Help Benidorm

We are so very sorry to hear the heart breaking news that one of our loyal members Jean, has sadly passed away. She has been part of the fabric of HELP for so many years and was loved and respected by all. She had such a bright and appealing outlook, as well as a great sense of humour. Jean worked tirelessly keeping the ‘Euro Boutique’ up and running at our weekly meetings, raising funds for HELP. She was such a caring soul who loved to socialise with friends and colleagues alike and always looked so elegant. It is with a heavy heart that we will say goodbye to Jean on Monday (16th) at 12,30 at the Tanatoria Crematorium Marina Baixa ( Villajoasa Crematorium).

Rest in Peace our gorgeous Jean

Jean Barber 01.03.1936 – 10.10.2023

We are so very sorry to hear of the sad news that Marilyn, who was a long serving and very respected member, has passed away and was laid to rest at Villajoyosa crematorium. Marilyn was an extremely valued volunteer and was the President, some years ago. During her time, she made many, many friends………she will be sadly missed.

R.I.P Marilyn Rogers

Jack and his mates decided to have a 3-day holiday in Benidorm. Jack has Type 1 Diabetes and what he didn’t anticipate was that his personal possessions would mysteriously disappear and he would collapse due to hypoglycemic encephalopathy and end up on ICU due to prolonged hypoglycemiae; in a coma, relying on breathing and feeding tubes to keep him alive, with possible brain damage. Jack did not declare his pre-existing condition on his insurance and for that, is paying the ultimate price. Jacks’ mum and dad have been with him every single day since it happened and now just want to take their son home and get him into Neuro rehab.

Jack’s parents organised a massive fund raising campaign to pay for an air ambulance back to the UK. The cost was over 25,000 euros. Help Benidorm was able to arrange a grant from The British Benevelont Fund in Madrid to cover part of the cost.

Jack returned to the UK and is making good progress in a rehabilitation unit in a Staffordshire hospital.

Do you have C.O.P.D or similar related conditions and rely on an 02 Oxygenator, preventing you from booking holidays ?

HELP Benidorm can loan you, free of charge, a Respironics Everflow continuous oxygen concentrator for the duration of your holiday. We request a returnable deposit of 150€. We ask for proof of prescription by a registered Doctor. As a charity we receive no funding but rely solely on donations. Contact us via Facebook (HELP International). contact us on +34 607 387 040, or email us at benidormhelp@gmail.com or fill in our CONTACT FORM

Could you give some of your time to help people in time of need or who have become vulnerable? We are a small group who meet every Thursday morning (10.30 am) at the community centre up near the tram station (Centro Social José Llorca Linares C/ de Goya, s/n, 03502 Benidorm). It is helpful if you have a car and can speak Spanish (but in no way is this an essential requirement). We are a happy bunch who fully support each other. Check us out to find out what we do and consider if its something that you could be involved with…..on Facebook (HELP International). Visit our website https://www.helpbenidorm.org. Or contact us on 607 387 040

HELP International were more than happy to give another contribution to Project 4 All. Accepting the donation is Jonny Hellraizer (Jonny Elraiz) and Jo Hollingworth (middle); two of the exceptional volunteers who ensure that the homeless and vulnerable people in and around the Benidorm area, are looked after. The aim of the charity is to get out and about with regular food runs, as well as equipping people with (winter) supplies ( sleeping bags / clothes etc).

The charity needs constantly funding for it to continue its amazing work. Check out their Facebook page if you want to make a donation.

Presenting the cheque are HELP volunteers; Jennifer Illston (left) newly elected Secretary and Linda Booth (right); Membership Co-ordinator.

You can apply for this at the ayuntamiento. Also online in English at https://alicante.avanzagrupo.com/en If you are on the Padron you are advised to do it through the town hall to get more benefits. You will need a photo.

For Benidorm council book appointment (Cita Previa) at. https://benidorm.org/es/ayuntamiento/concejalias/atencion-al-ciudadano/cita-previa. Chhose Otro Tramite Sin Registro and choose nearest office.

For people living in Spain with Spanish public health care provided by an S1 form they should apply for the New EHIC card and not the GHIC which is for UK residents only. You can only apply for this if you were legally resident in Spain (i.e. had a green EU resident card) before 31st Dec 2020. This means you are covered by the withdrawal agreement.

https://services.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/cra/start

It appears that though the EHIC covers you for urgent care while visiting other EU countries apart from Spain, it does not cover you in the UK. You are always advises by the UK Government to take out additional travel insurance.

The new UK EHIC will cover you for all medically necessary, state-provided healthcare when visiting another EU country, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein.

Below is copied from EHIC website

“If you hold an S1, your EHIC will not cover you in the country you live in or the UK”

Most benefit claims need a certificado de empadronamiento, generally the historico colectivo with all family members listed on it.

The extension office of Benidorm Ayuntamiento in Avenida Juan Fuster Zaragoza 1, on the corner of the health centre block, opposite the GB Bar (formerly Mad Monk) now say that you no longer need an appointment.