London Age · London Age – focusing ... the Princess Royal Trust and the Energy ... Age Concern...

London Age – focusing on older people and ageing in the capital

London AgeWinter 2008-09

Springing into lifeStaying fit through all seasons

F

London age • Winter 2008-09

Commissioning editorHannah Conning

editorJacki Reason

Layout and PrintGargoyle

ContributorsSamantha Mauger, Chief Executive

Hannah Conning, Communications and Campaigns Officer

Gordon deuchars, Policy and Campaigns Manager

Cover photo© Copyright Age Concern

ISSn: 1357-1109

London Age highlights issues which affect older people in the capital. It is produced to support Age Concern London’s mission to improve the quality of life for older Londoners and to enhance their status and influence.

www.aclondon.org.uk

Charity registration no 1092198 Company registration no 4407861 Tel 020 7820 6770 Fax 020 7820 1063 Email [email protected]

Age Concern London works across the capital to improve the quality of life for older people and to enhance their status and influence.

Age Concern London is funded by London’s local councils

Ab

ou

t L

on

do

n A

ge ContentS

SPRIngIng Into LIFe

Know your rights 2 The Mayor’s benefits information campaign for older Londoners

Age Concerns’ wellbeing projects How Age Concerns across London are helping older people stay fit and healthy

Barnet: over 55s’ fitness programme 3

Camden: Music therapy 4

Croydon: Eating well to keep well 5

Enfield: Promoting healthy living and wellbeing 6

Havering: Blood pressure checks 9

Kingston upon Thames: Active living 10

Redbridge: Healthy ageing; healthy eating; preventing falls 11

Sutton: Volunteer befriending 12

Tower Hamlets: Bangladeshi 13 mental health projects

Waltham Forest: Boccia 14

Westminster: Reaching U 14

Sharing best practice 15 Abbey and Age Concern’s mentoring programme

Making the most of the new media 15 A one-day conference on media literacy

Warming Winter 16 Hannah Conning describes an innovative way of helping older people stay warm

digging for gold 17 Age Concern London’s film celebrating older Londoners’ successes

1


1

CoMMent

Keeping fit and healthy during winter can be hard. Winter illnesses such as colds and flu are common and it can be difficult to keep warm and active in colder weather. This issue of London Age looks at projects across London that are helping older people fight the winter cold and get fit for spring.

FInAnCIAL heLP

outbreaks of seasonal flu occur annually, usually in winter. It is essential to keep warm as this helps us to ward off colds and more serious illnesses such as flu or hypothermia. All of these can be caused by prolonged exposure to cold, whether through staying outdoors in cold conditions or being in an unheated room for a long time. You could be eligible for financial help with heating or towards home improvements and insulation. This issue describes a new campaign, ‘Know Your Rights’, launched by Boris Johnson, Mayor of London with Age Concern London, Citizens Advice, the Princess Royal Trust and the Energy Saving Trust to raise awareness of the benefits available to older people and carers.

PReventIon IS betteR thAn CuRe

As we age, our bodies find it harder to recover from illness, which means it is even more important to avoid becoming ill in the first place. Those aged 65 and over can take advantage of the free nHS immunisation schemes provided by local GP surgeries. Keeping physically active not only improves our health and quality of life, it can also help lower our susceptibility to illnesses by improving our immune system.

PhySICAL ACtIvIty

A number of local Age Concerns run healthy ageing projects, such as Barnet’s ‘Say Go!’, Age Concern Enfield’s ‘Fit for Life’ and Age Concern Kingston’s ‘Active Living’, which include fun activities to motivate physical activity. Keeping active can also help to control high blood pressure, which causes serious health problems if left unchecked. Age Concern Havering is running the ‘50+ Healthy Living Service’, which provides free blood pressure checks and health advice.

eAtIng

Healthy eating can also improve your quality of life and help you avoid age-related diseases. Age Concern Croydon’s ‘Eat Well Keep Well’ project is working to raise awareness of the importance of eating well. These are just a few examples, described in this issue, of how you can keep warm and well this winter.

Samantha Mauger Chief Executive, Age Concern London

Sam

antha Mauger, C

hief Executive

2


KnoW youR RIghtS

On 9 January the Mayor of London launched an annual information campaign urging older Londoners and carers to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

It is estimated that up to a third of older Londoners do not take full advantage of their benefit entitlements. Many pensioners are eligible for around £50 a week, so over their lifetime could lose out on up to £50,000. Equally, many carers may lose out on up to £1400 each year.

PARtneRShIP CAMPAIgn

‘Know Your Rights’ was launched in partnership with Age Concern London, Citizens Advice, the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Energy Saving Trust. The

campaign uses posters at GP surgeries, libraries, community centres and other appropriate outlets to encourage older Londoners and carers to find out about their rights. It also aims to help people get practical advice about cutting their heating bills and warming their homes.

MISSIng out

Launching the campaign Mayor Boris Johnson said, ‘As the temperature plummets, it is vital that our older citizens claim cash which would help them worry less about the cost of heating their home. Some people think that if they own their home or have savings they don’t qualify for any help, but this isn’t always the case.’

FInAnCIAL hARdShIPS

Alex Fox, director of Policy and Communications at the Princess Royal Trust for Carers, said, ‘Looking after a loved-one can often lead to financial hardship, with many carers having to give up their jobs and employment prospects. Carers are under greater financial pressure than ever … we would urge them to contact their local carers’ centre to find out what help they are entitled to.’

InCReASIng CoStS

Age Concern London’s Chief Executive said, ‘Paying bills and coping with day to day expenses can be difficult at the best of times but this can become even more difficult in winter and with the increasing cost of utilities and everyday living. If you are unsure if you are eligible I urge you to contact a local adviser. Even if you have never worked, own your own home or have savings or a private pension you could be eligible.’

Jam

es o

Jen

kins

FuRtheR InFoRMAtIon

For advice on benefits contact your local Age Concern or citizens’ advice bureau www.citizensadvicebureau.org/ or see www.aclondon.org.uk.

3


Age Concerns across London are helping older people stay fit and healthy. Over the next 12 pages we describe some of their projects.

bARnet: SAy go!

Lisa Dubow

Say Go! is Age Concern Barnet’s new programme to get the over 55s in the borough fit and active. Just 30 per cent of 50-64 year-olds in the UK take the recommended amount of physical activity, and it gets worse as people get older – only 6 per cent of 65-84 year-olds in England take enough exercise.

The programme is funded by AC Barnet, Sports England and Barnet Council and is run in partnership with community groups and other local organisations.

AIMS

The project’s main aim is to increase the number of older people taking part in weekly physical activity. It concentrates on engaging people from ‘hard to reach’ groups, including people with physical or learning disabilities, and people from minority ethnic groups.

ConSuLtAtIon

Central to achieving these goals is AC Barnet’s consultation and close links with Barnet residents and representatives from partner community groups. Venues such as synagogues, churches, multicultural centres, care homes and sheltered housing projects are used and instructors are carefully chosen for the age group.

Say Go! has been an immense success. Since the project started at the end of September 2008 there have been more than 500 classes; over a quarter of all clients have physical or learning disabilities and more than 40 per cent are from minority ethnic groups.

FLoWIng IdeAS

The project is going from strength to strength. The programme currently includes Greek and tango dancing, tai chi, yoga and exercise to music classes. There is a constant flow of ideas from the community, the difficulty is keeping up with them. Line dancing is just one of the new activities planned for this year: there will be many more.

To find out more or to input your ideas about Say Go! classes, or if you are an instructor with a unique class for the over 55 age group, please go to www.ageconcernbarnet.org.uk or contact Lisa Dubow on 020 8346 3511 or [email protected].

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

4


CAMDEN: MUSIC THERAPY Clare O’Driscoll

Music therapy is a group activity that uses music and all of its facets – emotional, physical, mental and social – to help people maintain their physical and emotional wellbeing. It involves voice work, singing, musical instruments and movement to express creativity and provide stimulation and emotional support.

Following a pilot study in 2008, Age Concern Camden has introduced regular group music therapy classes to two of its resource centres and plans to start classes in the third centre soon.

InteRACtIon And PARtICIPAtIon

Classes facilitate interaction and participation, as well as offering a space in which to reflect and relax. The sessions can be undertaken by people with a range of physical difficulties, including speech, hearing and visual impairments, and memory loss – they have been received particularly well by dementia groups.

The content includes improvised greeting and parting songs and familiar songs from the past which service users request and initiate – these vary from songs their parents sang to songs from the 50s and 60s. The sessions allow for shared meaningful experiences and enable participants to express a range of feelings.

IMPRovISAtIon And ReMInISCenCe

Many participants are keen to play the percussion instruments and enjoy improvising. Improvised songs and music encourage increased listening and mutual awareness, as well as creativity and physical and mental stimulation. Most sessions include spontaneous dancing, providing an important form of exercise, including chair-based exercise for those less able to stand. There is also much reminiscence between songs: people discuss their memories of particular songs and some gain enough confidence to play instruments they haven’t picked up for years.

nuMeRouS beneFItS

There have been numerous benefits. Participants have more energy, their confidence, creativity and communication skills have increased, they feel less isolated, and there has been greater interaction and mutual support.

As some of the participants put it:

‘I sing away, even though I was told I couldn’t sing.’

‘You feel you want to get up and dance.’

For further information call Clare O’Driscoll on 020 7387 3777.

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

5


CROYDON: EAT WELL – KEEP WELL Sue Orchard

Becoming thinner is not an inevitable part of the ageing process, and older people, their carers and families need to recognise and respond to changes in their wellbeing. Poor diet can contribute to the risk of falls, increase the risk of infection and mean longer recovery times. Isolation, depression, poor mobility, bereavement, poor dental health, cultural barriers, poor access to quality food, low income and lack of cooking skills can all contribute to unintentional weight loss.

AWAReneSS And heALth PRoMotIon

Age Concern Croydon’s Eat Well – Keep Well project aims to highlight the risks and causes of malnutrition, raise awareness of the need for good nutrition in later life, provide practical support to improve the diet of vulnerable older people and make referrals to appropriate health professionals. The project cannot give clinical advice or carry out feeding or other personal care tasks.

Health promotion events involving displays, leaflets and one to one advice are held in venues used by older people to raise awareness of the need to maintain a healthy weight and identify older people at risk. Information regarding food fortification, shopping schemes, welfare benefits and lunch clubs can enable older people to maintain a healthy weight.

ReFeRRALS

The project worker and key volunteers have undertaken training in the use of MUST (Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool) which enables identification of malnutrition in older people who have experienced unintentional weight loss. Working in partnership with Croydon Primary Care Trust, Mayday Hospital and community dieticians, referral pathways have been identified to enable onward referral for people at risk. As a result, sixteen older people have been diagnosed with serious underlying medical conditions that have affected their ability to eat and maintain a healthy weight.

buddyIng

one to one support in the form of a buddy system is also available. Trained volunteer buddies provide support and help with cookery skills, budgeting and snack preparation. Simply having someone to eat a snack with once a week can help an isolated person enjoy their food more.

The Eat Well – Keep Well project is a valuable resource for older people in Croydon. Health promotion, increased awareness, onward referral and support all help to reduce the far-reaching consequences of malnutrition and provide clinical and social benefits.

For further information contact Sue Orchard on 020 8680 5450 x 220 or [email protected].

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

6


ENFIELDLeonie de Botton and Janet Pinches describe four projects run by Age Concern Enfield to promote healthy living and wellbeing.

tRAnSAge ACtIon

TransAge Action (TAA) recruits and trains volunteers aged 50 and over to work with young children in placements such as schools and family centres. The project aims to bridge the gap between the older and younger generations by encouraging interaction. The children benefit as many have a fragmented family life; regular contact with an older person helps to boost their confidence as they start to build relationships that help them understand and respect the older generation.

Feeling valued

Many of our volunteers turn to TAA following bereavement and say that knowing they are doing valuable work in helping young people lessens extreme grief. Some are retired and miss the companionship of fellow workers and the sense of being useful and needed that comes through regular employment; this project taps into the skills and knowledge built up over a lifetime’s experience and makes them feel valued and recognised for their talents once more.

A volunteer’s perspective

This is what one volunteer had to say following her first term at a local school:

‘I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Eldon and have found it extremely rewarding. When I received my presentation at the end of last term, it was the icing on the cake. It brought tears to my eyes, particularly when one of the children put her arms around me and said “I wish you were my mummy”.

‘I was honoured yesterday when I was asked to help a six-year-old, mildly autistic child to read. He cannot seem to link the pictures in the book with the words to describe them. The first time around was unsatisfactory, but I went through it with him a second time and he seemed to improve. He talked about “wanting to get his life back” – and that from a six-year-old! I am not sure he knew what he was saying.

‘Marilyn, the teacher, does a fantastic job and I am glad that I may be helping her in some small way.’

For further information, or to become a TransAge volunteer ring Sue Dudson on 020 8375 4108.

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

7


tRAnS-It

AC Enfield’s Trans-IT project brings older and younger people together through learning. The project, which has been running since october 2006, aims to help older people access computers by providing them with new skills and confidence. Young volunteers (aged 16-18) from three local schools are trained to coach an older learner to help improve their IT skills. Sessions take place in the schools’ IT suites.

Tailor made

Coaching is tailor-made to meet the learner’s needs; the older and younger person are matched so that each individual’s learning goals are addressed. This approach enables the older learner to feel well supported in a secure and informal learning environment.

As well as giving the older person new skills and increased confidence, the project also aims to bridge the divide between the generations by building positive and mutually beneficial relationships.

A learner’s view

one of the previous older learners said, ‘I had for some time wanted to be able to use a computer but, as a complete beginner, felt sure I would not cope in a group setting. So when one to one tuition was offered, I jumped at the chance.

‘My volunteer coach has taken me from knowing little more than the computer has to be plugged in, to achieving the basic skills of sending and receiving e-mails, wordprocessing and accessing the internet for information. She has shown great patience in doing so.

‘As we approach the end of the academic year, I am sure I speak for all the older people who have attended the project when I say we have been impressed with the commitment and expertise of the volunteer coaches who have given up their own time to teach us.

‘Besides what we have learnt in accessing the computers, this project has given both generations the opportunity to share and benefit from each other, and I would recommend it to anyone offered a place in the future.’

Enjoying the buzz

The young people also clearly benefit, with many of them commenting how their patience, confidence and skills have all improved and how they have enjoyed the buzz when their older person progresses as a result of their help.

For further information ring 020 8375 4103.

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

8


hoMe FRoM hoSPItAL

This scheme provides free short-term support (up to six weeks) to older people when they leave hospital. The aim is to encourage successful rehabilitation and regaining of independence when the person returns home and reduce readmission by providing practical support such as shopping, collecting pensions, paying bills, light housework and doing laundry, and social support to help build confidence and the strength to return to everyday living.

Who is eligible?

The scheme is available for Enfield residents aged 50 or over who are being discharged from hospital and who fulfil at least one of the following criteria:

They must either live alone or with someone who is temporarily • unable to provide the necessary support, and need short-term rehabilitation. Priority will be given to individuals who have a greater degree of vulnerability and are living alone.

They need support (as outlined above) to complement a new or • existing care package.

They need support to re-establish their routine at home, for • example to rebuild confidence and/or regain skills for everyday living.

Referrals

Ideally, one week’s notice of hospital discharge is required. Referrals can be taken from a wide range of sources. including hospital and other medical staff, social services staff, patients and their relatives.

Further information

For further information call Janet on 020 8375 4109 or Joannie on 020 8375 4107 or send a fax to 020 8375 4138.

Age Concern Bromley and Age Concern Islington provide similar services to their local communities.

FIt FoR LIFe

The Fit For Life programme offers a wide range of activities, including walking, pilates, aqua aerobics and line dancing, It has proved to be good news for many older people in the borough who, as well as improving their health and fitness, have gained an extra interest in life. This is particularly the case for 68-year-old Bruno de Marco, who joined the programme by accident nearly five years ago, after the death of his wife.

‘Rather than spending time on my own I went out for walks’, says Bruno. ‘one day I was in Pymmes Park and noticed a group of people walking around. I spoke to a park ranger and he told me they were members of the Fit For Life project who met in the park every Friday.’

Bruno thought this was a good idea, but his first walk was cancelled due to snow. not to be beaten, he went along the following week and was made very welcome.

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

9


Life changing

‘It was the best thing that could have happened to me at the time’, he says. ‘I felt better for it and through the programme I have made many really good friends.’

The project has changed Bruno’s life. ‘I had always thought that if I was left on my own I would return to Italy to live, but I decided to remain here after meeting and making so many friends through Fit For Life.’ He is now an Age Concern Enfield volunteer, and is undertaking training for the TransAge Action project (see page 6), where he hopes to read to children in schools.

For further information contact Mark Huggard on 020 8375 4102 or see www.ageconcernenfield.org.uk/index.cfm?id=4171.

hAveRIng: FRee bLood PReSSuRe CheCKS

Mike Palfreman

Age Concern Havering’s 50+ Healthy Living Service aims to reach people in the community who may not see their GP regularly or who may not be aware their blood pressure is poor, and advise them about the importance of good blood pressure control.

KnoW youR nuMbeRS

The project was launched in September 2008 with ‘Know Your numbers’, run jointly by Havering Primary Care Trust and AC Havering. over a week health professionals took blood pressure readings and gave advice at locations throughout the borough.

The service has, to date, carried out 1000 blood pressure checks for older borough residents, as well as passing on relevant information about how people can live, exercise and eat more healthily.

ReAChIng out

Where blood pressure is poor, a referral is made to GPs as appropriate. Swift action can then follow to prevent serious health problems. A reasonable proportion of the 1000 people checked had poor to serious blood pressure levels and in many cases were unaware of this.

Various other venues are planned for 2009.

For further information and to book the Healthy Living Team (for group meetings only) contact Julie Crick on 01708 796055.

© C

opyright Age C

oncern ©

Copyright A

ge Concern

10


KIngSton uPon thAMeS: ACtIve LIvIngGrace Shorthouse

Age Concern Kingston’s Active Living Project aims to encourage the over 45s to take thirty minutes of exercise at least three times a week, in order to stay fit, healthy and young at heart. So far more than 1300 people have joined the scheme.

dIReCtoRy

Participants are helped to achieve their aim through a free Active Living directory, which offers information and choice about sports, exercise and recreational activities available in clubs, centres and classes across the borough.

The directory includes something for everyone, regardless of age, ability or budget: whether your preference is dancing, walking, swimming, keep fit, yoga, or a myriad of other choices, if you are over 45 you can find it in Kingston.

PASSPoRtS

Active Living Passports help people take the first step into exercise, increase what they already do, or just keep at it. The passports get stamped every time the holder takes exercise in any of the clubs, classes or centres listed in the directory. Incentive prizes are given at the 12th and 24th stamps; at the 36th (final) stamp, the participant is invited to choose from a range of prizes. All passport completers are entered into a quarterly draw and invited to a tea dance.

For more information contact Grace Shorthouse (Active Living Project Coordinator), Age Concern Kingston on 020 8942 8256 or view the Active Living Directory on www.kingston.gov.uk/active_living.

ACCeSSIng IndePendent AdvoCACy

Westminster Advocacy Service for Senior Residents (WASSR) and Age Concern London invite all chief officers of Age Concern organisations and other providers of advocacy for older people in London to a morning seminar at WASSR’s offices in Soho on 1 April. WASSR will share the findings of its survey of advocacy available across London, and the morning will include an interactive presentation about advocacy quality standards and meeting commissioners’ requirements.

For information contact [email protected].

Stop press 10 June: Birmingham national conference on independent advocacy for older people with dementia. Further information from [email protected].

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

11


RedbRIdge

Tina Sinclair

Age Concern Redbridge runs three projects to encourage healthy ageing and healthy eating and to prevent falls. Each provides information and practical support to improve awareness and increase levels of physical activity for people aged 50 and over.

heALthy AgeIng

Trained volunteers work with groups over twelve to fourteen weeks, during which time they learn about healthy diets by planning, shopping and cooking together. Each session ends with participants cooking a healthy lunch. There has been a significant reduction in the use of salt and ghee, along with general increased awareness and improved eating habits. Some groups have continued to meet after completing the programme: participants have not only become interested in improving their diet, they have also made new friends.

PReventIng FALLS

The Falls Service gives presentations and information and has developed the borough’s coordinated falls strategy. The service is also responsible for the Falls Pathway, which ensures that older people who have fallen or who may be at risk of falling are given information on falls prevention and referred to professionals if appropriate. The recent introduction of a self-referral form has had an excellent response. Feedback indicates a greater awareness of the need for medication reviews and exercise. An exercise instructor provides chair based and one to one exercise, which has resulted in a marked improvement in balance and mobility.

outCoMeS

The projects have been well supported by people from the whole community, with black or other minority racial groups, along with people with disabilities, including dementia, being well represented.

User surveys have shown great advantages, for example 78 per cent of those attending exercise classes have noticed an improvement in their mobility. However, what is more difficult to quantify is the social impact of joining the groups. Sixty-eight per cent of participants said they had experienced an improvement socially and 73 per cent felt their general wellbeing had improved. People show a commitment to attending, make new friends and often problem solve for each other by sharing experiences.

All round the outcomes are positive and the project hopes to develop the services further.

For further information ring 020 8220 6000.

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

12


Sutton: voLunteeR beFRIendIng

Age Concern Sutton’s Health and Wellbeing project provides a range of services to give older residents the power to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. brenda bartlett writes about her experience of supporting the project through volunteer befriending.

I became involved with Age Concern Sutton when I heard about the health and wellbeing project. The project especially supports those who are lonely, isolated or living alone. It offers tai chi and a chair based exercise class, with free transport for those who are housebound, and provides health, diet and benefit information and advice. I was particularly interested in the befriending service and soon signed up as a volunteer befriender.

I’d always been busy, juggling life as a wife and mother with my job as a sheltered housing warden. I’ve been retired for many years now, but luckily still have good health and family support to do something I really enjoy and find rewarding.

deLIght

once my references and CRB check were cleared and I’d completed my training, it wasn’t long before the coordinator rang. She had assessed a client and thought we would be a good match. I had mentioned that when I was a warden I enjoyed spending free time with the residents who were blind, reading to them or sorting out their paper work. I was delighted when I started working with Ellen, who is blind.

AMAZed

Following our introduction we arranged that I would visit her once a week. I soon became aware of what Ellen could and couldn’t do. She never ceases to amaze me. Her favourite hobby is crocheting: she uses two different coloured wools to make beautiful bedspreads. She can tell the difference between a £5, £10 and £20 note by folding them in different ways. Ellen lives in sheltered housing and enjoys singing and dressing up with the karaoke group. now I enjoy searching the sales and charity shops for outfits for her.

PoetRy

It didn’t take us long to realise we had more in common than just our ages and ability to talk for England. We discovered we had both in the past written poetry and had it published, strangely enough by the same publisher.

I hadn’t written anything for a while but not long after I started visiting Ellen I wrote Total Darkness. I dedicated it to Ellen and presented her with a copy when it was recently published.

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

13


toWeR hAMLetS: bAngLAdeShI MentAL heALth PRoJeCtSSyeda Ali

The Bangladeshi Mental Health Projects, run by Age Concern Tower Hamlets and Alzheimer’s Society Tower Hamlets, aim to raise awareness about factors that contribute to the mental health wellbeing of the borough’s Bangladeshi elder community. The projects aim to help people promote their mental wellbeing and encourage them to take up voluntary and statutory services that meet their mental health needs.

The two organisations work in partnership. Age Concern’s work has an emphasis on raising awareness about depression; the Alzheimer’s Society focuses more on informing elders about how to lower their risk of dementia. once carers and people with dementia are identified, the Society carries out individual casework.

Both organisations use a variety of methods, including holding stalls at health promotion events and running workshop sessions on understanding depression as well as delivering talks on dementia awareness.

InteRACtIve

Age Concern’s workshop sessions are held in service user settings such as older people’s groups and day centres. They normally consist of viewing ‘Moner Shanti’ (Peace of Mind), a fifteen minute educational drama film produced by AC Tower Hamlets that highlights the impact of depression on a family and demonstrates ways of overcoming it. It discusses symptoms, issues and available services. The talks on dementia awareness delivered by Alzheimer’s Society in older people’s groups also use visual aids.

These interactive ways of engaging with Bangladeshi elders have proved to be successful and beneficial, as they open up a space for them to talk about the issues they face and ask for help. Written information in Bengali as well as leaflets about local support services is provided at the meetings.

WoRKIng WIth PRoFeSSIonALS

The two organisations are also working with local professionals to maximise the potential for raising awareness. For example, AC Tower Hamlets is working in partnership with local community development workers and organisations such as MInd by sharing resources and promoting the use of the ‘Moner Shanti’ film and resource pack.

For further information about the projects contact Syeda Ali (Bangladeshi Mental Health Project) on [email protected] or 020 8981 7124 or Nadeya Zaman (Bangladeshi Dementia Awareness Project) on [email protected] or 020 7392 9631.

The Moner Shanti film and resource pack can be viewed via http://tinyurl.com/d9axbd.

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

14


WALthAM FoReSt: boCCIASheena Dunbar

Age Concern Waltham Forest’s Healthy Ageing programme recently received a grant from the Gannett Foundation to set up Boccia teams amongst local groups. The funding was used to buy four sets of Boccia balls, four ramps for use by people with mobility problems and four training dVds. Four local groups that want to develop teams have been identified.

An instructor from the local Sports development Council, which provided taster sessions last year, will attend the first team sessions to instruct older adults how to play Boccia.

CRoSS boRough CoMPetItIonSAC Waltham Forest plans to set up a local older adults’ league, so that teams will be able to play in competitions. The game is also being developed locally with younger disabled people, so intergenerational competitions may follow.

AC Waltham Forest would like to hear from older adults Boccia teams in other boroughs so that it can arrange cross borough competitions.

For further information contact JeanWilliams on 020 8558 8456 or [email protected].

WeStMInSteR: ReAChIng uMichelle Stamou

Reaching U, a joint project between Age Concern Westminster, open Age (a user led charity working across Kensington, Chelsea and Westminster – see www.openage.co.uk) and Westminster Adult Education Service, offers a wide range of activities and classes for people in the borough aged over 50.

The project aims to help older people maintain an active lifestyle and encourage participation. Activities range from art, line dancing, tai chi, digital photography and Chinese ribbon dance, to French, singing for all, reminiscence using computers and chair based exercise.

For details contact AC Westminster on 020 7724 6930.

Boccia is a bowling game descended from Greek ball tossing games. A similar game was played throughout the Roman Empire and later developed into varieties such as lawn bowling and boules. It can be played by anyone, irrespective of physical ability, and at any level. It first appeared as a Paralympic sport in 1984 and in 2008 Great Britain won the Paralympics gold medal.

Boccia is played between individuals, pairs or teams of three. A match comprises either four or six ends. The ball can be propelled onto court by throwing or kicking it. Players unable to grip or throw the ball use a ramp and have an assistant to work with them.

A Boccia training session

Gab

riele

Jer

ome

15


ShARIng beSt PRACtICe

Executives from Abbey Bank and four London Age Concerns are participating in a mentoring programme designed to share best practice in the private and third sectors.

The scheme will involve four executive team leaders from Abbey mentoring four Age Concern chief executives. over the year the programme will involve personal and group sessions, enabling participants to maximise the value gained from the programme and from each other.

Abbey’s Head of Talent Management, Caroline Curtis said, ‘Through this collaboration we can provide essential insight on major organisational change which we hope will provide effective best practice approaches for Age Concerns in London. For our executives, it is a brilliant opportunity to develop and improve the key leadership skill of mentoring and so enhance self-awareness through personal coaching.’

Sam Mauger, Chief Executive at Age Concern London, described the partnership as ‘a fantastic opportunity for both parties to spend time with each other to improve awareness of how successful organisations working in different sectors operate’.

MAKIng the MoSt oF the neW MedIA – MedIA LIteRACy FoR the oveR-50S

Wednesday 1 April 2009: 10.30am-4.15pm, bt Centre, St Paul’s, London eC1

Television, broadband and the internet are converging at an ever-increasing pace, bringing many new benefits within reach of viewers, especially those aged over 50. Yet older people are the least likely to take advantage of the new opportunities as, according to Age Concern research, nearly half of them do not even have access to a computer.

Voice of the Listener & Viewer (VLV) is holding this conference to help dispel the fears many older viewers have about new technology and encourage them to find out about the new opportunities and services it will bring.

Contributors include Roger Bolton (Radio 4’s Feedback), Evan davis (BBC’s Dragon’s Den and Today) and former ITn newscaster Martyn Lewis. Patricia Routledge will join Martyn in the final session to act as a guinea pig and demonstrate some of the new systems now available.

An accompanying hands-on exhibition will enable participants to send an e-mail, experience logging on to the web, and see a demonstration of voice-activated software.

Cost: £10, including lunch. For further information contact Linda Forbes on 01474 352835 or [email protected], visit www.VLV.org.uk or send a cheque payable to VLV to VLV, Po Box 401, Gravesend dA12 9FY.

© C

opyright Age C

oncern

16


WARMIng WInteR

hannah Conning describes an innovative way of helping older people to stay warm during the winter months.

This year, with soaring energy prices and the financial crisis, many older people will find it particularly difficult to heat their homes and keep warm during winter. In an attempt to prevent increasing numbers of winter related illnesses and deaths amongst older Londoners, Age Concern London, in partnership with the Mayor’s office, the British Film Institute (BFI) and the Energy Saving Trust, is making a warm-hearted, tongue in cheek film where older people share the inventive ways they have used to survive living with fuel poverty in past winters. It will show there are simple measures that can be taken to enable older people to have a warm winter.

CoPIng

The twenty-five minute film-documentary is being produced by a group of older filmmakers who are part of the BFI seniors’ group. It will show how older people have been

managing during the winter months while living on their state pension and offer safe and easy tips as well as suggesting how older Londoners can get help if they aren’t coping with increasing fuel costs and keeping warm during winter.

eneRgy eFFICIenCy

The firm will also look at energy efficiency measures, such as home insulation, which enable people to lower their fuel bills, and describe how individuals may be eligible for benefits that will increase their income. It will suggest cheap and practical solutions that older people can use during colder months.

SeLF-heLP

We hope to use the film to show that people don’t have to endure hardship in winter by conveying how some older people have helped themselves out of fuel poverty and found the help that they are entitled to.

© C

opyr

ight

Age

Con

cern

hoW to get InvoLved

We are looking for older people who would be interested in being filmed talking about their experiences of keeping warm in winter. If you or someone you know would like more information on how to get involved please contact Hannah Conning on 020 7820 6778 or [email protected].

17


dIggIng FoR goLd

Age Concern London is making a film to celebrate the success of older Londoners and their contribution to London. hannah Conning gives details.

‘digging for Gold’ seeks to change perceptions about older people and highlight the energy, skills and knowledge Londoners share across our communities.

The film will trace the journey of an older volunteer searching London for innovative projects and services, originated or significantly managed by older people, professionals and volunteers, that have profoundly changed older people’s lives and given them a stake in their community. We will ask how they got their projects off the ground, built community involvement and kept the funds coming in.

Research began in January; filming will start in the spring. The film will be widely distributed on dVd.

PRoCeSS

This unique filmmaking process, involving older and younger volunteers working together with film professionals, will be documented separately on video.

We will show the research team talking to London councils, social services, primary care trusts, information and advice services, local Age Concern offices and other agencies about projects that address the following issues:

Fighting isolation• : projects seeking common ground and integration within communities, for example: regeneration and similar community projects; PoPS (Partnership with older People) and LInK (Link Age Plus) schemes; intergenerational projects; community police policies; information and advice initiatives run by and for older people.

healthcare within the nhS• : initiatives that involve older people in training healthcare workers to support older people in hospitals and in community aftercare services.

Wellbeing in the community• : holistic approaches to preventive healthcare, linking services and bringing older people from different communities together to address common health maintenance needs; flexible transport management; car-pooling for appointments and social events; community advice services run by older people.

Flexible work opportunities and volunteering• : overcoming benefits’ barriers; skills banks.

Politics• : influencing policy, participation and mobilising the older vote; Youth Parliament.

Arts and education• : successful visual and performing artists; Age Exchange; older artists, actors and teachers working with young people.

get In touCh

If you are involved in a project working to improve and enhance the lives of older people or you know of an older person who has really made a difference to their local community please contact Hannah Conning on 020 7820 6778 or [email protected].

Jackie dew

e Mathew

s

Tai chi class,Age Concern Waltham Forest

• Older people of African and Caribbean origin are more likely to have high blood pressure (hypertension).

• African and Caribbean men are three times more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than white men.

Because of the increased risks we’ve revised two Information Guides that promote healthy ageing and healthy living for older people in African and Caribbean and South Asian communities. Call our FREE Phone Information Line to order your FREE copies of Saltfi sh, peppers, rice and peas and Khana aur sehat.

Want to lead a healthier lifestyle? Order your FREE Information Guide today

• South Asians are 5-6 times more likely to be at risk of Type 2 diabetes.

• South Asians have much lower rates of physical activity compared to the general population.

Did you know … ?

Also available Your home, your choice – Your options, where to get help and what to do next

How to claim benefi ts – About your entitlements, organisations that can help and what to do next

How to orderThere’s no minimum order size and no charge for postage or packing.

Simply call our FREE phone Information Line on: 0800 00 99 66 Or visit: www.ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/information-guides-list to download your free copies today!

London Age ad DC 02.09.indd 1 17/2/09 13:37:56

London Age · London Age – focusing ... the Princess Royal Trust and the Energy ... Age Concern...

Documents

Transcript of London Age · London Age – focusing ... the Princess Royal Trust and the Energy ... Age Concern...