The Department for Social Welfare, under Councillor Paqui Lopez, has recently issued letters to all foreign residents informing them of their rights under Andalucia's Law of Dependency relating to people who are dependent on others either through illness, disability or age, irrespective of age, and which applies to foreign residents who have resided in Spain for a period of at least five years.

Support is also available for pensioners and the disabled for home improvements that improve access, and provide aids such as specialist baths, showers, etc., home help and subsidies for carers, as well as residential care homes.

All these issues can be dealt with locally, and a social worker is available every day from 8 am to 3 pm in at the Usos Multiples in Sabinillas to attend to those residing in Sabinillas, Castillo or the urbanisations; and in Manilva Town Hall for those residing in Manilva town. Mondays and Wednesdays are set aside for appointments for issues such as immigrants without papers, children issues, other family problems, etc.

The Social Welfare Department also handles the 'Tarjeta 65', Card 65, the 65 Gold Card for those on low income, and deals with non-contributory pensions, social security benefits for dependent children, large families, rating and specifying disabilities, travel scheme allowance through the Card 65 which provides holidays for cardholders in Andalucia, Extremadura and Castilla-La Mancha and can be applied for up to the 30th April.

The department also handles the serious issue of abuse and manages shelters for the victims.