Foreword

Welcome to the latest edition of Strictly Seniors, our popular look at the health and Issue 5. December 2016 social care issues you tell us are important to you. In this issue

his fifth edition is our largest production to date and it’s full of information to support Getting it right for Mr and Mrs Mac 2 Dementia Friendly Prestwick 20 seniors across South Ayrshire to lead active, healthy, and independent lives. TThe past year has seen a number of important developments, with the Health and Health in the community and you 3 Good neighbours in South Ayrshire Social Care Partnership now well established as we continue to work with you to improve Community pharmacist – Julie Geates 4 Food Train delivers for you 21 health, support social care, tackle health inequality, and improve Patient focus of lifeline hospital service gains Beat doorstep crime 22 community wellbeing. special recognition As part of this process we’re beginning to make Scottish Fire & Rescue 23 Look out for ‘Eyecare Ayrshire’ 5 changes to develop more integrated services to Thinking and planning ahead 24 support our seniors live long lives in the community. In the next When you’re ill, know who to turn to 6 year we want to enhance the arrangements for physical and Stepping out with footcAyr Safety first makes community call the smart 26 mental rehabilitation using community services, to allow bet for home security 7 Could you help the Blind Golf Society? 27 people to remain in good health for longer and remain settled in their own homes. About falls Friendly fun at the book & bun café 28 Later in the magazine you will see that the six HARP – Health and Activity Rehabilitation Programme 8 Christmas companions 29 recently established ‘Locality Planning Groups’ are helping to map out and respond to local Invigor8 classes 9 Making today matter 30 needs, and I would like to thank staff and Are you a canny cooker? local people for the considerable progress Your library does more than you think 32 Stepping Stones – bereavement care 10 being made in this area. Understanding locality planning 34 Looking left to the contents page it’s Want to know how to feel good? 7 Maybole over fifty’s plain that there are already a large Managing diabetes 11 number of groups working to improve Get out and about with OIR Ayr Only connect 12 38 peoples’ lives right across South Ayrshire. I’d also like to pay tribute to Girvan Age Concern Riverside Connect all the staff and the many volunteers Helping older people engage 13 Open up with Ayrways 39 who put in countless hours to help make sure we have such excellent, South Ayrshire Life Kick-starting your community through football 40 exciting activities in place. Without Out and about in Carrick and Kyle Alcohol & you – rethink your drink in later life 41 you, none of this would be possible. 12 Using MyBus 14 Worried about your vision or know someone I hope that all of our readers find something useful to take away from South Ayrshire Carers Centre with sight problems? 42 this magazine, which is crammed Finding time for The Silver Line 15 S.I.S.G – Sensory Impaired Support Group Charity (Ayrshire) full of information on the many South Ayrshire Dementia Support opportunities available. From tai chi Sensory Impairment Service 43 through to the annual Christmas lunch, Caring for carers at Crossroads 16 Action on Hearing Loss Scotland Hear to Help (Ayrshire) we think we’ve covered all the bases in this South Ayrshire Care & Repair edition of Strictly Seniors and we hope you Improving your home and don’t know where to start? 44 enjoy finding out about what’s on near you. Cut through the jargon with the Circles Network 17 Cut out and keep… 45 24 The Little Art School Trust Councillor Rita Miller Alzheimer Scotland South Ayrshire Service 18 Back Cover Chair of Integration Joint Board, Supporting you to live your life, your way! 19 Useful numbers South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership Strictly Seniors Magazine 1 Getting it right Health in the community and you for Mr and We hear a lot about ways that the NHS is changing but what does that mean in practice, and what do people on the front line think about the current direction the health service is taking? Strictly Seniors interviewed the Clinical Director of Mrs Mac South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership, Dr Ajay Koshti, to ask for his views... South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership is Q: Can you tell me how you think the such support, GPs can then focus public influences how we shape our committed to improving whole health system needs to change more on our complex patients. services so I’d like to see older people services for older people. and how primary care fits into this? Q: Can you describe some of the get involved in all the various local A: We need to move away from a initiatives you are involved in to support groups and networks to help us create healthcare model dominated by this approach? better health and well-being. hospitals to a much more community A: There are lots of things happening, Dr Koshti is the Clinical Director for based approach. For example but one of the most significant the South Ayrshire Health and Social Optometrists and Pharmacists is supporting something called Care Partnership and a GP in Tam’s are playing an increasing role in ‘Anticipatory Care Planning’. Brig Practice in Ayr. clinical care. This involves patients and carers, We also need to move towards together with key health and social more prevention and ‘anticipatory’ work staff making plans in advance of approaches and these need to any worsening in any condition so that increase the involvement of patients the right care and support is provided, and their carers. We all need to take largely in the community in a planned responsibility for our own health and and not a reactive way. care, not just in the present moment, Another practical development is the Earlier this year staff from the Partnership met with a group of older people to listen to their but thinking ahead to when we may improved alignment of our care and experiences of using services, both in hospitals and in the community. be less healthy and independent. nursing homes with individual GP From a GP perspective, two main Practices so that they develop better areas that we as a society can focus relationships and are offered more This proved to be an invaluable exercise with a range of The key statements are summarised below. on are illnesses that will probably insights emerging from the people attending. continuity in clinical care so that their We hope to use these powerful messages to inform all of clear up on their own, and patients residents get better support. with complex multiple conditions. We have set the themes emerging from this conversation what we plan around older people’s health and care in the Q: If you had one message for older GPs are seeing significant numbers as a series of aspirational quotes that relate to a fictitious years ahead. people, what would it be? South Ayrshire older couple (provisionally called Mr and of patients with minor self-limiting We hope to work with the group we met with on an Mrs Mac). conditions which often only require A: I would encourage older people to ongoing basis to ensure they hold the Partnership to reassurance. If these patients are take greater ownership of their own So – our statements are about... Getting it Right for account about how our plans and activities really have empowered to self manage their health and to think more about how Mr and Mrs Mac. these statements at their centre. conditions with better awareness to prevent becoming ill in the first and community support, often senior place. I’m keen that the dialogue we get from patients and the wider Listen to what I want and give me respect Help me use technology where it might be family members are the source of Don‘t make assumptions appropriate Talk to each other and try to join up your care Have someone who is the main point of contact or ‘co-ordinator’ of my care Don’t ask me the same questions numerous times Try to involve me and others Try to think of me as a whole person living with in preventative and different conditions anticipatory work so care If you would like more Give me information about all the services and care is not just reactive information on this work that might be available Include me in all please contact: Improve and simplify your communication with me decisions about me Phil White at [email protected]. nhs.uk 2 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 3 Community pharmacist Patient focus of lifeline Julie Geates hospital service For many of us pharmacies provide a lifeline to services and products we use every day and from time to time, depending Your local gains special on our needs. Increasingly, the local Community Pharmacist pharmacy plays a very important role in our communities. contains a wealth of To find out more about the work of pharmacies we met with Julie Geates who works at information Toll Pharmacy in Prestwick to ask her to give us the lowdown of what exactly we should expect*. and expertise. recognition Photographer: Guy Hinks

For many people a visit to your local Community find out which ones they provide and how they can help The transition between hospital care and the return home can be Pharmacist makes sense. It can save you a visit to your you look after your health. a difficult time for patients that are unable to plan ahead to buy- GP, as pharmacists provide a wide-range of services to Look out for Another bonus is that pharmacies are open in the in essential items. To help make this time as easy as possible for improve your health, including: blood pressure checks or evenings and weekends. That means you don’t need an advice on how to stop smoking and support with weight. people, the British Red Cross runs a Home from Hospital Team, ‘Eyecare Ayrshire’ appointment, and you can just drop-in and ask to speak to which is proving popular with users. All pharmacies provide NHS services such as dispensing, someone when it’s most convenient to you. You might be hearing about a lot of changes to advice on treatment of minor conditions and healthy If you don’t want your conversation overheard you can he service helps people who are For people that need follow-up health services across Ayrshire at the moment. living. The Minor Ailment Service is request a private consultation with discussions possible medically fit for discharge to support, the service’s dedicated co- These are all aimed at getting you the right also a very valuable service, either in person or by phone. Your local pharmacy Treturn safely to their home. With ordinator, Helen, is available to help. care at the right time by the right person in the for those eligible, and your contains a wealth of information and expertise. By making the care of trained staff, individuals are She is able to meet with people to right place. pharmacist can provide transported from hospital and resettled understand their needs and wishes, sure you know what your pharmacy does you will be able medicine for minor illnesses or into their home. Follow-up checks and help them access the services to make the most of the services available.Pharmacies make sure that the safety and comfort and support available in their local s part of this move a new service complaints, if appropriate, free provide a range of services including: of the person is taken care of in the community. ‘Eyecare Ayrshire’ is being launched of charge. in 2017 to make sure people know the hours and days after being discharged. Phone: 01292 263 946 A • New medicine service right place to go, to get the best treatment. The next time you visit your The ongoing benefits of the service www.redcross.org.uk • Flu vaccination service For example, if you develop a problem such local pharmacy it’s worth was recognised at the recent What the service can provide: asking them about • Advice on alcohol consumption ‘Ayrshire and Arran Achieves’ as blurred vision, irritated eyes or sticky ceremony when Home for Hospital • Transport home from hospital eyes, you can visit your optician instead their range of • Carer support received the Chairman’s Award – in a Red Cross ambulance of your GP or local hospital. As well as being services to given to an individual or team that • Weight management service • Checks of food availability able to give you a convenient appointment, deserves special recognition for (including taking the patient • Stop smoking service the optician will be able to give you a the contribution they have made to collect shopping or to pick • Emergency hormonal contraception (EHC) service to the NHS. up a hot meal) prescription if your eye condition needs one • Emergency supply of prescription medicines • Contacting family, friends or can refer you to a specialist. or agencies as required • Gluten free food service What a great GPs, opticians and pharmacists across • Undertaking immediate practical the area are positive about the benefits • Independent prescribing by pharmacists – some service you provide tasks as needed (dealing with of Eyecare Ayrshire, and our campaign pharmacists can now prescribe prescription-only and I appreciated being pets, making a snack, clearing to encourage people with eye problems to medicines for certain medical conditions rubbish etc.) taken home in one of your attend their optician instead of their GP • Minor ailment service lovely ambulances by two very • Ensuring the person is settled and safe to be left or local hospital. Not only will you find • Needle and syringe exchange service kind people who took the trouble to • Follow-up “safe and well” phone the right person to treat your eye problem • Condom supply service see that my home was suitable call the next working day to quickly, going to your optician can also help your GP to free up some appointment times. • Supervised consumption of prescribed medicines check that the person is OK and for me and that I had sufficient settled back into their home • Chlamydia screening and treatment service food in the house. – Service user *It is important to be aware that not all services are available at all pharmacies so you need to speak to your local pharmacist to find out which services they provide. 4 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 5

Safety first makes community call the smart bet for home security

ome safety is an issue shared by everyone and, while no-one expects incidents to happen, when they do, it’s best to plan ahead for peace of mind. The Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to supporting older people to live Hindependently and healthily in our local communities, with the increasing use of new equipment helping to do just that. What’s known as Technology Enabled Service as part of our prevention Our staff are available to offer Care is playing an important role in agenda. Our basic community further advice and our aim is to be stopping accidents from happening alarm kit now includes a link smoked respectful, positive and supportive. through prevention and early detector, which comes with the offer If you are interested in finding out intervention. In South Ayrshire, of a home fire safety visit to identify more please visit the website: a good example of positive feedback potential accident blackspots. The www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk, can be highlighted by the number of linked smoke alarm activates when email on: www.telecare@south- older people that have got in touch smoke is detected and will generate ayrshire.gov.uk or phone the Customer to say that having a community alarm a call through the community alarm. Service team on: 0300 123 0900 made them feel safer living in their own homes. We’ve listened to the feedback and we’re now offering atients in South Ayrshire are continuing to reap the benefits of Telehealth individuals or family members the home monitoring, as the use of the technology continues to grow. chance to request the installation of PTelehealth allows patients with long-term conditions such as Chronic a community alarm and linked smoke Heart Failure (CHF), Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and detector. The service carries a small Diabetes to monitor and self-manage their condition at home, reducing the weekly charge, but given the 24 hour need to be admitted into hospital. assistance available we think the service offers good value for money. Mr Hunter (pictured) has COPD and before using Telehealth he had to go to hospital every other week. Mr Hunter was referred for the Telehealth The community alarm call is service at Girvan Community Hospital to help him to monitor and manage his answered locally by our Customer condition through the use of a home pods. Service Team 24 hours a day, and identified key holders, family or Mr Hunter said, “The home pod has been absolutely brilliant; it means I’m in neighbours will be contacted for touch with my nurses every day and it cuts down visits to the hospital. There’s assistance should there be an a feel good factor with it, my blood pressure is always good and I can see that incident. If required, the Responder every day and that makes me feel better, it’s like having a nurse on call Service will go to your home every day.” that could prove invaluable, Mr Hunter now goes to hospital once a year for his particularly for people who have yearly check up. fallen. The Responder Services carry specialised lifting equipment For further information contact: and can offer guidance and support TEC Programme Office. at a time of need. Tel: 01292 660 444 Email: [email protected] The Health and Social Care Partnership has also been working with the Scottish Fire and Rescue

6 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 7 About falls Can you remember the last time that you tripped or fell? While most of the time having a fall will be nothing more than a little bit embarrassing, there can be more serious consequences. A fall can be startling, upsetting and life changing, especially as we age. And while falls aren't an inevitable part of getting older, they can become more common and importantly they will become harder to recover from.

fall can cause you to become Where can I get help? less active, more cautious, and Ayrshire has a service specifically for Awithdrawn. You might stop doing people at risk which offers a review things you enjoy, lose confidence in of your individual needs. The ‘falls your abilities, or start to feel anxious. screen’ is a home-based assessment in which you will be asked to answer Most falls among older people are several questions, as well as taking caused by a number of risk factors part in a general balance and I had never heard related to your health, wellbeing, mobility assessment. After this, you of the falls assessment Invigor8 classes and environment. These include weak will be given an action plan to help before, but it gave me muscles, poor balance, and walking you stay well, safe, and healthy. difficulties. Left unmanaged, these great confidence here are already existing services available to people at risk of falls which may be For more information telephone can significantly increase your risk after my fall. of interest. 15 Invigor8 classes take place regularly across South Ayrshire to help people of falling. Intermediate Care Team: Tto improve balance, strength, mobility, endurance, how to get down onto the floor and 01292 660 444 back up and build confidence. Classes are a time to improve your physical fitness and also What can you do to help lower the risk? have a chat and a cup of tea with other people in the group. To start with you need to recognise Wonderful your risk factors and, where possible, People attending classes are assessed three times during the first year of the programme. I can take action to prevent them from HARP – programme to build confidence and show improvements. There are three levels of happening in the first place. classes available. stretch higher, bend These useful tips should provide Health and Activity Rehabilitation Programme better, my leg muscles food for thought: are stronger and I’m still • Keep active HARP classes are for people who are experiencing more than one health condition working on my arms. • Look after your feet affecting their heart, lungs, cancer, stroke, or falls. The classes have a mix of – Mrs Effie Tustin • Look after your vision and hearing people attending them and they are looked after by experienced and well qualified • Identify hazards around your home fitness instructors. INVIGOR8 CLASSES • Eat healthily Alan Robinson is just “I’ve improved my physical fitness, MONDAY Prestwick Community Centre 11.45 – 1.15pm • Move around safely one of those to increased my confidence and WEDNESDAY Walker Hall, Troon 9.00 – 10.00am • Manage your medication benefit. He had enthusiasm for life. I feel motivated. Where do I find out more? a heart attack If HARP didn’t exist I wouldn’t have 10.00 – 11.30am in 2015 and progressed in such a positive way.” 11.30 – 1.00pm Further information on falls can be as part of his “As well as the classes I've also started I had stopped for a found at www.nhsinform.co.uk/falls recovery he Prestwick Community Centre 2.30 – 4.00pm to go to the gym and have been given a and also on www.livingitup.org.uk attended Cardiac few weeks due to family specific workout. I’ve also recommended THURSDAY Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr 10.00 – 11.30pm where you can access Smartcare – Rehabilitation the gym to some of the friends I’ve commitments and boy did an online service which supports classes at Ayr Maintenance class 11.30 – 1pm made in the HARP class and they are people at risk of a fall, or recovering Hospital. He was then I feel a difference when going to join me.” from a fall. invited to attend the HARP classes, and he 2.00 – 3.30pm I returned to the class. To reduce your risk of falls it is hasn’t looked back, FRIDAY Ayr Salvation Army, Community 10.00 – 11.30am Totally Invigor8ed. important to take part in regular HARP CLASSES ARE AVAILABLE AT: Church, John St, Ayr 11.30 – 1.00pm activities that will help your strength –Mr Gordon Hill and balance. An ideal way to do TUESDAY Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr 12.30 -1.30pm Citadel Leisure Centre, Ayr 10.00 – 11.30am this is to take part in the Invigor8 2.45 – 3.45pm South Parish Church, Girvan 10.00 – 11.30am programme (see article on page 9). FRIDAY South Parish Church, Girvan 1.00 – 2.00pm Hillcrest Nursing Home 11.30 – 12.00pm For information contact: If you are interested in joining Alan or another of our classes pleases contact 01292 269 793 Carrick Centre, Maybole 1.15 – 2.15pm Janey Anderson Tel: 01292 612 849 or Email: [email protected]

8 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 9 Are you a canny cooker? Want to know how to feel good? ealthy eating is a positive It allows you to cook a tasty, choice which can help nutritious meal with minimal time H spent in the kitchen, For more Get more out of life with you to maintain a and use a third less information on the good quality of life. cooking fuel. livingitup.org.uk – a digital service Canny Cooker: for the over 50s where you can get However, it can be You boil your visit the book & bun, challenging for ‘Canny Cooker,’ food on the Newmarket Street, Ayr and share information for a happier, older people living hob for 5-10 healthier lifestyle. You'll find out described as minutes, Email: at home to eat then place NutritionTrainingDietetics about local services, products and well, with access ‘a slow cooker the pot in the @aapct.scot.nhs.uk social activities to support your to affordable and Canny Cooker. without the plug’. The insulation health, care, acceptable food an around and on wellbeing issue for some. top of the pot and personal Use your know-how continues the NHS Ayrshire & Arran is supporting to feel good. cooking process – simple interests. local community groups to help but effective. It links with Join in at tackle the issue. In South Ayrshire the Cheap and Nutritious livingitup.org.uk our team are working with Voluntary Toolkit (CAN) course and Action South Ayrshire (VASA) to its “canny” or clever way or promote a range of resources and working, have led to it being workshops, including the use of the called the ‘Canny Cooker’. ‘Canny Cooker,’ described as ‘a slow cooker without the plug’. Image: Canny Cooker

Stepping Stones – bereavement support Managing diabetes

he free six-week Stepping Stones is During the six weeks of the programme Stepping iabetes is a long-term and progressive condition My Diabetes My Way (www.mydiabetesmyway.scot. a programme open to all those coping Stones offers space to look at issues that can have potentially devastating effects on nhs.uk) is a useful resource, while other assistance is Twith personal loss and living in including: the bereavement journey, Dhealth. However many of the complications can be available from pharmacies (medication), leisure centres Carrick. People who attend will be health issues, taking care of self, prevented or delayed through a combination of self and (Invigor8), and libraries (DVD’s, access to information bereaved in different ways, including money matters, socialising, and clinical management. packs etc.) the loss of a life-partner, sibling, looking to the future. Stepping Self-management is where you can have a positive parent, or friend. Often people use For more information contact: Stones is as an opportunity to the service in the early years of impact on your diabetes; i.e. taking your medication 01294 323 215 meet with people going through loss, but since aspects of grief last at the correct times or recording your blood glucose. similar experiences, a lifetime, people come to us at Clinical-management is provided by the team of health and you might different stages. care professionals who support you to manage your also find time to diabetes through education, medication, and advice. The Stepping Stones coordinator smile again. is Ian Stirling who worked with If you would like to know more or would like How you manage your diabetes is the most important the Ayrshire Hospice for 14 years factor in maintaining your health. NHS Ayrshire & and is now the minster of Fisherton to volunteer contact: Arran provides help through support groups, self- and Kirkoswald. Ian is supported by local Ian Stirling. management education, general information, and people, trained and experienced in aspects of Tel: 07594 552 753 at the next Patient Conference at University Hospital grief, loss and bereavement. Crosshouse on Saturday 13th May 2017.

10 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 11 Only connect

GPs often remark how many people come to appointments with issues stemming from isolation or lack of connection.

his magazine is a wonderful Community Riverside Connect testament to the huge range of Connector community based services and iverside Connect began as a “It’s been really good at T VASA employs bringing me out my shell. I’m activities that exist in South Ayrshire befriending project that is a a ‘Community partnership between Bethany now involved in various group’s to support our older residents. Connector’. R Christian Trust and Riverside Church, thanks to getting some of my self- We know, however, that many people, Originally this role confidence back.” was intended to Ayr. It matches adults, age 16+, with a feel unconnected and simply don’t volunteer befriender and is open to people One of the referral services said about Riverside Connect: know how to access this wealth signpost people to in South Ayrshire who feel lonely and of support. activities, but has grown “I think this has been a fantastic service which is very much to actively encourage vulnerable. Befrienders will spend an hour needed. The outcomes achieved for the service user I have GPs often remark how many people people to take the first a week with the befriendees getting to know referred have been outstanding and I cannot speak highly come to appointments with issues steps to attend local events them and provide support while encouraging enough of the service as a whole.” stemming from isolation or lack and activities. people to get involved with any local events of connection. If you know of someone who would benefit from this service The post-holder now spends up to and activities. or perhaps you are interested in volunteering then for more To this end, the Health and Social eight weeks supporting customers We provide a popular service that meets local needs, as information please contact Bruce Bunten, Volunteer Care Partnership is funding services to attend their chosen activity and some of these quotes highlight: Community Co-ordinator, on 07888 664 351 or by email at: to help deliver better support, while arranging transport if required. “I’ve really appreciated the company and the help given. [email protected] promoting the good work of existing She works with people referred Link Practitioners It gives me something to look forward to each week.” community groups. from GPs, social work, churches, The Partnership has recently families, etc. appointed four workers called Community Links Practitioners. GPs and the wider Practice Teams Helping Older People Engage – HOPE Case study refer people to them who they think could do with more intense support, spire2gether offer a personal support service for anyone • Advocate or liaise with other services on their behalf or particularly in relation to ‘non- living in South Ayrshire, over the age of 55. alongside them Mrs B, (77) was referred by her Community Psychiatric Nurse as she clinical’ problems. A The HOPE service is free and is delivered in your own home. The HOPE Service also provides assistance and advice on: was suffering from anxiety issues and wouldn’t go out. They work intensively with people It helps to: • Completing benefit claims forms on a 1:1 basis, trying to identify the • Budgeting and maximising incomes most appropriate supports available • Sustain independence and sustain self-management • Sustaining activities of daily living ur Community Connector advised Mrs B about various groups which run to address the concerns they are of their own home in the area. As a result, she’s now joined a quilting class in Ayr and an arts living with and the goals they want • Make informed choices on their housing needs, support • Linking in with specialist agencies, on debt management and housing O& crafts class in Prestwick, where she is thoroughly enjoying learning to to achieve. They will have excellent needs, and care needs • Handling disputes crochet which she says “has always been on the bucket list.” knowledge of and contacts with local • Support people to live in their own home with the help of devises and adaptions • Adult learning Mrs B is thoroughly enjoying getting out of the house and even her community and voluntary services. • Support people to get involved in their community and If you believe that the Hope Service can assist you, contact home town. She is delighted to be learning new things and has a new Elsewhere in Strictly Seniors there help them combat social isolation Nicola Young at Aspire2gether on 01292 670 674, or by email are other resources highlighted (such lease of life. to [email protected]. as Living it Up and the South Ayrshire • Access and support people to link into other services Contact info for Mary Fitzsimmons – the Community Connector is: across South Ayrshire www.aspire2gether.co.uk LIFE online resource) which provide [email protected] or telephone 01292 280 338 further information.

12 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 13 South Ayrshire Life South Ayrshire Carers Centre

here are so many community groups doing great work across South Ayrshire that we’re looking to connect as many of you as possible. If you’re looking to join T In spring 2017, Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (VASA), will be launching a new an arts and crafts group, website called South Ayrshire Life. The website will offer comprehensive information take up tai chi, want to know to people living locally detailing what activities, services and groups are available, where they take place, when they’re on, and how to make contact. where the nearest community pharmacists or self-help So if you’re looking to join an arts and crafts group, take up tai chi, want to know where the nearest community pharmacists or self-help groups are; you will simply groups are read on... need to enter your postcode to access relevant information about your local area. Contact: [email protected] to pass on your details.

hile it’s not something many of providing information on carers’ Our carers frequently tell us what us plan for it’s a fact of life that issues, advocacy, and signposting they think about the support they Out and about Wanyone can become a carer to specialist services. receive and how it has helped to in Carrick and Kyle Contacts: at almost any time in their lives. For We also provide time out for fun, change their life for the better. John Phone: some it can be a gradual process, when relaxation, and a chance to talk; recently said, “My mental wellbeing Email: 01292 270 864 or community groups looking for We plan to extend our services [email protected] loved ones grow older and need more to be heard and provide a better has greatly improved. I don’t feel transport options there are a range and vehicles to include smaller, Facebook: support from their partner or family, or support framework; and to reduce the alone now.” Mary added, “I’m a little https://www.facebook. more in control now, I don’t feel as if of mini buses available for hire to accessible people carriers and com/South-Ayrshire-Community- it can happen in an instant, following feeling of isolation and loneliness. F an electric car volunteer scheme Transport-494861790723876/ This support can be in the form of I’m rushing downhill with no brakes.” help access events and activities. illness or a serious accident. Chances to help people who are unable to are you will already know someone who relaxation therapies, peer support, If you would like any more information The Out and About Club for Kyle access public transport get to and Website: lives like this, with 12,000 people in and social activity groups. about South Ayrshire Carers Centre www.sacommunitytransport.org residents takes groups of people from health care appointments. South Ayrshire who currently consider Respite trips are also organised please contact: 01292 263 000 to numerous visitor attractions for themselves as carers. regularly for all age groups, including or check out our Facebook page at group holiday trips where carers get www.facebook.com/ a small charge. Due to increasing Many of those involved look after to meet and make friends, and gain southayrshirecarerscentre demand we are also planning to someone out of love, and feel their peer support. 43 Sandgate, Ayr start an Out and About Club in help is needed. For others the the Carrick area in the experience can be bewildering, near future. isolating and challenging, and Using MyBus that’s because carers may be worried about a variety of issues, including MyBus is a bookable bus service offering door financial problems or their own Finding time for The Silver Line to door transport in your area. It can be used for health issues. Founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, The Silver Line is the only free, national and shopping, GP appointments, visiting friends, It is for reasons like this that the confidential helpline for older people, available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. attending local clubs and much more. South Ayrshire Carers Centre is there to offer support, advice, You can call the Silver Line to ask about local services, talk in confidence, get and information. yBus will pick you up and drop you off some friendly advice or simply have a chat. 68% of our calls are after 6pm or at as close as possible to your destination. We provide support for all carers weekends; while 67% of callers contact the helpline because they are lonely or MAll vehicles are low-floor and wheelchair from the age of eight upwards, isolated. The Silver Line is there when other services aren’t. friendly, and the driver is available to give whose life is affected by alcohol assistance to board the bus from the pavement. Right now, we’re looking for volunteers. Training is quick and and/or drug misuse, mental or easy, and once matched, you will need to give up just 30 Demand for MyBus services is high and we physical illness or disability, and who minutes a week. Our oldest volunteer is 92 so there’s no cannot guarantee that every customer will have may have emotional and physical bar to becoming a Silver Line Friend. each and every trip request accommodated. responsibilities. For more information: To find out more call 0800 4 70 80 90 or go to tel: 0141 333 4584 or 0845 128 4025 Support is provided in various www.thesilverline.org.uk or visit: www.spt.co.uk/bus/mybus/ ways, including giving practical advice on benefits and income maximisation, emotional support including counselling, as well as

14 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 15 The only kind of dignity which is genuine, is that which is not diminished by the indifference of others. Keeping you safe with care and repair For more information – Dag Hammarskjold please contact us: t South Ayrshire Care & Repair, • Putting up curtain rails Tel: 01292 521 126 and shelves Email: enquiries@ we want to ensure that as many southayrshirecareandrepair.co.uk people as possible can remain • Simple plumbing and A Or check us out online: living safely in their own homes for as electrical work www.southayrshirecareandrepair.co.uk

long as they wish. • Fitting safety chains/peepholes Facebook: South Ayrshire Our small repairs officers offer and much more Care & Repair Twitter: @SACareAndRepair South Ayrshire quality workmanship and an honest, • Changing light bulbs friendly service. We charge reduced trade rates so clients do not have To be eligible for the service you the worry of being overcharged. must be 60+ or have a disability. Clients are liable for the costs of Our small repair and handyperson the materials and the labour charge. We are also available to give advice service covers: regarding contractors or alternative Dementia • Moving furniture or heavy items sources of assistance if we are within the property unable to carry out the repair. Support • Building flat pack items outh Ayrshire Dementia Support (SADSA), is a Our charity works in support of clients referred by South charitable organisation, providing specialised day care Ayrshire Council and in direct response to requests for Cut through the jargon with the Circles Network for those diagnosed with dementia seven days a week. care by private individuals and their families. S “My satisfaction with service standards has remained at We provide quality care, in a friendly environment, getting a very high level since my mother first started using them to know our clients and appreciate their needs and likes, ere at Circles Network Advocacy promotes the rights of those who experience several years ago.” – Alistair Paterson Advocacy in South Ayrshire including dietary requirements and also support indoor discrimination, perhaps because of their age, disability, For more information, please call Liz Campbell, Day Centres we know that everyone and outdoor activities for fun and stimulation. Our day H health issues, sexuality, gender, or culture. Manager, or to arrange to visit to our Day Care Centres in Ayr has the right to be heard. care facilities allow our clients to be themselves, share in Advocacy or Prestwick The role of the advocate is Circles Network's Advocacy role is independent from activities, meals and fun. Liz Campbell: 01292 283 954 (Ayr) or to ensure that the people promotes the all other services. It is solely there for the individuals SADSA also provides support for our clients' carers and 01292 288 396 (Prestwick) they represent have a directly supported. Advocates do not express their families, through carers meetings. Email: [email protected] voice. So often, important rights of those own opinion, neither do they offer advice, but they www.sadsa.org.uk information can be difficult can ensure you know your rights and you have the to understand due to opportunity to be heard. jargon, medical, legal or who experience Caring for carers at Crossroads complicated language. Tel: 01292 264 396 An advocate aims to simplify discrimination Email: info.southayrshire@ The stress of caring for someone full-time can take its toll on and he now lives something like a normal the language and research circlesnetwork.org.uk people who sometimes just need a little break to help recharge life. Janet found friends too – her Crossroads information to bring clarity to what www.circlesnetwork.org.uk their batteries. At Crossroads we aim to give carers the freedom to attendants – people she could talk to and can be overwhelming situations. do whatever they need to do, knowing that the person they care for connect to the wider world. is in safe hands. “What a wonderful team you are. There are many ways in which Circles Network Our clients might need someone to be with them, or to help with Thank you so much for all your care Advocacy aims to benefit people. For example, a meal or medication. Our attendants do a lot of talking, listening, and kindness. You will never know to improve the individual’s understanding of laughing, as part of their role. Often they become a friend to both what it meant to me." their situation, enable their views to be heard, the carer and their normal care giver, with their work providing an For more information contact: ensure that they have the opportunity to be invaluable lifeline. Tel: 01292 671 331 partners in their own care and to increase David became a full-time carer for his wife Janet, after she fell Email: [email protected] and broke her hip. In time, Janet’s mobility worsened and David www.crossroads-sa.org.uk/ their autonomy. began to feel isolated before their social worker referred them to Crossroads. David says that from then his life greatly improved

16 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 17 The Supporting you to live your life, your way!

ealth and welfare issues are important to all of us. To help meet individual needs the South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) is working hard to support people to live their lives, their way. In practice that means moving Little Art Hfrom a conversation based on ‘What’s the matter with you?’ to ‘What matters to you?’ We’ll be working with the National • Putting what matters to people first families, neighbours and the wider Development Team for Inclusion • Making health and social care community. We want to support School Trust (NDTi) to re-shape our approach to more visible in communities people to make the most of their The Little Art School Trust is a Registered Scottish Charity based in South Ayrshire that believes that art can frontline services. Why? Well, at the own abilities and to be able to make a • Building on people’s skills and on make a big difference to the wider community. moment the system is quite complex contribution and not just be seen community’s assets e run several types of classes throughout for display. We have classes running in Ayr, Girvan, and people don’t always feel always as “in need of services”. We will • Reducing waiting lists South Ayrshire. ‘Drawing Together’ is a Troon, Prestwick, and Maybole and encouraged to find their own solutions have a section on the Health and Wclass for people with dementia and would provide a warm welcome in the local community but instead • Professionals focussing their time Social Care web-site that we will their carers. ‘Art In A Suitcase’ is aimed for anyone who wanted find themselves drawn into services. on the most complex cases update with information as the at people living in local nursing homes to come along and try NDTi will work with the HSCP over • Simplifying pathways and programme develops. them out. No previous and our new classes ‘Active Art’ is 18 months to develop Community processes experience is necessary for anyone aged 60+ who wants Led Supports. What this will look like to make the most of The diagram (below) is a good to learn to draw and paint while these classes. in practice has yet to be developed, summary of what Community Led enjoying company and a but we do know from our experience Support means particularly thinking cup of tea. elsewhere that the following factors about the personal strengths and will all be important: The art lessons are carefully For further information assets that people have as well as designed to ensure that anyone Please contact: can learn to draw and paint. Susan Webb, Development Coordinator Step-by-step lesson plans will guide on: 07709 845 640 or you through a class, resulting in you Email: [email protected] taking home your own individual piece www.littleartschool.co.uk of artwork, beautifully mounted and ready

Alzheimer Scotland South Ayrshire Service

e provide free information, support and advice and coffee are served before the singing begins. All to people living with dementia, their carers and are welcome and no referral is required. Wanyone interested and active in their care. • The Carers Group meets the first Wednesday of every Anyone with questions can either drop into the offices month excluding January, June and December. All at Arran Mall, Ayr, to speak to the dementia advisor, carers are welcome. who can also meet the person living with dementia and For more information contact: their carers on a one-to-one basis at home. The adviser Jenni McKeand, Dementia Advisor: can also meet the carer at the carers group to provide 01292 318 005 individual information support and advice appropriate to Unit 6 Arran Mall, Ayr the person or their family and signpost them to possible www.alzscot.org appropriate services and organisations. Additional activities on offer through Alzheimer Scotland include: • The Football Reminiscence Group and The Ladies who Lunch Group both meet weekly in Prestwick. Please ask to be referred to either group. • The Community Singing Group Melody Memories meet twice a month in St Quivox Church hall. Tea

18 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 19 Dementia Friendly Prestwick Good ith more people living longer lives health conditions such as dementia are becoming more common across Scotland. It’s estimated some 86,000 people are currently living with some form of the Wcondition with increasing calls for people to do more to respect the hurdles people face. It’s an area that’s already understood in South Ayrshire. A new organisation, Dementia Friendly Prestwick, was launched on 4 June 2016 with the aim of building a community which supports people with dementia to be neighbours included and remain part of their community for as long as possible. in South Ayrshire

This ambition will be achieved through raising awareness Work is already well underway to make Prestwick one of of dementia locally, in order to reduce stigma and provide the world’s first dementia friendly town’s that supports practical tips and advice to local residents and businesses residents to live well and independently with their he Good Neighbours service in South Ayrshire aims to of e-learning courses to ensure you have the knowledge on how to support people living with the condition in and conditions for as long as possible and with the best reduce isolation for older people by providing a friendly and skills necessary to keep yourself and others safe and around the Prestwick area. possible experience. volunteer who can help with practical tasks. This make your volunteering experience an enjoyable one. We T also cover volunteer travel expenses so that there is no could be something as simple as getting some shopping or The project, chaired by Ian Welsh OBE, was set up by For more information follow Dementia Friendly Prestwick via additional cost to yourself over and picking up a prescription. Our volunteer drivers also provide a group of volunteers in Prestwick with professional and/ twitter @dementiapwick above giving your time. transport to keep those aged over 65 connected with family or personal experience of dementia. The group includes Facebook: Dementia Friendly Prestwick To find out more representation from Alzheimer Scotland, South Ayrshire and friends or social events. about the volunteering Health and Social Care Partnership and NHS Ayrshire Arran. The Royal Voluntary Service is one of the largest voluntary opportunities available, call: It’s been a great start as twelve businesses have signed- organisations in the country and we are dependent on Blair McGeoch (Co-ordinator up to get involved in the first stage of the initiative. the people that work with us. We are currently looking for for South Ayrshire) Alzheimer Scotland will be supporting staff volunteers with good communication skills and a warm, 01563 597 086 or working in these businesses to develop an friendly, approachable personality. We offer a welcome 07342 078 440 understanding of dementia. They will do that and induction to the organisation and your volunteer by delivering short awareness sessions and role. In addition, we provide you with access to a range demonstrate how making small changes to the environment can support people with dementia to live well. A sensory dementia garden has been developed at Biggart Hospital Food Train delivers for you after support from Dobbies Garden Centre was secured. The garden Food Train is a service which delivers grocery shopping for people living with ill-health, frailty and disability. We also is now available for the whole aim to provide a range of supported volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. community to enjoy. We’re currently looking to find out This pilot project started in South Ayrshire in September or cheque or we can set up an office account. There is a what people think needs to be done 2016 and is open to people that are: £4.00 delivery cost for each shopping trip. and we’ve distributed a survey to • Age 65+ If you know of someone who could benefit from the service local residents to try to understand • Live in Ayr, Prestwick, or Troon who lives elsewhere in South Ayrshire, please do still get in touch and we can take note of demand outside of the the needs of the local community • Struggle to manage their own shopping current pilot areas. in supporting people with dementia. Volunteers collect shopping lists with the goods then This will be used to help inform an delivered to the customer’s home, where they are Annual membership is £1. implementation plan to support our unpacked and checked off by the customer. If needed, For more information contact: work in the months and years ahead. volunteers can also help to put shopping away (in fridges, Tel: 01294 271 025 freezers, cupboards etc). Shopping can be paid for by cash Email: [email protected]

20 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 21 Don’t be ripped-off by bogus traders

here are always times when we need to get work done around the house. However Chief Scottish Fire & Rescue Inspector Gary I’Anson, Police Scotland’s Area Commander for South Ayrshire, told us Tthat there are real dangers of not knowing who you are dealing with... With evidence showing that the majority of accidental house fires are linked to "Doorstep criminals are cunning, creative, “If anyone comes to your door, always ask for and often very convincing. There are identification. Always close and lock your door cooking and distraction, James Scott, Ayrshire’s Fire Chief is reaching out to older two main types of doorstep crime while you contact the company in order to people to encourage them to stay safe at home... we encounter; bogus callers and check that they are genuine. Always use a rogue traders. door chain to ensure they cannot gain entry until you are satisfied with their identity. “It’s great to be given the opportunity to “Bogus callers try to get into your Anyone with any concerns on doorstep speak directly to the readers of Strictly home or obtain personal details by crime should contact police Seniors magazine and remind them that pretending to be someone they’re via 101.” we are there to help support them to live not, including council staff, charity safely in their homes. collectors, meter readers and police For more information: “We prefer to prevent fires rather than be officers. In reality, they are criminals Doorstep www.scotland.police.uk/ forced to fight them. We have worked very trying to steal money and valuables. keep-safe/personal-safety/ closely with our health partners to ensure criminals are doorstep-crime-and- “Rogue traders usually cold-call, claiming to be that we meet the very specific needs of the bogus-callers workers offering to sell services, make repairs or cunning, creative, elderly and the vulnerable during our home carry out work on your house, garden or driveway. and often very fire safety visits. In reality they charge inflated prices for shoddy “It goes without saying that these visits could Our helpful and friendly or unnecessary work. convincing. very well save lives. Booking a session is easy firefighters are available to and can be organised at a time that suits you, or the person you are booking for, day carry out free home fire safety or night.” visits, to install smoke detectors and provide advice on what to do To request a free home fire safety visit: Call 0800 0731 999 in the event of an emergency. Text ‘FIRE’ to 80800 – Local Senior Officer Visit: www.firescotland.gov.uk for Ayrshire, James Scott

22 South Ayrshire South Ayrshire 23 Thinking and planning ahead

As we reach our golden years it is natural to put off thinking about the Have you made arrangements on Power possible times ahead, when we might face greater challenges. Most of us of Attorney should your situation change set aside this ‘thinking ahead’ as ‘something we’ll get to later’ and hope for the most positive times ahead. significantly in terms of making decisions?

hile facing life with an This is a simple check list to stimulate • Have you thought about future Finances and could include the powers to There are many other things to people to think about the future and to options to provide you with manage bank accounts or sell optimistic outlook is • Do you have a clear idea of what consider but the main message is to plan ahead accordingly: additional housekeeping and/or a house. undoubtedly a good thing, your current and future financial think optimistically but realistically W gardening support? we know that getting older is something status is? – Welfare Power of Attorney (WPA) and consider, in ‘bite size’ chunks, Housing • Does your house have broadband enables the Attorney to make that happens to all of us, with gradual • Do you have a reasonable grasp of how to plan ahead for your future. • Will your housing be fit for purpose installed? (this might be decisions about your health or sudden change a given for our your weekly or monthly income and if you face greater physical health important in the future as more and welfare, but only if you are More information: your usual expenditure on basics health. Most older people live active challenges in the future? services may depend on a good unable to do this yourself. (like heat, light, other bills, food, Age Scotland and Age UK have excellent lives but sometimes, all of us might broadband connection) • How easy would it lend itself to car expenses, etc.)? South Ayrshire Health and Social Care web-sites with lots of useful information: need additional support and services to adaptations to enable accessibility? Partnership is part of a group of areas www.ageuk.org.uk/scotland/ and Location • Is anything likely to change that help us keep safe and healthy. (such as ramps and accessible across Scotland that is supporting a www.ageuk.org.uk/ might present a challenge to making bathrooms, stair-lifts, etc.) • How close is your housing to people large scale campaign to raise awareness To help cope with life in our later ends meet? Age UK has also produced an excellent who might offer practical support of and increase numbers POAs. You years it is a good idea to start thinking • Is your housing of a suitable resource aimed at enabling older people such as family and close friends? may see the My Power of Attorney about your future needs now and to size and condition to be able to Making a Will to live well that includes some very • How close is your house to services campaign through newspaper start talking about some of the issues keep warm? • Have you made a will? good ‘thinking ahead’ information: that you might need in the future adverts and through you might face in the not too distant • How much ongoing maintenance www.nhs.uk/Livewell/men60-plus/ (like GPs and Pharmacies and, TV adverts on STV. future. If you are living with a spouse or and housework needs to be Living Wills Documents/Age%20UK%20and%20 even, shops)? More information is partner or have sons and daughters, you carried out? • A living will NHS%20A%20Guide%20To%20 probably need to include these people • If you were no longer able to drive, available from www. • How manageable might the is where you Do you have a Healthy%20Ageing.pdf in any conversations you might have what impact would that have on mypowerofattorney. garden be when you are less express your so that everyone knows exactly where accessing clear idea of what org.uk/ An excellent resource produced by physically able? wishes about you stand. services and how you want your current and McMillan Cancer sets out many supports? to be treated Anticipatory and practical ‘thinking ahead’ issues and cared future financial Advanced Care and suggests good information for in certain Planning sources: www.macmillan.org. uk/documents/aboutus/health_ situations, in status is? • Have you started case there comes professionals/palliativeendoflifecare/ thinking about longer yourlifeandyourchoicesscotland.pdf a time when you lack term and challenging capacity to make or issues such as those The Solicitors for Older People Scotland communicate your decisions. concerned with ‘end of life’? Have web-site has information from ‘older Is this something you should be you shared these with anyone? people friendly’ solicitors on issues like thinking about? Power of Attorney or Making a Will: • If you live with long-term conditions www.solicitorsforolderpeoplescotland. do you have good planning in place Power of Attorney (POA) co.uk/ • Have you made arrangements on to manage these conditions? Power of Attorney should your Emergency Contact information South Ayrshire Council offers a situation change significantly in gardening service: www.south-ayrshire. terms of making decisions? • Could you make use of the simple gov.uk/housing/garden-maintenance. ‘Message in a Bottle’ scheme where aspx • There are three types of POA and important contact information is there may be different charges kept in a wee bottle in your fridge in South Ayrshire Council web-site has associated with them: case of an emergency? (available in good information regarding additional – General Power of Attorney (GPA) most South Ayrshire GP Surgeries practical services: www.south-ayrshire. is usually created for a set and Pharmacies) gov.uk/sitemap/directory.aspx amount of time or for a specific South Ayrshire Care and Repair issue. Carers Contingency Plans provide a variety of practical services: – Continuing Power of Attorney • If you are a carer, are there www.southayrshirecarerepair.co.uk/ (CPA) allows you to appoint contingency plans in place for the someone to look after your person you care for in case you property and financial affairs become indisposed?

24 SouthSouth Ayrshire Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 25 out

It’s the simplest of things but for those the Blind Golf Society? unable to trim their toenails because of restricted mobility, the resulting health issues can have a major impact on their quality of life.

or the last three years, footcAyr, has been providing an footcAyr is a part affordable toenail cutting service across South Ayrshire. of Voluntary Action FOriginally set up for anyone over the age of 55, we South Ayrshire’s now work with adults of every age. By offering an affordable (VASA) range of service through our six clinics we aim to provide a lifeline services where service to people looking for a reliable service. staff can provide We know that for older people falls are the most frequent signposting to additional cause of hospital admissions. Taking care of your feet support services can go a long way to improving your mobility. footcAyr provide by ourselves To find out clinic are focused on improving the comfort and mobility of our and our partners. customers, and people can expect each session to cost times and to book £8, with our trained staff going out of their way to make and appointment, you feel welcome and valued. please contact us footcAyr clinics are currently operating from: It’s a sport that is becoming increasingly popular and there are already • Crown Street, Ayr on: 01292 281 800 • The Book & Bun, Newmarket Street, Ayr or Email: [email protected] a number of adult blind golfers in South Ayrshire, with some playing at • North Ayr Health Centre competition level. But unfortunately others are finding it increasingly • The Speakers Club, Maybole • The Town House, Girvan difficult to rely on family and friends to help make the most of their • Barassie Clinic, Troon sporting passion.

o help with this, we’re looking for individuals If you have an interest NEW CUSTOMERS who can help guide our golfers on the course and and knowledge of Contact: Tduring play. There may also be times where the Golf, or would golfers need a driver too, to help get people to and from Registering for a footcAyr simply like to find Colin Duthie 01292 617 651 courses, both close to home and further afield. out more, please appointment before 07816 454 057 £ Should you be interested in volunteering, South contact VASA. Email: colin.duthie@south- 30th April, 2017 will be Ayrshire Council and South Ayrshire Access to Sport entitled to a £2 reduction ayrshire.gov.uk 2 will facilitate blind/visual impairment training, which VOUCHER for their first appointment. would include guidance on blind golf.

26 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 27 Christmas companions

The Christmas period means many different things to different people but it is traditionally a social time to spend with family and friends. At VASA we know that not everyone will have an extended network to fall back on and we are committed to doing Friendly fun what we can to bring people together on Christmas Day. at the book & bun café

he book & bun is a coffee/book shop in Newmarket We also have a social club where we organise trips ur new Christmas Companions lunch (formerly The event is open to anyone aged 60+ and living alone Street, in the centre of Ayr. This unique venue throughout the year. Being located in the book & bun known as Cinderella Surprises) does just that. It in South Ayrshire. We can accommodate up to 80 guests allows friendships to blossom as people often meet in so if you would like more information then please contact is a bit like an Aladdins’ cave. What looks like the café over a cappuccino and cake. All who attend offers socially isolated members of the community T O [email protected]. Tel: 01292 437 330. an ordinary cafe selling great coffee and activities receive a discount on food, drink, and aged 60+ a Christmas Day treat which takes place at gifts at the café. cakes, also sells quality pre-loved books, St Margaret’s Church Hall in Ayr. This event is offered as part of Voluntary while providing a space for a range of Befriending Action South Ayrshire’s commitment to activities for older people, as well as VASA’s befriending service, which is free The event starts with transport provided the local community. of charge, has proved extremely popular from their home, a welcome drink on VASA Charity No: SC028234 a clinic for the VASA footcAyr service. It’s good to get out to such an extent that we have now If it wasn’t for arrival, a four course freshly cooked Why not use the voucher below, to reached capacity. and meet people, I love traditional Christmas Dinner of turkey this lunch I would come in and try some of our range of We would like to take this opportunity teas, coffees, tray bakes, and snacks. the camaraderie of the to thank our volunteers, without whose and all the trimmings. have been on my We’d love to see you. group and the chat on-going dedication, this service would The afternoon offers a time to meet new own on Christmas, not be available. They give of their time You will The Venue (at the book & bun) people, have a chat, and enjoy a spot of – Mrs M (Arts & Crafts) to make a difference in the lives of our thank you so much for never know how There are a number of activities on offer older community members. entertainment, and of course a visit from everything you do. for people aged 55+ at The Venue at the the main man himself, Santa, fresh off book & bun café in Ayr, that may be of interest. For more information on activities contact much this means Angela McWhinnie: 01292 437 338 the back of his yearly deliveries! Current groups include: knitting & crochet, arts & to me. crafts, tai chi, yoga, creative writing, quilting, sketching VASA Charity No: SC028234 2016 is the 16th year of this event, & painting, relaxation & meditation, line dancing, and IT. which is only possible due to the founder, Most classes are so popular that almost all are now full, Marie Oliver, the CEO of VASA (Voluntary Action with small waiting lists. South Ayrshire). Marie, with the support of With new classes starting up throughout the year, it’s her team of loyal volunteers, the donations always worth putting your name down or popping in to from local businesses and members of see what’s on. the community, has personally organised, fund-raised and been chief cook and hostess for what has become a fixture for many in our community who would otherwise spend this special day on This voucher entitles their own. the bearer to a 20% % Christmas Companions ensures the discount at the Book provision of transport back home at the 20 & Bun, 50 Newmarket end of the afternoon. Seeing everyone safely Street, Ayr. VOUCHER home to relax and put their feet up after a busy day.

28 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 29 Making today matter By Mandy Yule Chief Executive of Ayrshire Hospice Between one and two thirds of the patients One in three people have been touched by hospice care in Scotland and at the Ayrshire Hospice we are privileged to provide that vital care to patients and families living with life- admitted to the hospice return home after a period limiting illness in Ayrshire and Arran. Mandy Yule, Chief Executive of Ayrshire Hospice tells us more... of assessment, treatment or symptom control.

At the Ayrshire Hospice our close and comfort one another. It such passion, enthusiasm Myth 1 Myth 4 Myth 9 services are continuously shaped helps to alleviate feelings of isolation and commitment for our Hospices are sad Palliative care means managing Macmillan and Marie Curie run all by what people tell us they need. and loneliness, and children can patients and families. For example, our Wee House was also jump up to be with parents or and gloomy pain, mainly through the use of the hospices and palliative care We know that the built in response to families who told grandparents. We’ve been told it places addictive drugs services in the UK specialist palliative us they wanted to stay beside their makes a huge difference and offers Palliative care means whole person All independent hospices in Scotland care we offer at the While there loved one. Situated in the hospice a really comforting and soothing are naturally care that provides psychosocial and are run by independent charities. We hospice works, and spiritual care along with pain and receive no financial support from UK gardens, the Wee House allows experience for everyone involved. times of deep that this type of care symptom management through careful charities, although we do all work well families to stay over in comfortable sadness and Of course, as a very busy hospice transforms people’s assessment and control. together to reach as many patients as surroundings. It also offers a special loss, the work it would be impossible for us to experience of living the hospice we can who need palliative and end of place for people to enjoy a meal function without the dedication and and dying. However, does focuses life care. or celebrate a special event, while Myth 5 support of our volunteers, both at the we are also aware of on the quality of staying close to care and attention, Hospice and palliative care hospice and out in the community, the persistent myths living for however Myth 10 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. long a patient has. accelerates dying in our hospice shops, and across all surrounding the hospice. Hospices are all about in-patient Our buildings, the Hospice and palliative care aims to Unique to the Ayrshire Hospice, our of our fundraising activities. I would Let’s take a closer look at beautiful gardens, the neither prolong nor accelerate death, beds and the care provided to cuddle bed in the in-patient unit like to offer a personal thank you the top 10. wishes of our patients and but rather ensures quality of life until patients in those beds allows couples to lie together, stay to everyone that works with us with their families and the work of our the very end of someone’s life. Our hospice services are delivered staff and volunteers all come together to patients in their own homes, in to make the hospice a haven of peace Myth 6 community and district general and solace, dignity and compassion. Hospices are just for old people hospitals, care homes and in our day service areas, as well as in our in- Hospice care is provided to people patient unit. Myth 2 of all ages. The Ayrshire Hospice If you go in to the hospice you’ll provides care to patients over the never come out age of 16 years, and their families. Between one and two thirds of the Patients under the age of 16 are patients admitted to the hospice looked after by the Children’s Hospice return home after a period of Association Scotland. assessment, treatment or symptom control. Of course, some patients Myth 7 do come in to the hospice to die, Having a referral to the hospice but once admitted will be given the specialist and holistic care they indicates you are expected to die Anyone need to ensure that the end of their soon because of your illness diagnosed with life is as peaceful, dignified and as Hospice and palliative care is comfortable as possible. a holistic approach that aims a chronic life to make the most of life, and limiting illness Myth 3 includes care giver support, spiritual care, bereavement care can benefit from Hospice and palliative care is just and much more. for people with cancer hospice care. Anyone diagnosed with a chronic, Myth 8 life limiting illness can benefit from hospice care. As a result, we care You have to pay or make for people with a whole variety of a donation to get access to illnesses including neurological hospice care conditions, end stage heart failure, Our hospice care is totally free to and lung disease. patients and their families. 30 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 31 Your library...

ibraries play an important part in community life, reducing social isolation for many people, by offering access to social opportunities. Alongside the books, there are also lots of different groups and events that take place in Lour libraries. We have book groups, knitting groups, bookbug story time sessions for children, IT taster sessions, family history workshops, exhibitions and author events, to name but a few. There is always something going on and, best of all, most of our events are free!

South Ayrshire Council operates 11 branch libraries and Ask your local library to make a referral to the home a mobile library, which means the majority of the people library service if this is something that would be have access to our services. The Scottish Household beneficial to you or a loved one. Survey of 2011 showed that reading and visiting a Many people do not own a computer nor have they library is good for your health. It has been proven that access to the Internet at home. All our libraries have at reading can have a hugely beneficial effect on wellbeing, least four PCs for public use. Alternatively, use your own and recent research conducted by The Reading Agency laptop, phone or tablet to access the internet and our shows that, “Reading for pleasure can result in increased online services for free in all our libraries using our Wi- empathy, improved relationships with others, reductions Fi. Watch videos on YouTube, catch-up with friends and Library services in the symptoms of depression and dementia, and family via email, have a nosey on Facebook or Twitter, improved wellbeing.” download an eBook, read a daily newspaper online or • Free request service for all books in • Local studies workshops Libraries provide access to check out your favourite magazine. We have recently existing library stock • Family history advice and support a wide variety of books introduced a new online comic book service for the • Access to national ‘Inter-library loan’ • Local history enquiries and research service for non-fiction books covering fiction, non- Never used a young at heart. • South Ayrshire History and Family fiction and the classics computer before? We invite individuals or groups of friends to sit • Library staff who are happy to provide History Fair in a range of formats informal book suggestions and book down, relax and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in • DVD rental service at larger branches including paperback, Don’t know where to start? any of our libraries. Either catch up with friends selection for customers hardback, large print We can help! • Author visits for a chat or find a good book and a comfy chair. • A library app and audio. We also • Library open days Find out how to send an email, surf The library is the perfect place to put your feet • Two library blogs: provide access to the web, download an eBook or even up and unwind. Several of our libraries have • Exhibitions collections of books – Keep up-to-date with all the latest discover your family history, all for regular coffee mornings, where customers can • Services for the visually suggested by The library news and events with our FREE. Our helpful and friendly staff browse through old photographs and have a chat impaired including: Reading Agency such library blog have you pointing and clicking about days gone by. We also have a great as the ‘Reading well – If you are fascinated by the past you – A Mono Mouse lending service selection of board games available for books on prescription’ in no time. might enjoy exploring our history blog (magnification device) library members to play in their collection, a recommended local library. Why not get together • Book promotions such as Crime Week, – Playaway audio books reading list endorsed by health with friends and enjoy a game Romance Week and Summer Reads professionals which helps you manage – eAudio service of Monopoly, start your very • Access to a range of books that may your wellbeing using self-help reading, own scrabble league, or help provide information and support on a • A drop-in service for hearing aid users the ‘Reading well dementia’ collection to complete one of our many variety of themes such as physical and delivered by Action on Hearing Loss for those living with dementia and for jigsaws? mental health and dementia awareness available in Troon, Forehill, Girvan, their carers, and a selection of ‘mood Maybole and Prestwick boosting’ titles for people looking for Your library does more than • Informal help using ‘e’ devices and an uplifting read. you think. Opening times vary online services from branch to branch. For those who are unable to visit their local library we can provide a home south-ayrshire.gov.uk/libraries library service. This service will also sayrshirelib.wordpress.com take books directly to customers who have southayrshirehistory.wordpress.com been admitted to hospital and will continue to Follow us on Facebook or provide the service once they’ve been discharged Twitter: @salibraries and are recuperating at home. It also supports retirement communities such as Carrick Gardens and South Lodge. does morethan you think 32 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 33 Understanding locality planning

Every community has its own distinct needs and Locality Planning is an approach that aims to understand what health and social care services each area needs; develops a set of priorities, and from this plans how resources can be best used to help people continue to live fulfilling lives at home, with the company and support they require.

ix Locality Planning Groups • Consider applications to the small Some of the local priorities already forward and help shape services to suit Highlights grants budget and approve awards those in our community.” Girvan and (Ayr North, Ayr South, Girvan highlighted include: The group have distributed £20,000 • Provide a locality plan for – Colin Duncan, Chair of the Ayr South and South Carrick, Maybole and • Poverty, including elderly poverty South Carrick villages in small grants to 34 community S inclusion in the Partnership’s and Coylton locality planning group groups in Carrick, including £15,000 North Carrick, Prestwick, and Troon) • Alcohol and drugs Girvan, Dailly, Barr, Colmonell, Strategic Plan though the South Carrick decision • Mental health Lendalfoot, Ballantrae, Barrhill, have been created across South • Help to assess peoples’ health and Some of the local priorities already day, which is part of the participatory and Pinmore Ayrshire with each group giving social care needs and help to plan • Social isolation highlighted include: budgeting appproach, where local people who live and work locally how they should be tackled people vote on their favourite projects. Highlights • Addressing the needs of an “We’ve been meeting at Girvan the chance to share their Strictly Seniors asked each of the ageing population The group has also created the first Although only recently established, Community Hospital on the first understanding and experience to Locality Groups to report back on their • Social isolation/transport needs draft of a South Carrick Directory progress to date… Ayr North LPG has already made a Wednesday of every month since of Community Activity to help help shape future services. significant contribution to achieving • Health issues and healthy October 2015. The group is well connect the local area with relevant our aims and objectives. At the Ayr living advice supported by a range of people who information. The communications The main aims of all six groups are to: Ayr North and villages North Decides event on 16 July • Social Care support for live and work in South Carrick.” – sub group have undertaken telling the Annbank, Mossblown and Tarbolton, 2016, £10,000 was distributed delayed discharges Peter Walker, Chair of the Girvan story of Girvan Community Hospital to • Assess identified need and plan to 21 community groups using a for how this should be addressed Ayr North Harbour, Newton South • Involvement of young people and South Carrick Villages locaility the wider community. and Wallacetown, Dalmilling new Participatory Budgeting way of planning group • Communicate effectively with local Future work will focus on establishing and Craigie, Lochside Braehead working, which invites local people Highlights people and community groups a Dementia Friendly Girvan Hospital and Whitletts to vote on projects they’d like to see Some of the local priorities already funded. Separately, a further £4,500 To help us build on our work we’ve put with support from a range of partners structures in place to manage our day- highlighted include: including the Scottish Alliance for “Based in Wallacetoun, I’m a minister was shared between seven local to-day business through sub-groups Health and Social Care, strengthening in charge of The Salvation Army’s groups, with the money coming from • Knowledge of services – asset the Localities Health and Wellbeing dealing with small grants, participatory mapping and directory of services the neighbourhood network across Ayr Community Church, which budgeting, and community mapping. South Carrick and ensuring that the Small Grants Fund. Other emerging • Transport – access to services runs activities including We are also looking at a volunteer group has a key role in the review ideas include providing courses on rural isolation the Foodbank and Ayr car scheme, something that you of local Health and budgeting, and working together with • Promotion of wellbeing – dementia Community Gospel specialist organisations concentrating will hear more about as we roll our Social Care Choir. Because I’m communications strategy. friendly keep safe and social services. on inequalities. isolation valuing volunteers so heavily involved We’re already heavily involved in • Economic wellbeing and so committed our area with the Ayr South and to developing the Ayr South and Coylton Coylton decision day having South Ayrshire distributed £24,000 to local groups. Alloway and Doonfoot, Ayr South community, I’m This Participatory Budgeting event Harbour and Town Centre, Belmont, writing to ask gave people the chance to vote Castlehill and Kincaidston, Coylton, I’m writing on the projects they want to see Strictly Seniors Holmston and Forehill to ask Strictly Seniors readers to step funded. This builds on the £4,900 distributed to five local groups forward and “Bringing together the delivery of readers to step forward get involved to through the Health and Wellbeing health and social care is the single Small Grants Fund. and get involved to help shape our biggest reform, possibly in decades, help shape our community’s future.” and it affects each and every one of us. – Tim Stone, Chair Although we have people from different community’s future. of the Ayr North communities and interests on our – Tim Stone, Chair of the and Villages locality group, we urgently need others to come Ayr North and Villages locality planning group planning group 34 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 35 Understanding locality planning

Bringing together the delivery of health and social care is the single biggest reform, possibly in decades.

– Colin Duncan, Chair of the Ayr South and Coylton locality planning group

Some of the local priorities already sessions around Dementia Friendly of which are designed to highlight Highlights For enquiries regarding Girvan Maybole and highlighted include: communities, Keep Safe, and how local issues and work to support and South Carrick villages, and communities can support their most local needs. In June we held one of the first Maybole and North Carrick villages North Carrick villages • Transport and access to services vulnerable children and young people. Participatory Budgeting events which please contact: We will continue to progress planning gave a large audience the chance Maybole, Fisherton, Dunure, • Self-directed support Community Engagement Officer and actions on our identified priorities, to vote on projects from a pot of Maidens, Kirkoswald, Turnberry, • Dementia – development of a Dawn Parker with a key focus on communication, money made available from the Minishant, Kirkmichael, Crosshill, safe and accessible place for all Prestwick and villages social isolation, and support for carers South Ayrshire Health and Social 01655 884 88 and Straiton vulnerable groups Newton North, Heathfield, Monkton, and young carers. We will explore Care Partnership and the Scottish Email: [email protected] • Opportunities for young people effective ways to share information Government. 21 local groups benefited “We formed in September 2015 and Prestwick, and Symington. For enquiries regarding Prestwick which tackle deprivation and and involve the wider community from funding of more have been meeting monthly ever since. and villages, and Troon and villages child poverty in shaping services at a local level than £12,000. “Our group is made up of a strong please contact: We have been actively supporting the • The impact of welfare reform and continue to grow and strengthen membership of people who live and We are continuing to focus on our Community Engagement Officer local community in recent months and and social isolation across neighbourhood networks. priority areas, primarily on letting Seonaid Lewis were the first to pilot the Participatory North Carrick work in the local area. We’ve already Budgeting approach to deliver fresh started to work around some of our people know what is happening 01292 559 359 near them to reduce social isolation funding through a system of public priority areas, and are currently Troon and villages Email: Seonaid.Lewis@south-ayrshire. Highlights & improve mental health. We will voting.” – David Kiltie, Chair of the mapping local assets, groups and gov.uk The group have distributed £25,000 also raise awareness and strengthen Maybole and North Carrick Villages services to better inform our work Troon, Muirhead, Barassie, Loans, in small grants to 29 Groups across and Dundonald neighbourhood networks and continue locality planning group North Carrick. £20,000 of this to reduce social isolation.” – Billy to support local initiatives such as the money was given out in partnership McLeod, Chair of the Prestwick and Dementia Friendly movement. with North Carrick Community villages locality planning group “With strong interest in our local Benefit Company. communities our core membership has Some of the local priorities already already grown to 20, with a wide- Two working groups continue range of people giving up their time to Getting involved to progress actions and highlighted include: help put something back. With such priorities around access • Tackle social isolation and diverse issues affecting this, and other, and creating a loneliness areas we think we have got off to a If you would like to be involved, kept culture of listening great start, but the hard work is just informed, share ideas or require • Support for carers and have also beginning.” – Frances Carson, Chair any further information please visit undertaken • Transport and access to services of the Troon and villages locality the South Ayrshire Council website a transport • Engagement with young people planning group for more information: www.south- consultation • Promote wellbeing and ayrshire.gov.uk/locality-planning in partnership independence Some of the local priorities already with South Ayrshire highlighted include: For enquiries regarding Ayr North and Highlights villages, and Ayr South and Coylton Community • Tackling social isolation Transport. We’ve distributed £15,000 to 21 please contact: • Mental health groups at the Participatory Budgeting Community Engagement Officer In future the ‘Decision Day’ that attracted a 100 • Involvement of schools Brian McQuillan, group will strong group of voters on the day. & young people 01292 559 421. host a range The group supported the Prestwick • Transport and accessibility of information Email: Brian.Mcquillan@southayrshire. Town Centre Charrette and the Launch • Support for carers gov.uk and awareness of Dementia Friendly Prestwick, both

36 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 37 Maybole over fifty’s

Maybole over Fifty’s (MoF) is a community-based group, bringing local people together in a safe, friendly and supportive environment with a host of activities and events on offer.

ormerly known as Maybole Opportunities in If you have any thoughts on how we could expand what ge Concern Girvan supplies We have about 25 volunteers, If you haven’t been to one of our we do, we’d love to hear from you. Also, if you have any home-made affordable meals serving the meals, washing up, lunches yet, we would love you to Retirement, we’ve broadened our appeal to a much spare time and would like to volunteer, or if you simply Fwider audience, and have spent the last 12 months, want to get out and about, catch up with folk for a chat, Aat reasonable prices. You will cleaning, as well as sitting on the come along and join us. or learn a new skill, please do get in touch. always have a warm welcome from committee. Together they make an listening to the community and developing a range of For further information please contact: one of our wonderful volunteers or activities and events for the over 50’s in Maybole and For further information: incredible team, turning up in all our great cook, Margaret, who has Tricia Watts 01465 712 032 or the surrounding villages... Peter Mason: [email protected] weather and without them we could been cooking with us for more than 07810 391 050 Anne Walker: 07846 180 753 not continue. ...and we‘ve already made a great start. We run a weekly seven years. 2 Duff Street, Girvan walking group, a camera club, knit & natter session Email: [email protected] We are very fortunate to get www.ageconcerngirvan.org.uk (more natter that knit), as well as a computing for www.mayboleover50s.org We serve a delicious three-course beginners class. donations and also hold raffles to meal for only £4.50, but you can raise money, this enables us to There’s also much more in the pipeline, including: also have one or two courses. subsidise the cost of coach trips, • Art classes All of our meals are freshly cooked, parties, Christmas meal and visit • Bingo full of fresh vegetables from local to the panto. • Table top sales shops and local butchers. The menu • Bus pass group Get out and about with OIR Ayr is always varied. • Gardening club • Christmas outing People aged 50+ in Ayr are being offered a host of opportunities to get involved in We are open from 10.00 am Open up with Ayrways • Ukulele classes their local community through the Opportunities in Retirement group. for coffee, with lunch served at • German classes 12.00 on Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, right through the year If you suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or what, in old he voluntary organisation offers atmosphere, where a warm welcome except Christmas. terms, was having a bad chest, one of the best things that can support you is more than 70 different activities is guaranteed. managing your own breathing better. through the year to people of T OIR Group Leaders are dedicated different ages and abilities. This could to running classes to assist the 50+ ecent work from across the UK Singing in a group has also been be something like bowling, the book age group to live a fulfilling life as has shown there are definite shown to support lots of other facets review class, through to the physical of health and well-being, such active members in the community. Rtherapeutic benefits of singing in demands of Yoga. as mental health and there is a Age Scotland was so impressed relation to COPD. The breath control that people have to exercise in order to sing strong social element for the choir, For those with an active life with our work that they awarded including a nice cup of tea at the in a group improves the same elements there are several walking and a “Certificate of Special end of practice! of breathing that need to be managed for exercise groups, while the less Commendation” in recognition the condition. mobile may enjoy the bridge of our achievements. To this end, the Health and Social or craft classes. For those who Care Partnership, working alongside would prefer lunch and a chat Voluntary Action South Ayrshire, has If you would like the monthly lunch group offers a For more developed a choir to support people more information more leisurely option. What all information living with the condition. of our groups share is the aim on how to get involved please contact the The choir ‘Ayrways’ meets every of providing a friendly sociable week in the book & bun café, contact Angela McWhinnie OIR office at 61 Main Street, Newmarket Street in Ayr, where at VASA on 01292 437 338 Ayr, which is opened on the Musical Director develops the Tues, Wed, and Thurs between singing and breathing skills of the or [email protected] group with a wee bit of input from 10am and 2pm. clinical staff. Tel: 01292 260 086

38 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 39 Kick-starting your community through football ootball helps to put towns on the map and Ayr United is no different. Aside from weekly work of the first eleven, Ayr United Football Academy (AUFA) also plays a part. Established ten years ago, AUFA Fsupports the club but also develops a wide-range of community activities.

The majority of the AUFA programme The walking football programmes is supported by a large number currently run in Ayr, Prestwick, of enthusiastic local volunteers. Maybole, and Troon, and allows Alongside the activities you might older people to continue their love expect from a football academy there affair with football but in a realistic are a host of others you might not: physical framework. Alcohol & you • Walking football for the One of the participants, Gary more mature McLaughlin, said it had changed • Football memories his life, “I thought my dementia support football playing days were rethink your drink in later life over, especially after • Diabetes related weight having two heart attacks. management programmes But since getting involved, hen people think about bearable, quickly becoming part of People can start to feel anxious. You • Art based work my fitness level is up, binge-drinking they a daily routine. There may be fewer may have another drink to feel better • Climate change my legs are stronger Wprobably picture young reasons to give up or reduce the but as the effect of that wears off you – I feel so much people out on the town, but in fact amount you drink, simply because start to feel anxious again. better. The oldest it’s an issue that’s become a much you have fewer responsibilities and no player’s 77, and Your mood can be altered if you are bigger problem behind closed doors pressure to go to work. the youngest is for the older generation. drinking too much. You may feel less 51, but it doesn’t Each of us needs to make up our own hungry, have difficulty sleeping and matter as we About a third of people over the age minds whether we drink alcohol and get tired more easily. You can start can all enjoy the “Conversations of 60 with drinking problems develop how much we want to drink, but to feel that you have lost interest in football at our go as far as them for the first time in later life. there are specific things you used to enjoy, are slower own pace.” remembering the great stars from Bereavement, ill-health, difficulty risks to older to take things in when reading or Football Memories the 60s and 70s through to selecting getting around, adjusting to the best Scotland eleven. The chat people who watching television and feel less takes place in retirement and social isolation unlocks special moments, causes Contact: are drinking positive about the future or even feel Girvan, Maybole, can lead to boredom and Ayr, and allows people arguments, and brings smiles too much that life is not worth living. depression. Physical illness Ayrshire Council living with memory all-round.” alcohol. may be painful and it can on Alcohol. If you have been drinking, but not loss, and others The Little Arts School is also working Alcohol can eating properly, the lack of vitamins who may be socially be tempting to use alcohol in partnership with the Academy to Phone: 01292 281 238 interfere can make you confused, struggling isolated, to reflect to make life feel more provide more creative opportunities website www.acaayr.org with to remember things and becoming on significant for older people. memories from their medication. unsteady on your feet. Founder of the Little Art School, Your GP or footballing past, Ayrshire Council on Alcohol offers free often accompanied Joanne Robinson, said, “The AUFA Pharmacist can Walking, Talking project includes confidential individual counselling, For more details by pie and Bovril! advise whether it’s safe contact: 'Drawing Together' and our first art advice and support whether you wish One of the volunteers to drink alcohol when taking your AUFC Academy: class for people with dementia and Memory, balance or to stop or just cut down the amount commented, “The group’s medication. 01292 263435 their carers took place in June 2015, that you are drinking. So, if you are fun for people who love www.aufa.org.uk all thanks to Ayr United Football coordination difficulties Memory, balance or coordination becoming concerned about drinking football but may not have Academy. The Little Art School Trust Little Art School: 07850 430057 difficulties can be made worse when too much, or know someone who is, much to do during the is expanding its classes and its base; can be made worse when www.littleartschool.co.uk/ day, or who may suffer we aim to roll our projects out across drinking alcohol, which can, in turn, you can contact Ayrshire Council on about-us.aspx drinking alcohol. from illnesses such as the UK in the next few years.” lead to falls and accidents. Alcohol. dementia or Drinking too much alcohol can affect Phone: 01292 281 238 Alzheimer’s. your emotional wellbeing. www.acaayr.org

40 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 41 Sensory Impaired Support Worried about your vision S.I.S.G – or know someone with Group Charity (Ayrshire) sight problems?

f you would like to talk to someone about your eye .I.S.G provides a number of free services for older people living with acquired sensory loss, hearing condition then visit your local eye clinic. We offer loss, sight loss or dual sensory loss. As part of a project the charity is running ‘Help Hubs’ in Iinformation, practical advice, and emotional support S14 towns & villages with free servicing of NHS hearing aids, issuing of batteries, advice, signposting on products and services. and onward referral. For further information contact: Gail Ivory 07554 110 883 [email protected] Together with providing sessions or classes on: skills for seeing training, skills for hearing training, Monday – Thursday 9am-5pm participate support groups, and the play & learning programme. OR Contact Denise McClung on 01292 266 791 or e-mail [email protected] for more information. Lynsey Cameron 07900160 532 SISG, Suite 5 Beresford Court, 6/8 Beresford Lane, Ayr, KA7 2DW [email protected] www.sisg.co.uk Wednesday and Thursday 9am-5pm and Friday 9am – 12 pm Connect on facebook: RNIB Scotland Sensory Impairment Service

Sensory Impairment Service (SIS) has a range of support services available to the blind, visually impaired, deaf, hearing impaired, or deaf blind. The team will work with you (including children), your families, and carers to help you maintain or regain independence.

We can help with: • Providing specialist equipment • Information and advice on all aspects of visual/hearing impairment including signposting you to other agencies • Information on welfare benefits • Training in areas such as communication, independent living and mobility The Vision • Emotional support Support Service has For more information contact: SIS, Burns House, helped me with mobility Burns Statue Square, Ayr KA7 1UT training, and its welfare rights Tel: 01292 616 261 service helped me access my Text: 07977 540 721 travel card and other benefits. Email: [email protected] Without them I wouldn't have known where to turn to.

42 South Ayrshire Strictly Seniors Magazine 43 Cut out and keep… Action on Hearing Loss Scotland Hear to Help (Ayrshire) Health & Home

ction on Hearing Loss Scotland provides basic Fill out this form with important details you may need in an emergency or when seeking help or advice. Cut it out and hearing aid support and maintenance to the local keep it somewhere safe – maybe on the fridge door, a noticeboard in the kitchen, or beside the telephone – where family Acommunity. We have community based drop ins members or friends can find it in the event of an emergency. across Ayrshire, provide support to care/nursing homes For more information: and sheltered housing, as well as regular home visits. 01563 539 900 Email: donna.mcswiggan@ Emergency contact ...... Come along to our free local drop-in sessions to: hearingloss.org.uk • Pick up your hearing aid batteries www.actiononhearingloss/ Doctor ...... • Get your tubing changed (every 4-6 months) scotland.org.uk • Find out how to use your hearing aids Dentist...... • Learn about different services available • Learn about different products Carer...... • Home/care home/sheltered housing/hospital visits are available. Nursing Home...... This service is funded by South Ayrshire Health and Social Care Partnership. Health Centre...... Charity no: SC038926 Social Worker......

Community Centre......

Pharmacist......

Podiatrist......

Optician ......

Police Station ......

Taxi......

Electricity provider......

Gas provider ......

Local Council ......

Blood type ......

Allergies......

Medication ......

Church contact......

Others......

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