Issue 1 l July 2009

agenda
Kingston upon Thames

FREE!

Your view, your life, your news

Guest interview page 7

INSIDE:

our vision for the future page 3

First contact page 5

Ten years young...

This year Age Concern Kingstonupon-Thames (ACKuT) celebrates its 10th birthday. The organisations roots date back to the post war period: the two charities which merged to form ACKuT in 1999 Malden and Coombe Older Peoples Welfare Association and Age Concern Kingston both had a long history of local service provision. ACKuT is now a thriving organisation which provides an array of services in and around the borough. The question now for the organisation is: what next? What will services for older people look like in the future and what do older people want?
Richard Bailey

DID you KNow?

A common misunderstanding about Age Concern Kingston is that it is a branch of a large national charity. In fact, ACKuT is an independently constituted organisation, responsible for its own operation and funding. It is a member of the federation of Age Concerns and, as such, meets certain independently evaluated quality standards. ACKuTs stated aim is to enable the estimated 26,000 people over the age of 60 in the Borough of Kingston upon Thames to live with independence and dignity, decide the direction of their own lives and enjoy life as part of the community. It also works to influence local policy and practice and to create a greater understanding of the needs of older people and their potential to contribute to community life.
lifetime as a volunteer and feel like a valued and productive member of society. ACKuT places itself firmly in the arena of preventative and well-being services and, as such, continues the voluntary tradition of meeting needs that the state does not. Nationally, government and opposition parties are
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Health
In twenty years time a quarter of the adult population will be aged over 65 and the number of people aged over 85 will have doubled. Longevity, whilst one of the greatest achievements of the twentieth century, poses challenges in terms of ensuring adequate resources for older people to enjoy well-being and quality of life. Local authorities which provide services for adults have, almost without exception, reduced access to those services in recent years. Now, all but the very frailest and most vulnerable are not entitled to state-funded social care.

Active
Over the past ten years ACKuT has evolved and expanded, and now has 30 staff and over 130 active volunteers, who are key to its work. From modest beginnings in 1999, with two older peoples centres: Bardwell House in Kingston and Raleigh House in New Malden, the organisation launched an information and advice service, which helps thousands of people each year and has gone on to develop a whole variety of services and projects. These include: l intergenerational work which seeks to foster social cohesion through integrating older and younger generations and which, in 2007, won the Queens Award for Voluntary Service l the Home Buddy project which partners volunteers with isolated people living in residential care l the Active Living scheme, which has

Time to celebrate

recruited over 1,500 over-45s to its passport programme, designed to motivate people to keep healthy through regular exercise. In 2005 ACKuT opened the Bradbury Active Age Centre. The first purposebuilt facility of its kind in the UK, the centre was built entirely through voluntary funding generated by ACKuT, at no cost to local tax payers. It now has over 300 active members who greatly value its lively mixture of social, learning and activity opportunities not to mention the delicious homemade cakes in its friendly caf!

Independence
Older people tell ACKuT that they value their independence and that simple services which can support them in maintaining that independence can make a huge difference to their lives: a place to go and meet other people once or twice a week; a friendly voice on the end of the phone; timely advice about their entitlements; help with shopping, cleaning and cooking; the opportunity to use the skills and experience of a

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placing an increasing emphasis on the role of the voluntary sector in service provision, with health services and local authorities urged to work in partnership with the sector and social enterprise promoted as a new means of achieving transformation of services. ACKuT takes the view that closer working between health and social care is a positive development for older people, that services should take a much more holistic approach to peoples needs, recognising that health, well-being and social circumstances are inextricably entwined.

Confidence
ACKuTs two newest projects Home Response and Stay Well take the organisation firmly in this direction. The Home Response service is working in partnership with Kingstons new clinical Urgent Care Assessment Team (KUCAT) to provide practical help and support for older people during an illness. The support of a volunteer who can do some shopping for someone, walk their dog or simply visit them to help them

regain their independence and confidence, could speed up that persons recovery from illness. The Stay Well programme is initially collaborating with three GP surgeries to develop and provide a preventative service which, by working proactively with older individuals, aims to prevent and reduce the number of occasions on which they attend their GP surgeries, accident and emergency unit, or go into hospital as a result of becoming ill or being isolated at home, or having a fall or accident. ACKuT has built on its community foundations and has a strong commitment to building effective services which are responsive to the needs and wants of local people. It aspires to make Kingston a better place to live for everybody: a borough in which people of all ages can enjoy health, well-being and quality of life. The organisation begins its second decade with a history of success behind it, with vision and with determination to be not just good, but great. Dont stop us now!

Students design helps piece together parts of the Alzheimers puzzle

Ben with Raleigh member, Kay

Agenda answers call for more accessible information

In publishing agenda, Age Concern Kingston is responding directly to a call for more information to be made available to older people. In 2004 the Royal Borough of Kingston produced a document entitled An Active Ageing Strategy for Kingston. It outlines plans to improve the health of older people by starting with action for all people over 50. Various issues were raised by older people during the consultation for the strategy and are discussed in depth. Consultations also highlighted the provision of information and its accessibility as major issues. It is clear that, while there are a number of good initiatives locally, older people are not always aware of them. 71% of respondents to a survey thought that a newsletter for older people in the borough would be the best way to provide information to older people. Age Concern Kingston has taken up this challenge and we hope that this and future issues of agenda will meet this need.

Kingston University design student, Ben Atkinson-Willes, 22, recently visited Age Concerns Raleigh day centre in New Malden to test the puzzle he has developed for people living with dementia. Ben, who is completing a degree in product and furniture design at Kingston University this year, was inspired to use his skills to create a specially-designed activity puzzle after his granddad was diagnosed with Alzheimers disease. Its important to keep people with Alzheimers as physically and mentally active for as long as possible, because it gives them a better quality of life in the long run, Ben explained. One thing my granddad loves doing is puzzles, but the products with fewer pieces were generally designed for very young children. I wanted to create something that would suit his need and respect his age. Ben trialled possible puzzle images, which include a Spitfire aircraft, train, dog and family at the beach, during research in care homes around Surrey. The eight images I have chosen were not only popular, but even prompted memories for some of the adults completing them, Ben said. One resident, who hadnt spoken all day during our testing, began talking about his time in the war when he completed the puzzle with a picture of a Spitfire, Ben said. This result, Ben explained, was especially important as people with Alzheimers often became more distant and reluctant to get involved in tasks as their confidence waned. Ben is now beginning to test the puzzles with people who are showing early signs of memory loss, hence his visit to Raleigh. Further information: info@benspuzzles.com Telephone: 07983159776

Age Concern Kingston upon Thames

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 First Contact Telephone Helpline: 020 8408 8170 (Open Monday to Friday 10 am to midday) Email: firstcontact@ageconcernkingston.org
Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. The views expressed in agenda are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Design: Eileen Higgins, email: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Russell Press, Nottingham, tel: 0115 9784505

The Equality Bill

The Equality Bill currently working its way through Parliament is a significant win for older people who have been waiting for years to gain the same protection from discrimination as other groups in society. However, the Bill is still not everything older peoples organisations have been lobbying for. Key regulations for protecting older people in heath and social care and in the financial sector will not be part of the Bill in this Parliament. There is also no word yet from the Government on whether they have plans to scrap the national default retirement age of 65. Age Concern and Help the Aged are urging people to contact their MPs to ask that they, and their party, stand up for older voters and give their wholehearted support to the Equality Bill. They are also seeking a clear pledge to introduce an unbreakable legal commitment of strong regulations as soon as possible and to discard forced retirement. Agenda encourages readers to support the Just Equal Treatment campaign led by Age Concern and Help the Aged. You can take action by calling 020 7239 1982 or going to www.helptheaged.org.uk/justequaltreatment.

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AGENDA EDIToRIAl

Letters

Please send your comments and feedback to agenda Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org Dear agenda This is a reply to your article in Volunteer News (February 09) Volunteers deserve more recognition. I and others dont require recognition. Volunteering does improve the quality of our lives and we enjoy it. We dont do it to gain a sense of achievement. Age Concern is a charity, and we are willing and happy to give our time freely. We are often linked up with another volunteer and friendships develop. My deceased husband Noel (a physicist) enjoyed working with Margaret (a chemist). There was a lot of humour in their relationship. The Age Concern staff are always friendly, helpful, and thankful and we oldies enjoy working with the young folk. We dont expect honours and ceremonies. Catherine Evans

Dear agenda Congratulations on Ten Years Young this summer and good wishes as you plan for the coming years. The formation of Age Concern Kingston has its roots in the Welfare Association set up just after the war in New Malden. As a volunteer with the organisation for five years, I was pleased to share your planning day in April and could sense the energy to go forward as well as the shared inspiration. I have long held that there is much treasure for those growing older and Age Concerns desire and mission to enable and empower older people links with a book I am reading which inspires much of this. The Gift of Years Growing Older Gracefully is written by a 70 year old American woman. It is a celebration of the blessings of growing older, clear-eyed and unsentimental about the reality of the ageing process but showing us that our later years are a gift, not a burden. Joan Chittister says that it is time for us to let go of both our fantasies of eternal youth and our fears about getting older. She says that this is a special period of life maybe the most special of all and the task is ageing well. The book looks at the many dimensions of the ageing process, its purpose and its challenges, its struggles and its surprises, its problems and its potential, its pain and its joys. But the gift of these years is not merely being alive it is the gift of becoming more fully alive than ever. As Age Concern enters a new phase of life, may all who are part of the organisation contribute to working with more people than ever before so that all may enjoy life to the full, taking and making possible the visions shared in April. Grow old along with me! Robert Browning wrote, The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made. With every good wish sincerely, Sister Angela Peter, Volunteer, Raleigh House Day Centre

Now we are ten, what next?

Age Concern Kingston upon Thames has evolved hugely over the last decade from an organisation just providing day care to one which now delivers a range of quality services and projects, and works with more volunteers than ever before. We are very sure what people will want and need in the future: they want independence; they want to live without the fear of neglect and isolation; they want quality services, value for money and they want choice. Broadly, we provide preventative and well-being services and we will continue to do so. We promote independence and social involvement. For example, we recognise that timely provision of practical support, which enables older people to maintain their homes, is critical to helping them live safely and stay independent thats why we will develop services which enable this to happen. Our development over the last ten years has been in response to the array of issues and needs that people have, which in turn is reflective of the diverse nature of our users. We are committed to working in partnership, making prevention and early intervention work for older people. Demographic change means that the numbers of people with significant care needs will double over the next 20 years, with the costs of meeting those needs trebling. There is overwhelming evidence to show that investing in preventative services is the key to enabling people to stay independent and live safely in their own homes for as long as possible. What we do is shaped by what older people want. We listen and involve people in our services; we share with partners our knowledge and understanding and help other organisations supporting people in our community. We are committed to developing more preventative services. Working with the council and the local NHS we will continue to develop in this direction over the next decade.
Age Concern England

Stay cool!
with temperatures set to rise, make sure you look after your health and minimise the risks of excessive heat. older people who are frail, have mobility problems or heart conditions are most at risk during hot weather. The risks are also greater for older people who live alone, with no-one to look out for them. Age Concern urges everyone to make sure their older neighbours or relatives are cared for in the hot weather. Even healthy older people need to be aware of the risks associated with hot weather. As we age, we sweat less and are therefore less able to regulate our body temperature. Its vital to eat well, to maintain salt intake and to drink lots of water. Prolonged exposure to heat can raise the risks of heart attack and stroke. Contact a doctor if you are worried about your health during a heatwave. Here are some simple tips to stay well in hot weather. Going out Plan ahead so that you avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am 3pm). If you do go out, stay in the shade as much as possible and wear a hat and loose-fitting clothes. Keep outdoor activity such as gardening for early morning or evening when its cooler. Staying in Keep windows open, including at night but do remember basic home security measures ground floor windows should not be left open when you leave the house or are in bed. Simply splashing yourself with cold water especially your face and back of your neck can help you cool down. Drink plenty of water and fruit juice, even if you dont feel thirsty, and avoid alcohol.

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AGENDA voluNTEERS

Home Response volunteers needed!

We all need a bit of help and support when were not well. Why not lend a hand to an older person who has no one else to call on by joining the Home Response team?
The Home Response project is a new scheme to help the many older people in Kingston who need practical help and support during an illness, rather than be admitted unnecessarily to hospital. Referrals are made to the Home Response team by medical staff, and together we will make an individual support plan that will best help each person. We will then work with each older person for up to six weeks to help get them back on their feet. shopping, laundry, prescription collection, meal preparation, or even dog walking! Volunteers will not need to help with personal care, and all training will be provided.

Appeal for agenda volunteers

Do you have experience working in journalism, advertising or publishing and have a few hours to spare each week? If so, let us know! Agenda is looking for several more volunteers to help produce our new expanded publication. Agenda is produced four times a year. With the expansion of our publication, we are also looking for photographers and someone who can help us with advertising.

what is required of me?

You would need to be available at set times each week, whether during the week, evenings or weekends, even if this is only a few hours. Other than that, you need to be understanding and patient, have good listening skills, and have a friendly and approachable manner. Having a car is not essential, but you will need to visit older people all over the borough.

who can I contact?

Call the Home Response Coordinators Alison Wakefield or Tina English on 020 8408 8176 or email homeresponse@ageconcern kingston.org if you would like more information or if you think you would like to join the team. Please note, a full Criminal Records Bureau check needs to be undertaken.

If you think you can help, please call Jyoti Patel on 020 8408 8175, or email jyoti@ageconcernkingston.org.

Volunteer profile
laura Barker, journalist
Volunteering at Age Concern is not what I expected. There are so many opportunities and many different roles to suit different people, and different abilities. This time last year I did not have enough time to volunteer, as I had a part-time job as well as studying, but as I got made redundant in January I suddenly had a lot more time on my hands. My friend Claire from university was about to leave for France for six months, and asked whether I could cover her role of editor of Volunteer News at Age Concern Kingston, and I could think of no better way to spend my time! At Age Concern I help to make this newspaper. I study journalism at Kingston University so volunteering has enabled me to put what I have learnt to the test, as well as learning new skills. I come in one day a week, and depending how much work I have for university, I may stay the whole day, or just for the morning. Volunteering can be very flexible and easily fit around your everyday life, as it does mine. I also know I am doing something worthwhile, and I am gaining work experience which will help my future career. There are so many volunteering possibilities available, from helping in the kitchen, helping make publications, gardening, working in the home response team the list is endless!

what does the role involve?

The job can be quite varied, and each role will be tailored to the needs of the older person. This may include:

Government Minister praises Age Concern Kingstons intergenerational work

Georgie Scott/Age Concern

Baroness Thornton (pictured above), Government spokesperson for health and equality, visited the Bradbury Centre in April to learn about our pioneering intergenerational work. The Baroness spoke with many of the children and older people involved with Age Concerns school-based projects and praised the diversity and effectiveness of the programme. 4 l
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First Contact l 020 8408 8170 Dealing with 1,600 enquiries a year!
The First Contact telephone helpline provides advice and information to older people and their families in Kingston and Richmond. It is based at Age Concerns head office in New Malden and responds to over 1,600 enquiries a year. Mary Macan, the Coordinator of the helpline, says: We receive many enquiries about local services, older peoples rights and entitlements, and information about money matters. The helpline is open on week days from 10am to midday. It is operated by an advisor who will answer the callers queries over the phone or by sending out information by post. The advisor can also refer callers who need more help than can be provided over the phone to our community-based advisors. The advisors can meet people in Age Jo Hulton, helpline advisor Concerns offices or visit them at home. We get calls on a whole range of subjects, says Jo Hulton, helpline advisor. Sometimes the caller is a family member trying to find out about what is available for their parents or relatives. Or the person wants to find out whether they qualify for a grant or can claim a benefit. The helpline team doesnt just give out useful information. It can actively help older people and their families fight for better services and uphold their rights. Linda Needham, one of the community-based advisors, explains: We can write letters and make phone calls on behalf of the clients. We help them to get answers and explanations. We will also always check that they are receiving everything that they should be getting in the way of benefits or grants. As Jo says, We dont know everything, but we like a challenge. We cant answer every query there and then. Sometimes we have to go away and research it. Whats important is to give the right information. To contact the helpline call 020 8408 8170 Monday to Friday between 10am to midday or email firstcontact@ageconcernkingston.org.
Janet Evans

Appeal success where Age Concern makes a difference...

Mr Y was referred to our Advice Team by the local Pension Service after he had been refused an award for Disability Living Allowance. Mr Y said, I couldnt believe that I had been turned down. I was disappointed as I knew I should have got the benefit. Linda Needham, one of our advisors, helped Mr Y and went through his claim with him. Linda also obtained statements and letters from his family and the medical professionals to support his claim. She wrote to the DWP on behalf of Mr Y to appeal against the original decision. The DWP sent Mr Ys appeal to a Benefits Tribunal and Linda responded by preparing a written submission. On the day of the hearing Linda accompanied Mr Y and his wife to the Tribunal in Sutton. The Tribunal members read through the submission and the papers before Mr and Mrs Y and Linda came into the room. They asked Mr and Mrs Y various questions about his claim. Having listened to all the evidence, the Tribunal members decided that the DWP had made an incorrect decision and awarded Mr Y Disability Living Allowance. Mr Y now receives a benefit of 65.75 per week. The award was backdated to October last year, which was the date of Mr Ys original claim, and he has received a lump sum back payment. After the Tribunal hearing Mr Y said: I felt elated and very pleased Age Concern Kingston had dealt with this on my behalf. I would advise anyone to contact Age Concern they did a marvellous job. My wife felt the same also.

Age Concern and Help the Aged have produced two new guides in the Weve made it easy series: Manage money online explains in a friendly accessible way how to get online and use the internet safely for managing financial tasks like buying and selling banking paying bills and taxes. l Write your will explains why its important to make a will and how to go about creating one.
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To obtain your copies, visit the Age Concern online bookshop and scroll down to find the relevant title: www.ageconcern.org.uk/ bookshop. Or telephone 0870 442 2120 (Age Concern and Help the Aged books).

Age Concern England

Managing money and writing wills: new guides

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AGENDA FoCuS

Action needed over access to transport

Accessible transport is an issue of major concern for many older and disabled people. The council is currently carrying out a review of accessible transport, which is due to report early next year. The Kingston Enterprise scheme took people shopping and on trips to the seaside. This scheme has now ended and there is no sign that it will come back. Capital Call, a door-to-door minicab service for people with mobility problems who live in areas with a shortage of London taxis, ends in September. Capital Call runs in tandem with the black cab Taxicard scheme and provides users with up to 200 worth of journeys per year. Although the Taxicard scheme continues to provide eligible residents with a subsidised allowance of 104 journeys a year, there is no plan to increase the number of journeys or their value. The withdrawal of these schemes means a real loss for people who rely on them.
Age Concern England

Bob Baker, member of the Kingston Pensioners Forum, speaks about his experience
I have been let down three times in Kingston by Taxicard and am now trying Dial-a-Ride. You cant get on a bus with a scooter like mine because its six inches too long. No-one wants to know if you use a scooter or are disabled. There is not enough support for people who cant afford to buy a scooter. Because I can walk from the bottom of my stairlift to my armchair (about three yards) they deem that I dont qualify for an electric wheelchair. I have been to my MP, and my case has now been taken to the Secretary of State. I need a scooter because I cant walk far enough and independence is vital as you get older. I go to Kingston once a month by taxi. I have persuaded the taxi to take my wifes smaller scooter. In the United Reform Church in Kingston there is a long alleyway to the toilets and its too far for me to walk. Its embarrassing to have to ask someone to take you. I cant go to the Wimbledon Theatre or Kingston on my own because I need to be able to get into a lift. Public places are not geared up for the disabled. We must pay more attention because there will be many more older people who are going to need help and support. Why should people be stopped in their normal life and activities just because theyre frail? Still the criteria are: can we afford it? Childrens charities get such a lot of funding, but older people dont.

Reliable
A recent meeting, attended by many members of Taxicard and Capital Call, raised concerns about not being able to use local minicab firms once Capital Call was withdrawn many people found these more accessible, reliable and cost efficient for long journeys. People also raised concerns regarding being able to book transport in advance and also being informed of the cost of journeys in advance (black cabs are not able to quote a cost as the meter is a combination of mileage and time). The Public Carriage Office has agreed to look into the possibility of Taxicard members using minicabs but says that it would want to see the costs and length of journeys brought into line with Taxicard (greater cost and shorter journeys). The council has said that it does not have any additional resources for concessionary travel.

Age Concern England

Affordable
Dial-a-Ride provides free community travel but has a poor reputation and appears to have various constraints on its ability to meet customers needs. A meeting will take place at the end of June with Dial-a-Ride and local statutory and voluntary organisations in order to discuss service options. Age Concerns view is that access to affordable door-to-door transport is a lifeline for many. The most isolated members of our community depend on door-to-door services and the demise of schemes like Capital Call and Kingston Enterprise will increase isolation and erode peoples ability to live independently.

Be a smooth operator!
Age Concern and Help the Aged are putting a spotlight on the issue of falling on buses to mark the fifth National Falls Awareness Day, supported by Abbey, on 23 June. This years theme is Get on Board. The charity plans to generate greater awareness amongst older people and bus companies of safety measures that can prevent falls on buses. For more information contact Tulloch Kempe on 020 8942 8256.

Age Concern urges anyone who cares about the issue of older peoples exclusion to lobby the london Mayors office over the withdrawal of Capital Call and lobby their local representatives over the poor standard of Kingstons door-to-door services.
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AGENDA INTERvIEw

The citizen is king...

Agenda spoke to Simon Pearce, who is Head of the Boroughs Community Care Services, about the challenges for community care and the future of services for older people.
Simon was born and brought up in winchester, Hampshire and has lived in the london area for 30 years. He likes to go walking and enjoys travel. He is also a keen photographer, taking all types of pictures including weddings. Simon has worked in social care for 20 years and has been Head of Community Care Services since April 2005. He is responsible for a budget of 45 million, of which around 25 million is spent on older peoples services. What is the future for Kingstons adult care services? The Governments review of long term care acknowledges that the system as it is now is not sustainable this is a big question that will need to be addressed by the next government and will lead to big changes in the way care services are provided in the future. How the state deals with these issues is important, particularly when this is set against a background of increasing demand and increasing numbers of older people. The current big change is the transformation of social care. The model for this change is based on younger peoples services and the challenge is how that translates to adult services. Theres lots of learning and working with other organisations, such as Age Concern, helping people to get the help they need from organisations like this and ensuring those organisations are able to deliver. In future there will be more focus on the citizen and less on the service provider. In the short to medium term what are the challenges you face? Theres going to be less money/funding so the big challenge is how do we manage in the future with less money? Part of the solution is to be more creative and work more in partnership with others. You will see changes to the benefit system. Health and social care will be working together more, which will be more challenging. There will be more integration to make savings and operational efficiencies. Again, the key driver should be the citizen and not the organisation. So there will more integration in the future? Yes there will be, the credit crunch will probably mean this will happen sooner. A risk is that the medical model of care will dominate how care is delivered overall. What do think the longer term picture looks like? Essentially there are older people who will become more assertive about their independence and less accepting of what they are just being given. This will change the way services are delivered, in the long term theyll be very different from today. What about those who are receiving high level need services? There will be less care in residential facilities; more care will take place within peoples own homes. One area where residential care is much needed is dementia care where the trend, because people are living longer, is increasing. However, in years to come I think dementia drugs will help people stay at home longer. Because adult services monies are not ring fenced and local authorities will be expected to make savings, what are the risks for older peoples services? There is no enthusiasm to cut older peoples services, however, if local authorities have less money they will all be looking to make efficiency savings. But we can and should be strengthening partnerships and looking for added value. The smart way to get through this current period is to be creative, this is not going to be easy, but quality services can still prevail. What positive messages are there for the future? Personalisation and transformation of services will be really positive for older people, providing its done right. The whole choice agenda, that prevention is better than cure, is really embedded locally. We have good partnerships with Kingston Primary Care Trust, which makes us locally well placed to meet the challenges of future. Theres a real commitment to making transformation work; theres been some really good work done around safeguarding which is about making peoples lives safer and better, so there are lots of positives for the future. What are your ambitions for the local Community Services in the future? To make sure that transformation of social services gives older people the right balance of choice, support and safety. I think a big challenge is how we support more people in their own homes, including those with complex needs. The challenge is to support carers, and we must remember older people dont all use council services. There needs to be a wider choice around housing and older people. I would like to see a much better level of support for older people and their carers around housing issues a more joined up approach to helping and supporting people around their housing needs and helping them stay independent. If you were running Age Concern what would you do? I would invest in quality: transformation of services means the consumer is going to be king people dont buy rubbish. I would have good mechanisms to get nearer to more older people. I think Age Concern should be more flexible in future to meet the challenges the future will no doubt bring.

Simon Pearce, Head of Community Care Services, will be speaking at Age Concern Kingstons AGM in october.

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DIARy DATES Upcoming activities and events in Kingston upon Thames

Age Concern training and events
Safeguarding Adult Awareness half day sessions 5 August 2009, 1pm 4pm, Raleigh House, New Malden 8 October 2009, 10am 1pm, Raleigh House, New Malden To give people who work or volunteer in care the confidence to be able to recognise an adult who may be vulnerable to being abused, and how to respond to this kind of situation. Get to know Age Concern Kingston! If you would like to find out more about our work and how you can get involved, why not come along to our open afternoon at Raleigh House on Tuesday 14 July at 3.00 4.30 pm. Please call 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend. Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA.

Kingston Pensioners Forum

Ken livingstone
Former Mayor of london will give a talk on london Politics
Monday 13 July, 2pm united Reform Church, Eden Street, KT1 1HZ The next meeting is on Monday 14 September, 2pm, united Reform Church Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of every month. For more information email kingspen@tiscali.co.uk

Kingston summer arts season My life in a box

A unique exhibition where you tell your story through art in a box!
Come and create your own art in a box on Saturday 13 June and Saturday 20 June. Bring along things you want to use to create your art box, for example photos, seashells, your favourite poem or anything else that expresses who you are. The exhibition opens to the public on 27 June and runs until 18 July. Opening hours: daily 10am to 5pm except Wednesdays and Sundays. Admission FREE. Kingston Museum Wheatfield Way Kingston upon Thames, KT1 2PS Telephone: 020 8547 6460 Email: kingston.museum@rbk.kingston

Royal Borough of Kingston council meetings

If you would like to see democracy in action why not go along to one of the councils meetings? Check the RBK website under meeting dates calendar for details of dates and venues. Website: www.kingston.gov.uk/meetingdates Email: democratic.services@rbk.kingston.gov.uk Phone: 020 8547 5021

Its a mans world!

Mens new clothes sale and beer tasting
Cards. Board games. Snooker. Computer suite. Wednesday 8 July 2009, 11am 3pm Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA Everyone aged 60 or over is welcome. Refreshments on sale. For more details ring: 020 8942 8256 dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Kindly sponsored by John Lewis of Kingston

The Amy woodgate dementia caf

Nigel Fisher way Chessington (next to the Merritt medical mentre)
The Amy Woodgate dementia caf is a meeting place where new and present carers can talk to friends and professionals and enjoy refreshments and activities throughout the year. More importantly, you can chat with other carers and get support from each other. The new caf is specially tailored to people who are actually caring for someone with dementia at the present time and we hope that you will benefit by time out from caring while you are there. The next caf groups will be: Wednesday 29 July BBQ Wednesday 26 August Strawberries and cream Wednesday 30 September 8th birthday party Wednesday 28 October Fish n chips and quiz Wednesday 16 December Christmas party For more information about these events and the times, please call the Amy woodgate caf on 07535 964435. Please leave a message and someone will get back to you.

Age Concern lunch clubs

The Fountain Court lunch club Tuesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) at Fountain Court, New Malden The Charles lesser lunch club Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) at Charles Lesser House, Chessington For information call 020 8942 8256

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Health and well-being

Stay well programme will Summers here, so be launched in September why not try some
Every year thousands of older people attend their GP surgeries, A&E, or are admitted to hospital as a result of becoming ill, being isolated at home, or as a consequence of having a fall or accident. In many cases these incidents could have been prevented by establishing and addressing the risks or issues at an earlier stage. Prevention is better than cure, In an exciting new initiative, funded initially for one year by Kingston NHS Primary Care Trust, Age Concern as the saying goes. Kingston has joined forces with three GP surgeries: the In summary, this is what the Churchill, Central and Fairhill practices. The practices Stay Well programme is identify and contact patients over the age of 65 who all about. they perceive as being at risk and explain the programme and its aims. If the patient agrees, they then make a referral to Stay Well and the Programme Coordinator assesses what support would be helpful. This could include help with mobility equipment, managing finances, accessing community services, falls prevention, support if feeling depressed and befriending. The programme will be formally launched in September. Contact Tulloch Kempe, Programme Coordinator, on 020 8942 8256 for more details.

green exercise?

Jazz and dancing at The Bradbury

Now that summer is here, lets seize the opportunity to get out in the sunshine while it lasts! Green exercise involves getting active outdoors and using your local green spaces. It brings with it mental and physical health benefits as well as social opportunities whats more, its free. There is a wide range of green spaces in the borough: recreation grounds, parks, allotments and Getting active outdoors riverbanks are all great places for exercise. You can enjoy the great outdoors in many ways, such as: l Walking in the countryside or along the riverbank. Try Walks around the Borough of Kingston upon Thames. Free maps are available from Grace Shorthouse, Active Living Project Coordinator on 020 8942 8256 l Walking with the Kingston Strollers Group. 020 8391 5522 l Walking with the YMCA Senior Walking Group. www.kymca.org.uk l Nordic walking: a technique which uses long poles to help you stride out and get fit. Groups meet in Bushy Park, Hampton Court and Kingston Bridge. www.trynordic.co.uk. l Power walking: an energetic and invigorating style of walking; join a supervised group in Canbury Gardens, Kingston. www.Active-Healthy-Mind.com. l Using the free outdoor gym at Fairfield Recreation Ground. It is next to the Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Fairfield Road, Kingston. l Taking part in the walking4health scheme. This offers a variety of walks, led by trained walk leaders, to suit different levels of fitness. Contact the Community Walking Officer on 020 8547 5865 or www.kingston.gov.uk/travelawareness.

Did you know?

If you are over 60 or under 16 you can now swim for free at the Malden Centre or Kingfisher Leisure Centre! Free swimming was launched in April 2009 and has proved extremely popular so far, with over 8,000 people signing up. Kenneth OBrien, aged 62 from New Malden, is very happy with the scheme, and uses the Malden pool three times a week. I have a few health problems, he says, and I recently lost my get up and go, but the free swimming gave me the incentive I needed to get fit and healthy again. I set myself goals, and have progressed from mile to mile per session soon Ill be timing it too! So why not apply for your free swimming pass and share its benefits! For more information about free swimming, contact the Malden Centre on 020 8336 7770 or the Kingfisher Leisure Centre on 020 8546 1042.
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voted one of the best afternoons entertainment Bradbury has ever had took place in March, when Articulate Jazz, a five piece jazz band from Kingston university performed amazing, professional quality jazz music that set our feet tapping and drew everyone onto the dance floor. Nicky Archer, a volunteer from Kingston university Students union had won funding from the national charity Timebank and it was her idea to use the grant to provide an afternoon of music and dancing for older people. Music and dancing are always popular at Bradbury, which has its own dance floor especially when combined with a delicious cream tea provided by the Bradbury Caf!

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Age Concern England

The Bradbury
The Bradbury Centre is Kingstons only enterprise dedicated to active living for the over 50s. It is located just 10 minutes away from Kingston town centre and is easily reachable by public transport. Such a wide range of activities take place at Bradbury, you will be spoilt for choice! There is something for everyone, from book clubs, tai chi, swimming, to French conversation classes. And if you think there is something missing from our activity list, let us know. The centre works on a drop-in basis. Open from 10am, you may want to stop by for a cup of tea and a slice of cake, and chat with fellow members. Alternatively you may want to have a go at line dancing or salsa. You may even wish to indulge yourself with a Enjoy a delicious roast lunch at Bradbury massage, before having a hot lunch from our caf. In the afternoon you may like to have a game of bridge, or join a discussion group. Annual membership is 24 or you may pay 1 for guest membership for one day. Many activities are free, but some will incur a charge. See the timetable for details. Remember, you are never too old to become younger!

The Bradbury caf

why not drop in to the Bradbury caf? open 10am 3.30pm, Monday to Friday, the Bradbury caf serves an appetising range of drinks, snacks and home-made cakes, a hot meal is served from 12pm 2pm. The Bradbury, 37B Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA

Spring and summer opening times:

Monday: 10.00am 4.00pm. (from 4.00pm 4.30pm on Mondays the centre is open to yoga participants only) Tuesday Thursday: 10am 4.30pm Friday: 10am 4pm Bradbury, 37B Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: wendy Reid

upcoming outings and events at The Bradbury

Date Friday 10 July Thursday 16 July Thursday 16 July Thursday 20 August Wednesday 26 August Time 9.30 4.30 1.00 2.00 12.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 Event Eastbourne Outing Hearing Aid Clinic Members Plus Meeting Hearing Aid Clinic Connaught Opera Outing

wEEKly ACTIvITIES
MONDAY
10.30 11.30 Hypnotherapy** Beginners computer courses (4 weeks)* The Monday Forum (topical discussion) The Bradbury weekly walk 1.00 2.00 Gentle exercise to music: all levels welcome* 1.30 4.00 Podiatry** 2.00 4.00 Scrabble 3.30 4.30 Yoga*

TUESDAY
10.30 11.30 Line dancing* 2.00 4.00 Bridge 2.00 3.30 Philosophy for life (alternate Tuesdays)

WEDNESDAY
10.30 11.30 Weekly discussion group 11.15 12.15 Bradbury bathers (swimming group) 11.30 1.00 Reflexology Chinese face massage** 2.00 3.30 Art class* Chess French conversation

THURSDAY
10.30 11.30 Salsa group* 10.00 1.30 Massage treatments** 2.00 4.00
Patchwork group

FRIDAY
10.30 11.30 Bradbury book club (first Friday of the month) 10.30 12.00 Art* 10.00 3.30 Massage treatments** 2.30 3.30 Tai Chi all levels welcome*

* 4 per session (members can choose to pay in advance at 3 per session). Classes are to be taken consecutively. **Please phone or drop-in to the centre for treatment prices. Some activities are at full capacity. Please phone the office for further inquiries.

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Raleigh House Centre

The Raleigh House Centre, New Malden, is a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking friendship and daily activity. The centre is complete with a snooker table and computer suite, a bright coffee lounge that overlooks a colourful courtyard and a recently decorated activity room. Activities vary from chairobics, carpet bowls, table tennis and snooker, Enjoy some fresh air in the Raleigh garden to quizzes, music, scrabble, cards and gardening something to suit most ability levels and interests! Our groups also include art, crafts, topical discussions, book review and reminiscence. Computer lessons are available for those wishing to learn computing skills. You can choose to attend for a full day or half day, for as many days of the week as you like. Members who attend for a full day will be provided with a hot meal. Minibus transport is available to and from the centre every day except Wednesday, or we can help you find alternative transport. We also offer a Hearing Aid Support Clinic, available for NHS supplied aids, as well as two Podiatry Clinics (one for NHS referrals and the other fee paying). We also have the Raleigh Hair Salon, Raleigh Shop and New to You Clothing. why not come and visit? you will be made most welcome.

who can come to Raleigh House?

Health, social care or other professionals in Kingston can refer their service users to Raleigh House. People can also refer themselves. There is a daily charge that covers transport, a two course cooked meal, tea and coffee as well as most activities. To meet our criteria, people must be over 60, able to mobilise independently (walking aids can be accommodated provided that person is independent); able to use toilet facilities independently or with prompting; able to control the effects of any medical condition, as well as manage any medication and be wholly responsible for it, and be able to demonstrate an adequate level of awareness. We do not offer one-to-one supervision or personal care. Please call 020 8949 4244 for more information on how to become a member at Raleigh House. Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Carol Marley

upcoming outings and events at Raleigh House

Date Monday 29 June Friday 3 July Wednesday 8 July Tuesday 14 July Wednesday 26 August Time All day 11.00 3 11.15 12 Event Wimbledon Themed Lunches, cream teas and table tennis Mens clothes sale, beer tasting, board games and activities Guest speaker Caroline Burt from Kingston Museum Connaught Opera Outing

wEEKly ACTIvITIES
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
9.30 11.15 REFRESHMENTS 11.00 12.00
Skittles/snooker Gentle exercises New 2 you sale Quiz and word games Poetry

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

11.00 12.00
Scrabble Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises New 2 you sale Quiz and word games Art/craft Computer lessons

11.00 12.00
Card making Skittles/snooker Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Carpet bowls Reminiscence time

11.00 12.00
Sing-a-long with Dennis Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Darts and snooker Book reading Art/craft

11.00 12.00
Snooker Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Computer fun Art/craft Scrabble

12.00 luNCH 1.15 Bingo Skittles/snooker Sybils project group Book reading 1.15 Bingo Scrabble Social eyes group Book reading 1.15 Bingo Scrabble Book club Crossword/board game 1.15 Bingo Raise a laugh Quiz and word games Book reading 1.15 Bingo Book reading Quiz and word games

2.00 REFRESHMENTS

2.30 ANSwERS To QuIZ

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10 yEARS youNG!
Join us and make a difference to your community!
In 1999 AC Kingston and AC Malden & Coombe joined together to form Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Since then we have evolved into a community based organisation that supports and works with people in and around the borough.
Richard Bailey

Did you know?

l Our Advice, Information and Advocacy Service supported 1,730 older people in 2008-9 and helped claim 376,000 in financial benefits for people l Age Concern Kingston is the largest voluntary organisation working with children in the borough l Our Bradbury Active Age Centre has been described as a youth club for seniors and Kingstons best kept secret l Over 1,500 people aged over 45 have joined our Active Living scheme since October 2007 l We have won awards for our services, including the Queens Award for Voluntary Service 2007 l Age Concern Kingston is not a branch of a national charity but a local, independently constituted organisation that subscribes to the federation of Age Concerns

we need your help!

We have a large and varied range of opportunities for volunteers
why should I volunteer? For you: to meet new people to learn new skills l to find new interests l to share your hobbies
and passions l to have your skills used and appreciated l to improve your CV l to have fun! For your community: to help people who may be struggling and need support l to help a worthwhile cause l to promote a passion or interest l to put the community into your community Volunteers make a real and lasting difference to the people around them and volunteering enriches the lives of many people on a daily basis. Here is a selection of our current opportunities: l l l l Our award-winning Intergenerational Projects Advice, Information and Advocacy Telephone In Touch Service Administration and Support l l l l Home Buddies Day Opportunities Home Visiting Marketing and Publicity

who can volunteer?

Anyone can volunteer: any age, any background. You could be in work or looking for work. You may be able to commit to three days week or as little as a few hours a month. You may have specialist skills or unused talents ... whatever your interests, we would like to hear from you!

Find out more: visit www.ageconcernkingston.org email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org Telephone: 020 8942 8256
Registered charity no 299988