1 Elders Council of Newcastle Older People working for Older People November - December 2015 Issue 68 Inside this issue: Page Elders Council at Work .....……….3-7 Information …..………….…….... 8-10 Dementia ….…………….…..… 12-13 Reports …….…………….….… 14-15 Things to do …..……................ 16-19 Volunteering ………………..…. 20-21 Correspondence ……………... 22-23 Digital Deli ……....…………….……24 Poetry Corner ……………..…….... 27 Contact Details …………………..…28 We just want to say … thank you! Follow the tea cup symbol throughout the Newsletter to find various social activities. Why not join in the fun? A very big thank you to those members who contacted the office after seeing the callout in the last Newsletter for help with hand-delivering the Newsletter. 10 people responded to the request and we now have 74 members hand-delivering Newsletters. However, we are still asking for members to hand-deliver newsletters in the following places: Anfield Court, Anfield Road, North Kenton, NE3 3LL Bishops Road, Benwell, NE15 6RY Brunswick Village, NE13 Broomfield and Calderdale Avenue, Walkerdene, NE6 4PH and NE6 4HN Callaly Way, Staines Way, Walker, NE6 2XD Callerton Court, Marsden Lane, Westerhope, NE5 4PF Condercum Estate, NE15 Coniston Close, NE15 8PA Denton Burn, NE15 Denton Park House, NE5 2LZ Grasmere Court, NE15 8PB Holywell Close, Barrack Road, NE4 5BP Manisty House, Atherton Drive, Benwell, NE4 7UN Tynedale House, Whickham View, NE15 6UP West Meadows, Westerhope, NE5 1LS Do you live nearby and is this something you could do every couple
Transcript
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Elders Council of Newcastle
Older People working for Older People
November - December 2015 Issue 68
Inside this issue: Page Elders Council at Work .....……….3-7
Information …..………….…….... 8-10
Dementia ….…………….…..… 12-13
Reports …….…………….….… 14-15
Things to do …..……................ 16-19
Volunteering ………………..…. 20-21
Correspondence ……………... 22-23
Digital Deli ……....…………….……24
Poetry Corner ……………..…….... 27
Contact Details …………………..…28
We just want to say … thank you!
Follow the tea cup symbol throughout the Newsletter to
find various social activities. Why not
join in the fun?
Follow the tea cup symbol throughout the Newsletter to
find various social activities. Why not
join in the fun?
A very big thank you to those members who contacted the office after seeing the callout in the last Newsletter for help with hand-delivering the Newsletter. 10 people responded to the request and we now have 74 members hand-delivering Newsletters. However, we are still asking for members to hand-deliver newsletters in the following places:
Anfield Court, Anfield Road, North Kenton, NE3 3LL
Bishops Road, Benwell, NE15 6RY
Brunswick Village, NE13
Broomfield and Calderdale Avenue, Walkerdene, NE6 4PH and NE6 4HN
Do you live nearby and is this something you could do every couple
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Thank You! of months to save on postage costs? If so, you could choose to pick up your newsletters either from our office (see back page for the address) or from MEA House, Ellison Place. Or you could have them posted to you in an envelope – each will have an address label placed in the top right corner of the newsletter and all you will need to do is put them through letterboxes. Enclosing them in one envelope will save us not only postage costs, but also stationery costs. Please call Anne on 0191 208 2701 if this is something you can help with.
Poem
Elders Council
The Elders Council deserve our praise As they help us in many ways
The Chair is held by Mary Nicholl But they will all help if we’re in a pickle
Lots of work goes on behind the scenes
To publish the excellent magazines Information for all ages
Can be found inside its pages Tips on trips can be found If you like to travel around
A friendly morning at the Mile Castle pub
Come along, it’s just the job A hostess is at the door to greet And friendly folk for you to meet
The varied programmes are all very good When it’s over, stay and have some food
The Working Groups do their best And put lots of subjects to the test
So don’t delay, come and see
What the Elders Council achieves for you and me
Eileen De-Voy
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vElders Council at work
Older Person Friendly City Working Group
In our last report, we put forward some issues for comment from readers – and we have had a response! Many thanks to Barbara Bailes, who has some suggestions about: Hot Food Takeaways The City Council has been consulting about whether they should introduce planning controls over the numbers and locations of hot food takeaways in neighbourhood centres – not just because of their impact on the quality of the environment (e.g., litter, smells) but because they provide unhealthy eating that results in obesity and are therefore a danger to public health. Barbara puts forward the idea that we should be looking for a different range of takeaways that will offer healthy alternatives to oily, fried food. We would welcome more comments and suggestions and then be ready to put forward our views when there are planning applications for takeaways and cafes in our neighbourhoods. City Centre Walks We are still hoping for comments from readers about walks in favourite parts of the city. We are constantly told that a daily walk is good for health – but it’s even better if we can find a safe route that also includes interesting buildings – and maybe a place to sit down and admire the surroundings. We are still working on our updated report and would like to include some positive suggestions about what we can enjoy in our City Centre. The Working Group welcomes comments on the above – and any other issues – about developments in the City.
Communication Working Group
Everyone’s tomorrow – today! …
… is the Elders Council radio programme that goes out on the first Friday of every month between 2 and 4 pm on the community radio station NE1fm (102.5fm). It’s made by local older people for local older people. We’re always keen to hear what our listeners think of the programme or to suggest ideas for future ones. If you haven’t heard it, why not give it a listen? It’s broadcast on 102.5fm wavelength and you can also listen via the Internet on NE1fm Webplayer http://ne1fm.net/webplayer .
Folded bicycles have been permitted on Metro services for many years; however, non-folding types have been prohibited. The refurbishment of Metro trains has provided the opportunity to carry bicycles for the first time. Recently Nexus announced that they will be carrying out a trial of bicycles on off-peak Metro trains between Jesmond and Callerton Parkway – but only one bike per carriage. The Transport Working Group were asked to respond to the plans for the consultation and we said that we welcome the initiative in principle as it has long been requested by our members who enjoy cycling and we feel that the trial could ascertain whether the idea could become a permanent facility on the Metro. However, we have serious concerns about the monitoring of the trial as this seems dependent on public reaction to situations and could result in confrontation. We also have concerns about how the trial will be policed and the “rules” enforced.
Central Station Metro Refurbishment
Nexus is refurbishing Central Metro Station with a £6m project. The project will be delivered over 11 months from September 2015. Nexus and its contractor have stated that they will minimise the impact on city centre businesses, infrastructure and Metro passengers. For most of the project the station will close at 8pm from Sunday to Thursday, but be fully open on Friday and Saturday nights. Trains will run through the station when it is closed and call at other city centre stations as normal. A small number of weekend closures will be needed later in the programme. Passengers will be advised to use Monument station when Central is closed. Metro staff will be on site at both stations to advise customers of walking and bus routes, and provide free taxis from the station rank for people with restricted mobility. The Grainger Street exit to the station may be closed at certain times to help facilitate the project. Since the commencement of the project, Nexus has announced that the “down” escalator will not now be included in the project. This is because of technical problems and associated costs which make it unviable. An alternative of enlarging and improving the lift at the station is, likewise, not possible. On behalf of The Elders Council we have expressed our disappointment that neither of these options is practical but we understand the position and look forward to the
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vElders Council at work
Transport and Highways Working Group improvements that are being made. We will continue to report on these in future editions of the Newsletter. In the September/October Newsletter it was reported that all Spirit bus services in the Rothbury area would be withdrawn from 18 September. Fortunately, Northumberland County Council has provided a last-minute subsidy allowing the two most important routes to continue.
Activities at the Mile Castle
There is a small group of people who meet every six months or so to try and plan what activities/events are to happen at the Mile Castle in the months ahead.
The Mile Castle idea is that it is mainly a social occasion but that we will try and offer some focus that will be entertaining, informative or both.
We would like to see some new faces; perhaps you have a friend you could bring along (they don’t have to be a member of the Elders Council). We really want to include people who may be feeling a bit left out but are finding it hard to get back into going out. We all can know how that might feel so it’s up to us to try and offer them an easy, relaxing and fun place to be. Please look at your friends and neighbours and invite one or two of them to come with you next time.
This is what we’ve planned for November and December:
18 November The Sweetie Lady: ‘Sweets from your childhood’ (There will be sweets for sale. You are not obliged to buy).
16 December: The Store Strummers: a ukulele singalong
You don’t need to remember the dates: it’s ALWAYS the third Wednesday of the month with a 10.30 start.
Collect your friend and your bus-pass and we’ll see you there.
The Mile Castle is on Westgate Road at the junction with Grainger Street.
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vElders Council at work
Health and Social Care Working Group
Home Care Services are still top of the agenda for the Working Group. We are working closely with Healthwatch to contribute the views of older people about home care services. Healthwatch will soon be distributing a detailed questionnaire about their experiences to those who are currently receiving services. We would encourage anyone receiving a questionnaire to please take the time to respond – and don’t be afraid to ask for help if it seems too difficult: it’s really important to get a wide range of views; and to hear about what is working well, as well as any problems. As a contribution to our discussions with Healthwatch, our member Julie Irvine carried out an informal survey of the views of a few Elders Council members, just asking some simple questions about likes and dislikes and suggestions for improvements. There is much appreciation of the friendly human contact and the practical help provided by care workers, who make it possible for people to live a normal life. There is dislike of rushed visits, high staff turnover, and sometimes a lack of understanding (for instance, about help with medication and living with dementia). Suggestions for improvement focused on building relationships and more training especially about dementia. There was also particular appreciation of the reablement programme, which helps people to readjust to normal life after a hospital stay. The Elders Council’s Health and Social Care Group will be reviewing how the comments and suggestions gathered from older people are taken into account in shaping future services. We will also continue to be a critical but constructive friend in making sure that we all make best use of our resources. In the meantime, there is an opportunity for Elders Council members to contribute their views about the future for Home Care Services.
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vElders Council at work
Future of Home Care Services Newcastle City Council is currently seeking views about changes they are making to the home care system in Newcastle from October 2016. The information gathered will be used by the City Council to develop a Market Position on home care services (a summary of what is available now and what services might look like in the future), and this will be published on the Let’s Talk website in December for comment. There are several ways in which you can contribute your experiences and ideas:
If you are a carer, Newcastle Carers is hosting a discussion on Thursday
upon Tyne. You don’t need to book a place and refreshments and reasonable
travel expenses will be provided.
or
join the Elders Council’s event:
‘If I ever need Home Care, this is what I would expect …’
Date: Thursday 3 December, 10.00am – 12.30pm (sandwich lunch at 12.00 noon) Venue: Bewick Rooms 1 and 2, Newcastle City Library
An opportunity for you to discuss the information, guidance and services you would like to receive should you need help to enable you to continue living independently in your home. This is your chance to shape future services and to find out more about support services for older people in Newcastle. Don’t miss it!
Book a place by contacting Anne Richardson on 0191 208 2701 or
‘Supporting happier, healthier lives’ Chain Reaction is a new service commissioned by Newcastle City Council that supports older people (55+) to live independently in the community. The service is a new approach that offers a real alternative to building-based day services by promoting the use of community-based resources and facilities. The service is flexible and personalised, and works with older people to support them in deciding what they would like to achieve and how to make this happen. The service offers a variety of support, from sorting out financial worries to organising outings. What is on offer? The idea behind the service is to make sure that older people can get the support they need to live at home. This includes feeling safe and well, being treated with dignity and respect, being in control of making decisions, and being able to stay in touch with family, friends, and the community. The Chain Reaction service provides different levels of support, which can be flexible and change over time. Chain Reaction is provided by three different organisations: Search, KeyRing, and Mental Health Concern. Together they have specialist knowledge and experience of working with older people, those who have a learning disability, and people with poor mental health. Support can be at one of three levels:
Prevention, principally with advice on avoiding isolation
Foundation (£39 per week) which includes various forms of practical support
Life Skills (£59 per week) for people who need more support
Age UK is running a petition calling on the government to urgently invest in care for older people as part of its spending review in November. Age UK believe that older people should be able to live well, not just survive, and that the right care and support can help them to do this. Sadly, each day more than a million older people are left to struggle without any support. And this number is growing all the time. Spending on services like home carers, meals on wheels, and day-care has dropped by more than £1 billion in the last five years. With an ageing population and more people needing care and support in the future, this situation will only get worse unless we, all of us, act to change things now. As part of the Spending Review, the Government will decide how much money will be spent on care over the next five years. Age UK is inviting people to join in their petition to call on the Government to make sure that there is enough funding for vital services, so that the millions of older people who need care get the help they deserve. The Elders Council will be writing to all local MPs raising this very important issue. If you would like to find out more and to get involved, please ring Alex Wilson at Age UK Newcastle on 0191 235 9544 or visit the Age UK website at www.ageuk.org.uk/dontcutcare .
Am I happy in my home? Do I need to consider making some changes? or should I think about a move?
If these are questions which you occasionally ask yourself, there is a new on-line resource to help you to think through what you might do.
The new resource is published by Silverlinks and covers different aspects of making decisions about our housing as we get older. It also tells us where to go for further information and practical help.
It is aimed at anyone who may be thinking about whether to move or stay put and will also be of use to families and carers of older people.
Jo Linton of the National Trust tells us that her three-year Silver Active project, funded by the Community Foundations Kellett Fund, has come to an end.
The National Trust have reached out to 418 older people in the deprived areas of Newcastle to help improve people’s health and wellbeing. Over the years they have offered 392 sessions with 4376 spaces and filled 78% of these, providing a massive range of activities, learning skills and visits to places as well as maintaining two walking groups, an art group and a social group of older women. The work has encouraged participants to try new things and has seen individuals’ confidence, team work and social circles grow. Through this project the National Trust have provided people with a knowledge of what they do and participants have seen first-hand why it is important. Participants have met National Trust rangers, property managers, house stewards, collections managers, conservation cleaners, gardeners and many more to gain an insight into their work and understand the massive variety of areas cared for by the charity and the limitations it has with its resources. The older people involved in the project have had many opportunities to get out into green space and experience new ways of enjoying it; new friendships have been formed; and participants have experienced opportunities beyond their reach. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported the work over the last three years and given everybody many happy memories to take away.
While the project has drawn to a close, National Trust Gibside has launched another project ‘Walled Garden: Redesign, Renew, Revive’, which will see the transformation of the walled garden over the next few years. Working with Debbie Crombie (Head Gardener), the new Project Officer Deborah Hunter is developing an engaging programme of events and activities focusing on the garden, its history and its future. Gardens bring people together and the National Trust offers wonderful opportunities to volunteer. If you are interested in gardening and would like to volunteer OR you would like to know more, ring Deborah on 0120 754 1824 or email her at [email protected] .
Recipe
A member has sent us the following recipe:
Make a Victoria sandwich cake in the usual way. Just before you put it into a tin, crumble a Cadbury’s milk flake and gently mix. Then put the mixture into a baking tin and bake in the usual way. When cool, cover with milk chocolate. Forget your diet! Go ahead and try it!
Climate change a constant thought To reduce our footprint down to nought This world of ours could soon expire Unless we make this our desire
Autumn is up and running now As warmth of sunshine leaves the brow Early bright sunrise a welcome sight My friend the robin looks so bright
His glorious song forever clear To all who are fortunate to hear My little friend upon the wing He always makes time to sing
He serenades the magpie, crow The thrush, the starling as they go The swift swallow in controlled flight To loop and swoop it’s sheer delight
Soon life upon the ground and pond Will slow to life at nature’s wand The rabbit, hedgehog, fox and mouse To feed themselves will have to browse
Household pets the cat, the dog Always amused by stoat, toad or frog As autumn moves on a steady pace For nature to evolve with such grace
Snowdrops, daff soon on their way Trees cast their leaves a fine display Cycle of life begins yet again For life’s survival we must retain
John Reid
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Information
Tips for communicating with a person living with dementia
If you are caring for a person with dementia who is close to you, your relationship may change as time passes. Difficulties with communication can be upsetting and frustrating for the person with dementia and for those around them, but there are lots of ways to help make sure that you understand each other.
Sometimes it helps to look at each situation through the eyes of the person living with dementia. Here are ten communications tips that can help Alzheimer's caregivers improve their daily life.
1. You know what makes me feel safe, secure, and happy? A smile.
2. When you get tense and uptight, it makes me feel tense and uptight.
3. Instead of getting all bent out of shape when I do something that seems perfectly normal to me, and perfectly nutty to you, why not just smile at me? It will take the edge off the situation all the way around.
4. Please try to understand and remember that it is my short-term memory that is gone – don’t talk so fast, or use so many words.
5. You know what I am going to say if you go off into long-winded explanations on why we should do something? I am going to say no, because I can never be certain if you are asking me to do something I like, or drink a bottle of castor oil. So I'll just say no to be safe.
6. Slow down. And don't sneak up on me and start talking. Did I tell you I like smiles?
7. Make sure that you have my attention before you start blabbering away. What is going to happen if you start blabbering away and you don't have my attention, or confuse me? I am going to say no.
8. My attention span and ability to pay attention are not as good as they once were, so please make eye contact with me before you start talking. A nice smile always gets my attention. Did I mention that before?
9. Sometimes you talk to me like I am a child or an idiot. How would you like it if I did that to you? Just stop doing it and we’ll get along very well, and probably better than you think.
10. You talk too much; instead, try taking my hand and leading the way. I need a guide not a person to nag me all the time.
Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for more advice on how to care for someone with dementia. Please visit Information NOW (www.informationnow.org.uk) for more information on Dementia .
Dementia Friendly Cinema is a series of fortnightly daytime screenings of some of the world’s most beloved musicals for people with dementia and their carers and families. These events are open to everyone and anyone. At these shows trained staff are on hand to assist if needed, and the films are screened with the lights up a little and sound down a touch in the Classic auditorium. The Dementia Friendly Cinema project was initiated by the Elders Council of Newcastle, which also provided seed funding to start the project. Screenings will run fortnightly at the Tyneside Cinema, Pilgrim Street at 1.30 pm on Thursdays until December, with the next showings as follows:
Guys and Dolls – 19 November White Christmas – 3 December
Tickets cost £4.50 and carers go free.
Visit their website www.tynesidecinema.co.uk
or call 0191 227 5500 to book tickets, join the Dementia Friendly Cinema mailing list or to find out more.
Over the years we all accumulate clutter in our homes, particularly if we have lived in the same house for any length of time. Just as smoke alarms can save lives, so too can organising clutter so it isn't blocking escape routes or creating fire hazards; in the event of a fire neither our own free movement, nor that of any firefighter or potential rescuer should be impeded. Paper, boxes and old clothing – coupled with the flammable liquids often stored in garages – can make a fire burn hotter and faster. Newspaper stored in a warm, damp environment can spontaneously ignite. Live Christmas trees also present an extreme fire hazard.
Kitchen Clutter People are notorious for keeping things they hardly use on top of work surfaces in the kitchen. Take all these items down from the counter and determine which ones to bin, which to give away, which could be useful some day and think of a better place to bag, box and store them more efficiently.
Wardrobe Clutter Whether you’ve outgrown some clothing items or they’re simply yesterday’s fashion and now seem hideous to you, you must go through your wardrobes item by item and ask yourself, “What is that doing in there?” Does it really make sense to allot wardrobe space to all of the stuff you’ll never wear again?
Lounge Clutter Whether it’s DVDs you’ve seen or CDs you’ve listened to over and over, why not box them up and store them in the garage or shed? And those books? Are you really going to read all of them all over again? And those last four weeks’ worth of magazines in the paper rack? The next edition comes out tomorrow. Why not put them in the paper recycling bin them or take them to your local dentist or doctor’s surgery, where they’ll be much more appreciated?
Alternatives to Throwing Away Your Clutter If the thought of throwing out all of your clutter is simply just too much to bear and storage is not really an option, then why not give some items away to charity, to friends or have a car boot sale?
There are also many companies who specialise in recycling all kinds of things and many items can then be passed on and used again in the likes of third-world countries, who might be delighted to receive your old ‘brick’ mobile phone or CD Walkman now that you’ve got the latest mobile and an iPod.
However you go about it, getting rid of your clutter will not only make it easier for you to find things, stay organised, save you time and make cleaning your house a whole lot easier, it could also save your life.
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Reports
People aged 55 and over now have new freedoms and opportunities to access their
pension pots.
So the Council’s Trading Standards Service are asking you to be vigilant: scammers are exploiting this opportunity by trying to entice people to part with large sums of money.
Offers such as 'one-off pension investments', 'pension loans' or 'lump sum' payments are used to lure savers into handing over the money held in their pensions. Although these offers might sound like a legitimate deal, and are more attractive than other proposals, there is a significant risk that, once the funds are released, the cash will be used in dodgy investments, often overseas and unregulated. The Serious Fraud Office has issued the following advice to avoid being scammed:
Never give out financial personal information to a cold caller or be rushed
into agreeing a pension transfer.
Find out the company's background and whether advisers are approved by
the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) at www.fca.org.uk/register.
Review promotional material for the scheme being offered and ask for a
statement showing how your pension will be paid at retirement. Question
who will look after your money until then.
Seek independent advice before agreeing to any pension transfer.
Never be rushed into agreeing to a pension transfer.
Carefully consider investment opportunities that are overseas and may
therefore fall outside the regulation of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
Refer to the pension scams booklet available at www.pension-scams.com .
If you think you have been a victim of this or another form of fraud, contact Action
Fraud in the first instance on 0300 123 2040, or at www.actionfraud.police.uk .
In each Newsletter we try to advertise various activities happening under the heading of ‘try something old, learn something new …’ and that is exactly what member Anne Wilkinson has done. She recently popped into the office to show us a beautiful handmade patchwork quilt she had recently completed as a gift for her grandson. Anne learnt this skill from a book and then picked up some hand-sewing template tips from a lady in Saigon whilst visiting family. The detail in the quilt is amazing – see the images below.
Music Appreciation
Come and join a friendly group for a relaxing afternoon of recorded music, mostly classical but far from highbrow.
When: Every Wednesday, 1-3pm.
Where: St. Vincent de Paul on New Bridge Street, NE1 2TQ (lots of buses from Eldon Square).
Cost: £3 includes tea, coffee, biscuits and chatter!
For further information, please ring Linda Williams on 0191 232 6488.
Gentle Exercise Class
Come along and join the fun! Have you a disability or long-term condition? Don’t feel steady enough to take part in exercise classes? This class is for you!
When: Every Thursday, 2-3pm.
Where: St Martin’s Centre, Roman Avenue, NE6 2RJ.
For further information, please ring Age UK Newcastle on 0191 232 6488.
Cost: £6 or 5-week block booking £25 (£5 per session for state pensioners).
To book a place or for further information: ring Vicky on 0796 355 1005 or email her at [email protected] .
Age UK Newcastle Will Day
Monday 9 November Age UK Newcastle would like to offer you the opportunity to come along to their Will Open Day to see a friendly local solicitor and make your will. The cost is just £50 (or £80 for a couple making mirror wills) although any donations over and above this amount would be very gratefully received. To find out more or to book an appointment, please contact the Advice and Support Team on 0191 232 6488 or email [email protected] .
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Grandparents
Are you a grandparent separated from your grandchild/grandchildren? Would you like to meet with other grandparents in a similar situation for mutual support? If so, please join them.
When: Monday 9 November and then each second Monday of the month from 11am to 1pm.
Where: The Community Room, Fenham Library, Fenham Hall Drive, Newcastle, NE4 9XD.
The theatre company Kaleidoscope have just launched a new initiative aimed at encouraging and supporting older people to get involved in drama and the performing arts. The initiative, which is called Acting Up, will support older people across the UK to set up their own drama groups for older people or develop an existing group.
The new programme will offer groups all kinds of support, including access to specially written plays for older people to perform, training workshops and seminars with professional actors, writers and directors and the opportunity to perform in a professional theatre venue as part of the Acting Up Theatre Festival. The workshop is free.
The North East Workshop will take place at the Northern Stage in Newcastle on Wednesday 25 November from 11am to 4pm. The workshop is open to groups and individuals from all over the North East region. Places are limited and early registration is vital. To register your interest or for more information ring Karen on 0784 120 4641or email her at [email protected] .
Do you work with private tenants living in Newcastle’s West End? Are you a tenant renting from a private-sector landlord?
Private Tenant Voice is a new project that works with tenants to enable them to
share issues, concerns and ideas, in order to address their problems and create
neighbourhoods that are safe and pleasant to live in.
We are working with private tenants to identify issues and enable them to work
together to bring about improvements by offering:
networking
training
information and
signposting
For more information, ring Mary Lowe on 0191 285 2724 or
Something to say about services? The people who plan and provide social care and NHS services in Newcastle are listening.
Healthwatch Newcastle is holding a free listening event in the heart of the city for users of these services – and members of the public too. If you have something to say, or would just like to know more, come along and speak directly to those in the know. Light refreshments will be available.
Who will be there:
Deciding together (specialist mental health services)
Freeman Clinics (Ponteland Road Health Centre – GP practice and walk-in centre)
Newcastle City Council
Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (including acute hospital care)
NHS Newcastle Gateshead CCG
North East Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Northern Doctors Urgent Care Service
When: Wednesday 11 November, 5.30 to 7.30pm
Where: Bobby Robson Suite, St James’ Park
To book: Online at http://listening-event-nov.eventbrite.co.uk or ring 0191 338 5720.
Find out about Healthwatch Newcastle at www.healthwatchnewcastle.org.uk .
Lip Reading
The North Tyneside Disability Forum runs lipreading practice sessions at the Shiremoor Centre on every Monday afternoon. There is one session from 2-3pm and a second from 3.15-4.15pm. The idea behind the sessions is that, as well as learning some lipreading techniques, members also get to meet people in a similar situation to themselves. Lots of those attending say that they enjoy this social aspect as much as the lipreading itself.
The sessions are free, with a voluntary contribution just to cover tea/coffee, lighting cost, etc.
Places are available in both groups at the moment and both sessions are led by lipreading tutor Anne Fyland.
For further information please ring Derek Craigie on 0191 200 8574 or email him at [email protected] .
A researcher on placement with Northumbria Police is carrying out a project which looks specifically at older residents living in the East End of Newcastle in order to see whether Northumbria Police could be doing any more to make residents safer in their own homes. Her project particularly concerns offences such as burglary and bogus callers, so she would like to know what measures you currently have in place to protect your home and what your fears and concerns are in relation to bogus callers and burglaries.
The questionnaire she has designed contains 10 questions and most require just a simple yes/no answer; so it should take only a few minutes to complete.
If you would like to take part in the research, then you need to be aged 60 or over and you need to live in the East End of Newcastle (Byker, Heaton, High Heaton, Jesmond, Sandyford, Shieldfield, Walker)..
If you meet the age and location criteria mentioned above and you would like to take part, then please email Laura at: [email protected] or call 0779 886 8295 and she will send you a copy of her questionnaire for completion.
Gardener Volunteers Wanted St Oswald’s Hospice is seeking people to work as part of their gardening team, to help maintain and develop the garden areas on the main hospice site. Experience is not necessary, just enthusiasm. Tuesday and Friday shifts are available. If you are interested, please call the Volunteer office on 0191 246 9125 or email [email protected] .
Search Project Search Project are looking to recruit two new trustees to their Board. They are looking for a Treasurer and anyone with any marketing and promotional skills in particular, but anyone with charity law or business experience would also be very welcome.
For further information please contact Johanne Mears at Search Project on 0191 273 7443 or email [email protected] .
Research Update
Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University Research Project: “Virtual Reality Treadmill combined Intervention for enhancing Mobility and
reducing falls in the Elderly (V-TIME)”
The V-TIME study is part of an international multicentre project which combines cutting-edge technology with emerging concepts from neuroscience and rehabilitation to teach older adults who have fallen to walk in a healthy and safe manner. This randomised control trial was the first to compare two training interventions:
(a) Treadmill training – to promote and enhance motor control, usual-walking abilities and physical fitness, and (b) Treadmill training augmented by a virtual reality environment – to challenge, teach, and enhance visual scanning, planning, dual tasking abilities and obstacle negotiation.
Advertising this study within the Elders Council Newsletter helped us to reach our recruitment target of 60 older adult fallers in Newcastle and surrounding areas, all of whom were enrolled in a six-week walking intervention. Collection of this data is now complete and has contributed to the larger cohort of 300 older adult fallers recruited from across Europe (Belgium, Israel, Italy and the Netherlands). As a result, this study has generated a wealth of vital and informative data regarding falls incidence and prevalence, locomotor safety and the effectiveness of training.
Analysis of this data is underway and a full research report will be available in the near future.
My name is Joe Hardwell, and I'm a third-year geographer at Newcastle University. For my dissertation, I am interested in seeing if there is a feeling of social exclusion amongst the users of the Metro who have a disability. In order to achieve my goals in this dissertation, I would be very grateful to talk to Elders Council members and hear about what they have to say. The aim of my dissertation is to produce a voice for the disabled users of the Metro system, and gather information about how their services can be improved in order for your rights to be fully experienced. This is where the theme of social exclusion comes in, as I want to know if you feel that your rights are being unfulfilled due to the obstacles that lie in your way, which make it difficult for you to fully access the Metro.
I'm more than happy to explain more about my dissertation to you and will be extremely grateful to hear about what you have to say with regards to my dissertation idea. My contact details: phone number is 0771 441 2805, and my email is [email protected] .
Yours truly, Joe Hardwell Dear Editors,
I look after a lovely 96-year-old lady who totally inspires me. We often sit and read the newsletter together. Her name is Isabelle Fleck.
I have looked after Belle for many years now. She goes out every single day with her little walking frame; she goes out to "Blossoms" for her lunch most days. She tends to her own garden, which at 96 years of age totally shows me up: she has it beautiful. She looks after her lovely cat called Olga.
Even at the ripe old age of 96 she still takes in so much of the world around. Whilst walking out one day she saw that the trees in her street were being tangled up with growing ivy, so when she returned home after her lunch she put pen to paper and wrote to Newcastle Council explaining what she had seen. She was over the moon a few days later to see that the council had came out and cut down all the ivy from these trees. I really hope that in my old age I could be half the woman Belle is. I love to sit and listen to her playing her mouth organ playing The Blaydon Races. I would love it if you could run a piece regarding this lovely lady on my behalf. Many thanks, Sharon Gray (Belle’s carer from St Anthony's)
I recently came across the White Ribbon Campaign, joined and have since been spending much time trying to promote it – mostly by e-mail and on Twitter as I’m not 100% fit and mobile.
The White Ribbon Campaign has two main aims:
1. To invite as many men as possible to make the serious commitment “I pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about men's violence against women in all its forms” and sign it on the WRC website, www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk (or ring 0142 288 6545).
2. To support women's organisations and human rights organisations in their campaigns to end violence against women.
And it’s a worldwide movement, with a UN-recognised White Ribbon Day, 25 November.
There are probably many older men who have wives or female friends, sisters or daughters, nieces or granddaughters who have suffered some form of violence at the hands of a man, and have felt huge anger and frustration. Perhaps like me they might like to consider focusing that strength of feeling by signing the White Ribbon pledge, and supporting the campaign.
Yours truly Oliver Swingler Dear Editors,
I wish to inform you that your September/October edition of the Newsletter has been for me, the most interesting to read for some time. It ticks all the boxes for me!
Being a senior citizen:
knocking on the door to 79 years of age;
recovering on a daily basis after a severe stroke four
years ago; followed by a mild stroke;
living on my own;
well cared for;
attending an Age UK club every Wednesday.
Appointments permitting, I spend 2½ hours a week at my lunch club. I am the youngest amongst a number of lady members – what a pleasure! Ettie sits next to me who is 93 years of age – wide awake – such a lovely lady.
The IT Classes project run by Northumbria Students Union volunteers in partnership with the Elders Council is now taking place fortnightly, starting on Wednesday 11 November, from 2 to 4pm (during term time) at Northumbria University Campus.
Sessions are very informal with no set structure; you turn up with a list of things you want to learn and are given one-to-one support from a student. Tuition is tailor-made to suit you.
This year we have set up a booking system to ensure that there are sufficient students to support older people attending. For further information or to book a place, please call Anne Richardson on 0191 208 2701.
Are you a YHN tenant?
If so, you can get FREE basic training on how to use the internet. The training takes place at the City Library and will be delivered in two sessions, each lasting two and a half hours.
The first sessions will take place at the City Library every weekday from Monday 16 November until Friday 27 November from 10 to 12.30pm (one afternoon session will run each Thursday during this two-week period from 1 to 3.30pm).
The second sessions are scheduled to take place at the City Library every weekday from Monday 18 January until Friday 29 January from 10 to12.30pm (one afternoon session will run each Thursday during this two-week period from 1 to 3.30pm).
There are spaces for 120 people on the course, which will cover the following: using email; using the internet safely; using online searches; and public services.
Travel expenses will be paid for both sessions. All places on the course must be pre-booked.
To find out more or to book a place on the course, please call 0191 278 8600 or email [email protected] .
Each edition of the newsletter costs the Elders Council nearly £700 to post out to members (plus about £1300 for printing). So we’d be really grateful if you could help to reduce these costs.
1. If you agree to take the newsletter electronically (by email), not only do you get your
copy in colour and earlier than if you got it by post; it also means that we’re saving
on postage. To sign up for this service see details on pg. 28.
2. If you agree to deliver some newsletters in your neighbourhood by hand, we save on
the postage and you get to have a bit of exercise and perhaps meet and chat with
neighbours (just ring the doorbell and hand over their copy of the newsletter
personally).
We’d be very grateful if you could choose either of these options. Please ring Anne Richardson (0191 208 2701) or email her ([email protected]) and let her know.
3. The third way you could help is by giving a donation to the Elders Council to cover
postage and production costs. (See the donation form below and on pg. 26).
4. Or you could help by using the Give as You Live system, giving money to the
Elders Council each time you shop online (see www.elderscouncil.org.uk).
Donations and Gift Aid
Could you please help by making a Gift Aid donation to help cover the costs of the production of the Newsletter?
……………………………………………………………………………………………….. PLEASE HELP THE ELDERS COUNCIL TO CONTINUE ITS WORK
I wish to donate £7.50 [ ] £15 [ ] £30 [ ] Other [£ ] to the Elders Council of Newcastle and enclose a cheque for that amount. Please send to Elders Council office (address details on page 28). Name: Address:
Postcode:
Please tick if you require a receipt (√).....
26
Know Your City No. 10
On what city centre street is this
Mural/Street Art?
If yours is the first correct answer drawn out of a hat on 14 December you will receive a £10 voucher.
Answers by letter or email only, Please NO telephone calls.
Contact details are on the back page of this Newsletter.
………………………………………………………………………………………………..
Donations and Gift Aid
If you would like us to claim Gift Aid relief (so that we can claim back money from the Treasury), please complete the relevant boxes below:
Charity: The Elders Council of Newcastle Ltd.
I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax at least equal to the Amount of tax that the charity will reclaim on my gifts.
I confirm that this donation and all previous and future gifts of money to the Elders Council should be treated as Gift Aid donations.
Please notify us if you wish to cancel this declaration.
Thank you.
27
Poetry Corner
c
This coming winter
It may or may not snow or rain but I won’t be damp or cold. Because I’d follow what you insisted I do – Be always on the move; take a bus to the city centre And walk past shops window shopping. When you do go in do not buy, ignore the lure of Winter Sales teasing you to spend, spend and spend On ‘things’ you don’t need. A cup of coffee and a scone may be To hydrate and heat.
That year snow and sleet did catch us unaware. But you won’t take my scarf or hat. ‘I’ve a boiler inside,’ you said; but paid the price. Since then at the beginning of each winter I hear your voice. Be it rain, snow or both I won’t be damp or cold – I’d be centrally heated by the promise I made.
Asit Maitra
Grannies
Today we’re living longer, enjoying better health With exercise, nutrition I’ll agree Then my thoughts go back some years to a very different time When granny’s medicine cabinet held the key.
Camphorated oil to cure a chesty cough Where a sugar cube could cure a tickly throat With a drop of eucalyptus thrown in for good measure For most ills she would have an antidote.
Then proceed to hold your nose while giving you a dose Of that dreaded thing called cod liver oil and malt And something recommended to give you a good clean out By God it did the job, did Epsom salt.
Granny fed her brood with good old homemade food And fresh milk that we drank out of a churn Her advice was show respect and don’t fail or neglect Always to be polite and take your turn.
Most grannies now have fun, live their lives out in the sun Damn old age and down with death and grief Don’t dwell upon the past and treat each day like their last Our time upon this earth is all too brief.
Maureen Burrows
28
Newsletter Information
Newsletter Articles
If you would like to submit an article to be considered for the January/February 2016 edition of the Newsletter, will you please ensure that you forward it before Wednesday 9 December.
Newsletter in other formats
We can make our Newsletter available in alternative formats (e.g. in larger print or
audio tape or an audio CD). Please just let Anne know what format you would like
(0191 208 2701)
Electronic Version of the Newsletter It costs about £1.20 per member to send out this newsletter, so would you be willing to have the newsletter sent to you electronically? If you would, it would save a lot of money every year. So please sign up for this service now by emailing [email protected], please put “E-mail newsletter” in the subject box. Advantages to signing up for this service include receiving the Newsletter at least 14 days sooner than you would normally receive it via the post; getting earlier notice of events happening throughout the city; and seeing the various images in colour.
What are you waiting for?
Contact Details
Elders Council of Newcastle Room 2.36, 2nd Floor, Biomedical Research Building Campus for Ageing and Vitality Nuns Moor Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE4 5PL Tel. 0191 208 2701 Fax. 0191 208 2705 Email: [email protected] Website: www.elderscouncil.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1122424
