Issue 6 l Autumn 2010

agenda
Kingston upon Thames

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Your view, your life, your news

INSIDE:

Fundraising pages 3 and 8

Projects and services page 7

Living with dementia pages 4 and 5

Later life: an international perspective

Friday 1 October is International Older Peoples Day. This annual event brings people around the world together to celebrate the contribution those in later life make to society, challenge ageism and stereotypes and champion their rights. To celebrate this occasion, Age Concern Kingston will host a number of events at its centres (see page 7 for more information). At a global level, HelpAge Internationals campaign Age Demands Action will see delegations of older people unite around the world to push for better treatment from their governments, with awareness-raising events such as marches, rallies and exhibitions.
Age Concern

Age across the world some facts and figures

l Over the next 50 years, the number of older people in the world will grow from about 600 million to almost 2 billion l By 2050, it is expected that there will be more people in the world over 60 than under 14 l The most rapid increases in the older population are occurring in the developing world l 75% of the worlds older people live in areas affected by natural disasters and conflict, such as Haiti, Congo and Gaza. People in later life are particularly vulnerable in these situations because of lack of mobility and isolation l Only 5% of older people in developing countries receive a pension, so vast numbers need to work until the day they die l For those who do work, 4 out of 5 have no regular income l 100 million older people live on less than 60p a day l More older people die from malnutrition, respiratory diseases and TB than any other age group l 2 out of 3 of people living with dementia or chronic health conditions live in the developing world l Over 2.8 million people over the age of 50 live with HIV/AIDS and these cases have more than doubled in recent years

Contribution
A rapidly ageing population presents challenges as well as opportunities, especially in the developing world. It is often said that unprecedented demands will be placed on social and health care systems, paid for by a declining number of people of working age. But if people can remain healthy, and free of age discrimination,

there is no reason why they cannot continue to make a positive contribution until the very last years of life through working, volunteering, caring and sharing experience. Purposeful activity at all ages is known to bring positive outcomes, through keeping people active, socially engaged and productive. A large number of Age Concern Kingstons volunteers are over retirement age and older mentors support younger people

through our award-winning intergenerational projects. Here are a couple of examples of how older people are making a real difference in other parts of the world: l In many African countries, older people are the main carers of more than 40% of people living with AIDS and children orphaned by AIDS l In rural Brazil, households that include a pensioner receiving an income are more likely to send girls to school

Our diverse Borough

Kingston Borough is home to a large number of Asian communities, including Tamils, with the largest Korean population outside Korea living in New Malden. The Borough currently has dedicated multicultural centres such as MILAAP (Kingston Asian Elders Association) and Tamil Elders, with whom Age Concern Kingston works closely. A new initiative between MILAAP and our Bradbury Centre is English conversation partnerships, to enable people to practice their language skills and learn about each others cultures in a sociable environment. In addition, our Fit as a Fiddle project has begun working with the Tamil Elders Empowerment Programme to encourage older people from that community to become active (see page 7 for more information). We are proud to be working in such a vibrant community and are keen to develop such relationships to help build bridges between different cultures.

See page 2 for information on the Pakistan Flood Appeal

Pakistan Flood Appeal

Severe flooding in Pakistan has left an estimated 200,000 older people in desperate need of help. Older people are particularly vulnerable, finding it harder to escape danger and reach vital aid. If you would like to donate, please contact HelpAge International on 020 7278 7778 or see their website www.helpage.org.

Retirement age scrapped

Your Healthcare launched

On 1 August a new social enterprise called Your Healthcare was launched, a notfor-profit organisation staffed with existing NHS personnel which will provide services to the local community, including district nursing, health visiting, rehabilitation and specialist therapies. The move will offer innovation, choice and competition to improve services for patients, as well as involving the community in decision-making about local health services. For more information, visit the website www.yourhealthcare.org, call 020 8339 8000 or email yourhealthcare@kpct.nhs.uk.

Equality Act to come into force from October

The Equality Act 2010, which is intended to update, simplify and strengthen previous discrimination legislation, comes into effect from October this year. It will provide an accessible legal framework protecting the rights of individuals and promoting equality of opportunity for all, regardless of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, belief and age. One of the key areas of the Act is the provision of powers to extend age discrimination protection outside the workplace, for example in health and social care, which will come into force from April 2012.

The Big Knit 2010

People across the UK are supporting The Big Knit 2010 by making little woolly hats which will sit on innocent smoothie bottles in Sainsburys stores from November. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, 25p will go towards funding projects to help local people in later life keep warm this winter. Age Concern Kingston has pledged to knit 1200 hats by 5 October but needles are clicking so fast that we are on course to exceed our target by 300! Its not too late to help us get there, so if you want to get involved, contact Jyoti Patel on 020 8942 8256 and ask for a simple hat pattern. If you dont fancy making a hat, you can always donate wool and needles. For more information see Get knitting for The Big Knit on the Age UK website, www.ageuk.org.uk. The national charities Age Concern England and Help the Aged merged to form a new national charity, Age uK, in April this year. Age Concern Kingston upon Thames remains an independent local charity and at present has no plans to change its name. We receive no direct funding from the national organisation.

The default retirement age of 65 at which workers can be legally dismissed by employers is set to be scrapped by October 2011. The changes will be felt from 6 April next year because employers must give six months notice before forcing someone to retire because of their age. No new forced retirement notice will be allowed after this date. The move is a victory for pressure groups and older peoples organisations such as Age Concern, who have been campaigning for many years to end the default retirement age. Revealing the proposals, Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and the Employment Relations Minister, said: People are living longer lives, they are living healthier lives and we think its out of date to force them to retire at 65. We want to end this discrimination. The government is also considering raising the state pension age for men to 66 by 2016, eight years earlier than expected.

More care with telecare

Kingston Council Community Care Services has recently introduced telecare, a system which consists of a wide range of sensors and detectors placed around someones home and linked to a community alarm unit which is monitored 24 hours a day 7 days a week. This gives the reassurance needed for that person to remain living in their own home. The sensors can include smoke, flood, fall and natural gas detectors. Bed and door sensors can help to monitor people who have a tendency to wander at night. All the pendants and alert buttons are waterproof so they can be used in the bath and shower. The full range of telecare products is available at The Noble Centre in New Malden, which offers services to support carers in the community. The Promoting Independent People Service at the centre offers free professional advice on telecare, daily living and sensory impairment equipment and home adaptations which you can try out and buy. The Promoting Independent People Service is open on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10.00am 4.00pm. If you would like more information about telecare, contact the Telecare Coordinator Diane Chalmers on 020 8547 6293 or the Noble Centre on 020 8547 6510. Content provided by RBK

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
Editorial Team: Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Janet Evans, Natasha Rosner. agenda email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org You can now view agenda on our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org and follow the links. The views expressed in agenda 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

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Age Concern

Funding round-up
Intergenerational projects agenda funding success
We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation to develop our award-winning intergenerational work, building on the successful projects we have run in schools in the Borough under the guidance of intergenerational practitioner Sheila Gent. This new project, entitled A Significant Other, aims to establish meaningful, mutually supportive relationships across the generations by pairing older male volunteers with secondary school boys. If you are interested in becoming involved in this project as a volunteer, please contact us (see opposite for details). No previous experience required. We are delighted to have been awarded a grant to help fund agenda from the Austin and Hope Pilkington Trust. Although we still require further funding in order to ensure the future sustainability of the paper, this will help us to continue producing and developing it at least in the short term.

AgENDA EDITORIAL

The Big Society

The Big Society is the coalition governments big idea, but what does it mean for Kingston? We already have a strong local voluntary sector and there are thousands of people who regularly volunteer for local community groups and organisations, but we are told that the Big Society is about more than just citizens volunteering. The Big Society is a long term goal for the government. A major plank in building it was announced in May: the new Decentralisation and Localism Bill, which is designed to enable the government to realise its ambition of freeing local communities from central government control.

A big thank you to our readers

We would also like to thank all those who made a donation using the form in the last issue. This generosity makes it possible for us to continue to develop new and existing services that people want and need. If you would like to make a donation, please complete the form on the back page.

Funding
This Bill puts a great deal of emphasis on transferring more power and decision-making to local authorities, who in turn are to empower local neighbourhoods to make decisions about their communities. Direct funding is promised to strengthen communities in deprived areas. Although local authorities may be given more power, due to the overriding government agenda of reducing the deficit, they will also have less money. Involving more people in decision-making is a good idea, but it will need to be managed and administrated and this will involve resources local authorities do not have. Kingston upon Thames is made up of four neighbourhoods and the chances of this area attracting extra funding from government is very slim; the Borough does not have the levels of deprivation that exist elsewhere in the country.

Age Concern Kingston would like to thank the following companies who donated prizes for the raffle at our volunteers summer party in June: Lush, Kingston; Kempton Park Racecourse; Body Shop, Kingston; Cath Kidston, Kingston.

Feedback
Here is some of the feedback we have received about our projects and services. See pages 7 and 8 for more information about them: I dont know what us oldies would do without such an organisation to help inform us of our rights and current issues. It is impossible to quantify the difference that your intervention has made thank you so much for your quietly persistent professionalism. By looking after people like us, you are keeping us out of hospital. From your first telephone contact to the last visit I was helped and supported and made to feel that there was someone I could turn to in times when I still couldnt manage for myself.

Community
We should anticipate more Big Society initiatives to be rolled out over the coming year. Locally, we hope much of this will build creatively on what many of us already do in our community rather than reinventing and wasting resources by duplicating what already exists. We need to build on existing relationships and strengthen our partnerships thereby giving local people themselves the chance to shape their community and to define the Big Society agenda for Kingston upon Thames.

Please send letters and feedback to agenda (see page 2 for contact details).

Award for agenda volunteer

Congratulations to former journalism student Laura Barker for winning Community Volunteer of the Year award from Kingston University! She was a valuable member of the agenda editorial team for over a year, putting her writing and reporting skills to good use. Laura helped develop the publication from an A4 black and white newsletter with a circulation of just 100 to its present form as a colour tabloid, distributed to 3000 individuals and organisations. A committed and flexible volunteer, Laura got involved in the life of the organisation, making many friends. We hope that more students will be inspired by her example and see the rewards of making a positive contribution to the local community while also gaining work experience, increasingly important in the current economic climate. Laura has now graduated and has moved into paid employment, which means we are now of course looking for a new volunteer for the editorial team!
Age Concern Kingston

Seasonal flu jab

The NHS recommends that you have a flu jab if you fall into one of the following at-risk groups: l if you are over 65 l if you have a serious medical condition such as a respiratory disease, heart problems, liver disease, a neurological disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system l if you live in a residential or nursing home l if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if you fall ill The flu jab is free to these groups. It is important that you are vaccinated against seasonal flu every year as the virus changes and you will not be protected unless you have received the most recent vaccine. It is best to be vaccinated in the autumn before the cold weather kicks in. Speak to your GP or local pharmacist for more information.

Volunteers for agenda

Do you enjoy writing, people contact or taking photographs? We are looking for volunteers with creativity and enthusiasm and good writing, research and/or photography skills to help produce agenda. Time commitment is flexible. If you can help with any of these things, please get in touch with Natasha on 020 8942 8256 or email natasha@ageconcernkingston.org.

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AgENDA FEATuRE
Age Concern

understanding dementia
For years, lack of understanding of dementia has created a stigma which can leave people with this condition, their families and carers feeling alienated and discriminated against. The governments recent high profile campaign (part of the National Dementia Strategy) in partnership with the Alzheimers Society has sought to raise awareness of the condition. It shows people with dementia as individuals who continue to live life to the full, within the limitations their condition imposes, rather than as sufferers defined by their illness. At last, dementia is beginning to receive the kind of public attention it has desperately needed for so long.

Can dementia be prevented?

Dementia cannot be prevented but the evidence seems to indicate that a healthy diet and lifestyle may help protect against the disease. New research suggests that moderate to high levels of exercise can reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent.

Can dementia be cured?

Most forms of dementia cannot be cured, although research is continuing into developing drugs, vaccines and treatments. Drugs that can temporarily alleviate some of the symptoms of some types of dementia and slow down the progression of the disease may be prescribed to those diagnosed with the condition.

Some facts about dementia

l Dementia is a disorder that affects how the brain works l There are over 100 different types of dementia, the most well-known of which is Alzheimers disease l There are about 750,000 people in the UK with dementia l By 2025, there will be over one million people with dementia l Dementia mainly affects older people, but there are over 16,000 people in the UK under the age of 65 with the disease l Two out of three people with dementia are women l 60,000 deaths a year are directly attributable to dementia l The longer a person lives, the higher the risk of developing a type of dementia l People who have dementia can often have a good quality of life for a number of years if they are diagnosed early enough l Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would reduce deaths directly attributable to the condition by 30,000 a year l Two out of three people with dementia live in their own home l Family carers of people with dementia save the UK over 6 billion a year

Dementia-friendly design
Research is beginning to suggest that making modifications to the home environment can help people living with dementia. l Decorate in mid-range, warm colours which are easy to see, avoiding patterns whilst providing contrast between walls, flooring and furniture l Use non-slip flooring and remove obstructions which may cause falls l Use pictorial signs on doors so that the function of each room is clear l Mark light switches with a brightly coloured label to easily identify them l Ensure there is good lighting whilst avoiding glare and shadows l Use longer curtain tracks so that curtains fully clear the windows l Cover or remove mirrors if these are distressing l Place a throw or bright cushion on chairs so they can be easily recognised l Use a bedding set which contrasts with the carpet so that the bed can be easily identified and contrast the cover with the sheet and pillowcase l Use a touch-sensitive lamp by the bed or one with a rocker switch l If the bathroom is painted in neutrals, ensure that the toilet seat is highlighted and use towels and toilet rolls which contrast with the background so that they are easier to see l Ensure that crockery contrasts with the tablecloth the ideal is plain plates with a coloured rim, as a pattern on the plate may be seen as food to eat With thanks to Eda Brooks at Access 21 for providing this information. To find out more about the design consultancy services they offer, visit their website www.a21interiors.co.uk or call 020 8399 3091.

Symptoms of dementia
l Loss of memory l Behavioural and psychological changes such as depression, confusion, aggression, hallucinations, delusions and wandering l Communication problems: a decline in the ability to talk, read and write l Problems carrying out everyday activities such as washing, dressing, cooking. This is especially the case in the later stages of dementia, when the person affected will become increasingly dependent on other people l Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast it progresses will depend on the individual

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AgENDA FEATuRE

Ken and Joyces story ...

Ken cares for his wife, Joyce, who has Alzheimers disease. They met in 1945 and have been married for 57 years. They have two daughters and a son. In 2007, Joyce visited her GP without telling her family because she was feeling depressed. She was assessed and referred to Tolworth Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Alzheimers. Looking back, Ken realises now that Joyce had probably been experiencing memory issues for some time before her diagnosis, as he recalls her writing down telephone numbers because she could no longer remember them. He says that Joyce often forgets words for things as well as her childrens and grandchildrens names and birthdays. In 2009, Joyce stopped being able to carry out household chores and can no longer cook. She is still able to bathe and dress herself but Ken is aware that the time will come when she is unable to do so. Services who told him that he seemed to be coping very well with the aid of his family but that if something were to happen to him, they would step in. They suggested that Ken contact Age Concern Kingston to access day service provision for Joyce. Support Ken started bringing Joyce to Raleigh House day centre in May 2010, initially for one day a week, soon increasing it to two days. Originally, Ken had not intended to join the centre himself but he was so impressed with the facilities and the opportunities to socialise that he decided to become a member too. It gives him a break from caring for his wife, knowing that she is being looked after in the same space should she need him. Ken, Joyce and their two daughters also now regularly attend the Saturday Club at Raleigh House for people with dementia and their carers (see below for more information). Ken told agenda that coming to Raleigh House is the best thing he has ever done. He says that at home, Joyce will become frustrated, agitated and aggressive through boredom, but that when she attends the centre she becomes a different person sociable, joining in the singing and dancing, and full of energy and life.

Impact
Ken says that Joyces condition has made him very depressed, especially knowing that her symptoms will get worse. He has health problems himself and is worried about what would happen to Joyce if he wasnt around to look after her. He contacted Social

Living with dementia

Diagnosis
It is very important to get a proper diagnosis as there are many conditions that can cause symptoms similar to dementia, such as depression. It may also be possible to be prescribed medication which may help to slow down the progression of the disease. GPs may refer the person with dementia to other services such as a memory clinic or local mental health service. Whether you are someone with dementia or a carer, a diagnosis can help you prepare and plan for the future.

Planning ahead
No one wants to consider a future with dementia but planning what would happen to you if you were to lose capacity is incredibly important. This might include discussions around financial, legal, practical as well as emotional matters concerning both you and your family.

National dementia campaign poster in New Malden High Street

Accessing support
Seeking help while dementia is at an early stage is vital. Age Concern Kingstons Advice and Information team can advise you on issues such as benefits, entitlements and health and social care services available to you. See page 7 for contact details. Laura Maher is the Alzheimers Societys dementia adviser in Kingston. Based at Tolworth Hospital, she acts as a contact throughout a persons journey with dementia. If you would like to get in contact with her, call 020 8296 1317 or email laura.maher@alzheimers.org.uk. She will also be coming to Age Concern Kingstons Saturday Club for people with dementia and their carers on 9 October (see box).

Saturday Club
We have recently started running a Saturday Club for people with dementia and their carers at our Raleigh House day centre in New Malden. The service is designed to offer practical and emotional support as well as a space for people to share their experiences, take part in activities and socialise. The club takes place on the second Saturday of the month between 11am and 2pm. Lunch is provided at 12 noon and a range of activities including singing, quizzes, gentle exercise and arts and crafts are offered as well as general discussion and information, advice and talks by different agencies in the Borough. Next dates: 9 October and 13 November 3 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12 noon). For more information about the service and if you are interested in attending, please contact Natasha on 020 8942 8256 or email natasha@ageconcernkingston.org.

Meeting other people

Keeping in contact with other people helps those with dementia stay mentally active and stimulated. For carers and the immediate support network, it offers a valuable opportunity to meet others in the same situation and to share advice and support. See box for information about our Saturday Club.

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Raleigh House
Raleigh House is a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking friendship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day or half day. Those who attend for a full day will be provided with a hot lunch. 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 & crafts room; a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm For more information, please contact: 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 offers an exciting range of affordable social, keep-fit, health related and learning activities for the over 50s in a friendly, lively and welcoming environment. It is a 10 minute walk away from Kingston town centre. There is a caf serving drinks, snacks, lunches (including roast lunch every Wednesday) and homemade cakes, as well as a patio area. Bradbury, 37b grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Wendy Reid Changes are currently being made to opening times and the activity timetable. Please contact the centre for more information.

Happy Birthday Bradbury!

It was five years ago that Richard Briers cut the red ribbon and opened the Bradbury Centre, to much acclaim. On 21 August members, volunteers and staff celebrated the centres fifth birthday with a barbeque and disco. The centre has proved to be a great success, attracting over 300 members who highly value the opportunity to socialise and take part in activities in such a welcoming and vibrant environment. As one member has said: Bradbury fulfils an enormous social role. I am quite passionate about the centre and it has been a life saver for many members who, like myself, have lost their partner. In todays climate, more funding is needed to ensure the future sustainability of the centre. If you would like to make a donation, please complete the form on the back page. Thank you.

Crafty Success
On Saturday 10 July, staff, volunteers and members from Age Concern Kingston ran a stall as part of the Craft Fair at the Malden Fortnight, selling arts and crafts made by members of Raleigh House day centre and raising awareness about the organisations services. We would like to thank Pearson Maddin Solicitors for their sponsorship on the day. They kindly donated the proceeds from their cake stall to Age Concern Kingston. Look out for Raleigh members artwork which will shortly be on sale amongst the work of other local artists in Manuels the Bakers on New Malden High Street.

uPCOMINg OuTINgS AND EVENTS

DATE
Thursday 16 September Tuesday 21 September Thursday 23 September Thursday 7 October Monday 18 October

TIME
1.00 2.00 11.15 3.00 10.00 3.45 1.30 All day 3.00 RNID clinic

EVENT
Pub lunch at Silvermere Golf Club Boughton Monchelsea Place trip Tour of the Poppy Factory, Richmond Jewellery sale Connaught Opera

ACTIVITIES ON OFFER
Tai Chi Bingo Book club Arts and crafts Discussion group Cards and board games Indoor games skittles, boules, quoits Music appreciation and singing Exercise groups, including Armchair Extend exercise classes Hairdresser and manicure service Social Eyes a local group for people with sight impairment We also organise talks, events and trips. Please contact the centre or see our website www.ageconcernkingston.org for more information. Quizzes Snooker Gardening Poetry reading Computer classes

Tuesday 26 October

How to feel good

October in Kingston is set to be a feel-good month, with well-being activities happening all over the Borough. The Bradbury Centre will be hosting a number of FREE activities for community members including: l Come and try tai chi for beginners, Fri 15 Oct 3.15pm l Singing lessons, date to be confirmed l Tea and talk groups about mental well-being with guest facilitators, Mon 11 Oct 10.30am and Wed 13 Oct 10.30am l Help make a feel good mural, 1115 Oct l Plenty of information about LOCAL FREE services and how you can improve your own well-being, 1115 Oct l Opportunity to give your feedback on how we can make Kingston a happier and healthier place for you! Keep an eye on the RBK website and the Age Concern Kingston website for more details.

Both our centres are available to hire for celebrations, meetings or other events. We can also provide catering. If you are interested and would like to find out more, please get in touch. For more information about the centres, including prices of activities, please contact the centres or see our website www.ageconcernkingston.org.
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Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

The gardenLink Service
We are working on a scheme to match individuals who are on an allotment waiting list with an older person with a garden they can no longer manage. GardenLink is a joint venture with The Kingston Federation of Allotment Gardeners and Quadron, the organisation responsible for grounds maintenance in the Borough. What are the benefits? For the garden owner: l Regular social contact l Receiving some of the produce of the garden plot l Keeping active by being involved with the garden plot even on a small scale For the GardenLink volunteer: l Helping out and involving an older person l Growing fruit, vegetables and plants l Meeting other volunteers and sharing skills, experience and produce If you would like to find out more about this scheme, either as a potential volunteer or you are over 65 with a garden you would like put to good use, please contact Tulloch Kempe on 020 8942 8256 or email tulloch@ageconcernkingston.org.

Making later life a greater life

The next courses will start in November. To book your place contact Raleigh House or the Bradbury Centre (see opposite for contact details).

Housing Choices
Housing Choices is a collaborative initiative with First Stop to develop a service giving people the information and advice they need to make informed decisions about their housing.

Cook and Eat

The latest Cook and Eat course took place over the summer and proved as popular as ever. These free six-week courses show easy, economical ways of cooking healthy, nutritious meals using less fat, salt and sugar, and more fruit, veg and fish. The men in the group especially enjoyed trying out new flavours, food types and cooking techniques, as well as making new friends.

Stay Well
A preventative service working with GPs and individual older people, which aims to prevent and reduce the number of hospital admissions caused by illness, isolation, falls or accidents.

Handyperson
The Handyperson service is now offering support to people within their own homes to set up computer equipment, fix minor computer problems and provide basic IT training. We are looking for additional volunteers for this as well as for tuning TVs/DVDS. If you can help, please get in contact with the Handyperson Co-ordinator, Heather Bruneau, on 020 8408 8177.

For more information about any of our services, or if you would like to volunteer for us, contact 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org. Also see our website www.ageconcernkingston.org

DIARy DATES
Age Concern training and events
Raleigh House Saturday club
See page 5 for information

Home Response
Providing short term practical help to older people during a period of ill health to enable them to remain at home and to prevent unnecessary admission to hospital. Volunteers work with an older person for up to six weeks and help with tasks including shopping, laundry, prescription collection, meal preparation, clearing space to avoid falls, taking rubbish out and dog walking. Due to increased demand, we are looking for more volunteers.

ITea and Biscuits Week

20 26 September at Raleigh House A week of events providing older people with the opportunity to learn about new technology. Please contact the centre for more details (see opposite page).

International Older Peoples Day

Friday 1 October Raleigh House: film show Bradbury Centre: to be confirmed Fit as a Fiddle: dance event with Tamil Elders Please contact us nearer the time for more information.

Advice, Advocacy and Information

First Contact telephone advice line and one-to-one advice and advocacy service. Call 020 8408 8170 Monday to Friday, 10.00am 12.00 noon.

In Touch
Telephone support and befriending service.

Black History Month

October Events will be taking place at Raleigh House and Bradbury. Contact the centres for more information.

Age Concern lunch clubs

Fountain Court Tuesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, New Malden Charles Lesser Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) Charles Lesser House, Chessington

Fit as a Fiddle
The first of a series of six-week programmes for people over 50 who want to lose weight and get active was held over the summer, involving Nordic walking courses in Bushy Park alongside healthy lifestyle workshops. It proved to be extremely popular with the 28 people who took part. By the end of the course, the group had lost 6 stone 9lbs between them, as well as inches off their waists and a reduction in their BMI (Body Mass Index). Most participants also increased their activity levels, adopted healthier eating habits and committed to keeping fit. The friendships made during the course were an added bonus. Indeed one participant described the course as inspirational and life changing. Further courses involving dancing, aquacise and keep fit, as well as options for people who may have more difficulty getting out and about, will be starting in the autumn. To book your place or to find out more, please contact Grace Shorthouse on 020 8942 8256 or email grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

For more information call 020 8942 8256.

AgM and launch of our 2010 Impact Report

Thursday 21 October. For more infomation call 020 8942 8256

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, 1.15pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.

The Amy Woodgate Dementia Caf

Last Wednesday of the month, 6.00pm 8.00pm. Nigel Fisher Way, Chessington (next to the Merritt Medical Centre). A meeting place for carers of those with dementia. For more information call 07535 964435.

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Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

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Housing n informatio and advice

" Donation Form

Step 1. Deciding how you want to donate: There are a number of ways of making a donation. Please tick below, the method you would like to use: 1. A single cheque/cash donation (cheques payable to Age Concern Kingston upon Thames) 2. A regular donation by Standing Order (please contact us or visit our website for more information) 3. I would like more information on making a Will or leaving a legacy I do not want my name to appear on any published list of donors Step 2. Making a single donation by cheque or by cash: Your title and first name: ___________________________________________ Your surname (please print): ________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________ ______________________________ Postcode: _______________________ Tel No: ________________________________________________________ Email: _________________________________________________________ Cash or cheque donation enclosed for: ______________________________ Return to: The Operations Coordinator, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA Please contact 020 8942 8256 or visit our website www.ageconcernkingston.org for more information. Charity Number 299988 Step 3. Are you a uK taxpayer? If you are you can make your gift worth more we gain 28p for every 1 donated! If you Gift Aid your donation, Age Concern Kingston as a charity benefits from tax relief of 25p on every pound you give. Additionally, HMRC (Government) through transitional provisions for Gift Aid donations made from 6 April 2008 5 April 2011, gives a supplement of 3p on every pound you give. 28p in total! To qualify for Gift Aid, you must pay an amount of UK Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax at least equal to the tax that the charity reclaims on your donations in the appropriate tax year (currently 25p for each 1 given). Tax year is 6 April one year to 5 April the next. If you are unsure about this, please ask.

I would like to Gift Aid this donation

Thank you! Your support is extremely valuable to us. We would like to write to you from time to time to give you news of our latest events and activities, and to tell you about the different ways you could help. If you would rather not be contacted, please tick this box