was so alone and I think constantly repeating his name is a breach of his right to privacy - and I felt it was better to start a more general discussion of the topic. I was obvioulsy wrong to expect (my apogies to those posters who have made sensible constructive comments) a fair and unbiased discussion of a subject which makes some feel guilty

'

[PoshinDevon]

As I posted earlier, I find that the ex pat community in North Cyprus on the whole to be caring, friendly and supportive. My example of a call to give blood is just one example. We and many others have been made aware of someone in need and have gone to Lefkosa to donate....indeed I know of many others of different nationalities who have taken time out to do the same. We do not know their circumstances, we have no idea if they “join in” or are part of a social group, it does not matter. People do it because they are compassionate and care and to suggest that the majority are materialistic and uncaring is a very bold statement, lacking in evidence and in my opinion completely untrue.

As for comments made about “swallows” I do not understand the reasoning behind it. We are “swallows” because we decided that whilst we love the island of Cyprus, we did not want to cut all links to the U.K. our family and friends. We thought long and hard and decided to enjoy the best of both worlds and have a small place in the U.K. and a small place in North Cyprus. Part of our decision making process and planning for what may happen in the future was to consider the “elephant in the room”, namely growing old and deteriorating health. Although we decided not to make North Cyprus our permanent place of residence, when we are on island we do mix with the local and expat community, we do volunteer at KAR, we do assist at St Andrews Church and we do support charitable events. In our experience over the last 8 years there are many many others like us both permanent residents and “swallows” who do the same.

[jofra]

I would suggest that a couple of comments (apparently unpalatable) are-
1. "relying on the charity of others" - the key word being relying.
So - is it the premise that nobody (in the UK) should have to contribute to a state pension or NHS - OR SAVE? Once retired or in need of medical treatment, others should (must?) contribute? Why should retirement and/or ill-health be considered or anticipated? Should one make a will? No, let descendants fight it out and have all the trouble and expense of sorting the mess out... This IS relying on others......
2. "However; those who decided to make North Cyprus their permanent home should have understood that health care and care in general for those with health issues, infirm or elderly is different and should have made arrangements to ensure their future needs could be met..."
Once again, (in the UK) you may be burgled/sustain damage to your home - do you take out insurance - or do you expect ("rely on") others to replace/repair your property - free of charge, out of the goodness of their hearts, i.e. charity?
In the UK, you/I/we are unbelievably mollycoddled - we get money when we are past working age, we get medical treatment and all sorts of other things - which we pay for - we don't have the choice - but we get them (usually)! If we leave the UK, we're not made to to pay for them - but why then expect them?
I recall "suggestions/inferences" that people should not be expected (in unlit or poorly lit areas) to take steps to make themselves more visible to drivers, but should "rely on" - i.e. once again, put responsibility on - others (the drivers)...
"Swallows"? I'm a "swallow", but if I had the choice, I would move permanently to the TRNC - and the first thing I would do would be to take every opportunity possible to cover every eventuality...
I don't expect or rely on - or (being the antisocial, independent, curmudgeonly, solitary person that I am) want "charity" - although, knowing the generally innate kindness of most people, I would possibly still get it...

[ozankoys]

Mrsgee please accept my apologies for misreading your post, I saw the words 3500tl & Karakum & wrongly assumed you were talking about the facility there.
Sadly there is no cure for loneliness & old age no matter where you live.

[mrsgee]

No problem Ozankoys, easily done. You are right though there is no cure unfortunately.

[snd1966]

Sadly there is no cure for loneliness & old age no matter where you live.

and this in a way where so called poorer uneducated countries may have it right, family believe it is their right to look after their elderly members of the family.

Maybe the new builds should be sheltered accommodation now that would be popular

RR mentioned neighbourly and KC said it was happening but this is what is required here as a service that can be paid for. The time between not really coping but not in the state where you want to vegetate in a residential home or similar.

[Keithcaley]

...Sadly there is no cure for loneliness & old age no matter where you live.

Apparently there is! -------- Kibkom!

[Ragged Robin]

Message 35: Please note that a lot of us have contributed to care in old age by way of being fully paid up National insurance contributios and Income Tax which some of us are still paying on our pensions! If I had all the money that I have paid in NI and did not have to pay UK tax on contributory occupational pension, I would , despite other losses, be able to have the comfortable old age I saved for,

[Ragged Robin]

Message 34. I am sorry my post was misunderstood I did not intend to critiicize "Swallows" as such , just to point out that they cannot understand some of the problems that beset full time permanent residents, particularly in the areas of health and social care and therefore do not have the right to criticize us or suggest we have not taken all the precuations we could for our own futures

[PoshinDevon]

Message 34. I am sorry my post was misunderstood I did not intend to critiicize "Swallows" as such , just to point out that they cannot understand some of the problems that beset full time permanent residents, particularly in the areas of health and social care and therefore do not have the right to criticize us or suggest we have not taken all the precuations we could for our own futures

RR - Having lived, worked and holidayed many times on the island since 1970 I am well aware of the problems. In fact whilst we are “swallows” we are what you might call long term swallows. It’s not two week holidays, it’s extended stays in excess of 90days. As such we do ensure that we on an annual basis we apply for our temporary residence plus we make all necessary plans to hopefully cover any unfortunate incidents which does include illness, accident etc.

I am not criticising anyone all I am saying is that taking up permanent residency in whatever country is a serious decision. When we are younger, long term health care, support and social care is not always at the forefront of the decision making process but growing old, reliance on social care and deteriorating health is inevitable and it should be planned for. This means investigating and understanding what health care is available, the costs involved, what social care and support is available and can be accessed etc etc. For many that would mean ensuring correct and adequate insurance is in place, having sufficient funds to pay for the care, or even having a plan to return to a bolt hole back to your home country as hard as that decision can be to make. There are many factors to consider. Like any plan it should be regularly reviewed to ensure its still a good plan and will work if needed. Only you will know.

[Ragged Robin]

Sadly there is no cure for loneliness & old age no matter where you live.

and this in a way where so called poorer uneducated countries may have it right, family believe it is their right to look after their elderly members of the family.

Maybe the new builds should be sheltered accommodation now that would be popular

RR mentioned neighbourly and KC said it was happening but this is what is required here as a service that can be paid for. The time between not really coping but not in the state where you want to vegetate in a residential home or similar.

Thank you snd for one of the few sensible and thoughtful posts on this thread.

You are quite right about countries where not just family but all aged and sick in the community are cared for - the TRNC used to be such a one (I am only here and not lying in Greenhills because of it) but sadly the family and community culture is being overridden by other influences.

The point of th eperiod between needing a little practical help and full time care in a residential home is particularly well taken. It seems obvious to me that something like affordable sheltered housing here would be a splendid idea. However houses and flats for the rich are much more lucrative. Also the idea has been floated in the past but met with little support. Unfortunately there are too many ostriches who think the elderly, frail and disabled are a nuisance and should be shoved into a "home", or packed off back to the UK.

Day Centres are also a good idea for the mentally active with physical problems and or lonely people.. There is one for Cypriots at Cheshire Homes. It was started as a Englsh/TC project , but tragically, again post 2004, it has received little support from the British community and while Brits are welcome to use its facilities (and some do for physiotherapy) language may be a problem.

[elizabeth]

Kemal Sarocoglu Foundation
SOS children's homes
Lefcosia women's refuge
NCCCT
Tulips
112
Ziyamet Special School

These are just a few of the charities that are wonderfully supported by those terrible ( only here for the beer), selfish, lacking in compassion post 2004 ex pats and swallows.
Perhaps RR you would consider these the next time you feel inclined to insult people who are doing so much, what exactly is it that you do to help others.

[ozankoys]

Hear hear well said!

[Ragged Robin]

[quote="elizabeth"]Kemal Sarocoglu Foundation
SOS children's homes
Lefcosia women's refuge
NCCCT
Tulips
112
Ziyamet Special School

These are just a few of the charities that are wonderfully supported by those terrible ( only here for the beer), selfish, lacking in compassion post 2004 ex pats and swallows.
Perhaps RR you would consider these the next time you feel inclined to insult people who are doing so much, what exactly is it that you do to help others.[/quote]

You do not know because you do not know me, (or do you, is this stalking_?) and even if you did you would not know because I do not advertise my good works seek advertisement in the local paper (except once and that was because I did not know the picture was being taken. and it was a long time ago), nor boast about what I do on social media. It is really none of your business but :

When I retired I worked long hours and every evening a week for one of the local charities. I only left because of my own health but I still make donations and presents of food etc. My own health deteriorated probably partly because of the time I spent on it. I give what I can to two of the Charities you mention above and another you dont.

I would give more support if I could access the venues of Charity activities and if they were more welcoming to "strangers!

How often do I have to repeat that this thread is not about "Charity" nor about salving one's conscience by giving money. but about not letting people who are alone (or sole carers ) and unknown through no fault of their own and at risk of having no rescources in the event of illness or accident.

As for rudeness every time you come on this Board you go out of your way to insult me, and I am getting pretty sick of it.

[tomsteel]

Kemal Sarocoglu Foundation
SOS children's homes
Lefcosia women's refuge
NCCCT
Tulips
112
Ziyamet Special School

These are just a few of the charities that are wonderfully supported by those terrible ( only here for the beer), selfish, lacking in compassion post 2004 ex pats and swallows.
Perhaps RR you would consider these the next time you feel inclined to insult people who are doing so much, what exactly is it that you do to help others.

Raises hackles in support of his/her views about life here.

[Ragged Robin]

...Sadly there is no cure for loneliness & old age no matter where you live.

Apparently there is! -------- Kibkom!

No Keith, Kibcom does not help loneliness or old age. Like most social media it makes it worse because there are those who willl attack and bully the vulnerable and make them more lonely and insecure. Every time I go out I hope that will meet some of the posters on this forum and have to suffer their unpleasantness in person.

This is not aimed and those who write polite sensible constructive posts, to whom I apologise - they know who they are and I hope will understand