Single mum safety - Page 2

Grannyrose wrote on Sat Oct 1, 2022 10:43am:

I’ve never been on my own while over in Spain but if I were, I don’t think I’d venture out at night at all. It’s very safe but I’d stay in if there weren’t any street lights. I notice that lots of people rise early and go out for a walk. You could do everything you want during dayligh...

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...t hours. Shop, walk, enjoy a lunch or coffee out. Until you find your feet, stay in at night with your doors locked. Get a television installed and WiFi so that you can be in contact with family at home. I like the idea of getting familiar with a good translator, an excellent suggestion. 
also, register with your local health centre when you arrive as youngsters have a tendency to get sick when least expected so you’ll need access to medical care. 

I read recently that the council had finally adopted the Torretta area so hopefully you’ll have street lights installed soon.

The winter weather in Spain is lovely during the day but be aware that once the sun goes down the heat vanishes. You must organise proper heating or you won’t survive. If there is aircon, it can be used to heat the rooms. The houses are single brick so loose heat very quickly. Bring an electric blanket and hot water bottle for your child   Good 13tog duvets too. Slippers and warm clothes. English tv can difficult so WiFi connection for Amazon Prime, Disney plus or Netflix will be your salvation. There’s more to consider than worrying about walking about at nighttime. 
Enjoy your stay and good luck. 

elinspain wrote on Sat Oct 1, 2022 12:51pm:

Hello

 GRannyrose..... this lady cannot register with her local health centre as you suggest,  as she is  non resident so will need private health insurance for her visits!  Also I have 'survived'. 19 winters here without an electric blanket or a 13.5 tog duvet - it is not standard ...

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...to need these things, it depends where you live and, these type of items  are available here - no need to bring things like that from the UK.

Cheers

Elinspain

Grannyrose wrote on Sat Oct 1, 2022 10:43am:

I’ve never been on my own while over in Spain but if I were, I don’t think I’d venture out at night at all. It’s very safe but I’d stay in if there weren’t any street lights. I notice that lots of people rise early and go out for a walk. You could do everything you want during dayligh...

Read more...

...t hours. Shop, walk, enjoy a lunch or coffee out. Until you find your feet, stay in at night with your doors locked. Get a television installed and WiFi so that you can be in contact with family at home. I like the idea of getting familiar with a good translator, an excellent suggestion. 
also, register with your local health centre when you arrive as youngsters have a tendency to get sick when least expected so you’ll need access to medical care. 

I read recently that the council had finally adopted the Torretta area so hopefully you’ll have street lights installed soon.

The winter weather in Spain is lovely during the day but be aware that once the sun goes down the heat vanishes. You must organise proper heating or you won’t survive. If there is aircon, it can be used to heat the rooms. The houses are single brick so loose heat very quickly. Bring an electric blanket and hot water bottle for your child   Good 13tog duvets too. Slippers and warm clothes. English tv can difficult so WiFi connection for Amazon Prime, Disney plus or Netflix will be your salvation. There’s more to consider than worrying about walking about at nighttime. 
Enjoy your stay and good luck. 

REH19 wrote on Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:25am:

Sounds like a lovely opportunity - not sure how old your daughter is but have you thought of joining local Spanish language classes which would help you meet others and start to build a network, which may open up other social activities. I’m sure the local town hall (ayuntamiento) would have de...

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...tails of classes - they are often free

There are a number of You Tube channels I follow in English which are quite useful to keep up with what is going on - both locally and current affairs nationally :

Spain Speaks - national

Between the Lakes, Scottish Couple in Spain, Brits Living in Spain - ( all local to Torrevieja)

Enjoy

Lefty wrote on Wed Sep 28, 2022 11:40am:

Could you not take a friend or relative along with you for company, I’m sure someone would love an extended break in Spain 😁

If you intend to spend time in Spain on a regular basis then learning the language is a must, I have only been learning for 18 months but I have picked up enough to get by, ask for assistance, order things, ask for directions, speak to bus drivers etc so it is a worth while investment of your tim...

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...e.

When you are out in the dark perhaps have someone to track your phone and make sure someone knows where you are going.

Can you join a club or group in your area so you can make friends and join in so you are not isolated

Laura2022 wrote on Sat Oct 1, 2022 5:37pm:

Thank you, that's good to know everything is there. Yes, I didn't think I could register at the local medical center. I believe I can use my EHIC card at the most local Salud can't I? And ofcourse I also have medical insurance.

Annier999 wrote on Wed Sep 28, 2022 12:44pm:

There’s an app called ALERTCOPS which you can use to report crimes. Also the app has a GUARDIAN feature which may be helpful. 

I live (mostly) alone in La Mata and feel perfectly safe in my home and out in the streets.

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Regarding the risk of fire, install smoke alarms to give you an early warning system.

Plan your escape route in the event of a fire. It’s better to do this while you’re calm than in an actual emergency. 

Enquire about alternatives to the bars on windows. Maybe a burglar alarm with direct contact to the police. 

Find local mother and child groups to build up a support network. (See GUARDIAN above)

Go to local Spanish lessons to improve your language and to meet new friends. 

Use Facebook to find social groups. 

It’s a great opportunity with some challenges, which I’m sure you can overcome. 

Good luck 

elinspain wrote on Wed Sep 28, 2022 3:02pm:

Hello

 I suggest you find yourself a translator    a.s.a.p.(Google translators for your area) & ask if you can contact then if/when you need them.

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   As you dont speak Spanish and in an emergency, anything relating to police/fire  service/ sickness/accident etc it will be reassuring to have someone you can contact. They charge around €20 per hour & I take  my translator, everytime I go to the Salud for medical  appts.

 I  knew no one when I came from the UK & have lived here on my own for 20years . Dont take risks with your safety & property ...crime happens everywhere, just be  alert & proactive at all times and all will be fine.

Cheers

Elinspain

Laura2022 wrote on Sat Oct 1, 2022 5:46pm:

Thanks for these great suggestions. I'm trying to download the app, but haven't been successful yet. Do you mind letting me know what the guardian function is for? Hopefully the glitch sorts and it installs on my phone.