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The newspaper of Age Concern Kingston upon Thames

Issue 17 l Summer 2013

INSIDE:

National award page 2

Moving on page 7

Retirement reinvented page 4

Not at home alone

As the Kingston at Home plan for improving services moves steadily forward, one of the points often made is that whilst we welcome changes that will help people stay in their own homes and out of residential care, people simply dont want to be stuck at home alone. Dear to us our own four walls may be that doesnt mean people want to spend the rest of their days staring at them. Maria suffered a stroke over a decade ago and lives with her son, who is her main carer. When I had my stroke I was in hospital for four months, I then spent another ten weeks in rehabilitation, she told agenda news. The OTs and physios worked very hard I had the strength to survive the stroke so I worked hard too. had no local social contacts. This is echoed with similar comments. Day centres are a gateway to a whole network and infrastructure of facilities and support services. For example, having access to a Handyperson service is critical in supporting people to live independently in their own homes. Expert and up-to-date advice is also available on all kinds of issues. Arthritis limits Marias mobility, and cataracts her vision she walks slowly using two sticks. Her son doesnt drive, so she was helped to apply for a taxi-card and Dial-a-Ride, which gives her more independence. Her son doesnt have to chaperone her to Raleigh now, and he gets a break when shes at the centre.
Enjoying good company

Relationships
Chessington provides a safe and tranquil environment for people living with dementia, with a beautiful purpose-designed garden. Often dismissed as outdated or not what people want, the importance of services like these is evident from messages of thanks which decorate the walls of the Raleigh managers office. Thank you all for the care and attention to my parents this year, writes one carer, You have made a real difference to their lives as they were really missing out on the social side of life before they started at Raleigh House as they only moved to New Malden just under four year ago so The success and continuing popularity of these services are due to the strong relationships that are developed within them, and with their local communities. They are repositories of knowledge and expertise. And they are asset-based, strengthened by the networks of support that volunteers bring, working with users in ways which make them feel valued and appreciated. As Maria says: Raleigh House is a community worth being part of its a nice environment, it changes my attitude, you see, otherwise I will stay at home and feel more pain it doesnt seem to hurt as much when you get to be with people.

Struggle
Maria goes to Raleigh House: I work on my crafts as well as play scrabble and word games its so helpful because I still struggle with spelling and recognising numbers. Being part of a group makes me very happy. I have one useless arm that I cannot move since the stroke, the craft group members dont mind, in fact one of them joked that I could use it as a paperweight for my work! Kingston is unique in having three, modern, attractive and well-equipped centres where people can go to socialise, enjoy themselves and learn

new things. These centres are at the heart of the planned new Kingston at Home model of care. Raleigh House in New Malden looks from the front like a large suburban family house the generous and colourful spaces at the rear come as a surprise. The Bradbury in Kingston is a new purpose-built centre, at the heart of which is a caf whose coffee and home-baked cakes would give Costa a run for its money. Anything but institutional, the buzz within puts a smile on the face of visitors immediately and the passion of the staff is palpable. Amy Woodgate in

Stay Well in running for national award

Age Concern Kingstons Stay Well at Home service has made the shortlist for the prestigious Charity Awards 2013, it was announced in May. Against national competition, Stay Well was selected in the Social Care and Welfare category. The Stay Well service works in partnership with GPs to target older people at risk of losing their independence and helps them plan and make lifestyle changes. With great feedback from people who have been helped, Stay Well also saves money an independent evaluation showed that in twelve months it saved the public sector 268,000, with a total return on investment of 11 for every 1 spent.

Listening to you

a real tribute to the dedication of the staff and volunteers who deliver the service. The Charity Awards are widely recognised as the Oscars of the charity sector, representing Measurable some of the finest examples of best practice and success from Stay Well has already achieved national recognition organisations big and small. Stay Well at Home has been two years ago it was shortlisted from hundreds of praised in a parliamentary entries in the social care and report on housing and care welfare category alongside just for older people. two other charities. Commenting on the news ACKs Chief Executive Shane Excellence Brennan said: Its great to be Projects have to evidence shortlisted, but what really how they meet ten hallmarks matters is that the Stay Well of excellence, including service makes a real and innovation, leadership, measurable difference to effectiveness and older peoples ability to stay independent and enjoy good accountability. Age Concern quality of life. This accolade is Kingston was judged against How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA t: 020 8942 8256 e: admin@ageconcernkingston.org w: www.ageconcernkingston.org twitter: @agekingston agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, e: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, t: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper

stiff competition by an 11-strong panel of experts across a variety of fields, including the chief executive of the Charities Aid Foundation Dr John Low; founding director of the Clore Social Leadership Programme Dame Mary Marsh; Danielle Walker Palmour, director of the Friends Provident Foundation, and Sir Christopher Kelly, chair of the Kings Fund. The judging panel was chaired by Andrew Hind, editor of Charity Finance. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on the night of Thursday 13 June, hosted by comedienne, Sally Phillips.

In the spring, Age Concern Kingston hosted a public meeting to listen to what you had to say about what makes later life a greater life. The event was a success, those who attended spoke honestly about their experience of later life and what improvements could be made. There was consensus from those taking part about the factors which ensured a good quality of life. Being mobile (good transport), keeping social and active, seeing family and friends, having the right information and support and maintaining good health were highlighted. The combination of all of these things meant that life could still be creative, fun and purposeful. However, whilst people endeavour to live in this way, participants agreed that there are certain barriers and limitations that get in the way. Problems with accessing transport, access to information and advice and finding opportunities to keep social and active were issues which provided significant frustration to many. These findings wont be new to readers they are issues which come up again and again. ACK will continue to work with your feedback to help shape and develop services, and influence commissioners. A summary report is available on our website www.ageconcernkingston.org. If you have any comments or feedback in response to the report then please contact us.

Wendy Woods

As agenda news goes to press we are saddened to hear that Wendy has passed away. Wendy spent her life campaigning against imprisonment of political detainees and fighting the injustice of apartheid in South Africa. On exile to the UK, Wendy continued working for various charities, including chairing the trustee board at Age Concern Kingston. From 2003, she was founder and chair of the Donald Woods Foundation, doing vital work in the poverty-stricken Transkei region of the Eastern Cape. She will be greatly missed.

Who we are

We are a leading independent charitable organisation dedicated to working with people in south west London. Kingston upon Thames We have 65 years of experience of supporting older people and carers to live safely and independently in their own homes and over the years have won awards for this, the most recent being the Guardian Award for Care of Older People 2011. Our vision is to make later life a greater life. We have a history of working in innovative ways with local people to deliver the services that they want, and of working in partnership. We provide a range of community-based services which help and support people to live in their own homes. These include Information, Advice and Advocacy; practical help in the home (e.g. Handyperson services, cleaning and domestic help, shopping, support after a hospital stay) and social activities (social centres, lunch clubs, telephone befriending, dementia club). These services are accessed by hundreds of older people and carers each year. Our workforce of 50 staff is supported by 150 trained volunteers who add value and huge commitment to all the services we provide.

age concern

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Letters
Whilst people are still in this world they need to be treated with respect. I was a nurse in the 50s and we had a Matron and ward sisters. The matron gave the orders and it was her job to check up on the general care given in the hospital. No one would ever let people suffer knowingly, even if we were exhausted and under staffed it just wasnt heard of then. Things have really changed when I first started the NHS had only been set up two years before; all of the doctors and nurses were enthusiastic and really cared for each patient. It was a great moment when our hospital opened its doors to treat the poorer people in London, who had been suffering for years with illnesses and infections without treatment. We were working in less than perfect conditions then; the buildings were old and equipment was limited but we did our best for each patient. I have to admit that the Health and Safety regulations today do make sense; when I did my training if you werent able to lift a man up from lying to sitting you couldnt carry on your nursing training but I wonder where the Health and Safety measures have gone to keep patients safe and well looked after? Helen, New Malden

Please send your letters & feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org

Agenda editorial

Mid Staffs NHS scandal Getting the right information is key why werent the staff Women first received the right Single mothers suffered as listened to? to vote 85 years ago. Since then, they were expected to work,
society has made incredible progress in creating gender equality. However, growing pension disparities highlight the need to revisit the state of womens rights. When I was younger, the state system was designed for women to be housewives and working women received lower wages. I became a teacher because it was one of the few professions which offered financial equality. We received equal pay and we all paid 6% to our pension and local authorities paid a further 7%. Despite this, women still suffered as most working, married women would take this out as a lump sum, or opt to pay the cheaper NICS contribution. These women were then left with only a small state retirement pension of about 35 a week. pay their pensions, save for retirement as well as support their children through education. How are single mothers expected to handle this immense responsibility today, if policies intended to provide support, such as SERPS for widows, has been cut by 50%, while prices keep rising? It is clear that we have been, and are, lacking in accessibility to information and financial education in the secondary school curricula. This is imperative to preventing anyone, man or woman, from facing a lower retirement income in the future. If I had been given the right information, I would have remained a teacher with a final salary scheme paying 132 a month for each 10,000 made. If only Id known! Christina Gore, Richmond

Young v Old whos to blame?

Its five years since the banking crisis which damaged much of the global economy, but whilst some countries are beginning to recover, Britains economy is still dormant. With the economy suffering and the government still pursuing its austerity programme, theres been much focus on the need to reduce the welfare benefits bill. The government has instigated an argument that pensioners are somehow having it easy or arent suffering like others and therefore shouldnt be getting free bus passes, free TV licenses or extra money in the winter, also, more importantly, that state pensions should be reduced or taken away. Commentators often couch the resulting debate in terms of an intergenerational divide. To imply this group or that group somehow have it better, or is benefiting because of the lack of money elsewhere is outrageous.

Intergenerational
The vast majority of young people dont believe older people should be worse off; indeed generally they feel people in retirement should have a secure, safe and worry free existence. Nor do most older people feel that younger folk live the life of Reilly or have it too good! Indeed, most people have real concerns for the future, not only for their grandchildren, but also for younger people in general from the costs of gaining a higher education to the very real reality of long-term unemployment. A government minister said recently that those pensioners who have too much money should give it back. Why keep this just to pensioners? Why not ask all those who have too much to give more to the government? Theyre easy to identify The Sunday Times produces a rich list every year! Clearly ridiculous. In the midst of this recession, essentially this debate is about setting one section of society against another, by creating perceptions that one group is somehow benefiting at the expense of the other. Of course there are rich individual pensioners but this does not justify the reduction or withdrawal of universal pensioner benefits. There are no winners in austerity Britain. Fuelling an insidious intergenerational divide which results in less support for older people will, ultimately, make losers of us all.

agenda news your views

Thanks to all who responded to our recent survey on agenda news. Overall you were impressed with the paper and the amount of information it provided especially about benefit changes and where to go to socialise. You said you would like to see more local news articles and further information on activities in and around the borough. Whilst you acknowledged that the newspaper was mostly aimed at older readers, some of you felt that those who are disabled, isolated or are carers would benefit if they picked up a copy. You found agenda news in GP surgeries and local libraries, which made the paper accessible; however you did suggest an audio version be made available for those with visual impairments. If you would like to tell us your views on agenda news, or have your say on any issue, please get in touch. Kevin started volunteering for ACK in November 2010, first for the Handyperson service and then as a computer tutor for the Raleigh day centre. He applied for a paid position as a driver and was successful, yet continued with his volunteer roles alongside. In his three years with ACK, he showed great commitment to the organisation, coming up with ideas, offering to help when there were IT problems, and often volunteering beyond the call of duty. In November 2012 Kevin was forced to resign at short notice due to ill-health. His untimely death in April came as very sad news to ACKs staff and volunteers: Kevin was very loyal to

Feedback

Kevin Prince

14th June 1944 21st April 2013

ACK, a conscientious colleague, a very supportive team player and popular member of the team, sadly missed. Cathy, Day Centre Manager. Kevin was a very caring, considerate person. He was a giver, nothing was too much trouble for him, he would always lend a helping hand. What I found very interesting about Kevin was that he had spent four years in the Marines and was a junior boxing champion. I know that the people at ACK staff and members liked him a great deal. Steve, Administrator . He was always generous with his time, valued by our clients and able to turn his hand to all sorts of problems. Heather, Handyperson coordinator.

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Retirement reinvented
Retirement is a part of life that many look forward to and with the right planning and openness to new experiences can be the most rewarding part of our lives. However, for some it can also be quite daunting, the anticipated pleasures of completely free days can, with nothing to fill the time, begin to pall. Volunteering has helped many people through the sometimes stressful transition into retirement. We asked a few retirees why they are dedicated to giving back to their community.
I retired at an early age to care full time for my wife who was very ill at the time. Unfortunately she died just over a month later and as I had led a high pressure business career I felt that I no longer had a purpose in life. So I decided to pursue my greatest interest which is photography. This led to me to work for Surrey History Centre and Surrey County Council, then ultimately volunteering for Age Concern and other organisations. I now get great pleasure and a whole new sense of purpose being able to give to the community some of the knowledge and experience I myself have gained and to be listened to again, instead of being classified as a Senior Citizen and as a result, not having a worthwhile opinion. As to the future, I intend to enjoy life to the full with my partner and our families. Brian, volunteer community photographer I was not looking forward to retiring, I enjoyed the job that I was doing, I got on very well with my colleagues and I had no idea how I would fill my day, although I was interested in several things, I did not have a serious hobby. Now that I am retired I have time to do the many things that previously I had to fit in when I had a spare moment. Volunteering has made a tremendous difference to my life; I like to have a structure to the week. Apart from the weekend I have only one free day, which suits me very well. I just pray that my health will enable me to carry as I am doing at the moment. Obviously the day will come when I will have to slow up and be content to read a book at home, or even in a home, God forbid! I will try and put that day off as long as possible. I also hope, with Keiths (my computer tutor) help to become a little more confident on the laptop, which keeps me social and up-to-date. Trevor, has been a volunteer since 2003 and has supported a range of projects including intergenerational work

Agenda Feature

To work or retire?
l One in eleven over 65 year olds are still wage earners. l Retirement is no longer a fixed time in your life you can take early retirement or carry on working beyond state pension age. l Working part-time could give you the opportunity to have additional free time whilst continuing to gain a salary. This could help with the transition of retirement. l If you do carry on working, youll no longer have to pay National Insurance. l Remember your employer cannot force you to retire because of your age, if you feel discriminated against seek advice. l If you are thinking about changing your job or career completely then ensure that your CV and skills are up to date.

When my wife died I went to pieces, I went right downhill, and the doctor recommended I speak with Age Concern Kingston. I followed their advice and became a member of the day centre in 2007. Sometime after joining I expressed that I enjoyed gardening to one of the staff members and asked if anyone would mind if I potted a few flowers. I started to do so much in the garden they asked me if I would like to become a volunteer and I did! The garden was like a jungle, big weaving bushes all over the place, I totally got into it, and I enjoyed it so much. All in all, I was under a lot of pressure and I was still a bit depressed but it passed and being with people was good for me, it has been a way of expressing myself. Coming to Raleigh House literally saved my life, it became my family. Michael, volunteer gardener and art assistant at Raleigh House

4 l Issue seventeen

First Contact l 020 8408 8170

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

Financial tips for later life

Our standard of living in retirement can depend on making our money work for us as effectively as possible. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you make the most of your pension and savings. Here are some helpful tips when approaching retirement.

Get a benefits check

Make sure you dont miss out on any benefits or concessions. l Find out if youre eligible for pension credit. l You should also register for the winter fuel allowance, which can be worth up to 200, and you may be eligible for the cold weather payment, if youre claiming certain benefits. l You should also register for a free bus pass, a senior railcard, cheap healthcare and a free TV licence.

Take control of your money

A stable regular income helps you budget. l If you have savings (including pensions), or plan to invest a lump sum from your pension, choose stable investments to avoid any last minute falls in value when you need to cash them in or take income. l If you can, reduce your debts. If debt is a worry, contact an advice agency such as the National Debtline on 0800 808 4000 or www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.

Get a pension forecast

Six months before you retire, you should contact your current and previous pension providers to find out what your final pension will be and how it will be paid to you. l Get a State Pension estimate of how much youll get when you reach state retirement age at www.gov. uk/state-pension-statement. Or call the Pension Service on 0845 300 0168. If you defer claiming your State Pension youll get a higher pension or a lump sum. l Check your private or work pension entitlement with your pension provider. Add this to your expected State Pension. If its not enough, you can continue paying into your pension for as long as youre earning. l Contact the free Pensions Tracing Service for help finding any pensions with former employers. Visit www.gov.uk/find-lost-pension or call 0845 600 2537. l You should also let HMRC know you are retiring four months beforehand.

Check your tax

Everyone has a personal tax allowance (unless your income is above 116,000). l If your income from work, pensions and savings is below your personal allowance, you wont have to pay tax on interest from savings. Fill in an R85 from your bank or building society to get interest paid untaxed.

How much money will I need in retirement?

l Its unlikely youll need as much money as you did when you were working, but you may spend more money on heating your home and leisure activities. l Planning a budget based on how much pension income youll receive and what youre likely to be spending your money on will help you identify any shortfalls in your pension income.

Shop around for an annuity

l An annuity converts your pension fund into a guaranteed income for life. Make sure you get the right one for your circumstances. Once youve bought one you cant change it. l To compare annuity rates from leading providers call the Pensions Advisory Service on 0845 601 2923 or use their online annuity planner at www. pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk.

Consider getting some advice

If youve got particularly complex needs in retirement, have built up multiple pension pots, or need help with investing any of your spare cash, its well worth seeking financial advice. For more information, call First Contact on the number above.

Happy finance, happy future

Changes to benefits from 2013

The information on Universal Credit in issue 16 was incorrect. The correct information is given below. Universal Credit will be introduced from October 2013. If you are in later life, you may be affected if: l Your partner is under Pension Credit age, and you are over Pension Credit age. You will no longer be able to claim Pension Credit your partner will have to claim Universal Credit instead. But if you are already claiming Pension Credit when the change comes in you wont be affected (unless or until there is a break in your Pension Credit claim for some reason). l You have dependent children living with you. Child Tax Credit will be abolished, and financial help for children will be provided via Universal Credit or Pension Credit. l You are working in a low-paid job and over Pension Credit age. You will no longer be able to claim Working Tax Credit. By Pension Credit age, we mean the age at which you are eligible to claim it. You dont actually have to be claiming it. This age is gradually increasing at the same pace as womens State Pension age. For any further clarification please contact the First Contact team on the number above.

Free legal advice surgery

Expert legal advice surgeries at Age Concern centres for local residents over the age of 60. Impartial advice from solicitors experienced in working with older clients. Confidential consultations by appointment. For more information or to make an appointment, please ring Age Concern Kingston First Contact on: 020 8408 8170 or by email: firstcontact@ ageconcernkingston.org.

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

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

The Iris Murdoch project one year on

Sharing the warmth

Opening night at Kingston museum

The Raleigh House craft group knitting for dogs

For the last few years the craft group at Raleigh House have knitted blankets for Battersea dogs home. Peggy explains what brings them the inspiration to work so hard each year for the charity: It is the satisfaction of doing something really worthwhile. All animals want something warm, dogs especially. I knitted a blanket for my dog and he jumped right in it and curled up to sleep. I like to think the dogs at Battersea do the same when they get their blankets. It is good for us too; its relaxing, rewarding and the blankets are easy enough for the whole craft group to knit. Its as if the warmth we experience from knitting is stitched into each blanket to make a Battersea dogs life a little bit better.

Last summer members of The Bradbury took part in a year-long Heritage Lottery Funded project based on the life and work of Iris Murdoch. Participants visited Kingston Universitys archives, handling and reading the writers letters before taking part in a discussion group and going on field visits to parts of London where Murdoch lived and places she liked to frequent such as the National Gallery. One year on and the project has culminated in an exhibition at Kingston Museum, staged by Kingston Universitys Centre for Iris Murdoch Studies and unveiled in May. Illuminating the life and work of a great writer, the event also showcased the work of various groups in the community including MIND in Kingston, Age Concern Kingston, Kingston Carers Network and adults with learning difficulties.

French afternoon at The Bradbury

Cries of ooh la la filled the air at The Bradburys most well received event so far this year. Sounds of French caf music and cardboard cut-outs of the Eiffel tower welcomed guests into The Bradburys very own Paris. Sporting berets, striped t-shirts and even onion garlands, everyone enjoyed French cheeses, pates, and wine. Kingston University students kindly gave their time during their Volunteer Week to wait at tables decked in blue, white and red. A picture quiz to identify French personalities and a French Bingo game were hotly contested. More themed events and outings are planned for the summer get in touch to find out more and book your place.

Raleigh House needs you

The centre is supported by our fabulous volunteers who add value to everything we do. If you have some spare time and would like to contribute to the work of the Raleigh Centre then please do check out our website. Current vacancies include: Computer tutors Wednesday and Friday. Musical volunteers to run music groups either during the week or for the Saturday Club (every 2nd Sat of the month). Coffee lounge and Kitchen assistant. Gardening.

6 l Issue seventeen

Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

Making later life a greater life

Moving on
At 82 Ben found himself struggling alone in his three bedroom home. His family lived abroad and his brothers, who live locally and were also in their eighties, were frail and needed their own support. The loneliness crept in slowly at first, but after some time Ben realised that his house was too much to maintain as his health let him down. Eventually the only option was to move into a local care home where he could receive the support he needed to live a life with dignity.

Diary Dates
Age Concern meetings and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service designed for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am2.00pm at Raleigh House. Next dates: 8th June, 13th July our summer BBQ and 10th August. 4 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.

Anxious
Ben had left behind an empty house in desperate need of renovation, full of personal belongings and furniture that was years old. Whilst he settled well into his new home, the thought of his house abandoned left him anxious he was helpless in the situation and didnt know who to talk to. He had never imagined the position he was in and therefore hadnt planned for this situation. A concerned neighbour gave Ben the number for Age Concern Kingston; he spoke with our advice team before being referred to the Stay Well Housing Choices service.

Free legal advice surgery

Last Tuesday of the month, next dates: 25th June, 30th July and 27th August. To make an appointment phone the advice line on 020 8408 8170.

Theres no need to struggle alone

Options
Housing Choices visited Ben and discussed the options open to him when selling his property. Throughout the process he was consulted

through regular meetings, which gave him the opportunity to share his anxieties. We also discussed with Bens family his decision and kept them informed throughout the sale. Housing Choices researched estate agents for valuations, liaised with and instructed a solicitor, made arrangements for family members to sort through remaining personal belongings and dealt with all paperwork. After 10 months the property sold! Whilst Ben was sad to say goodbye to his past, he was extremely grateful to the Housing Choices service: I could not have done it without them.

The Bradbury events and outings

Rah Rah theatre company in June, Seaside trip and walkers lunch in July, Connaught Opera in August. For further information please contact the Centre Manager, Laura OBrien, on 020 8549 1230, or email bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org

Age Concern Lunch Clubs

In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court The Charles Lesser Lunch Club Lunch Club Tuesdays Wednesdays (12.00pm2.00pm) (12.00pm2.00pm) Fountain Court, Charles Lesser House, New Malden Chessington For more information call 020 8942 8256.

Kingston Community Furniture

Kingston Community Furniture (KCF), a green charity formed in 2005, has been recycling used furniture to young and low income families in the Kingston area. It may seem like a simple idea but the impact of this activity isnt just about helping people furnish their homes. 600 million tonnes of products and materials enter the UK economy each year but only 115 million tonnes of this gets recycled. A report from an independent think tank, Green Alliance, suggests that stopping this waste from reaching waste sites could save the UK 1 billion in landfill costs and recycling it could even add 2.5 billion in value to our economy. Furthermore, doubling the amount of re-used furniture could save 52,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent. At the moment, 83% of discarded furniture is sent directly to landfill sites. Not only is KCF contributing to current environmental and economic reform, its services are aiding the local community in other ways. KCF will come and remove any unwanted furniture from homes in Kingston, at a good price. In helping young families to set up comfortable homes, KCF shows that there is no reason why furniture with style and charm shouldnt be affordable and green.

Whats on in Kingston
Malden fortnight
Saturday 6th of July Sunday 21st July. Various exciting events scheduled in New Malden including Raleigh Houses craft group selling their creations on Saturday 13th of July, New Malden High Street.

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.

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Help@Home

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

I get help when I want, how I want

With our home services youre in the driving seat. Our purpose is to support your independence, not take it away. We can assist with laundry, shopping, garden tidying, outings and appointments or someone to talk to if thats what you need. Whether its a practical one off job or regular assistance, we can provide it. We pride ourselves on our personal touch. With a large team of friendly, reliable, trained, supervised and security checked staff, and over 65 years experience, we give that little bit extra that makes all the difference. For further information please phone us on: 020 8942 8256 or visit our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org.

ve Its great to ha me, o h t a lp e h e m so one to I should have g ears ago. y n r e c n o C e g A

The Help@Home team providing the support you want, how and when you want it.
Charity Number 299988