Annual Review 2018–2019

Loving Later Life in Sunderland Introduction from the Chair and Director Introduction from the Chair and Director 3 This report demonstrates how Age UK Sunderland has supported older Our Board and Other Offices 4 people in the City this year, how we work and the services we provide. The Essence Service 5 In addition to telling Age UK Sunderland’s story in facts and figures, the report looks at how we are furthering Age UK Sunderland’s fundamental purpose of promoting Living Well Links 8 the wellbeing of older people across Sunderland by delivering a diverse range of Living Well and Beyond Cancer 10 high quality services to some of the most vulnerable people across the City. Social Focus 12 Hospital Discharge Service (HDS) 13 Our Mission is: To promote and support the wellbeing of all older people throughout the City of Front Door Service (FDS) 14 Sunderland, improve their quality of life and help them maintain independence. FDS Advocacy Service 16 As we moved into our 68th year, Age UK Sunderland has continued to remain FDS Community Support Clubs 17 dedicated to the delivery of a wide range of support services for the older people of Sunderland. Despite increasing financial constraints we provide much needed FDS Keeping in Touch (KIT) Service 18 support to local people, with over 55,000 contacts from older people this year. Digital Video Calling 20 Times are very challenging for charitable organisations and many of us face ActivAge 21 uncertainty, however despite these challenges during 2018/19, Age UK Sunderland Digital Health Inclusion Project 22 has secured funding to sustain many vital services and expanded service provision via the attainment of developmental funding to implement our new social Meaningful Connections 24 prescribing programme, the Front Door Service.

Information and Advice Service 26 Through the work of Age UK Sunderland, older people are better able to: Joining Forces 27 • improve or maintain their independence for longer Friends and Neighbours (FaNS) 29 • feel less socially isolated and lonely • improve or maintain their health and wellbeing LIFEStyle Service 30 • make informed choices Redwood Day Service 32 • feel safe and more secure Activities and Events for All 33 • enjoy a better later life Campaigning 34 As the Chair and Director of such a vibrant organisation, we are delighted and proud to be part of such a great team of staff and volunteers and we would like Promotions and Marketing 36 to thank everyone including our many partners across the city for their continued Donations and Fundraising 38 support in improving the lives of older people in Sunderland. Partnerships 41 Volunteering 44

News and Events 45 Graeme Miller Tracy Collins Acknowledgements 46 Chair of Director of Age UK Sunderland Age UK Sunderland

2 3 Our Board & Other Offices The Essence Service Sunderland’s Dementia Hub for those in the Essence President Her Worship the Mayor of Sunderland mild to moderate stages of the condition. Service Patrons Professor Peter Michael Fidler CBE, DL, MSc, RTPI Lord-Lieutenant for Tyne & Wear, Mrs Sue Winfield OBE By 2025, throughout the UK, just over Our Essence Service is dedicated to ongoing Sir Thomas Allen, CBE one million of us will be living with consultation with those with a dementia Chairman Mr Graeme Miller dementia and over two million by diagnosis and their carers to ensure the 2051. service is client focused and tailored to Vice-Chair Mrs Patricia Robinson Source –Age UK individual need. Our feedback clearly demonstrates that the service provides a Hon. Treasurer Mrs Susan Ritchie As the only charity in the country to attain high level of information, advice, activities The Board Mrs Carol Harries Trustee the University of Stirling Award for its and listening ear support which helps Mrs Susan Ritchie Trustee dementia friendly environment, our Essence people come to terms with and accept a Mrs Ann Lawson-McLean Trustee Service has continued to develop and make dementia diagnosis in an informed and Mrs Dianne Hutchinson Trustee a positive impact for people with an early supportive environment. Mr David Teasdale Trustee diagnosis of dementia and their carers. We are delighted that the service continues Mr Roy McLachlan Trustee The service highlights the benefits of to receive funding from the Sunderland Mr Matthew Jackson Trustee “Keeping the Essence” of those with a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to help Ms Kelly Chequer Trustee - Commenced 27.09.2018 dementia diagnosis for longer linking us carry out our vital work. Director Mrs Tracy Buck (née Collins) individuals and their carers into mainstream activities and support. Company Secretary Mrs Tracy Buck

Solicitor McKenzie Bell

Auditors Ribchesters

Head Office Bradbury Centre, Stockton Road, Sunderland, SR2 7AQ Tel: 0191 5141131 Fax: 0191 5670378 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ageuksunderland.org.uk

Registered Charity No. 1086995

Registered Company No. 4199449

Area Offices Coalfields The Metcalfe Centre, Lee Terrace, Hetton-le-Hole, DH5 0AQ Tel: 0191 5269274 Email: [email protected]

Washington All enquiries regarding Washington should be directed to Age UK Sunderland on 0191 514 1131

4 5 “I have learned more Our dedicated staff team is Everyone is encouraged to than I have ever based at the Sir Thomas Allen engage with the Essence activity learned in my life.” Centre in Doxford Park, providing programme as evidence shows tailored support plans for those that keeping busy, stimulating in the mild to moderate stage the brain and socialising slows of their dementia journey and down the progression of their carers which are reviewed dementia and maintains general “The more I learn regularly. This includes setting wellbeing. the better I feel.” goals and agreeing actions. This includes: From April 2018 until March • coffee mornings 2019, 1,624 people have • arts and crafts sessions accessed the Essence Service, • movement and music “It’s a lifeline.” of which 515 have been new clients. • reminiscence sessions • independent living skills In addition to providing • carer peer support groups information on dementia, such as behavioural changes and the • men’s groups “Thank you so much different types of the condition, • iPad active sessions for your help before a range of other information • trips out to Beamish and other and after I lost my and advice has been delivered to North East beauty spots husband. Thank you.” people with dementia and their Age UK National Maintenance Cognitive BUPA ‘Essence of a Carer’ Programme Sessions are held both at the Stimulation Therapy pilot project carers, such as: BUPA funding has allowed us to develop Sir Thomas Allen Centre and at In September 2018, Age UK Sunderland was a ten week ‘Essence of a Carer’ course. • maximising income and community venues throughout selected as one of seven Age UKs nationally The aim of the course is to improve carer accessing benefits the City. to deliver a pilot MCST programme. wellbeing by giving carers the opportunity • staying healthy and preventing We have over 12 active Maintenance Cognitive Stimulation Therapy to have time away from their caring role falls volunteers who support the (MCST) is a weekly one to two hour long where they can ‘be themselves’. Although • information on community service in a variety of ways. All programme for people living with mild to there is a focus on carer wellbeing, we and residential care volunteers are screened and moderate dementia. are keen to incorporate as much practical • wills and power of attorney DBS checked via the Age UK information and support into the sessions Group members take part in meaningful • accessing social care Sunderland Volunteer as possible. and stimulating activities, proven to help assessments Co-ordinator. maintain memory and mental functioning. The groups provide a fun, supportive environment where people can build new We are very pleased to be able friendships. to draw in additional funding for Two MCST programmes were delivered people living with dementia and between November 2018 and April 2019. 1,624 515 12 their carers as this enables us to Essence people have accessed of which have volunteers Feedback from those taking part was that Service the Essence Service in been new clients they noticed improvements in terms of enhance their support. 2018/19 in 2018/19 language and speech.

6 7 “We really didn’t know where to turn, we are very Living Well Links grateful.” Support for local people who need it most

In Sunderland we know that only The team act as a first point of contact to 3% of the population use over half support older people in their homes, care the NHS healthcare budget and that homes and other community settings using doesn’t include social care spending. a person centred approach which includes their families and carers to plan non- Funded by Sunderland CCG the Living Well medical support that is based on the goals Link Service works to support those people most important to them, ensuring older primarily in that top 3%, identified by their people receive the right support at the right local GPs who: time. • are 65 years old or over Between April 2018 and March 2019, a total • have two or more complex long term of 862 older people were supported by the health conditions Living Well Link Service and a total of 1,050 • face social challenges as a result of their referrals or signposts (including assisted health such as not knowing their benefit signposting) onto other services were made. entitlements or struggling to get out of their homes

The service continues to be a great success and our team are ensuring that the older people of Sunderland with long term conditions are supported to have a better quality of life within their communities.

The service is part of Sunderland’s Community Integrated Teams (CITs) which enables older people to access better, more integrated care outside of hospital, thus helping to reduce unnecessary hospital admissions.

The aim of the Living Well Link service is to put people living in Sunderland in personal control of their health and wellbeing by 1,050 referrals or signposts linking them into community support. (including assisted The Living Well Link Service provides social signposting) onto other support to older people in the identification services have been made of community assets and networks, with a dedicated Living Well Link Worker in each of the five CITs providing a City wide service, linking older people to the services in the 862 community that can improve their health older people have been and wellbeing and support them to live as supported by the Living Well independently as possible. Link Service during 2018/19

8 9 Living Well and Beyond Cancer Supporting people to live better with and beyond cancer

Age UK Sunderland was successful in The Age UK Sunderland’s Living Well Link attaining funding from NHS England to Team visit people living with and beyond implement a regional programme of cancer in their home or community work supporting those living with and setting and offer practical person centered beyond cancer. holistic support interventions to help them feel more in control of their health and It’s a cause for celebration that more wellbeing. The team also attended two people than ever are surviving after a Health and Wellbeing events, providing cancer diagnosis but the impact of cancer advice and information on services available doesn’t suddenly stop during treatment to support cancer patients. and when treatment is over. Living Well and Beyond Cancer is a national transformation A number of free exercises classes are part project which aims to improve patient of the support given to encourage patients experience by introducing a combination of living with and beyond cancer to take back interventions that can improve outcomes control of their health and wellbeing by and co-ordination of care for patients. making a positive change.

Age UK Sunderland are working to help Between July 2018 and March 2019, a total improve the experience of people living with of 300 cancer patients and their carers and beyond cancer by providing a range of attended health and wellbeing events to interventions to support those affected to improve their support mechanisms. 72 live well with their diagnosis. The project referrals or signposts (including assisted can support with: signposting) were made to patients onto other services. • improved lifestyle choices and social support • attaining help with dealing with the emotional impact of a cancer diagnosis • financial advice • access to activities to improve physical health • advocacy services to give people with a 300 cancer patients and their carers attended diagnosis a voice health and wellbeing events We want everyone who is diagnosed with cancer to live well after a diagnosis and believe everyone should experience high quality cancer care and support. This means 2 volunteers receiving support in a way and place that “Very satisfied with works for the individual, tailoring support the support and I packages for people and those close to feel happier.” them and offer support to manage self- 72 recovery. referrals or signposts made

10 11 Social Focus Hospital Discharge Service (HDS) A service for people aged 50+ who have a mild to moderate Actively reducing the re-admission of older people to hospital functional mental health condition, such as anxiety, Based in the Discharge Lounge at work, shopping support, signposting and depression or stress. Sunderland Royal Hospital and making referrals. Some clients require funded by Sunderland CCG, Age UK ongoing support after the initial three week 3.6 million older people in the UK to get people integrated back into their Sunderland’s Hospital Discharge intervention who are then referred to other live alone, 1.9 million older people community. Team (HDT) continues to successfully services to support the individual on a longer term basis. often feeling ignored or invisible with Referrals for the service have increased operate as a service for all older research finding loneliness can be as throughout the year and the project has people aged 60+. The HDT liaises with The HDS have once again had a very busy harmful to our health as smoking 15 already documented a number of very the Discharge Lounge and Hospital year and continue to provide the service cigarettes a day. positive outcomes. This year, over 295 Wards who refer approximately Monday to Friday each week. The demand Source –Age UK people received support from the project. 80 patients a month. The HDS has continues to increase due to the value of the service to clients following discharge Funded by Sunderland CCG, Age UK The Social Focus Service is constantly one main focus which is to prevent from hospital. Sunderland’s Social Focus Project is a progressing and finding new ways to tackle readmissions into hospital after an service for people aged 50+ who have a social isolation, within the last twelve initial visit. During 2018/19 the HDS supported mild to moderate functional mental months the project has supported new The team offers a flexible range of advice 299 older people throughout the City health condition, such as anxiety, befriending projects to engage people in and support within the home. Working of Sunderland and continues to build depression or stress. social activities as well as setting up new with patients for up to three weeks after good support mechanisms with other social groups to connect ex shipyard/colliery professional services and organisations to The aim of the project is to tackle social discharge. The service includes assisting to workers who would like to reminisce about ensure older people receive a variety of isolation and looks to reduce symptoms prepare meals, helping with light domestic the past and connect with old work mates. support interventions. of mental ill health. The service has a Co- ordinator who delivers dedicated one to one The project has been supported by 6 support to individuals. Following referral, volunteers this year who have carried out 80 our Co-ordinator undertakes ongoing some fantastic work with clients resulting in patients visited assessments to identify need in terms of improved wellbeing. The volunteers are also on hospital social and mental health issues. The service invaluable in helping us to help to combat wards in a month also acts as a form of signposting and loneliness and low level mental health support looking to promote independence issues. 299 “Opened my older people world. Very supported pleased with the 295 people received support “Our support.” patients always from the project during comment on “Very 2018/19 how happy they happy with the 288 are with the service, happy new referrals service” and helpful” 6 676 volunteers home visits

12 13 Front Door Service (FDS) Enabling older people to stay independent longer

Funded by Sunderland City Council & The interventions are provided by a team of “I go to two different Since November 18 the independent as well as having NHS England, Age UK Sunderland’s Front Door Living Well Link Workers who are Community Support interventions provided by the choice and control over their social prescribing programme the FDS supported by the wider FDS infrastructure. clubs and feel like a Living Well Link team have health. 56% of clients reported was implemented in November 2018. The team work directly with the older different person. The shown significant increases in they needed support to establish The service provides low-level tailored person as an interface supporting the support I received the wellbeing and confidence social interactions and support support to enable older people to stay referral process in to health, housing, social was marvellous." of older people and in their networks. independent for longer in their local care and voluntary/community services. interactions within their local During November 2018 to March community. community. The wider FDS infrastructure includes Age 2019 the FDS Living Well Link The FDS offers a single point of contact UK Sunderland’s: “I always feel less Over 40% of clients who Workers have supported over and extends access to information, • Advocacy Service stressed and more accessed the FDS needed 300 new people to reduce their support to become more loneliness and social isolation. early interventions and flexible low-level • Information and Advice Service (income relaxed after your community-based support to adults who maximisation) visit. THANK YOU” do not require intensive or specialised care • Community Support Clubs or support interventions from statutory services. • Keeping in Touch (KIT) Service “If my wife could see me now she would not believe the things I am doing. The Front Door Living Well Link Worker has helped me and for that I am very grateful.'

300 new referrals from November 18–March 19 “Thank you for all your help. You have gone above and beyond to help us” £32,839 (from November 18 via the Front Door Service)

14 15 FDS Advocacy Service FDS Community Support Clubs Assisting older people to enable them to find their voice Reducing social isolation

Funding from the Big Lottery enabled The Advocacy Service is essential in Our Community Support Clubs bring All the venues are welcoming and the implementation of Age UK ensuring that every older person has a voice people together to socialise with friends comfortable and run by our dedicated and Sunderland’s Advocacy Service which to obtain the support they need to be able old and new and at the same time offer friendly Age UK Sunderland volunteers who, is accessible to everyone aged over 50 to speak up for themselves. the opportunity to join in with activities as well as providing support, offer regular and is the only one of its kind in the and enjoy a nutritious meal. refreshments throughout the day. Often in later years, especially when people City. are moving through life transitions such Typically meeting once a week, our Through attending we hope to help older The service is free of charge and provides as bereavement and health issues, life can Community Support Clubs run from Monday people to: assistance to people who are experiencing often prove to be complex and challenging. to Friday in Sunderland central, Washington • lead healthier and happier lives difficulty with resolving issues. The Advocacy and the Coalfields areas offering attendees During 2018/19 the Advocacy service is here • tackle loneliness Service aims to resolve problems ensuring the opportunity to meet likeminded people to understand and enable older people to • get active that the client’s voice is heard, avoiding while having fun, staying active and sharing manage this transition and this year alone negative impact on an older person’s health common interests. • stay independent for longer has supported 385 clients to resolve and wellbeing. nearly 400 issues. We provide a total of 31 Community Our two professional advocates work with Support Clubs which are held in a number The Advocacy team has attended volunteer advocates to liaise with and of venues across all five localities of the 31 500 55 community events and provided outreach support the older people of Sunderland City. On average around 500 people attend community attend every volunteers surgeries to promote and raise awareness through a range of disputes. The advocates clubs each week. support clubs week of the service. provide a selection of options from which the client can determine their chosen pathway.

“I would not have known what to do or who to turn to 385 if I had not been people supported able to access this service”

“I go to the 400 Community Support issues resolved Club each week, I enjoy the company and it helps me to keep my 2 independence” volunteers

16 17 “I would like to thank Age UK FDS Keeping in Touch (KIT) Service Sunderland for the help, support and friendship Good company, good conversation shown to my mother. The volunteers weekly visits were a highlight Good company and conversation This year, our 54 home-visiting volunteers of mam’s week.” is enjoyable and important for our made almost 2,864 home visits to 73 wellbeing. However, as we grow clients and 33 telephone volunteers older we can often experience times made 8,962 telephone calls to almost 217 of loneliness and isolation. This can clients. happen for a variety of reasons – As the demand for this free service bereavement, family living away, continues to increase we are actively being housebound, etc. looking to grow our team of volunteers Research has shown that loneliness can in order to support many more lonely have the same negative effect on health people. In addition to our current face to and wellbeing. Additionally, social isolation face and telephone befriending service and loneliness can contribute to anxiety, we are developing a digital model. KIT low mood and depression. Digital Connections will offer clients the opportunity to chat to friends and family One of the most effective ways of helping using one of our tablets and associated to alleviate the feeling of loneliness and software, supported by a volunteer. social isolation is our KIT support which is part of our Front Door Service. It is a simple, straightforward way for friends to have a catch up and a chat but additionally it can prevent people from potentially reaching a crisis point.

Our team of friendly, dedicated volunteers are in weekly contact with many older people across the City to provide social interaction either with a home visit or a regular telephone call. 2,864 home visits Information is gathered about hobbies, likes and dislikes, even the person’s previous employment to ensure whenever possible, just the right volunteer can be matched to the client. Our volunteers often get as much 87 volunteers reward from delivering the service as the clients do in receiving it. 8,962 telephone calls

18 19 ActivAge Introducing Digital Video Calling to New Activities, New Friends, New Beginnings Our ActivAge service continues to and welcoming environment often provides provide activities which concentrate much needed respite from the effects of our Keeping in Touch (KIT) Service on the physical aspect of wellbeing; social isolation and loneliness. such as tai chi, yoga, line dancing and Bringing family and friends close into view. We ensure ActivAge offers a very flexible seated exercise as well as exercise programme of activities and interests to suit Just a few clicks – and they’re there with you. for the mind, through taking on the all types of interests and needs delivered by challenge of learning how to use a experienced tutors and volunteers. It’s so nice to stay in touch, and all the The android tablets have been customised computer/tablet, a new language, or more ‘real’ when a smile or a gesture with a simple user interface for ease of use. painting with watercolours. is there on your screen while you talk As well as the opportunity to receive about your day to family and friends. One of the greatest gains that any older a weekly video call from one of KIT person can make when attending a class We are delighted to announce this exciting volunteers, training and support will be is the creation of a new friendship group. new ‘digital’ project which introduces provided to encourage users to video Attending an ActivAge class set in a friendly video calling to isolated older people in the call family and friends via the ‘Microsoft City expanding upon our established KIT Messenger’ application. telephone & befriending service, we have This is particularly special when family live Courses and activities in introduced a ‘video calling’ service, so that abroad, or on holiday perhaps, and they 2018/19 have included: the office based service becomes not just a may wish to share some of their experience friendly voice’, but a ‘friendly face’ too. Keep Fit as a Fiddle by video calling or sharing pictures and Gentle Seated Exercise Older people are supplied with Android messages of their holiday. Tai Chi, Yoga and Pilates tablets from our dedicated device library, The service is delivered with a paid member with built in ‘Data’ for internet access, on Line Dancing and Dance Fit of staff supported by a number of dedicated loan for up to eight weeks. Ongoing support Holistic Therapies & Stress volunteers who are recruited specifically for and advice is available should older people Management this role. wish to purchase their own tablet at the Digital Inclusion for Health end of the loan period. IPad/Android Tablets & Social Media; Money Matters & Online Shopping Computer: Microsoft Basics; Computer Drop-in Family Tree Online Calligraphy During 2018/19 we successfully achieved: Watercolours Spanish, German and French Ukulele 1,570 15,300 Music Making & Appreciation enrolments attendances Knit, Stitch, Chit `n` Chat Thursday Get Together Friday Friends and Scrabble 10 106 900 Photo Restoration volunteers courses older people benefitting

20 21 Digital Health Inclusion Project Step into a world of discovery

2018 saw the launch of an exciting and accurate health information from a Evaluation mechanisms were in place to The Age UK Sunderland pilot, overseen by and innovative pilot project funded number of ‘trusted’ health websites. ‘measure’ individual learning throughout the ‘Good Things Foundation’ experts in by NHS England targeting digitally the process and significant improvements in digital learning, was part of wider national Supported by Age UK Sunderland’s Digital excluded older people and introducing digital skills were attained by the learners, funding for similar digital exclusion pilots Health Officer, and a number of trained them to the world of digital demonstrating that the project has been a and has attracted external interest from volunteer digital champions, 71 participants technology. great success. other areas in the country wishing to learn took part in detailed information sessions from Age UK Sunderland’s project as an covering: A good proportion of learners, encouraged The service which ran until early 2019, example of good practice. taught digital skills on IPad, android tablet • use of a touch screen by their learning experience, signed up for or on laptops, in a classroom setting, or • set and change personal settings further digital classes when the project one to one in a person’s home where the came to an end. • apps\notifications individual was unable to attend a class due to health or mobility issues. • surfing the internet • staying safe on the internet In addition to teaching digital skills, the • completing online forms project had a strong health focus to support people to register for ‘online’ GP services • registering with GP together with learning how to find reliable • finding safe health information

One of our weekly ‘Group Sessions’ held at Fullwell Library “I feel “Good confident and content, very useful for good support contacting and useful my GP”. information”. 71 85 47 11 participants total number of sessions home learning sessions volunteers

22 23 Meaningful Connections Promotes the inclusion of older marginalised and underrepresented to learn to restore and renovate the including loneliness, anxiety and depression museums artefacts and meet likeminded and encouraging social participation groups including LGBTQ+, and isolated men, supporting groups to people along the way. Men’s Health related through a preventative and enabling make meaningful connections, reducing loneliness and isolation workshop are also delivered. approach to loneliness. and enabling connectivity in the wider community. The project’s core aims are to support older The project aims to: men to: • reduce social isolation and loneliness In March 2019 our Meaningful Meaningful Connections facilitates the • reduce feelings of loneliness and social Connections Co-ordinator came into integration and inclusion of disengaged • increase social connections and isolation post. Older people from marginalised older communities into mainstream support community belonging populations including the LGBTQ+ ensuring all older people in Sunderland are • improve health and wellbeing and have • encourage community involvement by community and older men, are much able to love later life. We are achieving this increased knowledge in self-health care empowering and supporting people to less likely to access support services. via our: • learn new skills and develop hobbies establish their own independent self- This is despite experiencing significant • access wider support services sustaining networks Men in BIG Sheds Project health inequalities and challenges • feel more connected to their local In addition, Age UK Sunderland is working in later life such as loneliness, poor Delivered in partnership with the North East community in partnership with the Sunderland Pride mental wellbeing, and increased Land Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM), Men in Group to empower the older LGBTQ+ concerns/worries about growing older. Big Sheds is a social, learning and wellbeing LGBTQ+ Project community to contribute to the design and It vitally important that we assist people to project targeting older men in Sunderland This project delivers tailored one-to one development of the Sunderland Annual access appropriate information and support who are or at risk of social isolation, support to older LGBTQ+ people who Pride event ensuring it is inclusive to and to promote positive ageing and improve loneliness and ill health. experience low level mental health needs, representative of the older population. access to services, through both age and Weekly group sessions held at the NELSAM culturally appropriate support. provide volunteers with the opportunity

24 25 Information and Advice Service Joining Forces Helping people to claim their entitlements Support for our veterans

Age UK Sunderland’s Information and The Information and Advice Service has The Joining Forces Information and Older Veterans have articulated that Advice Service provides a free and proved successful over this last year in Advice Service has developed in the specialist organisations like Age UK confidential service which is a much maximising client’s income via benefit partnership with other Age UK’s in the Sunderland provide more support and focus needed support to older people across entitlements. This enables older people aged North East. on working age veterans. Helping with the whole City. We provide help with 50+ on low incomes to help improve their their transition from the armed forces and The Joining Forces North East Consortium checking client benefit entitlements, general health and wellbeing. that more practical support with solving consists of four Age UK ‘brand partners’ offering advice on how to claim and problems. Through better access to benefits older including Age UK Sunderland in partnership assistance to complete benefit forms. people are able to reduce their sense of with SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen’s The Information and Advice Service is The Information and Advice Service ensures isolation and loneliness, the service has Families Association), Royal British Legion offering face to face, one to one support those claiming welfare benefits are receiving empowered people considerably by reducing (RBL) & the North East Veterans Network. focused on mental health and wellbeing, the full allowance they are entitled to. The the day to day concerns about living costs. The North East Consortium is delivering an loneliness and isolation in later life. The service also signposts clients and provides Information and Advice Service to Veterans partnership continues to identify Veterans The benefits have also improved client information to mainstream services and (ex-Services) through identified needs and on lower welfare benefits to support wellbeing aiding and assisting them to community care matters. We provide a responses to those rudimental requirements. them to maximise their income and participate in social activities. During combination of telephone advice and home raise awareness of the issues affecting 2018/19 the service has supported over The North East Information and Advice visits to clients. Veterans. The Joining Forces Co-ordinator 468 people to apply for £310,379.48 back Service are delivering to Veterans through a has attended five events meeting over 330 dated benefit arrears and £1,709,435 in guided conversation approach, many of the veterans in the last year. The Joining Forces additional benefits. veteran’s responses identify a generic offer initiative has offered information, advice which is available locally to all older people. and support to over 400 Veterans, Carers A generic offer through the North East and family of veterans throughout the year. Consortium can reduce the fear of stigma and enhance the feeling of belonging to a community.

’Thank you for all the time you took to help us with the forms. It was really During 2018/19: nice to meet you. Big hugs and a billion thank you’s!’ “Thank you for your kindness and 400 support in helping veterans, carers and me get my PIP award, so friendly family of veterans and helpful” supported

330 468 £1,709,435 £310,379.48 veterans have been met by people supported in additional benefits back dated benefit arrears our Joining Forces in making claims Co-ordinator over five events

26 27 “Volunteers are invaluable, offering 1-1 support, volunteering is a good basis for building friendships and Friends and Neighbours (FaNS) companionship” Supporting our care home residents across the city

The aim of the FaNS project was with their community, creating a positive to work with families, friends, platform for learning, resources and best providers of services, the voluntary practice which was shared across Care and community sector and local Home networks. businesses to maximise residents’ The FaNS project has been an overall quality of life according to their success as it has provided the resource to individual needs and wishes. develop effective relationships with the The project also helped support meaningful 23 participating Care Homes across the and sustained links between Care Homes City. It has offered an opportunity for Age and communities. This process through UK Sunderland to increase its number of increased social participation within Care volunteers, as over 20 were involved. Homes helped to increase mental and FaNS also provided training and much emotional wellbeing of residents. needed resources to extend the activity Age UK Sunderland is delighted by the offer within Care Homes, and has positive impact the FaNS Programme established a much needed Care Home has had including the overwhelming network group across the City for Activity community buy-in from Care Home staff, Coordinators to share skills and experiences FaNS Volunteers and Care Home residents. to enhance the quality of delivery and opportunity to Care Home residents. The initiative has ensured Care Home residents maximised their quality of life including having meaningful connections 23 20 care homes involved volunteers

“FANS has been “The FANS gives fantastic for our our residents a residents, one to chance to do more one sessions do activities and really help” chat to someone different”

28 29 “I’d like to take this opportunity to say how valued the Lifestyle Worker’s visits are to Mum. Her cleaning work is very good and her LIFEStyle Service input on a psychological Offering support in and out of the home level with Mum is excellent, very important and much appreciated by me.” Age UK Sunderland’s Lifestyle Service We have a team of experienced LIFEstyle is a charged for service and continues Workers, who provide excellent help to provide vital support to people and support to older people across the across Sunderland. The service is open City enabling them to maintain their to those seeking support in different independence in their own homes. areas of their lives. The feedback we receive about LIFEstyle is The LIFEstyle service is currently mainly extremely positive, with clients expressing used for: their thanks and appreciation for the • light housework support provided. • shopping for clients We currently employ 12 LIFEstyle Workers • companionship who have provided 6,600 hours of support during 2018/19 to 163 individuals.

“My Lifestyle worker is a lovely girl and I am really pleased with the work she does for me”

12 163 6,600 LIFEStyle workers individuals supported hours provided

30 31 Redwood Day Service Activities and Events for All Support to reduce social isolation and maintain independence Age UK Sunderland supports older Washington people across the whole of the City All enquiries regarding Washington Situated in a modern, airy environment Our Day Service continues to provide both and has outreach hubs at Washington should be directed to Age UK Sunderland at the Bradbury Centre, our Redwood respite for carers and a supported and safe and Coalfields. Ably assisted by a on 0191 514 1131. Day Service continues to provide a day out for older people who require some number of volunteers, working with a high standard of activities and events support to maintain independence. range of partner agencies, we are able Our Support Worker is responsible for organising local activities for older people throughout the year at competitive Our recent refurbishment of our Day Service to support many local older people such as community support clubs and rates. facility has incorporated modern dementia from the heart of local communities. supporting local volunteers. This has been These include themed parties to celebrate friendly fabrics and colours into a great another busy year for the Washington area, Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day to name space which allows people to relax and feel Coalfields running community support clubs in four a few. comfortable. Our Community Support Worker ensures areas of Washington, over 60 older people delivery of community activities and events Every day is different and we offer a full We provide a tailored one to one experience attend per week supported by more than for older people, as well as supporting timetable Monday to Friday with a range of for each individual, during 2018/19 we 20 volunteers. activities such as arts, crafts, cookery, bingo, have supported on average 86 people and and organising a dedicated team of local The Christmas Stella Event as well as card games, arm chair exercises, sing-along, provided 3,369 sessions. volunteers. the Summer Tea had over 200 people reminiscing and much more. During 2018 – 2019, seven community attending and included six members of support clubs in the coalfields served over Santander Washington who assisted on 80 elderly local residents each week. “If I didn’t the day. A dedicated Washington Essence attend the Day Many of the clubs have enjoyed a wide outreach Group grows steadily with more Centre, I would be variety of activities and events throughout than 25 members attending weekly. isolated from the the year such as seated exercise, IPad Games such as Fun Bingo, Botcha, New Age world, it’s tutorials and special celebrations ensuring my lifeline” Curling, and puzzle games are played, and an engaging and interesting programme. competitively pursued by all. Working with our Essence Service along ASDA in Washington host our promotions with Essence Support Workers we host a stand every month and this has been a weekly outreach session at our Coalfields very useful way of promoting our products office in the Metcalfe Centre. and services, engaging new volunteers and This is an opportunity for local people with promoting the specialised services that a dementia diagnosis and their carers Age UK Sunderland has to offer. We are to meet and talk to people in similar regularly receiving up to 100 enquiries a day at these sessions. “The staff are circumstances, enjoy a range of fun very supportive activities such as new age curling, bocce, and make my day quizzes, reminiscence sessions with old enjoyable and full photos from the local area and much more. of fun”

Celebrating the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle 86 3,369 people supported per year sessions

32 33 Campaigning Age UK Sunderland have continued to support Age UK’s warm during the cold winter months. We Membership has allowed us to contribute sold Winter Warmth packs for £2 which to more eco-friendly methods of working, national campaigns in 2018/19 and these have included: included a fleecy blanket, Thermal Socks, allowing us to make cost efficiencies to Room Thermometer, Hot Chocolate, Energy support sustainability of delivery, reduce Loneliness Older People’s Council Efficiency tips and information about food waste and provide more nutritious and Loneliness in later life is not inevitable Age UK Sunderland set up the Older related services Age UK Sunderland offers. healthy options for older people. but it does make later life miserable and People’s Council last year as we recognise is really bad for our health too. Yet more the importance of ensuring that older Crime Prevention Sunderland Safeguarding Week than a million older people say they go for people get the opportunity to express their Over the year Age UK Sunderland have As part of Sunderland’s Safeguarding week over a month without speaking to a friend, views and opinions on issues that affect continued to work in partnership with held in September, Age UK Sunderland neighbour or family member. their lives such as health, safety, security, the Northumbria Police Community had a stall at the Sunderland Safeguarding housing, social care and support and That’s why Age UK ran the No One Should Engagement Team to promote the safety of Event held in the Minster. We had staff on transport. Have No One campaign nationally and older people in Sunderland. This year we ran hand meeting and greeting members of the played a key role in the Jo Cox Commission Building on the success of our 50+ Forums a crime awareness campaign specifically public and raising awareness of our services. on Loneliness. project, the Council enables a platform to providing crime prevention information to ensure that older people are still involved older people in Sunderland. Knitted Poppies Age UK joined forces with the Jo Cox and have a voice regarding areas that affect To commemorate 100 years since the end Commission on Loneliness which is a The campaign was a great success with them. of the First World War, Age UK Sunderland’s cross-party initiative designed to increase 68 people attending five community Knit, Stitch, Chit ‘n’ Chat group worked the public’s awareness of loneliness and engagement events coproduced and Local Support & Campaigning effortlessly to produce over 150 knitted encourage the public to act to tackle it. delivered by Age UK Sunderland and poppies. Jo Cox was passionate about the issue of Sunderland’s local MPs and councillors have Northumbria police. The sessions were loneliness and started the Commission continued to support the campaigning designed to provide older people with The poppies were used to decorate the before her murder in June 2016. In her work of Age UK Sunderland. Local media information about hate crime, older abuse, railings at the Bradbury Centre on Stockton memory the Commission will now be taken has also been supportive including cybercrime and prevention and reporting Road, in remembrance and honour of all forward by Rachel Reeves MP (Labour) and coverage from BBC Radio Newcastle, BBC processes. those who lost their lives during the war. TV, Sun FM, Sunderland Echo and other Seema Kennedy MP (Conservative). In the upcoming year we will continue to local publications and media outlets. drive forward our crime prevention agenda The Commission aimed not to simply Age UK Sunderland has campaigned and and ensure that vulnerable older people are highlight the problem but more importantly commented on behalf of older people in the protected from hate crime and abuse. act as a call to action. Under the slogan city on various topics including: ‘start a conversation’, the Commission • social isolation aimed to mobilise the public to help their FareShare • excess winter deaths neighbours, family and friends - educating Age UK Sunderland secured funding people on how they can become the • fuel poverty from FINCAN for Fare Share North East remedy – whether it be talking to a • winter warmth and advice membership. FareShare is a national neighbour, visiting an old friend, or just • the cost of care initiative that redistributes surplus food to making time for the people you meet. • dementia charities that would otherwise go to waste.

Formally launched on 31st January 2017 We have also supported several campaigns We have used membership to enhance and the Commission has focused, one month using these opportunities to raise support the sustainability of our community at a time, on different groups affected awareness of our other appropriate and support clubs. Clubs provide a safe and by loneliness including older people, complimentary services: enjoyable environment where older people and worked towards publishing a policy can access a hot lunch, socialise and manifesto to ask national and local The Winter Warmth campaign focused on participate in a range of activities. Government to take action. making sure older people kept themselves

34 35 Promotions and Marketing Age UK Sunderland have been • held Drop Ins at various locations for Health and Wellbeing Guide providing help and support to the example, Libraries, Doctor Surgeries, older people of Sunderland for over Hospitals (during visiting hours), Health We have also produced Age UK There is also information aimed at older 68 years and we are the largest local Centres. Sunderland’s first Health and Wellbeing people or their carers who may need to Guide. access social care support, either now or in independent charity, working and • worked with other organisations and the future. campaigning on issues affecting all partners attending their events, giving This guide contains health and wellbeing older people within the boundaries of talks to staff (particularly those that deal information and guidance for the over 50s. The contents of this guide also reflect the City of Sunderland. with older people, i.e. Sheltered Housing current guidelines that have been sourced Wardens, Carers, Nurses, Gentoo Staff There is information on the services and With regard to our services, we continue to from a variety of government agencies, and GP’s. Distributed information packs activities provided by Age UK Sunderland position ourselves in public spaces with high including the Care Quality Commission regularly to GP’s and care staff which they and how to access them. volume footfall, with regular promotional (CQC) and NHS Choices. use to refer to our service delivery within stands. This approach maximises our their role and/or give out to people who potential to introduce our services to new they believe would find the information people as well as creating networking beneficial. opportunities with other organisations Your local learning about the services that they • regular email updates of our news and provide better equipping ourselves to inform planned events to keep them informed of Health our client base. our activities. & • press Releases which are sent to our local Wellbeing During this year we have used the following media to promote any events. methods to promote our services within the • information stalls in shopping centres. Guide Sunderland area: • via our social media sites (Facebook, • visiting existing groups within the Twitter & Instagram) to promote our community to give talks at Community services and any news we would like to Centres, Churches, Hospitals, Patient share. Groups, Sheltered Housing, Schools, Community fairs, GP Surgeries, Libraries.

Supporting older in Sunderland to people more of make later life

36 37 Donations and Fundraising Our thanks go to everyone who has been involved in fundraising for us. It’s with the generous support of donors and fundraisers that we are able to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable older people in Sunderland.

To fund our work, we seek to achieve The Malhotra Group PLC a constant flow of income through a The North East care, leisure and property balance of commissioned services and group, showed its support to local Age UKs fundraising. including Age UK Sunderland, Age UK North Christmas Spectacular Boxing Day We would like to give a special thank you to Tyneside, Age UK Northumberland and Our 8th Christmas Spectacular Concert was We received a number of donations for all of our commissioners for continuing to Age UK Gateshead by naming us as their held in December at the Salvation Army in our 2018 Boxing Day Lunch including gifts fund our vital work to improve the lives of combined charities of the year. They have Roker. The Reg Vardy & Chester le Street for the people attending and a beautiful older people in Sunderland. donated £360 to Age UK Sunderland. Salvation Army Band, with bandmaster handmade Christmas cake which was Nick Hall, world renowned opera singer extremely well received by the participants Charity of the Year Wearside Bridge Club Graeme Danby, young euphonium virtuoso on the day. This year our Boxing Day Lunch A special thanks goes to the following THE BRIDGEATHON 2018 hosted by Andrew Hedley and vocalist Caitlin Hedley, was featured on BBC Look North East and organisations for naming us as their charity Wearside Bridge Club, in aid of Age UK Professor of Vocal Studies at University of Cumbria in which people attending had the of year. Sunderland. Bridge players from across the Sunderland Valerie Reid and the choir of opportunity to socialise. The Deputy Mayor North East competed in a 24 hours non- East Herrington Primary academy gave Councillor David Snowdon and Deputy Sunderland Empire stop Duplicate Bridge tournament to raise wonderful performances. Mayoress Councillor Dianne Snowdon also £540. The Sunderland Empire team raised a Our thanks also to Gordon Quinn for his attended to meet the volunteers and older massive £4000 for us through a number people. Big Knit support in the planning and preparation of activities including a Bingo Mingle event for the concert, the volunteers from Saint and bucket collections. Additionally, they Each winter Innocent Smoothies work John’s Methodist Church, the staff of Age And a big thanks to . . . provided Age UK Sunderland clients with with Age UK to help raise funds for winter UK Sunderland who helped on the door All the individual and group donors who promotional and discounted tickets for a warmth campaigns and once again our and with teas and coffees at the event. The have contributed to Age UK Sunderland number of performances, arranged an Easter marvellous volunteers knitted away and concert raised over £3,000 with sponsorship over the year, including Nissan & Sir John egg collection and donated a range of gifts produced over 5,000 tiny hats to fit onto the of the event again generously donated from Priestman Charity Trust for their continued for our guests at the Boxing Day lunch. smoothie bottles. This raised over £1,400. John G Hogg; Funeral Director, for which we generous support and donations. The hats were on sale in the winter months, are extremely grateful. ASDA also provided Just Travel Cover highlighting the winter warmth campaign. A us with donations of mince pies and cakes. Through a range of activities including the big thank you to all our knitters as we could selling of tasty ‘spooky’ treats, the amazing not have achieved the target without you. team at Just Travel Cover have donated £830 over the year to Age UK Sunderland.

38 39 Partnerships As the leading charity for older people in the City, Age UK Sunderland supports a wide variety of partnerships and community work. A number of the key partnerships we engaged with in this year are detailed below:

Sunderland City Council Age Friendly Sunderland We continue to work closely with A key strategy to facilitate the inclusion elected members and officers to support of older people, is to make or world more older people across the City and has age friendly. An age friendly world enables representation on: people of all ages to actively participate in • Sunderland Safeguarding Adult Board community activities and ensures everyone (SSAB) Quality Assurance Sub Committee is treated with respect, regardless of their age. It is a place where it is easy for older Sunderland Clinical Commissioning people to stay connected to those that are Group important to them. It also helps people to stay healthy and active, even at the oldest Age UK Sunderland works in partnership ages and provides appropriate support with Sunderland CCG and has to those who can no longer look after representation on a number of groups themselves. in relation to the All Together Better programme of work, to ensure that Many cities and communities are already older people’s lives are improved and taking active steps towards becoming more that services and support are in place age friendly including Sunderland. As part to maximise independence. Choice and of this, we are working together with the control, whatever their individual needs are. Sunderland Adult Partnership Board and other partners now that Sunderland has World Health Organisation (WHO) Status.

40 41 Moving Towards a Dementia Local Business Partnerships Men in Big Sheds - North East Land Friendly Sunderland Age UK Sunderland is also working closely Sea and Air Museum (NELSAM) The Dementia Friendly Communities with businesses in the City including: Age UK Sunderland have teamed up with project that will provide men with the Programme focuses on improving inclusion • Sunderland BID NELSAM with the ambition to better engage opportunity to learn to restore and renovate and quality of life for people living with older men, who are or at risk of social the museums artefacts including a • Business in the Community dementia. In these communities, people isolation, loneliness and ill health from the Merchant Ship Model & RAF WW2 Fire truck. will be aware of an understand more about • John Hogg Funeral Directors – Christmas Sunderland City region. The project will see older men connect Spectacular Sponsor dementia, people with dementia and their The joint Men in BIG Sheds initiative with their local community, learn new • The Bridges – Continued support by carers will be encourage to seek help and between Age UK Sunderland and the skills and interact with peers, alongside allowing us to use the centre to contact support and people with dementia will feel NELSAM, is thanks to funding obtained from contributing to the restoration of Museum the public included in their community. In addition to the players of the postcode lottery. The artefacts benefiting the wider Sunderland this, people will be more independent and • Station Taxis who provide free transport scheme is a social, learning & wellbeing community. have more choice and control over their for our Boxing Day Lunch lives. With thanks all of the above and many others for their continued support Supporting Community and partnership working with Age UK Development Sunderland, helping us achieve our goal Age UK Sunderland is active in supporting of making our City a better place for older community development for older people people to live. within the City. Community development is a way of strengthening civil society, by Sunderland Pride Group prioritising the actions of communities, and Joining forces with Sunderland Pride Group, their perspectives, in the development of Age UK Sunderland have received funding social, economic and environmental policy. to support and reduce loneliness, increase It seeks to empower local communities, community connectivity and improve around specific themes or policy initiatives. the wellbeing of older LGBT+ people in It strengthens the capacity of people as Sunderland. active citizens through their community As part of the project we will ensure that groups, organisations and networks, and the annual pride event is more inclusive and the capacity of institutions and agencies to representative of the older LGBT+ needs. work in dialogue with citizens, to shape and In addition to improving accessibility for determine change in their communities. all older people promoting community We aim to ensure that the voice of older cohesion and engagement in the event people is heard and listened to and has across the city. an influence of decision making in local communities.

42 43 Volunteering News and Events We have nearly 300 dedicated volunteers who provide approximately 1,200 hours of their time per week helping to run our service across the City Boxing Day Lunch including the Washington and Coalfields areas. Once again, Age UK Sunderland held a enjoy a full Christmas lunch and dance to The recruitment of volunteers remains The annual Volunteer Celebration and Long Boxing Day lunch in 2018 for the older the music of Suzi Sings. Each person left the strong with new volunteers coming Service Awards in June is our opportunity people of the City who experience high event with a Christmas gift. forward from a range of backgrounds and to thank everyone for their hard work. levels of social isolation and loneliness at The event is made possible each year due to experiences and varying ages, this ensures The 2018 celebration event was held at Christmas time. The event was a great donations of so many people through cash, our volunteer base is diverse and volunteers The Marriott and saw many long service success with over 25 people attending to gifts, and valuable free time. offer an impressive range of skills as well as certificates awarded, including to Maureen great reserves of energy and enthusiasm. Crawford, for a wonderful 25 years of The volunteer recruitment procedure is volunteering service. robust and includes the completion of an Our Volunteer of the Year Award 2018 went enhanced Disclosure & Barring Certificate to Dorothy Smithson for her dedicated work (DBS). with the Community Support Club in Hetton Our volunteers are located all over the and annual Queen of Eventide event. Sunderland area and we now have If you would like to find out more about quarterly informal Get-Together sessions volunteering for Age UK Sunderland, where volunteers can drop in for an update contact our Volunteer Co-ordinator on 0191 and to meet others. The Volunteer Views 514 1131. newsletter also continues to be published every quarter to keep our volunteers up to date with news stories, profiles, information Our Volunteer of the Year 2018: Left to right, and the regular training opportunities which Director of Age UK Sunderland Tracy Buck, are available, such as dementia awareness Mayor of Sunderland Councillor Lynda Scanlan, sessions and safeguarding. Volunteer of the Year 2018 Dorothy Smithson and Boxing Day Lunch 2018: Left to right, Age UK Sunderland Staff Member Lyn Crawford, Volunteer Dennis Price, Consort Mr Micky Horswill. Volunteer Sheila Storer, Director of Age UK Sunderland Tracy Buck and Staff Member Ian Cunningham.

Christmas Carol Service The Age UK Sunderland Christmas Carol Service at the Sunderland Minster is always a wonderful start to the festive season. It is always well supported and attended despite December being such a busy month for everyone.

Yet again the Minster was packed with everyone enjoying the event. A special thank you to Age UK Sunderland’s Musical Appreciation Group, Revd. Andrew Dowsett for leading the service and the East Herrington Primary Academy Choir for their very emotional and uplifting performance

44 45 “Thank you for all you Acknowledgements have done, we couldn’t We would like to thank all of the funders of our services. Their continued support have done it enables us to fulfil our mission statement for the older people in the city. without you”

Love later life

Department of Health & Social Care England

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