Highlighting services available for older people Highlighting Services Available For Older People

IssueStrictl 6. March 2018 ySeniorsSOUTH StrictlIssue 4. December 2015 ySeniorsSOUTH AYRSHIRE

life

Building for Better Care Building the best care possible in

Men’s Shed LIVING LIFE A men’s shed, is not just somewhere TO THE to hide from the wife! full Forehill Te xtile Group Sewing in the Hut Foreword

Issue 6. March 2018 Welcome to our 6th edition of Strictly Seniors. In this issue

ontained within the pages of this magazine you will find a rich treasury of What is Occupational Therapy (OT)? Invigor8 Falls Prevention lasses 28 information that might support older people to remain active, engaged, District Nursing – 24 hour service 2 Christina Johnston’s story Chealthy and happy. A Day in the life of a Social Worker 3 Invigor8 Classes 29 The contents illustrate the fantastic and diverse range of support that’s Meet the Doctor 4 in place across South Ayrshire. Building for Better Care HARP – Healthy and Active Rehabilitation Programme 30 One of the themes currently highlighted in the Community Pharmacy can help “Victor” 5 Staying safe as we get older 31 media, are the effects of social isolation and Florence 6 Ayrways Choir loneliness, particularly on older people. Why should you have an eye examination? 7 This has become one of the priority themes for our Community VASA Conference Planning Partnership. Becoming lonely and isolated can be Carers Centre 8 FootcAyr as bad for your health as smoking! Christmas Companions Your guide to the new Carers Act 9 32 Strictly Seniors gives you so many ways to become Discovering Community Led Support 10 South Ayrshire Life involved, to volunteer, to remain purposeful and busy and to connect to others. I hope that you Linking healthcare Book & Bun café 33 11 and those you know make great Ayrshire Independent Living Network 12 Circles Network use of these activities, services Dementia friendly Gaiety 13 Meet Thomas 34 and projects. and South Carrick First Responders Luminate – Celebrate getting older The recent Participatory Budgeting Over 50s 14 events in South Ayrshire have 5 Cruse Bereavement Care 35 demonstrated the strong base of grass Biggart Hospital – A new vision 15 It’s good to walk! 36 roots voluntary groups across our area Opportunities in Retirement and the amazing, valuable work they Free computing classes from Adult Learning 16 S.I.S.G – Sensory Impaired Support Group Charity (Ayrshire) do – often without fuss or fanfare. Preventing social isolation Action on Hearing Loss Scotland Hear to Help (Ayrshire) 37 As Chair of the Integration Joint Keep safe 17 What’s new at Nursery Court Day Centre 38 Board I want to pay tribute to everybody that supports this work at My Home Life Helping vulnerable and older a local level, and make South 16 Power of Attorney campaign 18 adults live safely within the community Ayrshire such a caring and A Mens Shed, what is it, is it for me? 19 compassionate place in which to Red Cross – West of Scotland Discharge Support Service 39 live. The formal services that the Forehill Textile Group 20 South Ayrshire Dementia Support 40 Health and Social Care Partnership University of the Third Age provides can only go so far in Macular Society 21 Transforming care after treatment supporting people’s health and well- in Ayrshire and Arran 41 being and I’m pleased that they are Participatory Budgeting 22 supported by such a vibrant programme Beat doorstep crime 24 Locality Planning in South Ayrshire 42 of activity in every part of South Ayrshire. When you’re ill, know who to turn to 25 Have you got the bottle? Message In A Bottle 20 Demential friendly 26 – South Ayrshire 44 Stewart Donnelly Focussing on compassion – Ian Stirling’s journey 27 Do you know when to visit your Chair of the Integration Joint Board South Ayrshire Health Don’t fall for it!! local Emergency Department? Back Cover and Social Care What is Occupational Therapy (OT)? An OT can identify strengths and difficulties OT is used if you are having difficulty with everyday tasks you may have in everyday life.

ccupational therapists (OTs) changing the household environment If equipment is required the OT will • providing devices that make as well as using other techniques. What happens once I am activities easier and OT Assistants help people referred? provide it and ensure that you are Oof all ages to carry out everyday OTs in South Ayrshire Health and trained on how to use it. For example, after a hip replacement, activities which are essential for Social Care Partnership (HSCP) also A member of the occupational therapy If an adaptation is required the you may find it difficult to get in and have a statutory duty to assess the occupational therapy team member out of the bath. Grab rails could be everyday life. team will sometimes visit your house needs of disabled people, including to gain an understanding of how will recommend this and explain the fitted in the bathroom to help. • Physical medical condition – their housing needs. your home environment either helps options available. If you have rheumatoid arthritis – for example, Rheumatoid arthritis OTs are generally accessed through or creates barriers for your everyday Occupational Therapy a condition that causes pain and • Learning disability a GP, Nurse or another health and living. They will usually observe swelling in the joints – you may Social Care professional. the activities with which you have Techniques find it hard to lift small objects. • Mental health condition – difficulty so that the exact nature of Special equipment, such as a for example, bi-polar disorder. If you do not want to go through the After identifying the difficulties you NHS or through your local Council, this is identified. have with everyday tasks, OT/OT wide-handled vegetable peeler, may An OT can identify strengths and you can contact an occupational The occupational therapist will Assistants can help by either: be recommended difficulties you may have in everyday therapist privately. make an informed assessment of • practicing the activity in People with a mental health condition life, such as dressing or getting to the problems you are encountering may find that they are having difficulty the shops, and will work out practical Increasingly South Ayrshire HSCP is manageable stages also exploring informal settings for and will then make appropriate with carrying out daily living tasks such solutions in partnership with you. recommendations for the solutions. • teaching a different way to as managing time effectively. An OT people to meet up with an OT. For complete the activity OTs enable you to identify goals example, OTs meet with people in the If you require equipment or adaptation can offer support by planning goals and that can help to maintain, regain, to assist you, your occupational • recommending changes that will teaching self-management skills. new South Ayrshire Life shop run by make the activity easier or improve your independence by VASA in . therapist/assistant will determine if introducing new equipment or you meet the eligibility criteria. A Day in the life of aStepping Social Worker Out With FootcAyr

District Nursing – 24 hour service We have all heard of Social Workers but what do they actually do? Strictly Seniors asked Julie Mitchell, a Social Worker in Troon about the difference she and her colleagues make in our communities… District nurses play a key role in primary healthcare. We visit people in their own homes or in residential care homes to provide them with the care they need, we also support the patient’s family. Who contacts you for support? support individuals to move to care home settings when remaining in their own home is no longer safe or viable. I take many phone calls from adults looking for advice or Our district nursing service aims to: Our district nurses provide specialist nursing support or from other professionals who might be aware What happens during your home visits? skills, including: of adults who need support. The type of referrals I get is • Assess all of our patient’s needs and plan their care I carry out home visits each day to assess what support around these needs. This may lead, with patient’s • Wound prevention, assessment and management diverse, for example, someone with physical disabilities who is struggling to manage washing and dressing or a a person needs to meet their needs and improve their consent, to referrals to other health and social • Care after an operation person with mental ill health who is having delusions quality of life. I also meet with carers and families to help services, including voluntary agencies • Diabetic care or someone with dementia who is confused and not inform the assessment. I would help the carer to work out • We provide care which meets the identified needs • Stoma care managing to look after themselves. what support they need to keep caring and to make sure they are ok. • We enable, support and teach patients and carers • Support with prescribed products What can you do to help? to achieve independence and self-care by sharing • Nutritional advice Do you visit anywhere else? knowledge and skills and promoting health education • Advice on leading a healthy lifestyle I might give advice and information over the phone and tell them about voluntary sector projects and supports in I also visit people in the hospital to help them return • By caring for people in their own homes, we prevent • End of life/palliative care including home with extra support until they are fully recovered or unnecessary admission to hospital or Accident the towns where they live or arrange for a Social Worker care for terminally ill patients to visit for a full assessment. to work out if their needs have changed. and Emergency • Bereavement support I work with adults who might be at risk of abuse or • We provide continuity of care, act as the patients • Prescribe medication Tell us about the people you work with on a daily basis? advocate and liaise with other professionals harm and I would attend meetings with them and other I work with GPs, Nurses, Housing, Occupational Therapy • Information and advice professionals to talk about the law and decide the best • We also support patients to manage their own on continence and catheter and other professionals to help people to stay at home for way to reduce the risk for that person. as long as possible, to reduce the chances of people being conditions through self-management programmes, management. I also record all contact information and write admitted to hospital, to help people have support when where appropriate. Working together to achieve assessments in order to identify people’s care needs, how they come home from hospital and to reduce the risks the healthiest life possible for to support them to meet these and to support individuals where there are concerns about individuals. everyone in Ayrshire and Arran. live in their community for long as possible. I also have to

2 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 3 Meet the Doctor

My name is Dr Kes Khaliq and I am Clinical Director for the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) I am also clinical lead for the Ayrshire wide Technology Enabled Care (TEC) programme. I began working for NHS Ayrshire and Arran in 1995 and I became a GP in 1999. I work at a local and national level to provide the best Primary Care possible. Building Strictly Seniors caught up with Dr Khaliq to find out a bit more about his work for the HSCP for Better Care Can you tell me about your two main roles with the working alongside GPs will support our patients and Community Pharmacy Health and Social Care Partnership? provide them with the care they need. As an example, patients might see a physiotherapist if they have a sore We are always looking to provide the best care can help “Victor” As well as carrying out a role as a GP I have two main back rather than waiting to see a GP. A Mental Health possible in South Ayrshire and one of the ways we are roles – I am Clinical Lead for the Technology Enabled Practitioner will help our patients with mental health Jack: “What do you mean your inhaler has Care (TEC) Programme and Clinical Director with the problems, supporting them and sign posting them achieving this is through the Building for Better Care finished? Do ye no ken this is Saturday and the South Ayrshire HSCP. As Clinical Director, I support the surgery is closed! Could ye no hae checked it to additional services. Advanced Nurse Practitioners sooner? New ye’ll hae to go up to the A&E to get HSCP to make informed decisions in relation to any (ANPs) will support GPs and patients. Patients will programme. The programme means £27.5 million anither ane, ye scunner!”. clinical care. be supported by teams of professionals using TEC is being invested in Ayrshire’s two acute hospitals Victor: “Nae prob my wee flooer…I’ll awa tae the What has your role as TEC Clinical Lead involved? where possible. pharmacy and see if they’ll gie me yin under that unshelled care malarkey”. The whole health and care system appears to be under with a new Combined Assessment Unit at University In my role as Clinical Lead for the TEC Programme, Jack: “See while you’re at the pharmacy, could ye I have been actively involved in designing and great stress. What part can ordinary residents Hospital (CAU) Ayr. We opened the new unit in late ask them for somethin for that snottery nose? I’m implementing TEC services allowing patients sure Jeanie said you can get stuff for free unner play in supporting their own health summer which followed the complete refurbishment anither scheme” to access health care services without and care? the need to see clinicians. How we We all need to of the Emergency Department (ED) at Ayr last year. Victor: “Aye, will do…that’ll be the MAS service manage high blood pressure is a good We all need to consider our own you’re on aboot?” example of how technology can consider our own health, how we look after ourselves, Pharmacist: Run out of your repeat medicine remove the need to attend your GP our diet, our levels of exercise, how he multi-million pound building and you would only be admitted and not able to get a prescription from your GP health, how we look practice? Go to your pharmacy (your regular one if practice to have your blood pressure we manage stress etc. If you need programme, alongside investment to hospital if you needed further after ourselves, our diet, in new staffing and the possible), and under the Unscheduled Care service, managed. You can self monitor to see a health care professional, T inpatient care. Other patients they can supply you with what you need. from home with the right equipment we will be there to help you but there development of new models of care, our levels of exercise, will help us support unscheduled care. receive their treatment in the CAU Got a “minor ailment”? Under the Minor Ailment and support. TEC can also be used how we manage is much a patient can do before they and then return safely to their own Service (MAS), you can have a consultation with as an alternative to antidepressants feel the need to make an appointment The CAU is a 24-hour unit; we have homes as soon as possible. your community pharmacist, who will decide on delivering and supporting patients in stress etc. with their GP. Your local pharmacist can 29 single en-suite rooms; nine the appropriate advice, which could be referral to their own home using computer based be your first stop for common ailments or Previously, if you arrived at a GP, or to provide medicine. There is no charge ambulatory care bays; five rapid for this service. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). the optician for eye complaints. Information assessment bays; two outpatient hospital for anything other than a Respiratory problems can also be managed using regarding diet is readily available on the internet scheduled appointment, you would Another new service now available from your rooms; and three initial assessment community pharmacist is “Pharmacy First”, TEC, helping to support patients at home and avoiding as is information regarding exercise. bays. You would be referred to the go to the Emergency Department. where for female patients aged 16-64 years the need to admit patients to hospital. TEC is changing If you had one message for the people of South unit either direct from your GP or From there, you could be admitted with a simple urinary tract infection (UTI), the how we access health care services. into an acute ward for further pharmacist is able to supply a 3 day course of Ayrshire what would it be? from the Emergency Department. an antibiotic. We know from the media that GPs are under tests and treatment. The new Change always causes anxiety particularly if you are The CAU has staff from nursing, unit means you would be able to So…why not pop along to your local community increasing pressure. What do you think might change medical, surgical, allied health pharmacy, and find out about elderly and rely on seeing your GP. I would encourage receive this level of care what services they have in the way that Primary Care is delivered? our patients to embrace the multi disciplinary team professions and pharmacy with and attention within available? It is not The face of Primary Care is going through a transitional approach that most GP practices now deliver. Having an rapid access to senior decision the CAU without ever always necessary to go to the Emergency phase. With a lack of GPs available to fill vacancies, the Anticipatory Care Plan will also help, but perhaps most makers and appropriate treatment. having to be admitted importantly, keep as active as possible and maintain a Department or Primary Care model of care has changed to embrace Most patients only stay in the unit into hospital. your GP practice. a multi disciplinary approach. Teams of professionals healthy diet and life style. up to a maximum of 48 hours

4 South Ayrshire StrictlyStrictly Seniors Seniors Magazine Magazine 5

Florence Florence (‘Flo’) is an NHS Telehealth service designed to provide support and advice to help you manage your health condition.

lo is a simple, interactive service using mobile phone Lorna says “because I work full time it was great that I text messages to monitor symptoms and provide didn’t have to keep going to the practice all the time, it reminders, advice and support. Flo combines the was so simple and straight forward to use. I think of FLO F as a person and have to remind myself she is not a real expertise of your healthcare team and the convenience person although she is every bit as helpful”. of your mobile phone providing advice to act on. One of the services provided by NHS Ayrshire and Arran Julie Grant using FLO is Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypertension. Previously FLO patients had to use a 24hr monitor either Julie Grant is Practice Manager at Station Road Medical supplied by the GP or the General Hospital and there was Practice in , one of the first practices to sign up always a waiting list for these. to FLO. “Before we started using FLO, it could sometimes How Flo works take a few months to find out if someone had high Blood Pressure. Using FLO has definitely saved a lot of Why should you have an eye examination? appointments and it gives a much faster diagnosis which allows patients to be treated much quicker. We haven’t An eye examination should be part of everyone’s normal health routine and is an had any problems from patients who all seem important part of looking after your eyes, but it’s more than a simple test of your sight. really happy with the service”. An optician is able to check your eye health and other general health issues during an eye examination and give advice. FLO is a perfect example of ost people should have their eyes Eye examinations in Scotland are funded examined every two years; however by the NHS and are free of charge. technology enabled Myou may need to have an examination care being used as an more often depending on your age and Eyecare Ayrshire: medical history. outreach tool to assist Eyecare Ayrshire is an NHS Ayrshire & Below are some important reasons to Arran service available in high street GPs with diagnosis. have a regular eye examination and look optician practices. If you have a problem after your eyes: Ask your GP if you would be suitable to be referred for FLO, for with your eyes such as sore, itchy, watery, more details contact [email protected] • It can detect early signs of eye sticky or red eyes make an appointment conditions before you notice them. with an Optometrist. No need to go Lorna Thomson • It can also detect other general to your family doctor or Emergency health problems. Department (ED). Lorna Thomson attended a keep fit class at Ayr United • Good vision helps you work and play Your optometrist will examine your eye Football Grounds where her Blood Pressure (BP) was safely and comfortably. It leads to problem and you will then receive any shown to be slightly high. Having been advised to go to Using FLO has a better quality of life. medicine you need, free of charge, from her doctor to have it checked, she was delighted when your community pharmacy. she was offered FLO to determine if she was Hypertensive definitely saved a lot • If you lose your eyesight it may never (High BP). Lorna was provided with a BP machine of appointments and it be replaced. and cuff and asked to send in BP readings by text. • Unlike your teeth, your eyes After analysis it was discovered that Lorna was indeed gives a much faster do not usually hurt if there is Hypertensive (High BP), and she was able to be put on diagnosis. something wrong medication straight away.

6 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 7 Your guide to the new Carers Act

The Carers (Scotland) Act introduces new rights for unpaid carers and new duties for local councils and health boards to provide support to carers. The Act will come into force on 1 April 2018.

carer is someone who provides to supporting carers of someone If you care for someone in Carers or intends to provide unpaid with a terminal illness South Ayrshire and would like to support and care for another • Authorities need to set eligibility take part in a consultation to help A shape future support, please contact Centre individual. They may care for someone criteria to determine carers that The Carers Centre in South Ayrshire supports are eligible for support and a Gabrielle Coyle, Policy and Planning who has a disability, long-term over 600 Carers every year, below is one recognition that authorities need Officer (Carers and Young Carers) condition, mental health challenges to provide support if these criteria on 01292 612340 or by email to such Carer. or is affected by addiction. are met [email protected]. The Carers (Scotland) Act is a highly • Consideration whether support might include ‘short breaks’ he Centre can provide information and advice, important piece of legislation for carers. We have picked out the key • Emphasis on support for carers at advocacy work, benefits maximisation, emotional parts of the Act: point of hospital discharge support, counselling, pampering and even a T • Health and Social Care are to • Ensuring information and advice short respite break. move from a Carers Assessment is accessible to carers The service is open to anyone who provides to an Adult Carer Support Plan • Involvement of carers and young care, this can be a family member, friend or for adults and a Young Carers carers in the planning of service neighbour who lives in South Ayrshire and is Statement for young carers. • Development of local carers aged between age 8 and over. These must include emergency/ and young carers strategies future planning and support the At the South Ayrshire Health and If you would like more information about the carers own Social Care Partnership, we will Carers Centre: please call 01292 263000. personal be developing our own carers Pop into the centre at 43 Sandgate, Ayr, or outcomes and young carers strategy with check out their Facebook page on • There is full involvement from carers www.facebook.com/southayrshirecarerscentre particular and young carers and partners reference such as the Carers Centre.

Anne’s experience of the Centre:

first had contact with the centre when my son was four all just came tumbling and I was at crisis point and needing support. I had no out and it was such a Ione else, I was alone and dealing with the most difficult relief, to speak all my thoughts thing that had ever happened to me. out loud and not feel stupid or judged. Not only did they support me emotionally, but they I walked into the centre not knowing what I wanted; also helped me with the practical things that needed support, help; an answer to a question or a magic attention, the filling in of endless forms and sourcing wand. They couldn’t provide a magic wand but they did other types of help for my son. listen. I said all the words that were in my head, they

8 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 9 Discovering Community Led Support

At the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), we have been developing our Community Led Support (CLS) programme over the past year.

t its core CLS is about We are calling these spaces ‘new You can find out more information on front doors’ as we see them as Connect South Ayrshire by going to Aenabling people to ‘live lives, another, alternative portal to explore the Community Led Support section their way’ and to start their support available to keep people of the HSCP website by visiting the support with a conversation healthy, active and safe. SOUTH AYRSHIRE LIFE web-site or by phoning the SOUTH AYRSHIRE LIFE Connect South Ayrshire points will about what matters to them? number 0800 432 0510. be developed over the next 6 months Hundreds of health and care staff but there are already live sites in www.southayrshirelife.org/ have been undertaking ‘effective Girvan (at Town House on Tuesday conversations’ training and have afternoons), at Maybole Health been joined by colleagues from Centre (on Wednesday afternoons) South Ayrshire Council, third and and within Council Customer Service We shouldn’t take independent sectors and lots of Centres in Troon and Prestwick. for granted that the community representatives. We have a site open in Lochside smallest thing can make We are also developing new spaces Church and further ones is that this is a across our communities, where any of our South Ayrshire GP Practices, a difference to somebody’s planned in service producing people can have conversations that and using Biggart Mnow have additional support posts called positive outcomes life, this could be as simple might identify ways that they can Hospital space. Community Link Practitioners (CLPs). We have 5 for people needing as helping someone fill be supported without automatically support beyond clinical going through formal health and CLPs who support patients with a range of medical interventions (such as in a form. care assessments. or social concerns. medicines). Once complete, the These pop up spaces will be in a Our CLPs can help people who are isolated and lonely, or range of places across South Ayrshire evaluation of the Community Link those lacking purpose and structure in their lives. Advice Practitioner programme will be available from the South and will be branded ‘Connect is also available on housing, finances and other topics Ayrshire HSCP web-site. South Ayrshire’. which can cause stress and anxiety. The first space we have developed These link practitioners spend time with patients who has been within the new SOUTH have been referred to them, exploring how they can be AYRSHIRE LIFE shop in Ayr. supported to address any issues and ultimately live a more fulfilling life. Feedback In this informal setting, Sometimes this will involve a number of one to one social work, occupational Some of the feedback from our local GPs on the CLP programme health and other staff meetings or ‘chumming’ someone along to a group or appointment. Our CLPs and their clients make good use has included: have given useful advice The first of locally based groups and projects which help keep us to people with all sorts active, purposeful and connected. of needs. Most help space we have developed “We often find our patients present us with social issues which they have attempted to medicalise. can be given straight has been within the new Tracey Middleton, CLP in Carrick commented: Having this service allows us to appropriately treat away or through sign- “One of the most fulfilling parts of our role is helping their issues in the community by encouraging them posting to other local people engage/re-engage with the community as this to access the appropriate community services”. services, projects and SOUTH AYRSHIRE LIFE really enhances their quality of life and well-being. We “They have been able to listen and deal with resources. Other people shop in Ayr. shouldn’t take for granted that the smallest thing can underlying issues which contribute to their medical will go on to have a full make a difference to somebody’s life, this could be as presentations at the practice”. simple as helping someone fill in a form.” Strictly Seniors Magazine assessment and will need “Some patients have blossomed under her 11 statutory services. The programme is being evaluated but the early signs [CLP] care”. from patients and GPs and wider health professionals, 10 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 11 Ayrshire Independent Living Network

AILN (Ayrshire Independent Living Network) is a peer-led charitable organisation. We provide free high quality Since 2016 The Gaiety has been providing Dementia Self-Directed Support advice and information to Friendly performances tailored to people who are living with dementia and their companions, carers and family. people in Ayrshire, in fact we’ve been doing it for over 10 years now. Every month in partnership with Live Music Now Scotland we create a variety of live music productions in a relaxed, accessible We provide ‘Self-directed Support’ remain part of and supportive environment. We keep the audience numbers low, (sometimes called SDS) which was their community. so there’s more space to stretch your legs, in fact, we encourage introduced by the Scottish Government so We have many full audience participation so you can sing and dance during that people could have more control over the varied case performances with the support of our help they receive. studies on our Dementia Friendly Staff. website and links For further There are now 4 ways to you can get the Over the last six months, a variety to a video where information: help you need, these are called ‘options’. of artists have played at The people talk about Please visit Depending on which one you choose, you Gaiety including; Granny Green, www.thegaiety.co.uk the changes SDS has Or call 01292 288235 (Monday can opt to have more or less control. In David Foley and Jack Smedley, made for them. We’re – Saturday 10-5pm) for more every council area there is a local support Michelle Burke, Sirocco Winds. just a call away if you’d organisation to give you free information and There will be more entertainment information. like more info. support and in Ayrshire it’s us! throughout 2018. Call us on 01294 475685, Self-directed Support is often used to email [email protected] help people with dementia, and/or other or visit www.ailn.org conditions, stay at home longer and to

12 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 13 Girvan and South Carrick First Responders

s members of the Girvan and emergencies while the ambulance is on its way. This means we have 22 local ASouth Carrick Villages Locality trained local people who can provide Planning Group, we were concerned lifesaving treatment to anyone who is critically ill, in the first few minutes residents have about Ambulance response times prior to the arrival of an ambulance. expressed an interest to the rural villages of Barr, , If you want to become a Community First Responder you will be Pinmore, Pinwherry, Barrhill, trained in a wide range of in becoming First , Ballantrae, Lendallfoot emergency skills, and use specialised Responders and Girvan. equipment such The quality of the service provided by as automatic our local Ambulance Service crews external Peter Walker, is never in doubt but we are only too defibrillators Chairperson Girvan aware of the time it can take to reach and oxygen and South Carrick a patient in a rural setting. therapy. You could Villages Locality This prompted us to look at setting then provide Planning Group up a Community First Responder an early peterawalker@ service for South Carrick and intervention btinternet.com. encourage local community residents in situations Or to become First Responders. The aim such as a is to have qualified First Responders Come along to our heart or asthma in each South Carrick Village. monthly South Ayrshire attack before Health and Social Care So far, a fantastic 22 local residents the professional Girvan and South Carrick have expressed an interest in ambulance crew arrives. Villages Locality Planning Group becoming First Responders and a Your help could vastly improve the meetings held in Girvan Community small group is now going through the chances of survival and recovery. Hospital every second Wednesday Scottish Ambulance Service training. The partnership is still looking for at 7pm. Over the past year we have introduced a So what is a community First move community volunteers to All are very welcome. Responder? A Community First undertake the training to become range of re-design work at the Biggart Responder is a member of the First Responders in South Carrick, so public who volunteers to help their if you’re interested, please contact Hospital in Prestwick. community by responding to medical

here has been significant investment and redesign Our vision for Biggart Hospital is that it will become of community and acute services with a centre of excellence providing tailored Maybole over 50s T rehabilitation and end of life care for those the aim of supporting people to live as who do not require acute hospital care independently and as close to home but need more support than can be aybole over 50s (MOFs) is growing from strength Biggart Hospital safely provided at home. to strength with our membership now standing as possible. These include the The wards have been reconfigured at 133. We now have even more classes and we Intermediate Care Team, the new has benefitted from M to enable this vision to be put have a new sewing class where people can learn how to Combined Assessment Unit at Ayr some of that investment into practice and to ensure that alter clothing, curtains etc. Hospital, the appointment of Acute with more Physiotherapists Biggart Hospital builds on its success as a centre for health We have computing for beginners, a camera club, Care of the Elderly Practitioners, and Occupational and wellbeing supported by the Backgammon, knit and natter group, a walking group Care at Home Team and the For further community for the community. (max 5 miles with a coffee stop in between), Yoga information: appointment of a Nurse/Allied Health Therapists in place. classes, German classes, Spanish classes, an art Peter Mason: We are currently looking at options for group, and a ukulele group. In December 2017 a group [email protected] Consultant in Older People’s Services. Anne Walker: 07846 180 753 future developments in partnership with went to Prague for the Christmas markets, and we are Biggart Hospital has benefitted from some volunteers and the local community so that now taking names for a trip to Benidorm in the spring, Email: admin@ mayboleover50s.org of that investment with more Physiotherapists and the facilities are used as effectively as possible. come along and join us, everyone is welcome. www.mayboleover50s.org Occupational Therapists in place and the testing of a new rehabilitation pathway.

14 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 15 Opportunities in Retirement Preventing social isolation

We are known as OiR by our members and we are in our 33rd year and going from strength to strength. We run over 80 groups for our 1300 members aged 50 and over. Our membership is just £18 from January – 31st December and there really is something for everyone.

hether you like to be active or take a more laid heltered Housing has 19 “Community Hubs” within Prestwick Areas back approach, OiR’s timetable is sure to meet South Ayrshire from Dundonald to Girvan. Within Free computing classes these “Hubs” we have the facilities to prevent social Ardfin/Benmore Lichtenfels Gardens all your needs. As well as the groups, there are S W isolation. There will be a “Hub” in your community. 01292 474662 01292 478434 also fortnightly meetings in Ayr Town Hall with a guest from Adult Learning Ayr Areas speaker, theatre trips, day trips and even holidays in the Your first point of contact would be with your Housing Support Worker who can advise what activities, events, Limonds Crt/James St Morrison Gardens, Craigie UK and abroad. Would you like to use the internet, send e-mails to friends outings, film clubs, coffee clubs, “Men’s Dens” there are 01292 267265 01292 262755 and family or do your grocery shopping online? Would you Retirement is the perfect time to brush up on old skills, in your particular area. There is also access to computers, Newton Park Court Whitletts Court like to use a computer to produce professional looking photography and other hobbies to suit your individual learn some new ones or simply take time out to socialise 01292 267823 01292 26302 interests i.e. indoor bowling, bingo and sing-a-longs. with friends old and new. documents or letters? Please get in contact with your Sheltered Housing Hub If you would like to t Adult Learning we provide tuition in Basic IT, and let them know your particular interests or talents, find out more about joining OiR Ayr and teaching you how to do all these things and more. your ideas will be warmly welcomed as will any friends or family you wish to bring along. Keep safe discover all that’s on offer, please visit AYou can join one of our classes even if you’ve www.oirayr.org.uk or telephone never switched on a computer before – we will show Each “Hub” has an events calendar to plan activities. 01292 260086. you how. You can tell your Housing Support Worker any activities, At KEEP SAFE we aim to help disabled people feel safe in their A dedicated team of staff and volunteers teach small outings or interests that you have and these could be Our office based at 61 Main community. We are also raising awareness of disability hate classes of up to four people, so each person gets included in our forward plans. Street, Ayr is open each Tuesday, plenty of support in their learning. crime and encourage people to report it. Wednesday and Thursday from Recent praise from our learners includes: Rena McNally from Dundonald enjoys her local hub: 10am-2pm and you will e work with local shops and public buildings to create “I can send an attachment and have sent my CV “Its great to pop in to “Dundonald Hub” and get involved receive a very warm to employers” and in the many and varied activities on offer. The atmosphere safe places for people to go if they are lost, scared, need welcome. “It’s helped me with my job searches”. is warm and always welcoming.” Whelp or have had a crime committed against them. The shops and other buildings will put a KEEP SAFE sticker in their Adult Learning can also help with reading, Please check out your nearest “Hub” and connect and window where it can easily be seen. writing, number work and learning English. communicate with us. We can help anyone over the age of 16 – You can also have a KEEP SAFE card, which holds you’re never too old to learn! Rural Areas information about your health, how you communicate and Website: adultlearningsac.blogspot.co.uk Arcon Court, Boyle Court, Girvan the contact details of people who support you. Phone: 0800 3898320 01292 521141 01465 713158 If you need help, you can go into a shop or building where (Freephone) Crosne Street, Maybole Dundonald SHU you see the KEEP SAFE logo. Staff will help you. E-mail address: gail. 01655 883507 01563 850101 They can help to contact the person you want to come douglas@south- and support you. ayrshire.gov.uk John Hodge Court, 01292 570793 They can give you directions to where you want to go. Troon Areas They can phone the police for you if Bradan Road Logan Drive you need them to. 01292 314967 01292 312479 999 in an emergency Pan/Millrock Court Sandhill Gardens 101 non emergency 01292 317707 01292 311248 For more information go to St Meddans Court Walker Avenue www.iammescotland.co.uk 01292 315026 01292 316204

16 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 17 My A Mens Shed, what is it, is it for me? A men’s shed, is not just somewhere to hide from the wife! It’s a place for mature men to meet, chat, drink tea and share while making things.

HomeLife Ernie Kenny told Strictly Seniors how old useless spanners, a 3 foot old We have previously considered My Home Life (MHL) is a social movement that aims to enhance the quality of life for all who live, visit and it all began…“My first Men’s Shed wood saw, 2 bearings and 2 jubilee unwanted garages, old barns, unused work in care homes. We aim to achieve this through working in partnership and adopting a relationship- experience was based in Oldham clips later a beautiful sight on the industrial buildings. All of these centred approach. in Lancashire. I went after a little roof. She spun into the wind correctly, could possibly offer extra shelter and encouragement from the wife, who it was a proud moment for me and space as well as the main building. t MHL we offer programmes which help on what matters and to make living had found out about the worldwide our Men’s Shed. The main building would allow men to care managers lead inspirational and working in their care homes movement that is called “Men’s “Having lived in Girvan for 3 years share experiences and learn new skills Achanges for the good of a positive choice.” Shed”. She felt I should use my now I see a major need for a Men’s eg wood working, small lathe work, art residents, their families and staff. skills, I thought about the idea Shed. For the past 2 years we and design, …it’s your world, it’s your This group continues to In South Ayrshire, two groups of have been planning for a Shed and meet regularly, highlighting …now paid work has ceased to fill choice …GIVE IT A TRY.” care managers had the opportunity we have visited Men’s Sheds in the value of relationship my days, my choices? Gardening, to participate in our Leadership Dalbeattie, Balmaclellan and Rhins. The Girvan Men’s Shed Group is part and peer support and daytime TV in the pub all day Support and Community Each one being different in size of the Town Team initiative which have named their group …ummmm. OK I’ll give it a try and perspective …each shed is very Development Programme. has charitable status. We meet in the “Our Home Life” …4 hours a day twice a week I different as they evolve according to Town House, Knockcushan Street The course looks at “Caring decided. Anyway, I love making, the skills and ideas of those involved, My Home Life is fortnightly on a Monday. Conversations” and focuses on but in every case, the result is very delivered by staff from mending, being creative. I worked “what is working well” much an asset to the local area.. University of the West with a chap who was an engineer Mary Kerr, Manager, Suncourt of Scotland (UWS) and by trade, we got on well, I started “Our plan is for a Shed to be built Care Home, Troon took part in funded by South welding again after a behind the Town House in Girvan. We have a grant available for a new the programme and said: “MHL has Ayrshire H&SCP request to make For further information building and/or refurbishment. certainly opened my eyes and my mind and Glenda Hanna, demonstrating a a weather vane in particular stimulating me to think out of the Local Integration strong partnership for our shed. box. Communication is so important and MHL & Improvement Lead, arrangement To my surprise has opened my mind to other avenues and ways Independent Sector: between UWS, a 7 foot tube of of communicating effectively.” [email protected] Scottish Care and steel mounting SA H&SCP. A review of the training noted the positive approach plate, 8 large by those attending: “Moreover, this group of www.myhomelifescotland. managers exhibit great determination to focus org.uk

Power of Attorney campaign

ver the last 2 winter periods, South Ayrshire was one of a range of areas Osupporting a campaign to raise awareness about Power of Attorney. The campaigns included TV and radio advertising, posters on trains and buses and local information flyers. To find out more about the campaign The campaigns have resulted in a and Power of Attorney in Contacts: significant increase in local awareness and, general please visit: Ernie Kenny 07809 741 631 www.mypowerofattorney.org.uk consequently, greater enquiries from people Roddy McDonald 07720540 083 exploring taking out a Power of Attorney. Alistair 01465 710 796

18 South Ayrshire StrictlyStrictly Seniors Seniors Magazine Magazine 19 Forehill Textile Group

Sewing in the hut Sandra Taylor is the inspiration behind our group, setting up the free classes after graduating University with a BAHons in Textile Design from of the Heriot-Watt in 2016. Third Age andra secured a small start-up grant from 3A has so much to offer, from local history and “Returning to Ayrshire after working in Malta for some The Health and Social Care Partnership and bought discovering Ayrshire walks to Backgammon. considerable time, our intention was to re-establish fabric and equipment and has never looked back. ourselves in the community, meet new people and S U find social activities which can lead to fuller and more The University of the Third Age is a national meaningful lives. We are so fortunate to have found these Classes are suitable for all and projects can be organisation which brings those at or approaching in U3A Ayr” tailored to suit your needs, whatever your retirement together in their local community to pursue skills and abilities. Projects so far have interests in common. You don’t need any qualifications to Margaret and Andrew Cooke – ranged from making and decorating Easter join in, only enthusiasm. launching the Genealogy Group bonnets to knitting bunting and woolly Membership of £20.00 per year entitles creatures for a ‘yarn bomb’ in the you to join as many groups as you walled garden at Belleisle. wish, receive the quarterly U3A Meet new Macular Society Our adult classes are based in magazine and participate in people and find study days and workshops a purpose-built studio in social outlets that When your sight is failing, a friendly call can Sandra’s garden fondly around the UK. make a real difference. referred to as ‘The To find out what’s presented opportunities Hut’ which has now Classes are suitable happening and a bit more for a full and he Macular Society stuck. The classes for all and projects about the activities we meaningful life. can arrange for a are on a Monday offer visit our website www. Tvolunteer with My family afternoon can be tailored to suit u3asites.org.uk/ayr/groups or similar interests to and friends are from 1:30pm- phone us on 07434 747807, you phone you regularly wonderful; but talking to 3:30pm. All your needs, whatever can also email us at [email protected]” to talk about sight, Donna, who actually knows classes are free your skills and abilities. support and life in but there is a what it’s like, is a real Here’s what some of our members say: general. Everything small charge of 50p lifeline. “Members have varied interests in Spain from holidays, is arranged over for coffee and home – Joan D. culture, food & drink and families. We are making good baking. the phone and is free progress with the help of a volunteer mentor” to anyone affected by a Sandra also set Howard Wilkinson – macular condition. up The Forehill Spanish conversation group Children’s Sewing For more information For more information, Call 0300 3030 111 Club based at please email: sewinginthehut www.macularsociety.org Forehill Library. @btinternet.com

20 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 21 Participatory Budgeting

The story so far I felt the application process was quite easy, and it was good to stand up and tell people What do chair based exercising, lunch clubs, allotments and community art classes all have in common? about the Bowling Club and what we do.

he answer is that they have all Communities decide who get the dementia friendly community, Bradan Prestwick and villages older people including Friends of it was an exciting event. Some of money by taking part in Decision Road Community Group to support Hillcrest and Musical Memories for the groups that received funding received funding to support A Decision Day was hosted in Days and so far over 2,600 people social inclusion and Loans Scottish music related dementia work, Club included; Ayr Ex-Services Club – Hearts Ttheir work from South Ayrshire’s Monkton, where £20,000 of have voted in our 6 Localities. Women’s Rural Institute (SWRI) to run Diamonds for their exercise classes & Minds, for music and friendship Participatory Budgeting programme. funding was targeted at Monkton community workshops. and Ballantrae Rural Initiative Care afternoons, Kincaidston and Belmont In each locality in South Ayrshire, Here are some examples of the and Symington. 16 groups received in the Community Ltd (BRICC) for Bowling Club, to provide access to around £90,000 has been made projects that have been funded… Janette from Loans SWRI said, funding, including Monkton Senior transport to allow far flung older the bowling green for the elderly; and available to support community based “Our Social Media and Internet Citizens to help fund their chair based people to access their facilities in Victoria Court Tenants’ Association, to activities that address issues such Troon and villages sessions were very successful with exercise programme and the ‘Living Ballantrae. Age Concern in Girvan hire a minibus with the capability of as social isolation, mental health, The Marketplace event saw 29 groups young people from Marr College Well Through Stories’ programme in also received funding to support taking wheelchair users to the Musical transport or keeping active. receive funding. Among these groups leading the groups. We also recently Symington to support people living their hall refurbishment. Memories session Over the past 2 years using resources were the Good Companions, who ran a Crochet Class and a Sugarcraft with dementia. Workshop. All great fun and we Other groups included; Mature from South Ayrshire Council, the aim to combat loneliness through Other groups funded included Ayr North their Friendship Club and Loans opened it to all villagers as well as Movers, for weekly health and fitness Health and Social Care Partnership, Kyle Stroke Group to help their With support from the locality Seniors Keep Fit and Craft Group who members. We have increased our class for older people, Coylton Scottish Government, the Big Lottery exercise sessions, art classes and planning group, two events have and others, a whopping £380,000 promote health & wellbeing through membership as a result – job well Sheltered Housing Unit, to buy laptops transport costs. Monkton Scottish taken place with over £38,500 has been used to support over exercise, mental stimulation & social done, thanks to the funding’! for classes for older people; and Women's Rural Institute to provide available. Some of the groups that 360 groups! interaction. South Ayrshire Dementia Association to resources that will support their received funding included; Alzheimer cover the cost of hiring transport and Many of the grants have been used to Other groups include Dementia group to socialise, form friendships, Scotland, Ayr North Women’s Forum, enable those living with moderate to support older people through groups, Friendly Troon and Villages, who are learn new things and encourage new for activities to encourage women to advanced dementia to participate in clubs and activities. The funding using their funding to become a members and Diamonds Befriending socialise and Peter Boyle Bowling Club activities and outings. has also been used to bridge over 60’s club, to provide training for to buy equipment to help attract new the gap between generations, their volunteer befrienders. members to the club. “I felt the application process was bringing people together young quite easy, and it was good to stand and old to share skills and time. Maybole and North Carrick villages Other groups included; Craigie up and tell people about the Bowling Intergenerational Gardening Group, Maybole has held a number of local Club and what we do.” – to alter the raised beds for better Decision Days, in September 2017 Donald McLean Kincaidston and accessibility, Westdrive Tenants & the event had several dementia Belmont Bowling Club. Residents Association, for activities related projects which were to encourage women to socialise recognised. They included the local and Whitletts & District Pigeon cognitive stimulation group, Carrick Club, who want to encourage older Senior Citizen’s Lunch Club, to support men to participate in sports and their dementia programme and the social activities Locality Communication Group for dementia awareness training for local “I thought it was well planned businesses. The local Walking Football and we had great fun and are group led by Ayr United Football pleased to have received a Academy also received funding to grant. The funding is being allow more local opportunities and used in the winter months.” Fisherton Church was allocated Ronetta Murray, Whitletts & money to develop a peace and District Pigeon Club sensory garden. Ayr South Girvan and South Carrick villages Back in May 2017 a Girvan Participatory Budgeting Participatory Budgeting events have resulted in funding event took place in Ayr Town for a range of projects supporting Hall, with £45,000 available

22 South22 Ayrshire South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors South Magazine Ayrshire 23 Beat doorstep crime From bogus callers to rogue traders, doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, and often very convincing. Anyone can be fooled as these people are professional con artists. However, the over 60s are often specifically targeted.

What is Doorstep Crime? Who should you call… ? There are two main types: …if you feel threatened, unsafe or suspicious of • Bogus callers try to get into your home or obtain a caller? personal details by pretending to be someone • Contact the police immediately on 999 they’re not, including: – Council staff …if you see something suspicious in your area, or want – Meter readers more advice about doorstep crime? – Charity collectors • Contact the police on 101 – Police officers • Try and take a note of vehicle details or registration In reality, they are criminals trying to steal cash numbers and descriptions of anyone suspicious and valuables. …if you want to contact the police anonymously? • Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be workers • Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on offering to make repairs or carry out work on your 0800 555 111. You can also visit the website at house, garden or driveway. In reality they charge www.crimestoppers-uk.org inflated prices for shoddy or unnecessary work We DO NOT recommend dealing with cold-callers for …to find out more about home safety services? property maintenance and repairs to your home • Contact your local police station on 101 to arrange a free security survey What should you do? • Contact South Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards Stop! Team on 0300 123 0900: Some operate No Cold Calling Zones or have lists of approved traders • Be on guard if someone turns up unexpectedly • Use a door chain or bar • Always put the chain on before opening the door • Keep it on while talking to callers • Don’t feel embarrassed – genuine callers expect you to be careful • If you don’t have a door chain, check from the nearest window. Remember, door chains can be easily fitted • If you’re not sure, don’t answer the door

24 South South Ayrshire Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 25 South Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership recently made supporting people living with dementia a priority issue. There is positive work taking place On leaving the Ayrshire Hospice I now find myself deep in the heart of a community. throughout South Ayrshire. A new role and identity: promoting spiritual health and compassion. This task of ementia Friendly Troon was officially launched on • Monthly ‘pop up’ screenings of old ‘classic’ films course belongs to everyone, within and beyond the walls of the kirk. I am merely a September 30th 2017, Dr Philippa Whitford MP was have attracted capacity attendances Dat the launch and commented: One attendee commented: ‘It’s so relaxing to go somewhere, bridge between the faith community and the wider community. Its exciting to work and know that even if we make a bit of noise, no-one is “After many months of work with the steering group, I was going to stare, judge or not understand us’ ‘ My husband was together, sharing a common goal of creating the common good. delighted to formally launch Dementia Friendly Troon & diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago and this is Villages. This is an initiative which aims to help those living the first time in a couple of years we’ve gone out socially to with dementia stay active in their community and enjoy their something. Thank you.’ ompassion, which means coming alongside people Whether as part of a bereavement support group, a hobbies for as long as possible, by helping them and their mindfulness group, or a community choir. Its great seeing carers feel more comfortable and more welcome in Into the Dragons Den and sharing their joys and sorrows, is at the heart of palliative care, and as compassion shaped my life in the inner belief and confidence emerging in people. Ordinary our town. Those involved, including Alzheimer’s Children and young people from local schools C voices saying, “I can sing”, or “I can spend time with the Scotland and the local Health and Community worked up ideas to support people with hospice similarly I endeavour to put compassion at the heart Partnership, will work to raise awareness dementia that they then pitched to local of all I do in the community. bereaved”, or “I care”. among local businesses, shops and This is an initiative ‘Dragons’. Some very creative ideas were cafés so that people are not hurried but Working in the community, is humbling because there which aims to help those generated which impressed the hard- is so much care and compassion already there. What I Stepping Stones can take their time. They will provide nosed Dragons. advice and training to make businesses am aware of is that facing the many needs within the A Local Bereavement Support Service living with dementia stay Training has been rolled out in the Dementia Friendly in design, atmosphere community I face the limitations of my own time, energy Where and when? town and includes a new training video and staff approach”. active in their community and skills. Rather than being a burden this invites me to filmed locally. Wednesdays at 2:00pm in and enjoy their hobbies for rely more on others. To work collaboratively. I am inspired Hall Supporting those with as long as possible. Working up a new memory board game by the African philosophy of ubuntu: ‘A person is a person Dementia – Roundup for Prestwick through others’. Crossraguel This includes images and stories from the I could never have initiated the projects that I have over Community Choir If you are interested in Girvan past which can trigger memories for people living the past year on my own. Nor could I envision the other In Girvan, the Town Team has worked with the with Dementia upcoming projects. It’s exciting looking to the future: the Meets on Wednesday any of the projects, University of the West of Scotland to look at the needs of Developing links with local businesses, the Airport and hotels. intergenerational art project that is happening in Maidens evenings in Kirkoswald please contact people with learning disabilities who are living with Dementia. Ian Welsh, Chair of Dementia Friendly Prestwick commented: Primary School with the T-Club, the To Absent Friends Church at 7:00pm Prestwick “The local Prestwick work is a great example of what can be concert in Kirkoswald Church in November last year , Leader: Liz Kelly Ian Stirling, [email protected] achieved with the energy and ideas of local people working Dementia Friendly Prestwick continues to strengthen and grow. and our hope to be a hub for Sally Magnusson’s charity 07594552753 together with a shared passion for making a real difference for Playlist for Life. In 2017 significant work has included: those living with dementia.” • A relaxed, Dementia Friendly Cinema My strategy is always to work through others to build compassion and spiritual health for all. I encourage people to make it happen for themselves. 26 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 27 Don’t fall for it!! Invigor8 Falls Prevention classes Christina Johnston’s story Although the likelihood of having a fall can become more common as we get older, Christina Johnston lives in Troon. She has the good news is that there are many ways you can help reduce the chance of this many friends and 2 loving daughters and happening to you. 2 grandchildren who live in Edinburgh.

Here are a few tips on how to lower especially if you take more than Through this discussion goals can be your risk of having a fall: 4 medications per day. identified which can help maximise hristina had several falls and was and is happy to independence. These goals might referred by her GP to Occupational leave the house on 1. Exercise Regularly Sight tests 2. Regular eyes and hearing tests include: – improving confidence when CTherapy (OT) at the Biggart her own. 3. Look after your feet You should make an annual outdoors, advising on equipment Hospital, Falls Clinic. The OT visited appointment to have an eye test as a to promote safety within the home, 4. Manage your medication Christina at home and arranged for aids change in eyesight may increase your identifying self management 5. Keep your bones healthy risk of having a fall. techniques, supporting people to to be installed in her house, removed Her friends 6. Check for home hazards engage in community groups to reduce all tripping hazards and assessed her 7. Eat a healthy diet Home hazard assessment social isolation and providing education medication. In February 2017 Christina commented to A GP can arrange a ‘falls screen’ and information on falls prevention. was then referred to Invigor8, the Activity and exercise assessment if you or a relative has had Christina that she South Ayrshire Council / Health and Regular strength and balance a fall or may be at risk of having a fall. For more information contact: exercises can reduce your risk of The Intermediate Care Team will visit Invigor8 Social Care falls prevention programme needed to go out on her having a fall. This can include simple you at home and use the ‘falls screen’ Tel: 01292 269793 or providing exercise classes in the own as her world was activities that you can do in your to review your individual needs and 01292 612849 community and instructed by qualified own time or being part of specialist identify potential hazards. Intermediate Care and Enablement – postural stability instructors. In the becoming smaller. exercise classes such as Alternatively an occupational therapist Tel: 01292 660444 class Christina worked on balance, Invigor8 (South can visit to have a conversation Occupational Therapy – If you would strength, flexibility, stamina, how to get falls prevention about how falls are affecting like a visit from an occupational down onto the floor and back up, and programme). individuals’ lives and routines. therapist please discuss with your built up her confidence. Medication review Invigor8 Instructor who Invigor8 Classes can direct a referral to our Christina said “the classes have Your GP should service. review your been a great way for me to get Monday Prestwick Community Centre 11.45 – 1.15pm medicines at my mobility back which was lost least once a because of frequent falls. I had lost Wednesday Walker Hall, Troon 9.00 – 10.00am year to make confidence to go out on my own but sure they're 10.00 – 11.30am still right that has improved.” Christina said, for you, “Every-day tasks such as getting dressed is easier, and can now put 11.30 – 1.00pm on my seat belt with little effort and I haven’t had a fall since joining Prestwick Community Centre 2.30 – 4.00pm the class.” She was at Centreparcs with the family recently and could Thursday Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr 10.00 – 11.30pm hear the instructor’s voice in her head saying “Lift your feet! Lift 11.30 – 1.00pm your feet!.” Regarding Christina’s confidence she had started to ask 2.00 – 3.30pm Regular strength friends to buy shopping for her as her confidence was low. Her friends Friday Ayr Salvation Army, Community 10.00 – 11.30am commented to Christina that she and balance exercises Church, John St, Ayr 11.30 – 1.00pm needed to go out on her own as her can reduce your risk world was becoming smaller. She did Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr 10.00 – 11.30am not want to leave her home in case of having a fall. she had a fall. After the assistance South Parish Church, Girvan 10.00 – 11.30am from the Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists and Invigor8 classes Carrick Centre, Maybole 1.15 – 2.45pm Christina now buys her own shopping 28 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 29 HARP – Healthy and Active Rehabilitation Programme What is HARP? Now being HARP is an activity programme providing education, advice fitter I feel and support for anyone who has more than one long-term so much better. condition affecting their heart, lungs, cancer, stroke or falls. – John Cairns HARP

We operate a a joint partnership you will have the opportunity to be programme with both NHS and South referred to South Ayrshire Council to Ayrshire Council. You may be referred continue the exercise programme for • Smoking cessation support one year. by a GP or Health Professional to • Home-based exercise programmes NHS or the Council’s Sport and Staying safe What can HARP offer you? Exercise and rehabilitation The Leisure service. With an NHS referral, • Supervised group exercise Council’s Sport and Leisure service you will be assessed by a specialist sessions can offer you a number of classes team including a highly trained nurse as we get older • Education to help you understand and activities ranging from specialist and physiotherapist. Through s we get older the likelihood are avoidable if road users behave • Avoid distractions – concentration more about your condition instructed HARP, cardiac, swim and the Council, you would be of being injured on the road responsibly. can decrease with age, so it’s • Psychological support stroke classes. Also available are assessed by a highly increases so it’s helpful to become helpful to avoid distractions when (NHS only) walking groups, tai chi, Weigh to go A While we may feel safe enough now, qualified specialist Ayrshire weight management classes, more aware of the potential hazards and driving; exercise instructor. • Self-management advice what happens when the potential yoga, pilates, gym, swimming, how to avoid them. • Plan your route – it is particularly After completion • Moving on together self effects of advancing age creep up aquafit, studio cycling, exercise to important when you are driving of the NHS -management group (NHS only) The term “accident” can give an on us? Older Drivers and Pedestrians music, club Diamonds over 60’s to an unfamiliar destination and programme • Dietary advice and weight impression that road crashes and the need to keep safe. exercise to music and many more. resultant injuries are unavoidable. don’t know the road; which can run management (Weigh to Have you considered the following: up to 10 weeks, go Ayrshire) Every death and every serious injury The same issues can rise for on the roads is one too many and • How are you? Are you fit pedestrians and although “stepping South Ayrshire Council in to drive? Could health out” is great for health and vitality, Healthy and Active Rehabilitation Programme partnership with Ayrshire problems, tiredness, being safe as a pedestrian can also be Roads Alliance’s Road medicines, alcohol a major problem as you get older so Safety Section, or drugs impair similar care has to be taken. Exercise Classes for people with heart, stroke, cancer, lung condition believe that almost all 41% your driving? Remember, it is not only your own collisions of pedestrians • Have your safety you need to think about. eyesight tested Tuesday Citadel, Ayr 12:30pm – 1:30pm killed each year regularly – When driving, you need to consider Citadel, Ayr 2:45pm– 3:45pm are over 60. failing sight your passengers – precious can be a gradual grandchildren, family and friends – Loans Hall 7:00pm – 8:00pm Risk of fatal injury process and may go and be aware of the dangers. unnoticed – particular Wednesday Citadel, Ayr 10:30am – 11.30am If you wish further information is reduced by care should be taken when please contact: ARA.RoadSafety@ Citadel, Ayr 11:45am – 12.45pm driving at night; For more information 50% ayrshireroadsalliance.org or contact Prestwick Comm Cent 1:30pm – 2.30pm • Impaired Hearing? – if you Tel: 01563 576448 HARP – NHS normally wear a hearing aid at Thursday Citadel gym, Ayr 2:00pm – 3:00pm when wearing 01292 614550 a seatbelt. home, you should always wear it HARP –The Council Friday Stroke Class Citadel, Ayr 11:30am – 12:30pm when driving; 01292 612849 John Pollock Centre, Ayr 2:15pm – 3:15pm Girvan South Parish 11:30am – 12.30pm

30 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 31 Ayrways Choir South Ayrshire Life

yrways is a friendly local choir which puts more focus outh Ayrshire Life is an on-line pop in and chat with staff who’ll be happy to help you find out what’s going We provide a on participation than on the quality of your voice. service which allows anyone A VASA Conference Sto find out what’s happening in on in your area. drop-in facility We want anyone who has any respiratory condition such as Asthma or communities across South Ayrshire. We provide a drop-in facility at our shop where organisations can provide at our shop where chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to come along and have a VASA Third Sector Conference took place in the Brig VASA has been working within Ayr chat, a laugh and be utterly amazed at what can be achieved when people O’Doon hotel, with the venue kindly donated to us support. The following organisations South, Ayr North, Troon, Prestwick, are already using our drop-in service, organisations can come together to sing. courtesy of Costley & Costley. The conference theme North Carrick and South Carrick and Occupational Therapy, Alzheimer was “Kindness & Compassion” and we explored surrounding villages, compiling a list provide support. You’ll be led by qualified instructors this theme and how we can all do our bit to tackle Scotland, Ayr Action for of groups and organisations who offer with support from health social isolation. Mental Health, Community activities or services. There are so professionals who will take you During the conference, we heard national and local Links Practitioners, VASA through exercises to get your many great things going on in South Volunteering, Social Work, perspectives from a number of keynote speakers. Ayrshire and this new website lets breathing and voices ready. You Zoe Ferguson of Carnegie UK Trust and Ian Stirling of Home Energy Scotland, groups promote what they do and lets Dementia Association, may not be Pavarotti but it’s North Carrick with facilitation by local people find out how they can amazing the sound that a group of Allan Johnstone of Voluntary Sensory Impaired get involved. Support, National singers can achieve. Action Scotland provided us with thought provoking We pledge to From walking football to knit and Autistic Society, Being part of a choir is a tremendous speeches. Rita Miller play our part to natter, kids’ groups to local sports Women’s Aid, SeAscape, way to build your confidence, meet new Ayrways runs on who was a Councillor activities, money advice to community Recovery Ayr folk and improve your general wellbeing, not at the time invited reduce social isolation transport, simply search for the activity a Thursday So if you want to know to mention your lung capacity. attendees to sign a in our local communities you’re interested in or put in where you what’s happening locally “Pledge”. Video and live, and all will be revealed. Ayrways has already performed at a number 4:00pm-5:30pm (4:00pm-4:30pm through kindness and or how to make contacts photography was To support the service we also have of venues, including Enterkine House Hotel. is coffee and chat, 4:30pm-5:30pm is within your community visit donated by Ayrshire compassion. a town centre shop at 57 Newmarket www.southayrshirelife.org Come along on a Thursday to the Book and the singing) £2 per class Community Media. Street, Ayr – open Monday to Friday, Or call FREEPHONE Bun, Newmarket St, Ayr. For more information 10:00am to 4:00pm – where you can 0800 432 0510. phone Angela on 01292 280338 Christmas FootcAyr Companions Book & Bun café

ootcAyr is a VASA Social Enterprise set up in 2013 which delivers a professional and affordable toenail cutting service to adults in South Christmas Companions has been Now in its third year, the Book & Bun café in the heart of Ayr FAyrshire. This service has enabled the NHS to free up appointments going for an amazing 16 years! allowing more focus on higher-need patients. continues to enjoy a growing customer base, who make the Trained staff and volunteers deliver our FootcAyr service from six different ed by Marie Oliver, CEO of VASA most of the cafés calm, safe and relaxing atmosphere. locations throughout South Ayrshire. the team of volunteers give up their Soon to be a Dementia Friendly and Safe Place venue. LChristmas Day to ensure that up to FootcAyr Clinics 80 socially isolated senior members Combine all this with a great choice of coffees and teas as well as quality Crown St, Ayr Monday – Friday 9:00am-4:00pm in our communities have a day of gifts and “pre-loved” books and you have an ideal place to visit next time laughter, entertainment, good food Monday – Friday 9:00am-1:00pm you’re in Newmarket Street, Ayr. Book & Bun, Newmarket St, Ayr and companionship. We are grateful North Ayr Health Centre, Ayr Wednesday & Friday 9:00am-1:00pm to the ongoing support and donations Street, Troon Monday 9:00am-1:00pm we received from local people and Town House, Girvan Friday & Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm businesses to fund this. Speakers Club Maybole Tuesday 10:00am-2:00pm If you know anyone For more information contact: who is going to This voucher entitles Rachael on 01292 280338 be on their own or [email protected] on Christmas the bearer to a It is really rewarding Day, please call Rae on % 20% discount at the when you get positive 01292 20 Book & Bun, feedback from clients 432 661 on how much you have VOUCHER 50 Newmarket St, Ayr helped them.

32 South South Ayrshire Ayrshire StrictlyStrictly Seniors Seniors Magazine Magazine 33 Circles Network Luminate I wish homas is a 60 year old man with schizophrenia Twho was referred to us so he could be that this had Meet supported throughout an Adult Support Protection happened twenty Case Conference. years ago This was quite daunting for Thomas and initially he was very Thomas reluctant to meet with our advocate; however he was happy to communicate by telephone. After talking to our advocate, Thomas requested the advocate attend the meetings on his behalf. Things progressed well for Thomas and with the help our advocate, South Ayrshire Council applied for welfare guardianship and a corporate appointee was asked for to manage Thomas's finances. After further discussion and advice from the advocate, the guardianship was granted and a corporate appointee assigned. Thomas now has regular support coming in to help him manage his tenancy and he is no longer at risk of financial exploitation. Thomas had this to say “…my life has turned round for the better and I know that there will be food in the house now. I wish that this had happened twenty years ago".

ircles Network is an Our service covers the southern uminate is an annual festival on print-making as part of the annual To top it all, Ewan Baird and Ali Levack part of Ayrshire, which borders onto Day O’ The Deid Parade and Royal of JimJam Ceilidh Band had the crowd Cindependent advocacy service Dumfries & Galloway, Lthat takes place across the on its feet. As one visitor said: Borough Organist Matthew Hynes which offers a confidential and . In South Ayrshire length and breadth of Scotland delighted visitors with music on the “It was great to see such a good we cover Ayr South, Ayr North, sample of what’s on out there.” service to people living in each October. The festival is Town Hall Organ. Ayr East, Prestwick, Troon, Girvan, South Ayrshire aged 16 or over. Maybole, Dundonald, a chance for us to celebrate We can help you under a wide and Symington. creativity, share stories and Cruse Bereavement Care Scotland range of circumstances such as: explore what ageing means to Our advocacy service will: We have all experienced bereavement at some stage of our lives whether it is the • mental health issues all of us. • Help if you feel vulnerable death of a partner, a parent, a friend or a child. The experience often means that • personality disorder • Speak up for you, or stand Locally, South Ayrshire Arts our lives are never quite the same again. • learning disabilities alongside you to ensure you can Partnership held an open day in Ayr • chronic illness express your views and make Town Hall on Friday 13 October to decisions and contributions let us know more about opportunities The turmoil of our emotions may and counselling locally through our • physical disabilities make us feel as though we are going premises in Prestwick. available to us and to explore how we • acquired brain injury • Enable you to make informed mad, but believe it or not, this Helpful information and copies of choices about, and remain can work together to create more. is normal. One way to help • dementia our leaflets can also be found in control of, your social and yourself might be to find • autistic spectrum disorders Stalls included Auchencruive Floral on our website www. health care. someone who will listen • people who are unable to Art Club, Ayr Choral Union, Ayr crusescotland.org.uk – and then to talk. safeguard their own well- Writer’s Club, The Carrick Centre We are making a At Cruse Thank you for being, rights, care or in Maybole, Ayr Arts Guild, Ayr difference : other interests. Music Club, Ayr Film Society, Acorn Bereavement Care helping me realise I Contacts: Scotland (CBCS) we “Thank you for You can approach us yourself or we Furniture Workshops, The Gaiety are here to help you can still have some helping me realise can be contacted by family members, Theatre, Health and Social Care social workers, care workers through our through this difficult happiness. I can still have some Partnership, South Ayrshire Council happiness. I’ll never office: Circles Advocacy, 2 New Bridge time by offering an and Invigor8. impartial ear or via forget the support you Street, Ayr KA7 1JX one-to-one counselling gave me over the past VASA’s Book & Bun Tai-Chi and Line or telephone 01292 264 396 sessions where you can work 6 weeks” Dancing groups showed their skills, info.southayrshire@ through your grief. “Thank you so much for the support Ken O’Hara performed an excerpt circlesnetwork.org.uk You can contact us by phoning our and the listening you have shown me from Catherine Czerskawa’s Price of National Helpline No. 0845 6000 on this part of my sad and painful a Fish Supper, available as part of 2227 or you can access support journey” the Gaiety Theatre Touring Network Programme, Leona Stewart ran hands

34 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 35 S.I.S.G – Sensory Impaired Support Group Charity (Ayrshire)

.I.S.G provides a number of free services for older people living with acquired sensory loss, hearing loss, sight loss or dual sensory loss. As part of a project the charity is running ‘Help Hubs’ in S14 towns & villages with free servicing of NHS hearing aids, issuing of batteries, advice, signposting and onward referral.

Together with providing sessions or classes on: skills for seeing training, skills for hearing training, participate support groups, and the play & learning programme. Contact Denise McClung on 01292 266 791 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. SISG, Suite 5 Beresford Court, 6/8 Beresford Lane, Ayr, KA7 2DW It’s good to walk! www.sisg.co.uk ant to get active and Their aim is to significantly increase the number of people who choose make new friends? Enjoy to walk in Scotland – whether that's the fresh air and have the leisure walking or active-choice W walking to work, school or shops. opportunity to visit new places? They want to create a Scotland, where Action on Hearing Loss Scotland Then walking might be right up increased physical activity improves your street! quality of life and wellbeing for all. Hear to Help (Ayrshire) Whether it’s a quick walk to the So how can you get started? shops or a hike over a hillside, Getting started is quite simple. All you ction on Hearing Loss Scotland provides basic hearing aid support walking has many benefits. need is suitable footwear and clothing and maintenance to the local community. We have community Just 30 minutes every day can for the weather conditions and you are based drop ins across Ayrshire, provide support to care/nursing increase cardiovascular fitness, good to go. A strengthen bones, reduce excess homes and sheltered housing, as well as regular home visits. Across South Ayrshire there are many body fat, and boost muscle power local walking groups if you fancy and endurance. Come along to our free local drop-in sessions to: being part of a group rather than It can also reduce your risk of walking alone. • Pick up your hearing aid batteries developing conditions such as heart Please visit our website for further disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis • Get your tubing changed (every 4-6 months) information: www.south-ayrshire.gov. and some cancers. uk/leisure/like-to/ • Find out how to use your hearing aids Here in South Ayrshire we have Most group walks are low level worked hard over the last few years • Learn about different services available however some groups like to venture to provide people with different further afield and take on more • Learn about different products opportunities to get out walking. adventurous challenges. • Home/care home/sheltered housing/hospital We have helped to set up local visits are available. walking groups and successfully For more information organised walking weekends with regarding walking This service is funded by South Ayrshire nearly 200 people taking part. groups, up and coming events Health and Social Care Partnership. Helping us support our walkers in and leadership opportunities please contact Steven Noble (Outdoor South Ayrshire is Paths For All. Charity no: SC038926 Sports Development Officer at South Paths for All is a Scottish charity who believe walking is the way to a Ayrshire Council) happier, healthier Scotland. Tel: 01292 616249 Email: steve.noble@south- ayrshire.gov.uk 36 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 37 Helping vulnerable and older adults live safely within the community outh Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards team is often contacted about older and vulnerable adults being scammed out of their Slife savings by crafty telephone and mail scammers or doorstep What’s new at rogue traders. When scams happen, they can have long lasting effects on the victims and their families. Through studies we know Nursery Court Day Centre that scams over the phone, by mail or by rogue traders is considered to be one of the most common types of abuse Red Cross – West of Nursery Court in Girvan aims to provide a Day Service to older people within their of the elderly with far reaching detrimental effects on both mental and physical health. Scotland Discharge own Community that values equality, diversity, privacy and dignity in a safe, This can be an even worse experience for people living with friendly and caring environment. dementia as they may struggle to describe what happened Support Service to them or recall being victimised. It is estimated that e aim to support and encourage A sound system plays seaside noises Nursery Court Day Service 90,000 people in Scotland live with dementia with over you to maintain your health, and there are 2 traditional deckchairs 2 Nursery Court Girvan 2,500 in South Ayrshire. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that can make and a variety of seaside postcards. wellbeing and independence KA29 9EW the biggest difference. W We have even added sand, buckets Tel: 01465 71401 To prevent these types of crimes we have successfully in a manner that maximises your & spades and sea shells. secured funding by the Life Changes Trust to help protect potential and supports a stimulating Jacqueline.simpson@ These new features have stimulated south-ayrshire.gov.uk South Ayrshire residents diagnosed with dementia or other Just a couple of hours of support a week can give and fulfilling lifestyle. long forgotten memories and www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/care/day- cognitive impairments from predatory fraudsters. people back their confidence and help them stay conversations of happy holidays spent A varied range of activities are care/nurserycourt.aspx independent. That’s why we run our West of Scotland by the beach. One of our service The 3 year project will help us assist residents in the early available and organised to reflect users recently commented “I could stages of dementia to put measures in place to safeguard Discharge Support Service. your interests, choices, abilities spend all day here as I feel as if I them from mail and telephone scams or unscrupulous and tap into your past life hobbies Our volunteers offer practical and emotional support, am on holiday”. doorstep callers. Measures can include the and experiences. such as picking up groceries or accompanying you to For those that relish the great installation of call blocking technology to Two recent additions are a medical appointments, additionally, we offer a phone outdoors, we have two garden areas stop scam and nuisance calls, working with reminiscence train carriage with support and a hospital discharge support service, the and a summer house which is Royal Mail to prevent scam mail reaching wallpaper backdrop, a replica framed aim is to help you settle back into your day to day life. centrally located and glazed on three window surrounding an LCD screen its intended victim and working with If you are struggling to get back on your feet after a sides to provide you with a complete which plays scenes from countryside, neighbours to deter rogue traders. view of the garden. Within the garden crisis, this support can make a big difference to your there is even a replica train table, there is colourful, sensory planting, If you are a carer or have family in wellbeing and recovery. lamp and train memorabilia including bird baths and feeders, appropriate South Ayrshire living with dementia an authentic suitcase. This unique If you want to help local people, seating, a water feature and a path therapy tool turns the space into a and you are worried about their learn new skills, and make new which allows anyone suffering from therapeutic and calming environment vulnerability contact us. friends, this could be perfect dementia to walk the garden safely. and has been shown to provide a for you. You’ll be making We have lots of great comments We can help to put measures in place to unique way of improving mental protect you/them. You can contact us on a big difference in your well-being. about the services we provide, when asked if there was anything he did 0300 123 0900, or by visiting the Trading community. The other addition is a beach pod not like about our day care service, Standards Advice and Intervention Centre with a pop up frame and panels, For more information, one gentleman said “I don’t enjoy at 5-7 River Terrace, Ayr or by email at beach backdrop which features a call Stephen Johnson on going home” Come and see what we local view of with the [email protected]. 01292 263946 or email have to offer you. Waverly Paddle Steamer. [email protected]

38 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 39 Transforming care after treatment in Ayrshire and Arran TCAT was set up About the project to improve the way people with cancer are The project, part of the Transforming Care After supported during and Treatment (TCAT) programme, offers people who have finished their cancer treatment more support to deal after treatment. with their wider emotional, financial and practical needs.

he group’s current priorities being Clinic where they could What next? include promoting mental wellbeing receive another Holistic Needs The findings from this project are Tand reducing stigma TCAT is a Assessment (HNA) and also helping us change the way people partnership between the Scottish access the Healthy and Active with cancer are supported by NHS Government, Macmillan Cancer Support, Rehabilitation Programme. Ayrshire & Arran. NHS Scotland and Councils. We tested 59 per cent (180) of those invited and spread new models of care and to attend a Health & Wellbeing As a result of this project, HNAs, looked at the support built around Clinic attended. Health and Wellbeing Clinics and cancer patients. The project initially focused on Treatment Summaries, are already In Ayrshire and Arran we discovered breast cancer patients, but has now being rolled out within NHS Ayrshire that patients reported fewer concerns expanded to other cancers. & Arran. in many areas. The results of this project will also be There was good partnership working looked at as part of the wider (TCAT) during the project with members of programme which is testing new the NHS Ayrshire & Arran patient approaches to cancer support carer panel helping to develop across Scotland. South Ayrshire Dementia Support (SADSA), is a charitable organisation, providing Health and Wellbeing Clinic specialised day care for those diagnosed with dementia seven days a week. information. How the project worked We provide quality care, in a Our charity works in support of clients 276 people in Ayrshire and Arran received a new friendly environment, getting My satisfaction with referred by South Ayrshire Council The health and to know our clients and and in direct response to requests kind of support after they well-being clinic appreciate their needs service standards has for care by private individuals and finished cancer treatment. and likes, including remained at a very high their families. This included: offered a good opportunity dietary requirements and level since my mother first • An assessment of all their to talk about concerns, also support indoor and started using them several needs (a Holistic Needs as I felt low at the end of outdoor activities for fun years ago. Assessment), carried out treatment period after high and stimulation. Our day For more information, by a clinical nurse specialist. level of contact with care facilities allow our – Alistair Paterson please call 641 Holistic Needs Assessments professionals. clients to be themselves, Liz Campbell, Day Centres Manager, were carried out, with a number of people receiving multiple share in activities, meals or to arrange to visit to our Day Care assessments at different times. and fun. Centres in Ayr or Prestwick Liz Campbell: 01292 283 954 (Ayr) or • An opportunity to attend a SADSA also provides support for our clients’ 01292 288 396 (Prestwick) post-treatment Health and Well- carers and families, through carers meetings. Email: [email protected] www.sadsa.org.uk

40 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 41 Locality Planning in South Ayrshire

Are some of us still sceptical of locality planning? I would say ‘yes’ but because of my personal experience I can honestly say that my cynicism has been turned into excitement and hope for everyone’s future care. I am able to say that changes in my attitude have been brought about through the Health and Social Care Partnership and my Locality Planning Group.

he six groups across South Ayrshire way for people to access information Recent have been focussing on key local and support through having ‘effective developments with issues and priorities. Strictly asked conversations’ with key people and T services at community contact points, the Biggart Hospital have the 6 Locality Planning Group Chair’s for known as new ‘front doors’. the current state of play… provided us with a fantastic Recent developments with the opportunity to promote the Biggart Hospital have provided rehabilitation aspects of the to the South Ayrshire Life web-site. We think that helping The group is Troon and Villages us with a fantastic opportunity to promote the rehabilitation aspects Biggart and raise awareness older people get information is critical and forms one of focussing on The group’s current priorities of the Biggart and raise awareness of the range of services the group’s priorities. reviewing its include reducing social isolation, of the range of services based there. Looking ahead, the group is focussing on reviewing its priorities and promoting mental wellbeing and Moving forward we will be based there. priorities, supporting participatory budgeting events and will be holding reducing stigma. exploring ways to develop a communications sub-group has been set up to take information Our ‘Connect2’ sub group has also community resources about forward a communications strategy. sessions across the locality to been working hard to progress activity and facilities what – Paul Murphy, Chair. in relation to tackling social isolation within Biggart, local activities can help get the views and loneliness and will continue in partnership help support them Maybole and North Carrick Villages of as many people lead healthy as possible. to develop planning and explore with local The group has been developing local work on making lives. opportunities across the locality. people, staff Maybole a truly inclusive community, for example, – Marie Oliver, Chair. Supporting the launch of Dementia colleagues and We are re- through a Safe Place scheme working with local shops. stakeholders. evaluating our Getting involved: Friendly Troon and villages has been a The group developed a local transport survey which local priorities real highlight for us and we embrace – Margaret has led to significant local investment in Community For more information about getting involved, please go to and seeking the opportunity to help become a Milligan, Chair Transport. Another issue, linked to work through local our website: www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/locality-planning/ local residents dementia friendly community. churches, is supporting Maybole as a compassionate input into the next Moving forward we hope to encourage Girvan and South community through a listening project. The group is Or contact two years strategic local residents from each of our Carrick Villages currently looking at the next set of priority issues Seonaid Lewis planning. Community Engagement Officer at South Ayrshire Health associated neighbourhoods to become The groups’ meetings are – David Kiltie, Chair. involved and help influence planning well attended and some of the – Peter Walker, Chair. and Social Care Partnership as we move forward. issues currently under discussion Ayr South and Coylton 01292 559359 Ayr North and Villages Email: [email protected] – Richard McMinn, Chair are Rural Isolation, Transport The group has been working hard focussing on social We have identified a number and Dementia. isolation, which is a problem for many older people in Neil Goudie of projects in some of the Prestwick and Villages The group has successfully run South Ayrshire. They have been collecting information Community Engagement Officer at South Ayrshire Health neighbourhoods, some needing We are focusing on our key priorities, 2 Participatory Budget events about local groups and activities to contribute to the and Social Care Partnership additional resources to take them which include reducing social with many local voluntary groups South Ayrshire Life database that will help people find 01292 559421 forward. These include looking at ways isolation, keeping people independent benefiting for the funding. We have out what’s on in their community. Email: [email protected] to help people to become more active and well and support for carers. successfully started a Community I am really impressed that the group has good Chic Martindale We are keen to hear the views of First Responder group with the by walking or cycling in the locality. representation from local people across the area, Community Engagement Officer at South Ayrshire Health local people, to help identify and Scottish Ambulance Service, and our We have also been helping to although that being said we would like to get GPs more and Social Care Partnership shape priorities as we move forward. first new Front Door, ‘Girvan Connect’ tackle social isolation by collating involved which could help make services more joined up, 01292 559447 We are in the process of establishing where people can go and meet with information about local activities, and better for everyone. Email: [email protected] ‘Prestwick Connect’, which is a new people to have ‘good conversations’ groups and organisations and linking

42 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 43 Health & Home

Have you got the bottle? Message In A Bottle – South Ayrshire Emergency Information Scheme • Available free for anyone who feels vulnerable while living at home • Provides emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy • Provides emergency services with a contact name if they are called to your home Bottles are available now from Doctor's & Dentist's Surgeries, Pharmacies, Health Visitors, Community Nurses, Hospitals, Social Workers and Libraries.

44 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 45 Useful numbers

NHS 24 NHS Ayrshire & Arran South Ayrshire Council 111 0800 169 1441 0300 123 0900 www.nhs24.com www.nhsaaa.net www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

Details of organisations you may find helpful

Action on Depression Scotland Contact the Elderly Stonewall 0808 802 2020 0800 716 543 08000 50 20 20 (free from landlines and mobiles) www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk www.stonewall.org.uk 2-4pm on Wednesdays Admin: 0131 243 2786 Energy Agency Scottish Fire & Rescue www.actionondepression.org 01292 521 896 Home Fire Safety Visit www.energyagency.org.uk 0800 0731 999 Age Scotland www.firescotland.gov.uk 0333 32 32 400 Health Information and www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland Resources Service Police Scotland 01292 885927 101 – non emergencies Alzheimer Scotland www.healthinfoshop.scot.nhs.uk and general enquiries www.alzscot.org 999 – emergencies 24 hour Dementia helpline Home Care www.scotland.police.uk Freephone 0808 808 3000 0300 123 0900 Trading Standards Blue Badge Scheme Invigor8 01292 616 060 0300 123 0900 01292 269 793 www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge Veterans First Point Ayrshire National Debtline 07527 845 122 Care Inspectorate – 0808 808 4000 0345 600 9527 Victim Support Scotland www.careinspectorate.com Overmills Day Service 0345 603 9213 01292 610225 www.victimsupportsco.org.uk Carers UK Scotland Advice Line Pension Service Voluntary Action South Ayrshire 0808 808 7777 0800 731 7898 01292 432 661 www.carersuk.org/scotland Textphone 0800 731 7339 www.voluntaryactionsouthayrshire.org.uk www.gov.uk/state-pension Citizens Advice Consumer Service Welfare Rights 03454 04 05 06 Samaritans 0300 123 0900 www.adviceguide.org.uk/scotland 116 123 www.samaritans.org