Hackney Senior By older people, for older people • spring 2019

LIFELONG LEARNING Free public lectures

HACKNEY DEMENTIA FESTIVAL 16 May – 29 May

COOKING AT HOME Eating well & healthily

ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE Compassionate neighbours

WHAT’S ON Your guide to Hackney

“Love and health are most important. So love each other and enjoy a simple life in peace and friendship.” Helena Porębska Real-life stories and reports by Hackney over 50s

CONNECT HACKNEY ageing better

CONNECT HACKNEY ageing better See page 14 for more details Contents

There’s no such thing as a typical older person 4 Putting the focus on lifelong learning 6 Ageing better in Poland 8 Cooking has been my salvation 10 Quietly slipping into disrepair 12 Compassionate Neighbours 13 Hackney Dementia Festival 14

Connect Hackney projects 16

About us Hackney Senior is produced as part of Connect Hackney – one of 14 programmes in England funded through the National Lottery Community Fund’s Ageing Better programme. Connect Hackney commissions services and social activities from local charities and community organisations for residents aged 50+. The services and activities are provided to help older people stay connected and active and lead fulfilling lives. Find out more at: www.connecthackney.org.uk

The Senior Media Group This magazine is produced with the Connect Hackney Senior Media Group. To get involved, e: zelina@connecthackney. org.uk With thanks to everyone who contributed to this spring edition of Hackney Senior.

Tell your story If you have a story to tell, e: matt@ Photos from Immediate Theatre’s Christmas panto, Ciny connecthackney.org.uk or send by post Rella! Immediate are providing a year-round programme to Matt Bray, Connect Hackney, The Adiaha of theatre workshops and performances for older people Antigha Centre, 24 - 30 Lane, as part of Connect Hackney. See more about our projects London, E8 3AZ. on p.16/17. Photo © Joe Hart.

All articles represent the views of their authors and not necessarily those of Connect Hackney or its partners. Hackney Senior | 3 There’s no such thing as a typical older person Interview / Connect Hackney Development Lead, Judy Harris Q. Connect Hackney has recently been commissioning Q. Please tell us about your new projects for Hackney work with Connect Hackney. residents aged 50+. Could you tell us more about them. JH: Connect Hackney does from black and minority ethnic lots of different things – we JH: We are currently receiving communities are at higher risk fund projects for older people, applications from organisations of isolation. evaluate them to see what who want to run new projects works and aim to influence local for people with dementia, Q. What have Connect Hackney strategies and policies. mental health problems, people learnt over the past few years who find it difficult to leave about working with Hackney’s I work with the Older People’s home regularly and people older residents? Committee to ensure that older from black and minority ethnic people are part of all we do JH: We’ve learnt that there’s no communities. Most of these and the decisions we make. My such thing as a typical older areas were suggested by our work also involves focusing on person. It’s true that there are Older People’s Committee and all learning to make sure that the specific challenges that come of these situations make people programme learns about the with ageing, but even when likely to become isolated. causes of isolation and possible facing difficult situations older solutions so we can make strong Research shows that many people should be treated as recommendations about how people with dementia find individuals with skills and to improve things. This includes it challenging to keep their interests and the ability to make looking at what we call structural friendships going, while people friends and enjoy themselves. issues – transport, how services with mental health problems can In one of our focus groups are run, the impact of funding isolate themselves due to stigma someone said ‘when you’re older cuts, and personal barriers such and feelings of low confidence there’s no time for fun’ – as a as mental health problems, brought on by depression. society we mustn’t accept this coping with bereavement, Not being able to get out as a fact. However, there’s a lot adjusting to retirement. regularly means that you can’t of work to do to build a society Structural issues and personal meet people and are at high where it’s much easier for older struggles are often deeply risk of isolation. We know that people to have fun, make friends connected. there is evidence that people and stay connected. Loneliness and isolation Interview / Researcher-in Residence, Dr Darren Miguel Sharpe

Dr Sharpe recently joined the from Connect Hackney, particularly Connect Hackney team to evaluate in relation to ageing, loneliness and Connect Hackney’s impact and connections to community. “We need to potential legacy. Q. How will you evaluate tease out what Q. Please tell us about your work Connect Hackney? the ageing with Connect Hackney. DS: Nationally, the fourteen Ageing population really DS: My role is to collect evidence Better programmes are using one needs.” about the impact and change resulting standard method called the Common

4 | Spring 2019 CONNECT HACKNEY INFOGRAPHICS

2015 – March 2019 Who got involved?donut 60-64 Connect Hackney runs a range of social 16% 65-69 activities and projects for local residents aged 192 55-59 13% 16% 194 50+. What have we achieved? 167 5% Age 14% 50-54 64 173 70-74 Under 50 older 1% (8) 13% 2,761 159 12% Not stated 10% 148 people got involved in 1% (12) 85+ 121 75-79 Connect Hackney projects Not stated 3 people 80-84

569 people have volunteered – mostly White older people 41% 502 Black St2a9y%ed Ethnicity 356 Impact 80% the same of older people Local residents aged 50+ who have taken said theNyo sta swta ted 8% 4% (45) 102 part tell us that: people socially 16% 2% more or the 204 29 Asian • Their quality of life has improved same amount Other • Their health and wellbeing has improved Mixed “I wanted to feel a sense that I am doing something worthwhile for myself and my community.” St2a8y%ed Male Female 70% Gender 353 We are now in phase 2 of Connect Hackney 80% 862 the same 2% and have new activities and services for of older people 23 residents aged 50+. Find out more on said they saw people socially Not stated pages 16-17. more or the same amount Measurement Framework (CMF), so our evaluation Q. Why is it important that we evaluate isn’t happening in isolation. The framework is a Connect Hackney? set of basic measures looking at mental wellbeing DS: It’s all about sustainability. We need to tease out and social connectiveness. Everyone who accesses what the ageing population really needs – people are a Connect Hackney activity is asked to complete a living longer but not necessarily living healthier. We CMF questionnaire. Stayed need local solutions to local problemst hande s weam neede Locally we are also doing a deep dive; we are using to80 tailor% solutions to what people say they need. a variety of methods to look behind the quantitative of older people said they saw data. What does loneliness and isolation for the That’s the value of this kind of investment of time people socially 28% Male and effort – finding out what works will enable ageing population really mean for different groups more or the within Hackney? What is the ageing experience if ussa tom escale amou upnt services or broaden services out, so you have a hearing impairment, if travel is your issue, that Connect Hackney is reaching more people Female 70% 353 or if you are bereaved? awisolation or living in isolation.

Hackney Senior | 5 862 2% 23

Not stated

Stayed 80% the same of older people said they saw people socially more or the same amount Putting the focus on lifelong learning by Margaret Smith

“If you don’t have digital skills, it’s all too easy to become or learn for fun, broaden your isolated, cut off from today’s modern lifestyle. So as part horizons and meet new friends. of lifelong learning, embrace technology.” Key to ageing well In addition, staying mentally I graduated from Goldsmiths I have been a housewife for many active has many health benefits College, University of London years but I have always tried to and is one of the keys to ageing with a French degree many years keep up studying, enrolling on well. Research has demonstrated ago. However, I have always some course or other whenever that staying mentally active as believed in lifelong learning. I could. I wanted to share my we get older can do wonders Instead of just finishing your enthusiasm for lifelong learning for keeping the brain healthy. education at a certain age (when with you and to encourage you Learning helps keep brain cells school or university finishes), to take the opportunities that functioning at optimum levels lifelong learning is when you come your way. and can inhibit memory loss and carry on learning throughout By getting involved in learning, ward off cognitive decline as we your life, whether as part of a you can learn new skills, update age. The old adage “use it or lose class or on your own. existing ones, prepare for work it” is true, I guess.

6 | Spring 2019 I recently attended a free public podcasts of their lectures online MORE INFO lecture at London School of so if you cannot get to a certain Economics (LSE), University of lecture on the day, you don’t BRITISH LIBRARY London. The lecture was called have to miss out. A range of free events and The Class Ceiling. Academics exhibitions from A Century There are many other ways you continue to debate whether of Women’s Football to the can learn. You can take part in the UK is becoming more of a Windrush Sound Tours. adult classes at colleges and classless society and the lecture universities. Hackney Community Address: British Library, was about class background College is a large college in 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB and whether it poses a Hackney – now part of New City t: 01937 546546 barrier to upward mobility in College. I studied a cake and www.bl.uk employment. Two sociologists patisserie making course there a had written a book about this INNER SPACE couple of years ago. topic and the lecture coincided Meditation and personal with their book launch. The Digital skills in today’s world development. Subjects include: lecture finished with ideas about How about online education, become a better listener, trust how workplaces could be made sometimes called e-learning? You your intuition, think more more representative of society can study online courses from positively and meditation. All at large. home at whatever hours suit you activities are free! Although voluntary donations are Free public lectures best. That‘s why it’s so important welcome, they are not required. I wanted to share with you some to keep your computer skills information about which places up. We need digital skills to stay Address: 36 Short’s Gardens, offer public lectures which connected in today’s world. WC2H 9AB everyone is welcome to attend. If you don’t have digital skills, t: 020 7836 6688 I mentioned LSE. Every year it’s all too easy to become www.innerspace.org.uk LSE hold a series of lectures on isolated, cut off from today’s LSE EVENTS various topics called LSE Events. modern lifestyle. So as part Including lunch time piano These lectures are free and open of lifelong learning, embrace recitals, evening concerts to all to attend. Some of the technology. With a PC, tablet other colleges of the University and talks on history, politics, or smartphone, you have tech equalities and more… of London, for example Queen available constantly and if you Mary College, University College choose to study online, there Address: The London School of London (UCL), Kings College and is no need to attend a class to Economics & Political Science, Birkbeck College offer free public make progress. Houghton Street, WCH 2AE lectures too, it’s worth checking t: 020 7405 7686 them out. So many colleges and www.lse.ac.uk universities offer an online Other institutions in London learning option. They will also The Royal Institution offering public lectures are the have forums and chatrooms Scientists and cultural British Academy, British Library, where you can share your commentators explore the latest British Museum, Conway Hall, experiences and information amazing science and the way in and Inner Space – Inner Space and chat online to other which it shapes our lives. From offers talks on meditation and students. As well, many websites animal emotions and what they personal development. offer free online courses on tell us about ourselves to an If it is purely science that you specific topics. examination of the universe – are we alone? are interested in, why not try I hope that I have given you the Royal Institution, Royal some useful ideas that you can Address: The Royal Institution Society or the Science Museum’s use to carry on learning. With of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle Dana Centre. so many lectures and courses Street, W1S 4BS Many of the above places I have available, I am certain you’ll find t: 020 7409 2992 mentioned offer videos and one that meets your needs. www.rigb.org

Hackney Senior | 7 Ageing better in Poland We were impressed in the office when we saw the joyful pictures of our colleague Martyna’s grandmother in Poland. Our Connect Hackney senior media group agreed and decided to put their computer skills to the test and interview Helena about ageing better in Poland.

Q. What’s your name? Wroclaw and then moved to HP: Helena Porębska Szczecin to study at a medical university. I was young and busy Q. When were you born? preparing for difficult exams. We HP: I was born on 17 November didn’t have prosperity and had to 1928. stay in long queues for hours to Q. What was the town where get anything in shops. We didn’t In June ‘41 my brothers were you lived as a child like? have any clubs and couldn’t arrested and me, my mum and HP: I was born in a town Jeziory travel to the west but we were my sister were taken on a train (which means ‘lakes’) near enjoying ourselves anyway. If you going to Siberia. But there was Grodno – now it’s in Belarus wanted to have something extra huge bombing on the way as the but it was in east Poland then. you had to offer a bribe or have Germans attacked. As a result we Because there were two beautiful something special to exchange it were overtaken by Germans and lakes it was a summer resort. in barter. Life was very basic and went back home. The German Jeziory was a multicultural town difficult but, as I said, I was young occupation started. inhabited by the Polish, Jewish and busy and didn’t know any During the German occupation and Belarussian. People followed other reality. We were just living. different religions – Catholicism, I had to go to work. They didn’t Q. What was your profession provide any schools for Polish Judaism and Orthodox Christian. and did you enjoy it? We all lived in peace. people, everyone was forced to HP: I was a dentist and I liked work. Many people were being Q. What’s the name of the it. However, my dream was to sent to Germany to work but town where you live and what’s be a doctor. Becoming a doctor I was lucky to work in a local it like? required studying longer and I hospital as a cleaner. I worked HP: I live in Szczecin which is couldn’t afford it. there until ‘44 when the Russians located in northeast Poland on Q. If you were to start over entered again. We had the the Oder River, close to Germany again, would you choose any Russian occupation again and and the Baltic Sea. Szczecin is the other profession? I could go back to school. In capital of our region. It’s a big city HP: I would rather be a doctor ‘45 when the war finished the so we have everything we need or surgeon. borders shifted and we were here. I live in a very green part of Q. What was it like during the allowed to move to the west, to Szczecin in a flat with a garden. Second World War? the region annexed by Poland. My closest family and friends live HP: It’s difficult to summarise We were afraid to stay in Jeziory here as well so I really enjoy it. it but I can say I remember two as it was annexed by USSR. We Q. Were you married? Did you main things present in life during chose to move to Jelenia Góra, have children? the war – hunger and fear. near Wrocław. HP: I was married and have two I was a child when the war Q. You look stunning for your sons. Unfortunately my husband started. In 1939 the Russians age. What is the secret to passed away a few years ago and invaded us and annexed our looking so good? now I live on my own. region to USSR. We were under HP: A simple life, this is a secret. Q. What was life like in the Soviet occupation until Being active and having a communist Poland? ‘41. I was attending school, positive attitude, including a HP: I finished high school in learning Russian. gratitude for every day we live.

8 | Spring 2019 Q. Do you have any tips on diet that has helped you keep so young? HP: I eat everything in moderation and I believe my body knows what is good or what to avoid. I avoid eating things which make me feel bad, especially sweets, but I don’t have any special diet. Q. What type of activities and exercise do you do? HP: I go for a walk every day. I cannot sit at home. It’s not enough to walk at home. I walk at least one hour every day. I have a person to help me do some works at home from time to time but I’m not allowing her to do things for me. I do as much as I can. Q. What is the health service like in Poland? HP: It’s free and not too bad but there are more and more private to see me and my family takes HP: Yes, I keep in touch with places being opened where you care of me. It’s all very pleasant. my granddaughter who lives can get things done quicker if I enjoy every day and I’m happy in London and a few family you pay. Many medicines are free that I’m independent and I’m in members who live in Germany. for older people. a good mental condition. You Q. What would you say to Q. How are people of age have to be good for yourself someone who says they are too treated in Poland? and remember you can always old to use a computer? HP: It’s getting better. There improve your life. HP: You are never too old. are many senior clubs which Q. When did you start learning It’s all about motivation and organises different classes, trips, the computer? learning. You need to want it and events. It’s all free and supported HP: I went to a computer course understand it’s good for you. by local councils. However, I when I was 60 years old. When Without the internet I wouldn’t can’t go out as often as I used to I don’t know how to do new know many things. I feel updated because I broke my hip last year things I ask my son, Witek, for and able to participate in culture and I’m less mobile. help. I pay my bills online and as well as my children and Families are taking care of their use e-mail, skype and messenger grandchildren. Without access to older members. It’s difficult when to communicate with my family the internet I would have felt a you don’t have a close family, and friends. I enjoy free access little bit isolated. you might get lonely. But I can’t to the news and information. Q. What is your advice for complain, I have great sons Without leaving home or buying the human race for the next and daughters in law as well as newspapers I can check any ten years? grandchildren. information online. It’s amazing. HP: Love and health are most Q. How do you feel about life? Q. Do you keep in touch important. So love each other HP: I feel very positive. I with friends and family in and enjoy a simple life in peace have many friends and good different parts of the world and friendship. Make an effort neighbours. People often come using a computer? towards these values.

Hackney Senior | 9 Cooking has been my salvation by Harold Rubin

I am a 91 year old pensioner; I “I believe I owe have had several careers. I am my energy and still active and I cook for myself almost every day and often for attitude for life friends as well. from making the I started a new career shortly effort to dine well after landing in the UK from my and healthily.” native US in 1970. I was jobless and at a loss. It was suggested I approach Justin de Blank who had a posh food emporium. De Blank was impressed with my ability and knowledge of kitchen technique and launched me in supplying him with frozen foods of my composition and by chance these included ice creams. They became the greater successes of my creations. Thus launched as a cook, Wine and light soy sauce added I extended my range and What follows is my suggestion to soups and other cooked also did consultations. I had for older people to shop and dishes in moderation – about the background of having a cook healthily without making 1 or 2 tablespoons – creates an published cookbook. A long story it a difficult chore. It is vitally enriched flavour. A non-alcoholic I will severely edit is how this led important as we age to avoid substitute for wine is a little to creating a restaurant in Wales loneliness and this is addressed vinegar mixed with a little sugar, followed by one in London. in particular to those living alone. not as good, but is acceptable. Now I am retired but I still wield Developing an interest in dining a wooden spoon and as stated can lead to sharing, a further Cooking at home above continue cooking and benefit derived and making a Using your choice of potato, rice even experimenting with food. necessity enjoyable. or pasta or another ingredient, The purpose of these notes cook double or more of which- is how using this talent in the Harold Rubin’s tips on ever. Use half for the meal, cover start of middle years remade my getting the most out of and refrigerate the rest. Do not earning power, thus salvation. cooking at home keep for longer than three days. I believe I owe my energy and Cooked potato can be the attitude for life from making the Larder essentials: Salt, pepper, base for a frittata with bits of effort to dine well and healthily, other spices and herbs, sugar, vegetables (onion, mushroom) not following fad diets and trends cooking oil, butter, eggs, meat such as cooked bacon, but varying what I consume so powdered or fresh milk. ham or chicken, grated or diced that the good and the possible As a cook I use dry sherry cheese and egg beaten with a bad are balanced. The important (inexpensive Spanish ones) or spoonful of milk or water. Fried factor is using fresh and dry vermouth for recipes asking like an omelette or pancake. wholesome ingredients, never for a splash of wine for flavour. fast food, prepared supermarket Works as well as using table Cooked cold rice can be used stuff or takeaways. wines if none are opened. for fried rice with bits similar to

10 | Spring 2019 those in frittatas. Cooked pasta favourite a small cold rare steak can be mixed with your own or a diced with a dressing using olive bought tomato-based sauce (or oil, lime juice and seasoning. a cooked meat one) and topped I buy pairs of bavette steaks and with grated cheese and baked cook both together, one I eat into a dish similar to lasagne. as a steak, the other I save for These suggestions are for using the salad. Steaks of inexpensive bits from the vast range of fibrous cuts cannot be cooked leftovers which often become well done, just reaching medium some of the tastiest dishes. or they will be very dry and tough. Salads A healthier diet the difference using true “Chef’s salads” using fresh and You are not indulging yourself foods instead of ready meals. even cooked vegetables with the in choosing to follow these Perhaps you will do another salad greens can be a substantial directions. It is learning how to thing I practice. I read labels, and healthy option. Ripe follow a healthier path. This will do the same with those bought avocado, cheese bits, drained result in enjoyable dining and prepared dishes and you will tinned chick peas and my you will come to understand drop their use.

Community Connections – Get involved! One-to-one support to connect you with activities in Hackney and beyond Community Connections supports Hackney GET IN TOUCH: residents aged 50+ to meet new people, discover If you’d like to get involved please contact us or local places and learn new skills. A community ask someone to make contact on your behalf. We coordinator can tell you all about projects and are happy to talk through what we do, arrange to activities in Hackney and further afield; computer meet up in person and make a plan together. The skills, dancing, exercise classes, walking clubs, most important thing is what works for you. lunch clubs. We are looking forward to meeting people out To find an activity to suit you, you can have up to and about as we visit projects and venues to twelve meetings with a community coordinator, promote the service and in the near future we plus ongoing support from a volunteer. The project will also be able to visit people who are unable to began in October 2018 and is already making leave home. a difference; To find out more or to make a referral Community “I go out, walk in the park and get fresh air. Connections contact Teresa > I’ve been to classes and groups that I enjoyed. t: 07584 598 096 Getting out of the house is good. e: [email protected] I can go out more easily now. I go to a lunch club and have a healthy lunch – I’ve met some lovely VENUES: new people there.” There are venues across Hackney, with Jo, a community coordinator says: “I enjoy meeting confidential space to meet: people, hearing their stories and having the time • New Kingshold Community Centre, and space to talk and provide information. Where Ainsworth Road, E9 7LP possible I attend an activity with the person for the •  Trust Healthy Living Centre, first visit to help them settle in. I keep up to date 170 Pitfield Street, N1 6JP with all new activities in the area and encourage •  Community Centre, N16 6RS people to sign up for Hackney Senior magazine • Gascoyne 1 Community Centre, which is a wealth of information.” Gascoyne Road, E9 7FA

Hackney Senior | 11 Quietly slipping into disrepair by Charles Daniel

“My mind was under extreme pressure, yet I had to go about my normal routine trying desperately not to show any signs of my condition.”

As an individual I was already flawed, due to was admitted into a sanatorium to recover. This circumstances of my upbringing. At the age of situation caused a number of problems, my father five; I was thrown into confusion when my father was found not to be capable of looking after us became ill with a severe mental condition, which and was sent away to a mental hospital. I have a caused me to be very shy and nervous with a bad recollection of this period – all I can remember difficulty to communicate socially. My mother is we were sent into care. The next period I was also affected very badly. Due to the stress remember is my grandmother looking after me of trying to cope with my father who could no at home, she was very strict but fair. When I heard longer work and squandered the sick money my mother was coming home, I cried my eyes out which was essential for my mother to feed three with joy. children. My mother struggled so hard she had to work also to cope. This situation caused my But little did I know that this was only a respite for mother to eventually succumb to TB whereby she her, she would have a greater ordeal to come.

Unable to speak about it In the early stages of my illness; when I had got over the shock of realising I had a mental condition that is for life, and I would have to take medication continually throughout that time, I felt my life had changed forever. In the early years, during the found it hard even to tell your was that my mind was under 1970s, mental illness was the own family the full details. extreme pressure, yet I had to go worst fear you could be labelled Fortunately, I managed to make about my normal routine trying with. You felt unable to speak friends in unlikely places, like desperately not to show any out about your problem to poetry groups, where many other signs of my condition. workmates or employers for similar patients found refuge and This then is a brief description fear of losing your job. You also relief in expressing themselves in of a horror that not even Conan felt guilty and ashamed as you writing and speaking poetry. Doyle could envisage. felt it was your own fault and What you must take into account To be continued.

12 | Spring 2019 Left to right: Monica Mattocks, Janet Williams, Jane Anslow, Felicia Odunewu, Lee Ayles, Marie Alley Compassionate Neighbours “I think everyone’s got a sort of wrong opinion of St Joseph’s – JA: My mind was against coming you know, like it’s doom and gloom, but it’s not... and you really here because I thought people do have a laugh with the patients, they are hilarious! only come in here to die. Once I walked in the door it all changed Q. What is a compassionate once or twice a week. She is very completely and I’ve been here neighbour? isolated as she has no family, so I ever since. JA: Someone who comes here am there for her. At the moment MA: Where the patients are to St Joseph’s to be trained and she’s in hospital – she’s very concerned, they might choose to to go out into the community to ill so I go and visit her at least tell you what’s wrong with them support anyone who is on their once a day. It’s give and take, and they might not, I never ask. own, who haven’t got family. I am giving, but I am getting JW: Even when they can’t have a MA: I actually just visit people something back. I was ill, I had conversation, just your presence in St Joseph’s Hospice. It’s just to cancer, so I am giving something there is so fundamental. visit them and have a nice little back to the community. MA: It’s a lovely place, lovely. chat because some of them are a FO: I just joined last year and my Q. What would you say to bit lonely, some are a bit bored, aim is to help people who can’t someone reading Hackney so it just brightens up their day help themselves. Senior who is interested in because they do like to chat Q. What have been the becoming a compassionate and tell you about their life and highlights of volunteering? neighbour? that is very rewarding. You come JW: I think it’s the comradeship, LA: Give it a try! You can only away feeling really good because it’s the bonding. If I don’t see Lee, try and see. you feel like you’ve helped them I will text him or call him to check JW: Come and join us and they can tell you things he’s ok – it’s like a family. that they probably can’t tell MA: I think everyone’s got a sort their families. of wrong opinion of St Joseph’s Q. What inspired you to become – you know, like it’s doom and Are you interested in a compassionate neighbour? gloom, but it’s not. All the nurses becoming a compassionate JW: I became a volunteer here in and all the staff are all so lovely, neighbour? Contact Lucia 2016 after I retired and I used to they are all so helpful, so you Francois about the next escort patients home after the don’t feel uncomfortable when training course. day and then I became interested you come here, and you really do St Joseph’s Hospice in compassionate neighbours. have a laugh with the patients, Mare St, London E8 4SA I did the training in 2017 and I they are hilarious! e: [email protected] was paired up with a Jewish lady LA: Yes there’s lot of laughter t: 020 8525 3206 – she is 85 and I go to her house about with all the stories.

Hackney Senior | 13 Hackney Dementia Festival Events and activities for people with dementia, their families, friends and neighbours Hackney Dementia festival runs from Thursday 16 May to Wednesday 29 May. Most of the events are free to attend and generally there is no need to book.

We spoke to Harry Johnson from HJ: There are social groups, the Alzheimer’s Society to find lunch clubs and dementia out more. friendly activities, for example Q. What does the Alzheimer’s The Rio Cinema and Hackney Society do? Picturehouse both host dementia HJ: We are the support and friendly film screenings. research charity for dementia. We We know there’s not enough out think there’s a good balance of support people with dementia there, and people report feeling activities and most activities are and look at the best ways to care isolated and excluded, so we free with no booking required! for people with the condition. are really pushing to get more www.alzheimers.org.uk organisations involved, more We are also campaigning Here are a selection of the events for better quality dementia organisations understanding the needs of people with dementia. taking place. For your copy of the care and dementia friendly full programme see the info box communities. We are trying Q. What about supermarkets, at the end of the page. to make communities which banks and businesses? understand and respect people HJ: The idea is to involve Thursday 16 May with dementia. everybody in a dementia friendly Alzheimer’s Society and GLL The BIG Singing for the Brain Q. What support is available community. We have just done Singing and dancing all for people in Hackney with some work with a local bank. afternoon dementia, or for people It’s also about involving the concerned about memory loss? emergency services – last week 2–4pm, FREE HJ:There’s a national helpline I was with London Fire brigade Copper Box Arena, Queen people can call every day on 0300 in Hackney, giving them training Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3HB 222 1122 – you can call for advice about dementia, what the symptoms are, what to look for. For more information please if you are concerned that you, contact or call 020 8472 0658 or someone you know, might We are also looking at transport have dementia. We also have – getting more bus divers trained Monday 20 May online resources – fact sheets and in dementia awareness. So, it’s Launch of Hackney Dementia guides on our website. anybody and everybody that has Festival 2019 to be involved in the dementia 10:30am–12pm, FREE As well, in Hackney we have friendly community. Dementia navigators who Come and join the launch of the support people with dementia Q. Please tell us about the Hackney Dementia Festival 2019. from the point of diagnosis Hackney Dementia Festival HJ:We have got events Central Library, 1 Reading Lane, throughout their journey. For London E8 1DY example, navigators will explain throughout the week such the terminology that doctors as cinema screenings, a Learn what the community use, because we find that a lot of performance at , group is doing and its plans people get overwhelmed by that. dementia friendly swimming, moving forward. Hackney a Caribbean tea party, a tea Community Library will also be Q. What social support is dance in Shoreditch Town Hall, launching its new dementia- available in Hackney? table tennis and much more. We friendly Hackney puzzles.

14 | Spring 2019 “It’s anybody and everybody that has to be involved in the dementia friendly community.”

Hackney Caribbean Elders friends and family and arrive GLL Table Tennis Caribbean Tea Party promptly. 2 - 4pm, FREE 1 - 4pm, FREE Wednesday 22 May King’s Hall Leisure Centre, A Caribbean Tea Party for those Rio Cinema 39 Lower Clapton Rd, London living with dementia, their family Cinema Screening, £2 E5 0NU and friends. 1:30pm Dementia Friendly Table tennis is a fun exercise 39 Leswin Road, Stoke session activity for all. Join our social Newington, London, N16 7NX 2:30pm Film starts, FREE tea, session organised by a qualified To book a place please coffee, cakes and biscuits! coach. Light refreshments will e: info@hackneycaribbean. Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High be provided. co.uk stating Hackney Dementia St, E8 2PB Wednesday 29 May Festival in the subject line, or A classic matinee screening of Hackney Shed call 020 7923 3536. ‘Mama Mia- Here we Go Again’. Theatre Performance 3pm, FREE The Dementia Friendly Thursday 23 May Sutton House, High St, ‘Triathlon’ A Dance Down Memory Lane: London E9 6JQ Enjoy a day exploring the Olympic Shoreditch Town Hall Park with a dementia-friendly Hackney Shed, a young person’s walk, cycle and swim. Feel free to Tea Dance 1 - 4pm, FREE theatre group, invite you to their performance. Inspired by attend the entire day, or just those Come and dance the afternoon events that interest you. Lunch is the memories of people living away in the magnificent not provided, but a café can be with dementia in Hackney, each surrounding of Shoreditch Town found in the Aquatics Centre. group has developed their own Hall’s Assembly Hall. unique performance. The nearest transport links are To book a place, call Stratford International, Stratford To book a place please email 020 7739 6176 or visit Overground and the 108 and 339 [email protected] www.shoreditchtownhall.com/ bus stops. whats-on GLL: Swimming in the INfo box Friday 24 May Olympic Park Mary Seacole Nursing Home For further information 3 - 4pm, FREE Open Day 10 - 5pm, FREE about Hackney Dementia A relaxed session for participants Festival, contact harry. to enjoy a gentle swim. On Mary Seacole Nursing Home, [email protected] 39 Nuttall Street, N1 5JS arrival, please let reception know t: 0208 533 0091 you are here for the dementia- Mary Seacole Nursing Home #dementiafriendlyhackney friendly swim. will be holding an open London Aquatics Centre, day, showcasing what Olympic Park, E20 2ZQ they are currently doing for residents with Tuesday 21 May dementia. There will be GLL Walk in an opportunity to ask 10 - 11am, FREE questions, meet staff London Fields Lido, London and to get information Fields West Side, Hackney, on continuing care and London E8 3EU respite services. There Join an interesting, easy route will be taster sessions around London Fields led by a of Namaste care, hand Hackney Walk Leader. Please massages and some wear comfortable shoes, bring other activities.

Hackney Senior | 15 Connect Hackney Projects Free projects for Hackney residents aged 50+

Projects for older people with hearing screening checks, with follow-up support, learning disabilities hearing aid maintenance support groups and befriending visits. Peter Bedford Housing Association A ‘Living with a hearing loss’ programme is Works with people with learning disabilities aged designed to empower older people to manage 50 and over on a range of activities to improve difficulties related to hearing loss. skills and confidence, health and wellbeing, and to socialise. Activities include: learning how to Contact Sharon on 0744 253 8944. use a touch screen tablet, gardening and creative crafts. All are run from their Hackney based City and Hackney Carers hubs – including Clissold Gardens, and ‘Hackney Brocals’ is a multi-generational Kingsland Road. befriending project. Brocals provides a regular series of bus trips in Hackney and beyond and Contact Kamye Miessen or Anjum Ahmed on have home based support for men who can’t often 020 3815 4100. leave home. The project includes volunteering and a buddying system which sees younger St Mary’s Secret Garden ‘The Garden Social’ provides a weekly club for volunteers committing to visit isolated elders in people with learning disabilities aged 50 and the community. over. The Club brings local older people together Contact Hackney Brocals on 0208 533 0951 to work on shared gardening and maintenance or visit the website at www.brocals.org activities. There are also opportunities for the ‘Garden Socialisers’ to plan and develop the Hackney Co-operative Developments creative and social activities of the club. Delivering a programme of activities aimed mainly Contact Siobhan MacMahon on 020 7739 2965. at men aged over 50 that use Gillett Square in e: [email protected] Dalston area as a place to gather and socialise. All activities involve men aged 50 and over as session Community Connections project for leaders or volunteers. everyone Additionally, participants are encouraged to organise their own small-scale community events Shoreditch Trust and to take an active role in existing events, play ‘Community Connectors’ work with local partners sessions and the Gillett Square Action Group. to reach socially isolated people aged 50 and over. The project provides one-to-one sessions with Contact Anja Beinroth on 020 3875 9352. older people to help them build confidence and e: [email protected] get involved with local groups and social activities. The project will be delivered from accessible MRS Independent Living community spaces, complemented by home visits Hackney Dudes is a community project which where needed. aims to increase older men’s confidence in engaging with services and activities that promote Contact Teresa Buckland on 020 7033 8587. improved health and wellbeing. e: [email protected] The project draws on the knowledge and Projects for men experience that older men have of accessing Action on Hearing Loss (with deafPLUS) services and activities on offer and facilitates their Working with men over the age of 50 who have support of other men. confirmed or unidentified hearing loss. They Contact Stephen Gardner on 0330 380 1013. provide access to one-to-one and community e: [email protected]

16 | Spring 2019 Projects for older people who want to of older people that might be experiencing social learn or brush up on digital skills isolation. The group meets once a week and an opportunity to meet, sing and socialise with Groundwork London new friends. “Silver Connections – Making the Most of your Contact Core Clapton on 0300 561 0161. Mobile” is a programme of six weekly sessions designed to increase the confidence of people The Building Exploratory aged 60+ to use their smartphones to access Open Doors in Hackney is a programme of social information. This is centred on researching, activities, which brings older people together in planning and then going on an outing community spaces to investigate their local area/ in Hackney. built environment. It delivers enjoyable social Contact Sarah on 0208 5105 419. sessions in the King’s Park and e: [email protected] neighbourhoods, including activities in and around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where its MRS Independent Living heritage and history is explored. Running a project which supports older people Contact The Building Exploratory on 020 7608 0775. to gain or improve their digital knowhow and confidence to find information about Immediate Theatre services, support and leisure activities online. Theatre Exchange is a year-round programme of It delivers one-to-one and small group theatre workshops and performances for older support and opportunities for older people to people. It delivers three eight-week programmes connect socially. in community settings offering a range of theatre- making skills, singing, story sharing, prop-making, Contact MRS Independent Living on as well as acting/performing. It also explores 0330 380 1013. different ways to bring together older and Newham New Deal Partnership younger generations. The @online Network helps build older people’s Contact Immediate Theatre on 020 7682 3031. confidence to get online. It provides six to eight programmes of practical activities based on Duckie Ltd. members’ interests at venues around Hackney, The Posh Club (TPC) is a weekly social and as well as follow on support via e-newsletters, entertainment club produced by the arts and telephone advice and drop-in. events company Duckie Ltd. for adults over 60. Contact Newham New Deal Partnership on These are glamorous events held in the heart 020 7366 6343. of the community and emphasise dressing e: [email protected] up, live entertainment, social connectivity and intergenerational volunteering. Come and feel Projects putting on community activities alive, connected and joyful – and enjoy a taste of for all older people the high life!

Friends of Woodberry Down (FOWD) Contact Tracey Smith at The Posh Club in Hackney The FOWD Community Project is delivering a on 07938 985 644. series of weekly community events aimed at older Mind in the City, Hackney & Waltham Forest people. It will allow older and younger people to Silver Saturdays is a social club, bringing older come together, share food and enjoy a programme people together for fun and creative activities of activities at the various community venues in at the Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham their local area. Forest Wellbeing Centre on the first Saturday of Contact Amanda Inniss on each month. 0787 634 5457 / 0785 232 8993. The programme is run in partnership with Hoxton Core Clapton Health, Hanover Housing Association and Hackney Social Singing is a singing group for people of all Caribbean Elderly Organisation. ages with a special focus on the social inclusion Contact Mind CHWF on 020 8985 4239.

Hackney Senior | 17 What’s on in Hackney for over 50s? Activities and events are free unless otherwise stated. Listings are correct at the time of going to press. Many groups have more activities than we can list so call them for more info.

Thursday morning, Indian Head Call 0300 5610 161 or email Better Club dementia friendly Massage: Thursday morning. [email protected] sessions £18 per session when you book Suggested donation from £2. Line Dancing saying you’ve seen this listed in Wednesdays 10am -11am Hackney Senior. Core Clapton Osteopathy Table Tennis Treatments Fridays 2 pm - 4pm Community Coordinators Walk Low-cost, high-quality treatment Low to moderate intensity walk King’s Hall Leisure Centre, E5 0N for aches and pains. Call 0300 through Victoria park. Open t: 020 8985 2158 or 5610 161 or e: info@coreclapton. to all ages from 18 upwards. e: [email protected] org for details and to book. Wheelchair accessible. Concession rate £15 for a Silver Connections mobile Every Thursday at 2pm 30-45 minute session. phone courses for over 60’s Contact Teresa 020 7033 8587 Made In Hackney Covering phone basics to make /07584 598 086 or e: teresa@ Class – One Pot wonders your life easier. shoreditchtrust.org.uk Booking: Sarah Warmant on 30th June 12:30pm - 3:00pm 0208 510 5419 or e: silver Gentle Yoga every Wednesday You will learn with nutritionist [email protected] Intended for older adults, these Deepa how to cook tasty dishes classes offer Kundalini Yoga at a packed with healthy grains and @online club network iPad gentle pace – suitable to practice pulses without the need of fancy course while sitting on a chair or on equipment. Just a hob will do! Six-week programme for the floor. To book: call us on Hackney residents over 60 who Wednesdays, 10:30-11:45am t: 0208 442 4266 or want to learn iPad skills. JOY Yoga, 27D Dalston Lane, e: [email protected] t: 020 7366 6343 Dalston, London E8 3DF (Suggested minimum donation e: onlinehackney@newhamndp. £5 per class but no one turned co.uk Pay what you can afford. There is no minimum. away due to lack of funds). Hoxton Health exercise classes t: 0207 812 9836 Venue Address: Fun, social exercise classes. Made In Hackney, Food For All £2 charge per class, unless Core Clapton Wellness Classes Basement, 3 Cazenove Road, otherwise stated. t: 020 7739 Women’s Mindful Movement London N16 6PA 2533 for details or just turn up. A gentle movement and stretching class. Shoreditch Trust Stroke Project Line Dancing One-to-one and group support Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm Wednesday 11am – 12pm. Regent Estate Pensioners’ Hall, for stroke survivors and their Tai Chi for Mobility family & stroke awareness Brougham Road E8 4PD. Boost your energy, mobilise Fully accessible. sessions for the general public your joints. including blood pressure checks Chair-based exercise Thursday 11am – 12pm. Wednesdays 10am - 11am Monday to Friday, various times; Arden Estate Community Hall, Social Singing or drop-in, 9:30am to 12:30am at Regan Way, N1 6PH. Sing together. No experience the Healthy Living Centre, Fully accessible. Free of charge required – just let yourself join in! 170 Pitfield street, N1 6JP Call 02070338526 / 07436790140 All of May Friday 11am - 12pm. (call or text) or Shiatsu Massage: Mondays, At Core Clapton, 161 Northwold Homeopathy: Wednesday Road, E5 8RL. Accessible venue e: strokeproject@shoreditchtrust. afternoon, Reflexology: with ramp and lift. org.uk

18 | Spring 2019 Is it lunch yet?

Hackney’s lunch clubs provide healthy and nutritious meals for just a small fee. They also run social activities such as playing cards, mahjong and dominoes as well as local outings and summer day trips. Please phone to check details.

Lunch Up Hackney Caribbean Elderly Halkevi Turkish and Kurdish Redmond Community Centre, Organisation Community Centre Kayani Avenue, Woodberry 39 Leswin Road, Stoke 31-33 Dalston Lane, E8 3DF Down N4 2HF Newington, N16 7NX Tuesdays Tuesdays, 12 noon – 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Phone Yashar Ismailoglu on Phone Lydia on 07804 693461 Phone Hazel McKenzie on 020 7249 6980 e: [email protected] 020 7923 3536 Hackney Cypriot Association Nightingale Lunch Club Chatsworth Road Lunch Club 19 Olympus Way, Nightingale 5 Balls Pond Road, N1 4AX Clapton Park Methodist Church, Estate, E5 8ND Open three days a week 99 Chatsworth Road, E5 0LH Lunch is served five days a week, Phone Cemile Göksan on Lunch club run by and for local Monday to Friday at 12pm 020 7254 7920 African Caribbean people Phone Alice Burke on An Viet Foundation Thursdays, 11.30am – 3.30pm 020 8985 1309 Email Velma Bramble at 12-14 Englefield Road, N1 4LS Holly Street Lunch Club [email protected] Vietnamese community lunch 331 Queensbridge Road, E8 3LA club. North London Muslim Monday, Wednesday, Friday Mondays, Tuesdays and Community Centre (NLMCC) t: 020 7923 1282 Thursdays 66-68 Cazenove Road, N16 6AA t: 020 7275 7780 Salvation Army Hoxton Men: Wednesday 6.30pm, 66 New North Road, N1 6TG women: Sundays 5pm Salvation Army Cambridge Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Phone Hashim Rawaf on Heath Thursdays 9:30am - 3:00pm. 020 8806 1147 extension 6 70 Mare Street, E8 4RT Phone Sally Spry 020 7739 3313 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Hackney Chinese Community Phone Dawn Johnson on Services Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia 020 8985 4410 (VLC) Centre 28-32 Ellingfort Road, E8 3PA 151 Whiston Road, E2 8BN Monday, Tuesday, Friday Tuesday and Thursday Phone Yvonne Tse on 020 8533 Phone Pierre on 020 7739 3650 5066 or 020 8986 6171 Advertise with us – With a print run of 3,500 we can help you reach local residents. e: [email protected]

The Silver Line NHS 111 Need help? If you’re worried about an Call ANYTIME on: 0800 470 80 90 urgent medical concern, call 111 “It’s so comforting to know you can phone and talk to somebody.” NHS 111 is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by a team of fully Helpline for older people providing free confidential trained advisers. information, friendship and If you have difficulties communicating advice. Open 24 hours a day, or hearing, you can use the NHS 111 every day of the year. service through a textphone by calling Charity no: 1147330 (founded by 18001 111. For less urgent health needs, Esther Rantzen DBE). contact your GP or local pharmacist.

Community Library Service Classic Matinee Any resident can use the community library service on screenings at Rio a temporary or long-term basis. The community library Cinema delivers books monthly, to people in their own homes, sheltered blocks and nursing homes and provides Classic matinees are held once a month deposit loan collections to groups such as day centres. on Wednesday afternoons at 2.30pm. Screening Hollywood classics and The main criteria is that you cannot access a library recent films. Tickets are just £2 for the because of an accident, illness, frailty, disability or over 60s whilst care home residents, because you are a carer. The service is free and books are people with dementia and carers go delivered monthly. free. Free tea, coffee and biscuits. Address: c/o Library, Stoke Newington Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High Street, Church Street N16 0JS. t: 020 8356 5238 E8 2PB. t: 020 7241 9410

Hackney: Walking Together

There are a number of walking Timetable: Thursday 12-12.30 groups in Hackney which offer Tuesday 1-2pm Park a great chance to exercise and – meet outside 30 mins – Slow Paced Walk socialise. There are weekly Clissold House – 60 mins walks around Clissold Park and Wednesday 12.15-1pm Get in touch: Surbjit Mahey on London Fields and a weekly 07891 498150 or 020 8356 7549 slow-paced walk around meet at London Fields Gates (park entrance) – 45 mins e: surbjit.mahey@hackney. Hackney Downs. There is also a gov.uk monthly themed walk.

CONNECT HACKNEY ageing better