Issue 7 l Winter 2010

agenda
Kingston upon Thames

FREE!

Your view, your life, your news

INSIDE:

MP Ed Davey visits Bradbury page 3

Impact Report and AGM page 3

Housing choices page 4

Homes fit for life

Housing has hit the headlines recently, with controversy over the Coalition Governments decision to cap housing benefit leading to suggestions that London will see an exodus of people forced to move to cheaper areas. This is not only an issue that affects young single people and families. It is estimated that up to 350,000 older people are not claiming housing benefit to which they are entitled. As our physical capacity declines, we tend to spend more time in our homes and their condition, design and location has increasing influence on our health, mobility, social inclusion and well-being. There is also the worry of becoming isolated and lonely as we become frailer and are less able to get out and about. owner occupiers, with many older people living in houses which are worth a considerable amount of money but which they cannot afford, or do not know how, to maintain or adapt to their needs. Like local authority housing, many of these homes are old and in need of modernisation, with 67% having been built before 1944. Without the necessary adaptations, older homeowners may experience increasing difficulties with managing a home and garden, which often leads to a crisis such as a fall and a Decent housing is key stay in hospital. Such crises, combined with a The local authority is currently lack of support, can mean that an older person may end up leaving their home developing an older peoples housing strategy intended to help tackle these earlier than they would have wished. problems. The Government has Choices committed 6.5 billion over four years for affordable housing and Decent That is why it pays to think ahead, plan Homes and is urging councils to focus and make decisions about housing on early intervention and to work options before it is too late. Age creatively with the voluntary and Concern Kingston is developing a Housing Choices service in partnership community sector. A housing with the national organisation FirstStop, information event and consultation on the local strategy will be held early next which can help advise you about the year. Please see the next issue of options available to you and support agenda for further details. you to make the right decision for you.

National housing facts

l 90% of older people live in general needs housing but a significant minority live in retirement housing. l One third of older people (2.1 million households) live in nondecent or hazardous housing. l Over 750,000 people aged 65 and over need specially adapted accommodation because of a medical condition or disability. l 1.72 million older households live in fuel poverty and numbers have increased in recent years. l The government has announced in the recent Comprehensive Spending Review (see page 2) that the social housing budget is to be cut by more than 50%.

Investment
Kingston is experiencing a baby boom and is often seen as an attractive place in which to bring up a family, however in common with many other areas, it has an ageing population. Affordable, quality housing is desperately needed to ensure people have decent homes to grow up in, and also the choice to remain living independently as they get older. Sheltered housing is in great need of modernisation and some council tenants have to wait too long for their homes to be adapted so they can continue to live independently. The Borough has a high proportion of

Kingston housing facts

l Kingston has received a red flag for meeting housing needs, meaning that it is an issue of significant concern and that action is needed. l Only 6% of the affordable housing need in Kingston is met, below the London average and both local and national targets. l 13% of all single person households in the Borough (65,000 in total) are lone pensioners. l Almost one third of council tenants homes do not currently meet nationally set housing standards.

The Big Knit hits high target!

Thanks to our fantastic knitters, we have far exceeded our original target of 1200 hats and have made over 2000! This means that we have raised over 500 for Age Concern Kingston, which is about 200 more than last year despite the fact that the amount paid per hat has been almost halved.
In case you didnt see our article in the last issue of agenda, The Big Knit is a project run by Age UK and innocent aimed at keeping people in later life warm this winter. People have been knitting little woolly hats for innocent smoothie bottles and for every hat we knit, innocent and the stores will make a donation of 25p to Age Concern Kingston. Special thanks go to star knitters Irene Taylor from the Raleigh House craft group and volunteer Angela Peter, who knitted over 200 and 100 hats respectively, but well done and thank you to everyone who took part. Look out for the be-hatted smoothies in Sainsburys and Boots now!

Comprehensive spending review

On 20 October, the Government announced 81 billion worth of cuts in order to tackle the deficit, including the following affecting older people: l The retirement age for men and women will rise from 65 to 66 by 2020 six years earlier than planned by the previous Labour government saving 5bn a year. l Reform of public sector pensions will save 1.8 billion by 2015. l 7 billion in additional welfare budget cuts through changes to benefits including housing benefit, council tax benefit and pension credit. l Universal benefits such as free eye tests, free prescription charges, free bus passes and free TV licenses for the over 75s will be protected. l Increase in cold weather payments from 8.50 to 25 will be made permanent. l The NHS budget will be protected. l 2 billion in extra funding for social care by 2014-15. l The mobility element of Disability Living Allowance will be stopped for people in full-time care homes.

Beware of scams
Older people are often the target of scams and rogue trading. There have recently been a number of campaigns warning people about this kind of activity, both in the local area as well as at a national level. 1. Locally, Age Concern Kingston is aware of several instances where people posing as charity workers have knocked on older peoples doors and attempted to gain access to their homes. We will never visit you without making an appointment with a named member of staff or volunteer. All staff and volunteers carry photo identity cards and, if in doubt, you can ring us to check that the person visiting is genuine. 2. Kingston Council is warning residents about a telephone scam in which someone claiming to be from The Council Tax Department rings telling people that they are entitled to a rebate on their Council Tax or that their Council Tax band has been changed to a lower rate. The caller says that all the resident has to do is provide details of their bank account. Residents who receive such an approach are advised NOT to provide such details over the phone and to ask for the name and number of the caller and finish the call. Any genuine caller from Kingston Council will be happy to provide their name and a number where residents can return the call to verify the details. If in doubt, contact your local Council Tax office by visiting the website www.kingston.gov.uk/council_tax or calling 020 8547 5196. 3. There is a national campaign warning people about rogue doorstep traders offering winter home maintenance services. The advice is to avoid agreeing to, or signing anything, on the doorstep, to be wary of special offers or warnings that your house is unsafe and to avoid snap decisions. Age Concern Kingston has its own Handyperson service which is by appointment only and can help with winter maintenance work. See page 7 for more information and contact details. 4. Energy companies and the consumer watchdog, Consumer Focus, have also launched a national campaign warning customers about a doorstep scam offering cheaper electricity meter top-ups, which could end up with customers paying twice for electricity they have used. Customers can contact their electricity company or Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06. If you have any concerns about scams and rogue trading, please call our First Contact telephone helpline on 020 8408 8170.

Shake-up of the NHS

In the summer, the Coalition Government announced its plans for the most radical shake-up of the NHS since it was created over 60 years ago. The key changes are the handing over of the majority of the NHS budget to GPs, who will be asked to form consortia in order to make decisions about how this money should be spent. Hospitals will be moved out of the NHS to become social enterprises or foundation trusts by 2014, giving them more independence and freedom to decide how they provide their services. The Government says this will give patients more information and choice, including the ability to register with any GP they choose. However, the proposed changes have been criticised as a move towards privatisation of the NHS, and many question whether GPs have the skills and experience to manage the NHS budget and to make these kinds of decisions.

2011 Census: help tomorrow take shape

Your 2011 census questionnaire will arrive in March. Its vital that you complete your confidential census questionnaire as the statistics collected are used to make decisions about our community. Our area receives funding from government, based on the number of people living here, funding that can be used for schools, hospitals, transport and refuse collection. Everyday facilities like play parks, water pipes and even where your local supermarket branch is located, are based on census statistics. Its all confidential, so no one will see your personal information. More information about the 2011 Census can be found at www.census. gov.uk or by calling Census Customer Services on 01329 444 972 or Minicom (for the deaf or hearing impaired) on 01329 444 517.

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: Tom Bell, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Janet Evans. 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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Delivering the outcomes that make the difference

In October, we celebrated our achievements over the past year through the launch of our 2010 Impact Report, Delivering the outcomes that make the difference, which highlights recent successes. These include helping over 2,000 over-45-year-olds to get fit and healthy through our Active Living scheme, and starting a Handyperson service supporting people to stay safe and well in their own homes. The Impact Report was launched at our Annual General Meeting which was well-attended by people from across the Borough. Two users of the charitys day centres spoke movingly about their experiences of using Age Concerns services and the great difference it makes to their lives. The Mayor, Councillor Chrissie Hitchcock, closing the meeting, commented that these personal stories summed up the importance of the work the organisation does in the community. Age Concern Kingstons Impact Report can be downloaded from our website www.ageconcernkingston.org. If you would like to receive a paper copy, please contact us (see page 2 for contact details).

AGENDA EDIToRIAL

Homes and housing

This edition of agenda focuses on homes and housing. As youll read elsewhere, much of our local housing is old and expensive; indeed nearly 70% of Kingstons housing was built over 65 years ago. The needs of the local community are changing and there is an increasing demand for better quality homes. In our election manifesto in the spring, we identified housing as a key area which needs a great deal of investment and improvement. Its not just about building more homes; there is a clear link to our health, both physical and mental, that stems from the conditions in which we live.

So what needs to be done?

A blooming success

MP Ed Davey visits Bradbury

Mayor Cllr Chrissie Hitchcock with volunteer Brian Mulley, receiving the award on behalf of Bradbury

There was keen competition between Age Concerns two centres recently when both entered the Kingston in Bloom awards. In the end it was The Bradbury that celebrated success, winning the Best Community Space category for the centres patio garden, which combines colourful plants and flowers with vegetable growing. Congratulations go to green-fingered volunteers Brian Mulley and Jane Pringle for bringing it all to fruition. Raleigh volunteer Joyce Lodde didnt come away from the award ceremony empty handed the garden there was awarded a Highly Commended certificate.

In October, Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton and the Coalition Governments Minister for Employment, Consumer and Postal Affairs, came to talk to members of Age Concern Kingstons Bradbury Centre about his work as a government minister and local MP. Thanking Age Concern Kingston for everything they do for people in the Borough, he described the organisation as one of the shining examples of the voluntary sector, praising the huge difference made by its staff and volunteers. The audience listened attentively as Ed talked about the challenges facing the government, especially with regard to the deficit. Emphasising that he was still a local MP, doing two advice surgeries a

week, he spoke about the health service and his support for plans to modernise Surbiton Hospital, as well as for the campaign to keep Kingston Hospitals A&E and maternity units open. The audience was given a glimpse of plans for changes to the Royal Mail and post offices, a week ahead of Government announcements on the subject. Several members took the opportunity to voice strong views about local post offices. Questioned about the Big Society, Ed, who is Big Society Minister for his department, said he believed it was really positive for organisations like Age Concern Kingston, commenting: I think we need more of you, we need to support you in what you do.

There needs to be better support for people in their own homes, better access to information and advice, to aids and adaptations and more promotion of preventative interventions such as the fitting of hand rails. Government-funded research proves that preventative expenditure on low-level support for older people is cost-effective. The policy direction has not changed under the Coalition Government and it is universally accepted that it is both cheaper and more desirable over the long term to enable older people to remain in their own homes. Kingston is facing a creeping housing crisis, which demands an integrated response from our council and local NHS, both of whom benefit from older people being able live well and independently for longer. It is now, with council and NHS budgets being stretched, that investment must be made to delay or prevent the consequences of deteriorating housing. If we are to build strong and sustainable local communities, where people can live safely and happily, money must be spent where it will be most effective, where it will delay or prevent people being admitted into costly hospital, nursing or residential care. This investment needs not only to be in bricks and mortar, hand rails and accessible bathrooms, but in maintaining social networks and services that address isolation, that help people to help themselves, that support people through times of crisis and promote well-being.

Spending cuts
At the time of writing we know that there will be a reduction to council funding of 26% over the next four years. However we do not yet know what this means for older peoples services in Kingston. We will cover this issue in the spring edition of agenda. In the meantime, if you have views on the cuts and on the kinds of services which are vital to older people in Kingston, please write to us.

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AGENDA FEATuRE

Help to keep your home

Making decisions about your housing can seem like a daunting task. But there are a number of services out there which can help you plan ahead, cope with changing needs, work out your options and support you to make the right decision for you. Age Concern Kingston has recently introduced a Housing Choices service, providing advice and information for older people, their families and carers about housing and care options in later life. This service is funded by FirstStop, an independent national advice organisation for older people. The main areas in which older people want information and advice are: l Advice on moving often at the time of a crisis, e.g. bereavement or a fall. l Advice on staying at home and being able to deal with disrepair, adaptations, benefits and finances. l Knowing your options should I move or should I stay at home, what are the implications? l General housing issues housing rights, housing benefit and income issues.

Mr & Mrs Ss story

Mr and Mrs S (85 and 87 years old) are finding it increasingly difficult to cope in their home on their own and are concerned about their future housing needs and options. They own their home without a mortgage and also have substantial private savings. For a number of years, and with reducing mobility, they have only lived on the ground floor, which they have adapted accordingly with a downstairs bathroom incorporating a walk-in shower. Both suffer from physical and mental health problems and Mr S is dependent on his wife for his main care and support. After a visit by Age Concern Kingston, a support package was put in place to enable them to stay at home for the time being. This included a cleaner, a home help, a key safe, bathing equipment, walking aids and advice on avoiding falls, home shopping and pre-prepared food information and social support.

The Cambridge Road Estate, home to some of Kingstons poorest people: the council says it is considering regeneration plans for the longer term future of the area.

Age Concern Kingstons Housing Choices service offers information and advice about all these issues as well as: l Information about equity release. l Adaptations and design for the home. The local authority can help you access l Telecare sensors and detectors services such as: giving people the reassurance they l Home visits to help with energy need to remain living independently efficiency and keeping your home in their own home. warm this is a service provided by l Handbook So you think you want Creative Environmental Networks to move? (see opposite). l House Proud home adaptations We can also offer services which support with the option of a loan or equity you to remain living independently in release. your own home, including: l Disabled Facilities Grant for l Handyperson help with home adaptations to the home for people repairs, putting up grab rails to with disabilities. prevent falls, etc. l Help at home help with domestic For more information about any of chores (page 7 has more information). these services, contact Age Concern l Advice and information not Kingstons First Contact telephone just housing-related but also helpline on 020 8408 8170. You can information about benefits and also contact the national FirstStop entitlements available to help advice organisation on maximise your income. 0800 377 7070.

Problems posed by poor quality housing

l Increased risk of falls l Poor heat insulation leading to poor health and higher costs l Poor security a run-down house and garden can attract burglars

Benefits of home adaptations

l Increased independence l Falls prevention l Reduced hospital admissions and length of stay in hospital l Prevention or delay in admission to residential care l Reduced costs to the state the cost of a fractured hip is five times the average cost of a major housing adaptation and 100 times the cost of fitting grab rails to prevent falls l Investment in a suitably adapted and equipped home usually pays for itself in 12 months or less and produces savings to social care budgets of between 25,000 and 80,000 per year

Working in partnership with Social Services, day visits and a one-week respite stay have been organised at a local care home known to the couple. Following this, they will be supported to decide on the next steps and, if they choose to stay at home for the foreseeable future, advised on what additional support they will need. They are being encouraged to weigh up and test out all the options before making the decision to go into a home. The key factors in this decision are: l the risks of staying at home versus the importance of maintaining their independence l the relative expense of going into a care home compared with getting extra support in their own home. A handbook put together by Age Concern Kingston entitled So you think you want to move? is one tool which is being used to help them, as well as dedicated time to discuss their options with an experienced member of staff.

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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

Keeping warm this winter

Are you over 65 and living in a cold home or struggling to pay your fuel bills?
Did you know that your Local Health Authority (NHS Kingston) has funded a company called Creative Environment Networks (CEN) to give FREE home visits to help? CEN offer FREE help to: l Get heating and insulation paid for by the Council l Show you ways to make your home warmer l Show you how to reduce your fuel bills l Tell you about other services The visit is completely FREE. The home visitor will not try to sell you anything and will only offer advice and help if you want it. Some of the work you may need on your home will not be free, but the home visitor can give information about grants that are available for covering the costs. All you need to do to book your free visit is call: FREEPHONE 0800 358 6663

It is a shocking fact that each winter in England and Wales, approximately 37,000 people aged 65 and over die from conditions that could be prevented. This is often because we cant afford to heat our homes and are more susceptible to illnesses caused by cold and damp. The winter of 2008-09 saw more than 300 additional winter deaths every day a rise of 50% on the previous year. Kingston still has one of the worst excess winter death rates in the country. For every additional winter death, there are also around eight admissions to hospital, 32 visits to outpatient care and 30 social services calls.

information about using your heating system efficiently, and reducing fuel bills.

What will I have to do?

The home visitor will give you advice on the day and, if necessary, ask you to sign forms to apply for grants for heating or insulation, but they will be happy to leave the forms with you to check with a friend, relative or carer before you sign.

What help and support is available?

A warmer home for winter
If you have reached the minimum Pension Credit age, you can get between 150 and 400 to help pay for keeping warm this winter, depending on your situation.

Warm Front grants

Warm Front offers grants to make homes warmer and more energy efficient. It includes a package of insulation and heating improvements up to the value of 3,500 (6,000 for oil-fired central heating). You must own or privately rent your home and be receiving certain benefits including: Pension Credit, Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance.

What happens next?

When you call the number you will be asked to leave your name and contact details and then you will be contacted by one of the three home visitors, who will ring back to arrange a convenient day and time to visit. It is fine for a friend, relative or carer to telephone on your behalf.

Winter Fuel Payment

This is an annual payment to help people aged 60 and over to pay for their heating. To qualify for this winter, you will need to be born on or before 5 July 1950. You only need to claim once; after this, you will automatically receive it each year as long as your circumstances do not change. For more information or to make a claim, call the Winter Fuel helpline on 08459 151515.

How many visits would there be?

If you are eligible for grants to help with heating and insulation, it would mean that you would have further visits to carry out this work. The home visitors will discuss with you exactly what will happen if you decide to have the work done and will be there to support you through the process. You will be free to change your mind at any time if you do not want work done to your home.

Help from energy suppliers

If you have a low income, your energy supplier may offer products such as cavity walls or insulation at a discounted rate or free of charge. If you spend more than 10% of your income on bills, you might be eligible for a social tariff. Every energy supplier is different so you need to check the eligibility criteria.

How long will it take?

The visit usually takes about an hour.

Cold Weather Payment

You may be able to get an additional 25 a week when the temperature has been or is expected to be 0C or below for seven consecutive days in your area. You will be paid automatically if you are receiving Pension Credit.

What will happen during the visit?

The home visitor will ask to look around your house to see if any work needs doing to make your home warmer and if you would be eligible for grants to do this work. They will also give you advice and

If you would like to talk to one of our advisors about any of these schemes and whether you may qualify, give them a ring on the number at the top of the page. You never know what you might be missing!

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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, keepfit, 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 Please contact the centre for information about opening times and the activity timetable.

Fun had by all at Age Concern Kingstons Summer Fair

In September, Age Concern Kingston held its Summer Fair at Raleigh House. The day was a resounding success, with people of all ages from the local community coming to support the charity and have fun at the same time whether by tucking into delicious homemade cakes, visiting the animals from Kingston Farm and Rescue Centre, playing games or buying lovely crafts made by members. Age Concern Kingston would like to thank all those who came and supported the organisation, as well as those who donated saleable goods. All the money raised on the day will go towards helping develop vital services for older people in Kingston.

ACTIvITIES oN oFFER
Computer classes Book club Walking group Dance classes Yoga Tai Chi Art classes Scrabble/board games Handicrafts/patchwork Podiatry RNID clinic Massage treatments Bridge and chess Language conversation (French and Spanish) Bereavement support group Some activities are free while others carry a small charge. Please contact the centre or see our website www.ageconcernkingston.org for more information.

ACTIvITIES oN oFFER
Tai Chi Quizzes Bingo Snooker Book club Gardening Arts and crafts Poetry reading Discussion group Computer classes Cards and board games Indoor games skittles, boules, quoits Music appreciation and singing 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.

uPCoMING ouTINGS AND EvENTS

DATE
Thursday 16 Wednesday 22 December Friday 24 December Monday 27 and Tuesday 28 December (public holidays) Wednesday 29 Friday 31 December Monday 3 January 2011 (public holiday) Tuesday 4 January

TIME
12.00 1.00 11.00 12.00 All day All day All day All day

EVENT
Christmas lunch and entertainers (every day) Jerico Latin Dancers

uPCoMING ouTINGS AND EvENTS

DATE
Thursday 25 November Saturday 4 December

TIME
2.00 All day All day All day All day

EVENT
Members Plus meeting Marks and Spencer collection day Centre open as usual Centre closed Normal opening resumes

Centre open to pre-booked members Friday 24 December Centre open as usual Centre closed Normal opening resumes Monday 27 Monday 3 January 2011 Tuesday 4 January

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

Help is at Hand!
We are pleased to announce the launch of an exciting new service for residents of Kingston aged 65 and over Help@Home. Managing the everyday practicalities and tasks of a home in later years can be difficult and daunting for many older people and can also be a worry for family and relatives. In some cases, these tasks are no longer possible or may even pose a potential risk to the person - for example trying to clean stairs or change curtains. Help@Home provides support with a range of practical tasks in and around the home, as well as social support. This service currently includes: l Domestic cleaning on a regular basis or a one-off deep clean l Laundry and ironing l Shopping, collecting prescriptions and posting letters l Cooking and any other tasks that do not involve personal care How does the Help@Home service work? Having registered your interest with us, we will arrange an initial home assessment at a convenient time for you, and then match an experienced Home Helper to you. You will also receive an information pack about our range of other services. How much will the Help@Home service cost? There is a simple hourly charge of 14 (excludes costs incurred by the Home Helper e.g. petrol used for shopping). To find out more about this service, or to register your interest, please contact us at Age Concern Kingston on 020 8942 8256.

Making later life a greater life

Handy help with your computer

The Handyperson service is now offering personalised one-to-one computer tuition and help with setting up laptops, as well as training in the use and setting up of DVD recorders and digiboxes. The charge is 10 for an initial visit and instruction. For more information on this and other help provided by the service, please contact the Coordinator, Heather Bruneau on 020 8408 8177.

Fit as a Fiddle
Age Concern Kingston has run six free Fit as a Fiddle Courses over the last six months, which have helped over 100 people lose weight and get active. Four new courses will take place in January/February and March/April 2011, including Aquacise, Keep Fit and Dance. To find out more please contact Grace Shorthouse, Fit as a Fiddle Coordinator, on 020 8942 8256, or email grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

Spreading the word

In October, staff from Age Concern Kingston braved crowds outside the Bentall Centre in Kingston to raise awareness about its services and fundraise.

DIARy DATES
Age Concern training and events
Public Meeting
The Future of Health and Social Care in Kingston Speaker: David Smith, Chief Executive NHS Kingston Tuesday 14th December at 2.30pm, The Bradbury Centre.

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.

Raleigh Saturday Club

A service for people living with dementia and their carers. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am 2.00pm at Raleigh House Next dates: 11 December, 8 January, 12 February 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 saturdayclub@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend.

Age Concern lunch clubs

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

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

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.

A Significant other
Building on our previous award-winning work, our latest intergenerational project will partner secondary school boys with older male volunteers as mentors. If you feel you have suitable skills and are interested in volunteering as a mentor, please contact Debbie Cottrell on 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, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.

In Touch
Telephone support and befriending service.

The Amy Woodgate Dementia Caf

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

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.

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Kingston upon Thames

We need your support!

As an independent local charity, founded and run by local people with local interests at heart, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames is always in need of support from the community to help us continue the positive work we do, especially with the heightened challenges we are facing as a result of the recession. Here are two of the many ways in which you can support us:

Making a Donation
It doesnt matter how little or how often, every gift, large or small, helps ensure that the people of Kingston upon Thames have greater opportunities to lead happy, healthy and positive later lives. If you are able to support us, we would be very grateful. You can make a one-off donation or give regularly by standing order.

Leaving a gift in your Will

This is a great way of ensuring our work continues at Raleigh House, Bradbury and in the community. We have been working for older people in the local community for over 60 years. The work we do today is built upon the generosity of those who have given in the past. Leaving a gift to Age Concern Kingston in your Will is a positive and special way to make a difference to future generations. A Will is the only way to make sure you leave your money and property to the people or causes you care about. If you would like to benefit Age Concern Kingston or another charity, you need to make that clear in your Will. Leaving a legacy is a tax efficient way to support us as your estate will pay no Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax on the value of your gift. To make sure that we receive the legacy you leave us, please ensure that your solicitor or Will drafter includes our full name and Charity Number in your will Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, Charity Number 299988. Above all, ensure you receive independent, professional advice when making your Will.

" 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