news agenda

The newspaper of Age Concern Kingston upon Thames

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Issue 12 l Spring 2012

INSIDE:

London mayor elections page 2

Why volunteer? page 3

Interview with Siobhan Clarke page 4

Making a difference!
22nd November 2011 proved to be a very special day for staff and volunteers at Age Concern Kingston as they won the 2011 Guardian Public Services Award for Service Delivery: Care of Older People. The Fit as a Fiddle (FAAF) project, funded by the Big Lottery, beat stiff competition from hundreds of local and national organisations. The panel of judges chose Age Concern Kingston FAAF because of its demonstration of good practice and promotion of community cohesion.

Fit as a Fiddle quick facts

l 350 participants over two years l 23 six-week programmes have been run l Activities included Nordic walking, keep fit, line dancing, Bollywood dancing, aquacise, body balance and singing l Healthy lifestyle workshops involved learning about food groups, menu planning, exercise theory and practice and sustainability l The programme promoted community cohesion through local venues and champions
Nordic walking, just one of the many popular activities run by the successful Fit as a Fiddle project Grace Shorthouse with the award

Motivation
Since its set up in April 2010, the project has supported 350 people over the age of 50 who wanted to lose weight and keep fit. No wonder the judges were impressed 75% of participants lost weight and now eat more healthily and 86% have more active lifestyles, leading to improved balance, strength and posture. One woman reflected, When you get old you dont think you can do things, so you dont try; its given me confidence, I now know I can do anything. FAAF has provided the inspiration, motivation and self-esteem that many participants had given up on.

l Successfully targeted hard to reach groups l Worked with individuals with mental health challenges l 75% of participants lost weight and now eat more healthily l 86% of participants lead more active lifestyles l A potential reduction in fall-related accidents and obesity-related health conditions l For every 1 invested, a 3.50 social return on investment

Champions further supported FAAF by engaging with people from minority groups and those living in deprived circumstances. Care and consideration was taken to tailor activities to meet the needs of different cultures and last April the programme was adapted to work with people with mental health challenges.

Success
The success of the project rests largely upon Grace Shorthouse, FAAF project coordinator and local champions who led activities, publicised the programme and ensured the activities continued after the initial six weeks.

Savings
The project showed that supporting people to make informed lifestyle choices can lead to better quality of life and a reduced strain on public services. The Big Lottery commissioned an independent evaluation of the project.

Their study found that demand on the NHS for fall-related incidents (for which Kingstons record is worse than the national average) and obesity-related health problems would potentially be reduced. It is estimated that there could be as much as 29,100 per annum of avoided falls treatment costs and a total value benefit for obesity-related health problems estimated at 1,530. Researchers used a recognised measurement known as Social Return on Investment (SROI) to evaluate the social value of the programme, concluding that the approximate social return on investment generated by FAAF is 3.50 for every 1 invested.

If you would like further information about Fit as a Fiddle please contact Grace Shorthouse on 020 8942 8256, email grace@ageconcernkingston.org

London mayor election

The three most prominent candidates in the London mayoral elections, taking place on 3rd May, are Ken Livingstone, Boris Johnson and Brian Paddick. agenda news asked them to speak about why they deserve your votes.

Ken Livingstone I am proud that one of the first acts of my political career was to help introduce the Freedom Pass. Ever since, I have been committed to delivering, extending and protecting it. Thats true again in 2012. Not only will my Fare Deal plan to cut fares by 7% save the average Londoner 1,000 over the next four years, it will also make the cost of delivering the Freedom Pass cheaper for local councils facing tough decisions. As Mayor I introduced Safer Neighbourhood teams into every community across the capital. But Boris Johnson has cut police numbers by 1,700, as incidents of violent crimes have risen. Every Londoner has the right to feel safe in their home and their street, and thats why Im committed to restoring Boris Johnsons cuts to police numbers. I care passionately about London and will always put Londoners first.

Boris Johnson As Mayor of London, I have focused on making London safer and better. I am putting 1,000 more police on our streets and one million more patrols annually. This has cut crime by 10% and London is the safest it has been for 10 years. 697 police have been placed on Londons transport network and alcohol banned on our tubes and buses. I have secured 22bn to make our transport more reliable. Ken Livingstones policy of raising taxes especially hurts pensioners who are on fixed incomes. In contrast I have frozen City Halls council tax and am cutting it this year. I extended the Freedom Pass to 24 hours, making travel more convenient for older commuters. I have also tackled rising fuel bills by introducing the RE: NEW scheme to make your houses more efficient.

Brian Paddick This May, Londoners arent just electing a Mayor; theyre electing the head of the Capitals policing, the most important elected police chief in the country. As a Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met Police, with over 30 years of experience in the police, Im the perfect candidate. Crime is the number one issue for Londoners. After last summers riots, and a rise in robbery and burglary, Im not surprised. Im passionate about improving the relationship between police and communities. I look forward to letting Londoners know how I plan to change the face of policing and restore that trust and confidence weve lost in the way in which they respond and operate. I want to use this opportunity to repeat my promise that the London Liberal Democrats would ensure the continuation of the Freedom Pass.

Cabinet role for local MP

Liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton since 1997, Ed Davey has been promoted to secretary of state for energy and climate change. Before the general election back in 2010, Ed told agenda news (which in the last issue featured the impact of high energy costs on older households) that he was a strong supporter of Age Concern Kingston, and keen to see them properly resourced. Speaking at Westminster, Ed said: Ive now got to take up the challenges, the challenge of climate change, of energy security and Im particularly conscious of the impact on consumer households across the country of high energy bills. Eds new job will take him into the realms of international climate talks.

In April an information booklet will be sent to every Londoner, this will include information on all candidates and how to fill in ballot papers. If you would like to receive the booklet in large print, audio format or Braille contact London Elects at info@londonelects.org.uk / 020 7983 4444.

How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8942 8256 Email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org Website: www.ageconcernkingston.org

age concern 2012 London

Kingston upon Thames

Editorial Team: Tom Bell, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Debbie Cottrell. agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org You can view agenda news on our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org and follow the links. The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, email: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, telephone: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper

In the summer edition of agenda news, as well as the Jubilee and European football celebrations, well be looking forward to the main event of the century so far the 2012 London Olympics. Locally, theres a lot happening. The main event for Kingston is the Cycle Road Race which hits town on 28th and 29th July; there is also the Cycle Time Trial on 1st August. As well as these events there will be many local activities for the community, involving all ages, and we encourage readers to get involved. Age Concern Kingston will be participating in some joint fundraising activities, including a Guinness World Record attempt! If you are interested in joining us then get in touch. The summer edition will be out in early June.

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Feedback
Why should I do voluntary work? This was a question I asked many times before I joined Age Concern Kingston. This is the story of how I became a volunteer and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. In 2009, along with thousands of others, I found myself unemployed. After the initial shock, upset and anger, I realised I would have to sign on at the Job Centre. Being in my fifties, I knew my search for employment was not going to be easy, but at the time I did not anticipate just how hard it would be. As the weeks turned into months, interviews did not materialise and no offers of work came my way. My selfesteem, confidence, and mood became extremely low and all I could think about was the skills I had built up over the years going to waste. I felt totally abandoned, useless and worthless. Reaction After some months I had to attend a group session at the Job Centre. It was suggested that voluntary work can sometimes lead to permanent employment and also looks good on a CV. My reaction to this was: I dont want to volunteer I want paid work, so I took no action. On one of many days, sitting at home browsing websites in search of work, I came across I enjoyed most, and which to me was most important, was meeting and greeting the centre users, having a chat with them and helping them out if necessary. I began looking forward to my Monday morning my mood and confidence began to lift, my self-esteem started to return. I began to feel normal and not so isolated and I was also learning. Confidence After 21 months without paid employment, I successfully applied for a position as a Receptionist/Appointments Clerk. I was over the moon, Christine Davies at Raleigh House however, a big part of me will miss doing my voluntary work. Age Concern Kingston. Volunteering for me has only First looking at job vacancies, been a good experience. It has I noticed a section on given me back my self-esteem volunteering. I noted the and confidence. I also learned telephone number, but even a lot. Ive met different people then it took a time before I and the most important thing rang. When I eventually called, is that members and staff I was at rock bottom. I went appreciate the help you give. along and had a chat with a I also believe that working for lady who dealt with volunteers Age Concern helped me get who told me they needed the paid job due to the someone to handle the cash rescue it provided when and general admin duties in I was very down. Raleigh day centre. Pointing So, if you are thinking about out that I was looking for paid volunteering, dont just sit work and that I had no there, go and do it! Who experience of some of the knows what you might gain duties involved, I was taken on. from it? I found the staff very friendly, I know I will go back to helpful and the place had a volunteering one day. happy feel about it. The thing Christine Davies

AGENDA EDITORIAL

Why should I do voluntary work? Care reform: an issue

which concerns us all
The academic Andrew Dilnot was asked by the government in 2010 to look for solutions to the problem of funding long term care. It now looks as though the Coalition will not implement his recommendations, which included a proposed cap of 35,000 on the amount any individual would have to spend on their own care. Dilnot suggested his reforms would cost 1.7bn; the Treasury, in this current climate, believes this is unaffordable. As readers will know, this issue has been ducked and side stepped for years. It affects us all as family members, as tax payers, as service users, as consumers and with an ageing population it is as clear as day that reform in this area is desperately needed. An announcement will be made over the coming months. Preventable Meanwhile, up and down the country, including in Kingston, local councils and the NHS are grappling with the realities of providing care for older people. Most people agree that there need to be changes in the way care is delivered to improve peoples quality of life and save money over the long term. As Siobhan Clarke observes on page 4, most of us want to grow older in the familiar surroundings of our own homes. In the drive to support people in this against a background of cuts, it is essential that small services, that little bit of help, are available and easy to access. The kind of small service which provides low-cost handrails and fixes the loose carpets that cause the preventable falls that result in the unnecessary hospital stays, that cost the NHS millions and result in people going prematurely into residential care.

Award-winner
Many of our lead stories have quite rightly covered the crisis in the economy, especially its effects on care and health services. This is our 12th edition and it is refreshing to lead with the positive news of Age Concern Kingston achieving a tremendous accolade in winning the Guardian Award. Clearly this is good grounds to blow our own trumpet, but the truth is we achieve nothing on our own. It is a fantastic example of what can be done when partnerships work. Indeed, valuing people, their interests and their involvement is the key to success. We would like to thank everyone involved for making Fit as a Fiddle an award-winner.

We are grateful to Christine for her feedback. The full version of her article can be found on our website. Please send your letters and feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org

The helpers high

Studies show that we can get as much out of volunteering as the people we are giving our time for or to. Giving to others through volunteering and in other ways is associated with reduced depression and anxiety and increased personal well-being and happiness. Scientists believe that altruistic behaviour releases endorphins in the brain, producing a positive feeling termed the helpers high. Whats more, volunteering is one way to actively participate in social and community life, which is also strongly associated with happiness and life satisfaction. Why not do something for your community today? Call Age Concern Kingston on 020 8942 8256 to find out more about volunteer opportunities.

Winners of the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People 2011

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AGENDA INTERvIEW

The NHS with bells on

agenda news spoke to Siobhan Clarke, Managing Director of the social enterprise Your Healthcare CIC to find out what health and social care reform means for older residents living in Kingston upon Thames.
Tell us a little about Your Healthcare My team and I oversaw the process of separating NHS provider services from the PCT and creating Your Healthcare CIC (Community Interest Company). After a year of consultations with staff and unions and having looked at all the options this was the best fit. The social enterprise Your Healthcare was created in July 2008 and since then has been delivering front line healthcare services. Social enterprises are just businesses with a social value ethos, which are not-for-profit but actually do need to be profitable and viable businesses. When we generate surplus it doesnt go in our pockets, it has to go back into local service provision. Were the NHS with bells on; our staff are still in receipt of NHS pensions and we still deliver NHSfunded services. The difference is theyre provided by people who have a very local focus, who want Kingston upon Thames (and our services in Richmond) to benefit first. So will there be some changes for Kingstons health and social care? When Your Healthcare became the successor of the NHS organisation within Kingston upon Thames, one of our straplines was: Same services, same people, same place, because nothing really changed, just the organisation model and thats important for people to realise. Were not putting services in jeopardy; in fact, we have preserved the services that local people want. So everything from District Nursing, Health Visiting, School Nursing, Rehabilitation, Learning Disability Services, Physiotherapy, Podiatry, our Cedars Unit on the Tolworth site, to services that will be provided out of the new Surbiton Hospital redevelopment, are still the same. Some of the changes that might happen locally will be as a result of our partnering opportunities with other organisations. For instance, our partnership with Age Concern Kingston is incredibly important to us and what we would like to do is make a difference, not just to older people, but a difference to the quality of life as people progress through their lives. How will Your Healthcare benefit older people? Just because you are getting older doesnt necessarily mean you feel it or you want to act it, you just want to have a good time like everybody else. We want to listen to older people, know where they like to socialise and who they enjoy socialising with. We want to encourage older people to undertake activities, to learn whats out there and to keep up with their interests. Also, giving people the right support through challenging periods means enabling people to stay in their own homes rather than going into hospital or residential homes. When Im older thats where I want to be, home is where I feel most safe and if I end up with a dementia, memory loss problem or a long term condition, then I know that I will feel more settled in an environment that I know. And that is what local people tell us they want too. Weve spoken about the potential outcomes of Your Healthcare, but what could be the challenges that you are likely to face in the future? Everyone has noticed the economic downturn. I think its even more important that were not wasting money, that anything that isnt a direct service benefit is something that you need to question the merit of. Our commissioners have got a really tough task, and sometimes its very difficult to show the outcome of the services that you provide. For instance, if you look at something like health visiting, its often said that the outcome isnt known until that young child whos been cared for is an adult thats one long time to wait for an outcome! We must take a long term view so there is a lot of work to do; its going to be a continuing challenge to demonstrate the quality of our input. In the long term, what do you hope for Kingston? In a very short time, Your Healthcare has already managed to gain an excellent reputation for high quality delivery of services and enhancing existing healthcare programmes. What wed love for Kingston is to be seen as an exemplar, an area where local people really identify with the services that they receive. To be known as that place where the barriers were dropped, services are known to be high quality, green rated across the board, partnerships are brilliant and where older people can stay in their homes being looked after well, feeling safe and arent feeling isolated. That would be fantastic. How can readers find out more about Your Healthcare? You could visit our website: www.yourhealthcare.org, pick up a membership leaflet or call us on 020 8339 8000.

Siobhan Clarke is a nurse professional with extensive experience in the NHS. She joined NHS Kingston Primary Care Trust (PCT) in September 2007 from Hillingdon PCT, where she was Director of Provider Services and Chief Nurse.

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First Contact l 020 8408 8170

Age Concern Kingston telephone helpline number, open Monday to Friday 10.00am 12.00 noon

First Contact advisors praised by CLS

Age Concern Kingstons First Contact service has recently been successfully audited for the Community Legal Service Quality Mark to provide advice and information to older people. Age Concern Kingston was originally awarded the Quality Mark in 2001 and has continued to hold it for the past decade. The auditor recorded that: The care and dedication of long serving staff enhance the service provided. The professionalism and accountability of staff should be acknowledged as a key strength. Mary Macan, Information, Advice and Advocacy Coordinator for the First Contact service, said: The advice and information service is made up of a team of experienced staff and volunteers. We are totally dedicated to ensuring older residents in the borough receive an excellent service. We respond with speed, impartiality and empathy to the concerns and issues affecting all older people.

New pension and benefit rates for this tax year

The following are basic pension and benefit rates for April 2012 to April 2013. Rules and rates can change depending on your circumstances, so if you are not sure what you can claim please call us on the First Contact number above. Even if you have not been able to claim money in the past, you might be able to now. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Our service is free and completely confidential.

State Retirement Pension

Cat A 107.45 Cat B 64.40 Cat D (non-contributory, aged 80 or over) 64.40

Pension Credit
Minimum Guarantee Single Person Minimum Guarantee Couple 142.70 217.90

Attendance Allowance
Lower rate Higher rate 51.85 77.45

Disability Living Allowance

Care component Lower rate Middle rate Higher rate Mobility component Lower rate Higher rate 20.55 51.85 77.45 20.55 54.05 58.45

The powers in your hands

Worried about paying your gas or electric bill?
If you have difficulty paying your electricity or gas bills, you can come to an agreement with your fuel supplier about how to pay off arrears. Fuel suppliers must follow standard conditions for customers who have problems paying. The supplier must offer an arrangement to pay off arrears at an affordable rate in a method of payment most suitable for your personal and financial circumstances.

Carers Allowance Housing and Council Tax benefit

Personal Allowances Single under 65 Single over 65 Couple under 65 One or both over 65

142.70 161.25 217.90 241.65

Need help with fuel arrears?

Some energy suppliers have set up independent charitable trusts which give grants to some of their customers to help them pay for fuel arrears. This may also be provided to pay for other household bills.

Dont be left staring at a blank screen!

The digital switchover for Kingston Borough takes place on 4th and 18th April. If you dont have a digital TV by the time of the switchover, your TV will no longer receive a signal and will go blank. Help is available for older and disabled people. For information on how this may affect you call 0800 40 85 900 (a free call). If you have a digital TV or Freeview box you can retune your TV by following some simple instructions. Age Concern Kingston can help you with this. Just call Heather, Age Concern Kingstons Handyperson Coordinator, on 020 8942 8256.

Are you a vulnerable customer?

Ensure the fuel company knows if you are of pensionable age, have long-term ill-health, a Check youre getting a good deal on your fuel disability or have severe financial problems. You may have extra protection from being disconnected. If you would like to speak to someone in confidence about any difficulties you have paying your bills, contact our First Contact advisors on the number above.

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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons are also available for members and non-members. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Cathy Weight

The Bradbury
The Bradbury is a drop in centre for the over 50s. With a lively, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, Bradbury offers a wide range of activities, from tai chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches (including a roast lunch on a Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. In the summer you can eat al fresco as we have a pleasant patio garden. The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Coordinator: Lucy Webster

The Bradbury Internet Caf

Bring your laptop for help from friendly volunteers and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee at the same time. 1st Tuesday of the month, 2 4pm, 2 per person including tea/coffee. Next date 3rd April.

A good time to laugh is any time you can

vijay Patel runs for the Saturday Club

When reaching the finishing line my thoughts turned to the pain I felt in my legs, however the joy and sense of accomplishment you feel afterwards is like no other. Vijay Patel raised 636.50 for the Saturday Club run by Age Concern Kingston after completing a marathon run in France. The Saturday Club is for people living with dementia and their families and carers to access support and stimulation in a social surrounding. The Saturday Club is a donations-funded service so this money is really needed and very much appreciated. Vijay feels as if hes known Raleigh House for years due to his personal connection with the centre through his sister, Operations Coordinator Jyoti Patel. It was so nice to visit the Saturday Clubs Christmas party as you really get the chance to see how important and vital such a service is. Thank you to everyone who sponsored Vijay. If you would like to make a donation to Age Concern Kingston towards the Saturday Club please contact our admin team on 020 8942 8256.

It was excellent, I didnt want it to end, and I hope they will be back again soon. Bradbury member
If a laugh a day keeps the doctor away, then members of the Bradbury Active Age Centre will be in the doctors good books after Silver Comedy came to visit in January. The group were crying with laughter as they impersonated Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II and in stitches during the murder mystery finale, as Silver Comedy trio, George, Carlton and Kate tried to work out who killed the onion seller tickled to death by a feather boa! Silver Comedy works with organisations and groups, providing specialist comedy trainers and comedians to engage and entertain older people and mixed age groups. Their skilled trainers enable people to make their own fun, including supporting improvisation, sketch writing and live performances. For more information about Silver Comedy, feel free to contact George Badderly: email george@silvercomedy.co.uk or tel 0752 515 4616.

Celebrate with us this summer!

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Get involved with the Queens Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics this summer with Age Concern Kingston. Raleigh House and the Bradbury Centre will be hosting a variety of themed activities to coincide with the nations two major events. Many readers will remember the Coronation and the last

London games in 1948. Were you there? Send us your memories and stories, or have your say on this years events and feature in the summer edition of agenda news. Write to us at agenda news, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org.

Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

Making later life a greater life

lendahand

DIARY DATES
Age Concern training and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am 2.00pm at Raleigh House. Next dates: 10th March, 14th April, 12th May, 9th June, 14th July. 3 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256/020 8949 4244 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.

Mobility Club
For people using mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Second Wednesday of the month, 3.00pm 4.30pm at Raleigh House. Contact Cathy on 020 8942 8256/020 8949 4244 or email cathy@ageconcernkingston.org for more information or if you would like to attend.

Lunch Clubs
In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court The Charles Lesser Lunch Club Lunch Club Tuesdays Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, New Malden Charles Lesser House, Chessington For more information call 020 8942 8256.

volunteering opportunities
What is Lend a Hand?
Lend a Hand is a voluntary service for older carers of another older person nearing the end of their life. Volunteers meet weekly with carers on a one-to-one basis to support them in accessing the information, advice and support they need. This might include information on benefits, money matters and practical help, providing links with local solicitors and support services including counselling and bereavement support. Carers of people at the end of their lives say they just want a listening ear, someone to be there for them in person, someone to share the emotion and practical burden of their situation. One carer said: There are so many difficult choices to make as a carer, what helped me the most was knowing there was someone to support me throughout.

What kind of volunteer are we looking for?

l You will be a committed, reliable individual with respect for boundaries and confidentiality. l Friendly yet sensitive, you will listen and respond empathetically to carers without judgement. l You will be able to commit 25 hours a month, speak with carers and the volunteer coordinator weekly and attend monthly meetings and workshops. l As well as an opportunity for personal development, you will be part of a national pilot project, receive training and gain valuable experience. If you feel you can offer support to an older person who is caring for a loved one in their last months then we would like to hear from you. For further information, or an informal chat, please contact Mary or Debbie on 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org.

Whats on in Kingston
Kingston Pensioners Forum
Second Monday of the month at Richard Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston. For more info call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.

u3A Kingston
First Monday of the month, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.

Dont go hungry
Age Concern Kingston has joined other local organisations as a distributor for the newly launched Kingston Foodbank, providing food boxes for people and families in crisis. Age Concern Kingston will hold the food boxes in order to respond swiftly to any request we receive from an older Borough resident in difficulties. Food boxes will be delivered as soon as possible to the persons home. For more information please contact us on 020 8942 8256.

How can you help?

Help carers get the most out of the services, support and choices that are available to them and their families by volunteering for Lend a Hand.

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age concern
Kingston upon Thames

Delivering help at home!

Do you or anyone you know, need help with any of the following?
l Cleaning l Laundry and ironing l Shopping, collecting prescriptions and posting letters l Cooking and other household tasks l Regular social outings
As we grow older, managing the everyday practicalities and tasks of a home in later years can be both difficult and daunting and can also be a worry for our family and friends. Help@Home provides support with a range of practical tasks in and around the home, as well as social support and a direct link to all of Age Concern Kingstons other services, such as our In Touch telephone befriending scheme and Handyperson service. All staff members are trained, fully insured and CRB checked and can make sure that you get the right help if your circumstances change.

How does the Help@Home service work?

We will arrange an initial home assessment at a convenient time for you, and then match you with an experienced Home Helper. You will also receive an information pack about our full range of services.

How much does the Help@Home service cost?

There is a straightforward hourly charge of 14 (plus any expenses such as petrol for shopping trips). To find out more contact us at Age Concern Kingston on 020 8942 8256.

Little jobs need doing? Get them fixed for spring

Our Handyperson service can carry out small repairs, maintenance and adaptations which you might find difficult to do yourself, such as fitting a grab rail or curtain rail, changing a light bulb, hanging a shelf or fitting window locks and door chains. We aim to ensure that our customers remain safe and secure within their homes. We can carry out tasks that help prevent falls and improve home safety. The service is open to anyone over 55 years old and any adult with a disability who lives in the Borough of Kingston. It costs 20 for up to two hours, with materials charged at cost. Plus! We can provide one to one computer tuition and help with setting up laptops, tuning in digiboxes, DVD recorders and players. For more information or to book an appointment call Heather on 020 8942 8256 or email: heather@ageconcernkingston.org.

Age Concern Kingston upon Thames Charity Number 299988