Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
OTLEY ACTION FOR OLDER PEOPLE ANNUAL REPORT 2017/2018
Otley Action for Older People, Otley Older People’s Welfare Centre Crossgate, Otley, LS21 3AA
Registered Charity Number 1150684 Company Number 8224902 Tel: 01943 463965 Tel: 01943 467106
Website: www.otleyactionforolderpeople.org.uk
Email: [email protected]
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Aims and Objectives as set out in the “Articles of Association”
“The charity is established to relieve the following charitable needs of older people living in Otley, Pool and Arthington:
1) To relieve poverty
2) To preserve and protect good health
3) To advance education; and
4) To promote the social inclusion of such people who are excluded from society because they are house-bound, or who are unable to drive or easily access public transport and to assist them to integrate into society by such means as the trustees deem fit”.
Background
Otley Action for Older People (OAOP) is a long established and successful community-based organisation working on behalf of the older population of Otley, Pool and Arthington. The project was first conceived in 1995 and in 1996 was granted charitable status. (The organisation was originally registered under charity number 1060379). Setting itself the clear objectives as listed in the original constitution. OAOP is open to all people over 60 within the Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Arthington areas. Otley Action for Older People is a member of the Leeds Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS) a network of voluntary sector organisations working with defined communities to identify and address local priorities and work in partnership with statutory services to support independent living for older people.
OAOP primarily targets activities and services to the needs of low-income older people, older people with disabilities and those threatened by or experiencing social exclusion. However there is an open door policy and thus activities are open to those aged over 60, except where there are defined criteria.
The organisation is located in the north west of the Leeds Metropolitan District. Otley, Pool and Arthington are set within a rural area and are outside the Leeds Regeneration Area.
There are over 3000 older people living within Otley (that equates to approximately 24% of the population). 8% of these are over 75 and 2% over 85. Among the over 60s, 71% are owner- occupiers, 18% local authority rental and 11% other rental. High proportions are living alone (49% of our membership). OAOP currently has in excess of 950 members registered on the database.
OAOP has four staff members and is supported by over 90 volunteers who are trained and experienced at working with older people. The volunteer workforce engages in a wide range of tasks and activities to ensure that the work of the organisation is carried out to a high standard. The staff team organises, manages and oversees the volunteers and also provides practical and emotional support to our members. Governance of the organisation is provided by the Board of Directors, which includes local older people (currently 85%) and members of the local community to ensure co-production in the development of services that are provided and decisions made. Consultation and feedback from members is also actively sought at varying intervals and occasions. As an organisation we have a continual improvement philosophy and a desire to increase the quality of services and outcomes available to older people. Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Otley Action for Older People (OAOP) provides activities and services for adults over the age of 60. The primary aims are focused around social inclusion and equality. This is enacted by enabling reductions in poverty, increasing active participation and providing person centred support for people to live in their own homes for as long as possible.
Services include home visits, assessments, information and signposting, shopping, lunch clubs, exercise classes, social groups and outings.
Board of Directors
Policy and Resources Sub Social Committee Committee
Project Manager.- Sue Trainor Qualified Social Worker 30 hours
Senior Memory and Social Inclusion Inclusion Project Worker Worker - Catherine Sarah McNab Greenwood Administration Level 5 Diploma In Qualified Social Leadership for Health and Support Worker Worker and Social Care Practice Educator (Full- Time) Julia Babbitt 15 hours 20 hours
Volunteers x 90 Student Social Workers
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
Board of Directors 2017/2018 Ailsa Bearpark
Gill Chapman
John Eveleigh
Doris Gagen (Chair)
Nigel Gill
Pamela Gill
Frank Jordan
Gerald McGowan (Secretary)
Arthur Parslow (Treasurer)
Tim Dalby
Company Secretary
Sue Trainor
Members
Pamela Calvert
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Board of Directors
Doris Gerald Arthur
Tim Pam Nigel
John Gill Frank
Ailsa
We are extremely sad to announce the passing of Margaret Plasting in 2017. Margaret was a dedicated member of our Board of Directors and was one of the founders of the Organisation.
We are very pleased to confirm that Tim Dalby has returned to our Board of Directors and we will be benefitting from the skills he brings with him to the Board. Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
Otley Action for Older People – Staff Team
Project Manager Sue Trainor Qualified Social Worker
Senior Social Inclusion Worker Catherine Greenwood Qualified Social Worker
Social Inclusion Worker Sarah Guyers Cert HE Health Studies Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (part qualified) Administration and Support Julia Babbitt (Resigned February 2018) Worker
Social Work students on placement in 2017/2018
Elizabeth Parr Second Year BA Honours University of Bradford Passed
Laura Firth Binks Second Year BA Honours University of Bradford Passed
Claudette Walsh Final Year BA Honours University of Bradford Passed
Inshrah Hussain Final Year BA Honours University of Bradford TBC
Sioned Grubb Second Year BA Honours Leeds Beckett University TBC
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Volunteers
We have an excellent team of registered volunteers ranging in age from 19 – 90! With a wealth of experience from just about every walk of life you can think of, our volunteers demonstrate care and commitment to the older people of Otley, Pool and Arthington as they run a myriad of services for OAOP. There are currently over 90 volunteers registered with Otley Action.
Our volunteers work as:
Directors Lunch club helpers Befrienders Minibus Drivers Minibus Escorts Group and Activity helpers Car Scheme Drivers Leaders and Helpers of Groups such as tai-chi, Zumba, Chair based exercise etc. Admin and office Support Fundraisers Providing support at appointments, such as dentist, doctor, hospital, optician etc. And many other ways to help our members.
Our volunteer workforce is fundamental to the work that we do and without them Otley Action would not be the force that it is. No one, especially the volunteers, should under estimate the value of their work and dedication. Due to their long term commitment Otley Action has grown steadily over the years. As a result we are able to help hundreds of older people to maintain their independence. Thank you!
Anne Anderson, Pauline Anderson, Roy Anderson, Silke Andrew, Christine Attwood, Lucy Atkinson, Christine Attwood, Ailsa Bearpark, John Barker, Anne Balchin, Norman Barr, Krzysztof Bluszcz, Garrie Bolton, Mohamed Bououden, Scott Bradley, Mick Bowman, John Broadley, John Burland, Alison Cairns, Eric Cairns, Pam Calvert, Robert Calvert, Arifa Chakira, Gill Chapman, Tak Choy Cheong, Denise Choi, Sheila Collins, Bryan Cooper, Raymond Dawes, Francis Denning, Ryk Downes, Tim Dalby, Sue Drake, John Egan, Isabel Evans, Mike Evans, Hilary Eveleigh, John Eveleigh, Patricia Farrar, Stephanie Ferguson, June Fiddes, Keith Foster, Georgina Flynn, Doris Gagen, Phil Gardener, Sharon Garrahay, Sylvia Garthwaite, Nigel Gill, Pamela Gill, Terry Gilmartin, Linda Guy, Elsie Hendry, Ruth Hinchliffe, Samuel Hogston, Trevor Howson, Christine Hughes, Paul Hughes, Helen Ingham, Kath Jones, Frank Jordan, Janet Jordan, Ellen Kehoe, Hemma Kotecha, Sue Lambert, Jean Leach, Alex Leggat, Audrey Leicester, Elizabeth Lister, Maggie Lolashvili, Eamon Marren, Ruth Marshall, Andy McCue, Wendy Murphy, Gerald McGowan, Chris O’Brien, Patricia Overend, Deborah Parapia, Stuart Page, Arthur Parslow, Jackie Parslow, Stephen Parslow, Neil Pointon, John Popplewell, Alan Pratt, Sue Raffo, Patricia Riley, Joanna Rowling, Cynthia Salisbury, Andrew Scott, Joanna Sewell, Jake Simpson, Elizabeth Smith, Margaret Smith, Deborah Stewart, Bob Shakespere, Doreen Suttle, Andrew Taylor, Helen Tyson, Margaret Turner, Anita Walker, Peter Walker, Ann Westgarth, Jennifer Watson, Fiona Woodhall, Alison Yarrow.
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Otley Action Members In March 2018 we had 991 members registered with Otley Action. There were 721 women and 270 men. Of these members there were 59 women and 45 men registered with Memory Loss. The number of older people living with carers is 141. There were 21 older people from the BME community.
Gender & Age Group of Service Users at Otley Action for Older People
300
250 Under 60's 200 Female Under 60's Male 150 61-69 Female
61-69 Male 100 70-79 Female 50
0 Under Under 61-69 61-69 70-79 70-79 80-89 80-89 90+ 90+ 60's 60's Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Gender of Service Users at Otley Action for Older People with Memory Problems
Under 60's Male 35 Under 60's 30 Female 61-69 Male
25 61-69 Female
20 70-79 Male 70-79 Female 15 80-89 Male 10 80-89 Female 5
0 Under Under 61-69 61-69 70-79 70-79 80-89 80-89 90+ 90+ 60's 60's Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female Male Female
In the past year the following members have passed away (01/04/2017- 31/03/2018) Kathleen Noble, Malcolm Smith, Nora Robinson, Hazel Baard, George Roast, Brenda Hillmen, Ronald Lawrence, Derrick Caygill, Derek Hustler, Mary Smithson, Jean Young, Pat Ellis, Walter Hudson, Pat Taylor, Sydney Mason, John Schwarzenbach, Siegfried Schmidt-Rohlfing, Judith Butler, Phyllis Clifford, Brian Bellwood, Dorothy Wraight, Leonard Wilkes, Margaret (Patricia) Isles, Mr Brown, Barbara Stead, Barbara Goodwin, Christopher Chennels, Diana Uttley, Alan Watson, Mary Dredge, Bill Webster, Thomas Moore, Frank Mulligan, Mary Hehir, Peter Darley,
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Chairman’s Remarks
It has once again been a busy year. We are now settled in our new premises and are very contented there. The position is so central and as we do many of our activities there, it actually makes life a little easier. It has already been mentioned about the students we have had .They actually seem to be better year by year. This year were magnificent and gave great assistance to our staff. We also had two very nice buffets for volunteers provided by one of them. Really nice to see Catherine back for an extra day a week and I am glad that Sarah’s contract has been extended, as this will give her time to develop her knowledge further. A valuable skill when dealing with the extensive range of enquiries that arise daily. Sue has as usual been the mainstay in all this I am not sure how she does it but whatever the problem she is completely unflappable and sorts us out. I really enjoy working for Otley Action I do not do as much escorting as I used to but step in when needed and work in the office. To finish my report I would like to remember all those we have lost in the past year, clients who over the years became friends and some personal friends as well who became clients. I hope to continue helping this very useful organisation for several years yet
Doris Gagen
Chair
Project Manager’s Report
As I approach my twentieth year working for Otley Action, I can look back on all the wonderful experiences that I have had and the amazing people that I have met. I started my days at Otley Civic Centre in January 1999, where I first met Margaret Plasting a volunteer at Otley Museum. Before long Margaret became a volunteer for Otley Action and then a member of the Management Committee, a position she held until her passing on the 1st August 2017. Margaret was passionate about Otley Action and the older people that we supported. Always ready to fight the good fight and challenge any injustices. We will always remember her for that wicked sense of humour and that cheeky twinkle in her eye.
The seven years from 2010 – 2017, that we spent in Bay Horse Court flew by with many memorable moments. We were particularly delighted when our organisational Blue Badge campaign was successful. Overturning a Leeds City Council ruling effecting many local community groups. The Calendar news team, with an announcement in the Bay Horse Court office, recorded this moment for all to see.
In 2016, our Board decided it was time to move to a more central location. We were approached by the trustees of the Otley Old People’s Welfare Committee about the possibility of moving there. The rest is history as we successfully relocated in November 2017 to the first floor of the centre. We are currently working in partnership with the trustees to create an amazing older people’s hub in the centre of Otley.
We are now in the final year of our eight-year contract with Leeds City Council, which ends on the 30th September 2018. Over the past year, preparations were made to tackle the application, which Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 arrived in March 2018; submission for this is the 9th May 2018. Successful candidates will know the outcome on the 3rd August 2018.
In 2017/2018. Otley Action got a grant from “Awards for All” to employ consultants to conduct a Building the Sustainability of Otley Action project. The work carried out to date has been an extensive consultation process, gathering information from stakeholders, volunteers and service users. The majority of those consulted have been local older people. The consultants will provide the Board with a report at the end of the project in September 2018 and the information gathered will form the basis of our 2018-2023 strategic and business plan.
Sue with her daughter and granddaughter. Her grandson Leo and her son Chris.
On a more personal note, I can look back over the past 20 years and see how my family grew alongside Otley Action. When I first started, I was the youngest member of the team with two schoolchildren. As is inevitable they grew up and my youngest Joanne is 30 this year. I am now grandmother to two beautiful grand children who have enjoyed the benefits of Otley Action by attending Parents, tots and seniors on a Thursday. It is great that my own family and their in laws are connected to Otley a place that is very dear to my heart.
Sue Trainor Project Manager
Social Inclusion Worker Report
I cannot believe how quickly the last two and a half years has gone! I am now well in to my third year at Otley Action and I am extremely pleased to say that my contract was extended for a further two years, up until October 2020, which I am very grateful to Sue and the Board of Directors for. This last 12 months have been another fantastic year, the office move has been a great success and the central location has been really positive for the organisation. We have had some sad times too, as we have said goodbye to some dear friends along the way. These friends will never be forgotten and the great work at Otley Action will continue in their memory.
2017 was an exciting year for me personally too, as my family and I moved to our dream home in Apperley Bridge. The biggest bonus from the move has been that my commute to work has less than halved!! I now get home around 5:15 pm as opposed to 6 pm, which has made a really positive difference to my life at home, and the amount of miles my car was clocking up! Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
(Sarah, her husband Graeme and their son Charlie celebrating getting the keys to their new home)
My part time role as the Mental Health and Well-Being Co-ordinator ended on the 31 January 2018. I submitted the project evaluation on the 30th January and this has been well received by the Leeds Community Foundation. Since the end of the mental health project, my role has reverted to the full time Social Inclusion Worker position. I am still studying towards my Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and the course is due to end in June 2018, however I am well on my way to completing this before June. Almost exactly 12 months on from our debut on the Channel 5 News, we were featured again in January 2018! The topic of discussion was focussing on how loneliness and social isolation can affect older people’s nutrition. The segment highlighted how important groups like ours, that offer food and a structure to people’s days, are. This was great publicity for our organisation and, again, I was really proud to speak on behalf of all the good work we do here at Otley Action. We are providing more and more vital services to the older people of Otley, Pool and Arthington. We are also working more closely with other local services to support our local older people too. A great example of this is our very popular Leg Club, which offers a valuable service to the community and has strengthened the link between health and social care.
I feel extremely proud telling people I work for such a valuable organisation and I am so happy I have been given the opportunity to remain part of such a wonderful organisation for a further two years.
Sarah McNab Social Inclusion Worker
Senior Social Inclusion Worker’s Report
The past year has been an incredibly busy and productive one. Our move into the town centre has been very successful; we are so pleased with our lovely new offices. We settled in quickly and thanks to Sue’s fantastic organisational skills, we did not have a break in service and continued to provide all of our weekly offerings. We have already noticed an increase in the number of service users dropping in to the office with queries and requests for assistance over the last 4 months.
Over the past year, we were fortunate to have five wonderful Social Work students undertake their practice placement with us, as part of their degree courses. Three of the students have passed Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 their placement, a further two are due to finish at the end of May 2018.The students are a huge asset to our organisation and carry out initial needs assessments and home visits. They also assist with running our weekly groups, and make grant applications for new projects. Whilst the student programme does provide a valuable financial income stream the support we receive from the students far outweighs that. They are indispensable to us.
In May of last year, we embarked on a new intergenerational project, our ‘Parents, Tots and Seniors Playgroup’. The premise, to bring together all generations in a social environment, where mums and their babies can make new friends. The group has been a joy to develop, seeing our members mixing with the children and passing on their knowledge has been fascinating. In June ‘BBC Look North’ came along to the group to film us. Other organisations are now replicating our model, with several similar groups popping up across the country both in the community and in residential care homes.
One of our founding members and long standing volunteer, Margaret Plasting sadly passed away in August. After battling a long-term illness for many years. I met Margaret on my first day as a student, when I began my placement with Otley Action, back in January 2010. Her sarcastic humour and wit won me over instantly. Margaret was a true friend, and a fantastic support to our charity.
‘The Beast from the East’ came to town in late February and gave us some problematic weather. The icy snow and gales tested our resources, with Sue and Sarah snowed in at home. Myself, and volunteer Treasurer Arthur held down the fort for a couple of days. Thankfully, Sarah and Sue were able to do some work from home. Several volunteers donned their wellies and went door to door, checking on the housebound elderly. We arranged shopping and hot meal deliveries and provided heaters. The work did not go unnoticed, local television channel ‘Made in Leeds’ popped out to interview us and highlighted our positive community work.
Jack and Charlie
On a personal note, as baby Jack is now a strapping, almost 2.5 year old! I will be increasing my hours and working 3 days per week as of April 2018. I will be heading up a Minibus Transport Project, which aims to assess and evaluate our current provision with a view to increasing our minibus services in the wider community. 2018 is going to be a busy year!
Catherine Greenwood Senior Social Inclusion Worker Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Otley Action Activities
Regular Services and Activities
Practical Help Advice and Information Shopping trips Registration of members Support for Individuals & Gardener vetting service community groups Contractors list Signposting and referrals Care and Repair referrals
Newsletters Volunteering
Transport and Mobility Social Care
OAOP minibus transport Home visiting and Volunteer Car Scheme assessments
Wheelchair and Befriending equipment loan Telephone contact Assistance to Attendance allowance appointments applications Form filling and financial
queries
Social Activities Health Activities
Memory Café, Bingo, Tai Chi classes Choir, Art Class, Parents, Zumba Gold classes Tots and Seniors, Lunch Winter indoor bowls
clubs, Monday Group, Summer outdoor bowls Wednesday and Friday Leg Club Social Groups, Monthly Mental Health Project Quiz, Coffee mornings, trips and outings, Annual Holiday, Fish and Chip delivery service
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Regular Groups and Activities
Clients Day Activity Venue Time per week (Average) Monday Bingo Downstairs in the 1.30 pm 20 Labour Rooms Monday Monday Social Group Various Locations 10.30/2.00 10 pm Monday Tai-Chi Wharfedale Court 10.00 am 9 Tuesday Otley Luncheon Club Over 60’s Welfare Club 12.30 pm 30 Tuesday The Blind Group Cross Green 12.00 pm 8 Tuesday Art Class Over 60’s Welfare Club 2.00 pm 9
Wednesday Union Court Coffee Union Court (currently at 9.30 am 15 Morning Bennett Court whilst Union Court is refurbished) Wednesday Fish and Chip Delivery Otley members 1.00 pm 8 Wednesday Leg Club Over 60’s Welfare Club 1.30 pm 35 Wednesday Pool Luncheon Club Wharfedale Court 12.30 pm 25 Wednesday Wednesday Diners Various Locations 1.00 pm 10 Thursday Choir Downstairs in the 11.00 am 25 Labour Rooms Thursday Otley Lunch Club Otley Methodist Church 12.00 pm 40 Thursday Parents, tots and seniors Over 60’s Welfare Club 1.30 pm 18 Thursday Tai-chi Otley Methodist Church 2.00 pm 20 Friday Friday Diners Various 1.00 pm 14 Friday Zumba Gold Otley Methodist Church 1.15 pm 25
Otley Action for Older People Monthly Group Schedule (April 2017 - March 2018)
Day Activity Venue Time Clients per session 4th Monday of Quiz and Buffet Lunch Over 60’s Welfare Club 12.30 pm 25 the month 3rd Friday of *Memory Lane Café Over 60’s Welfare Club 1.30 pm 10 the month
*Memory Lane Café was postponed in summer 2017. It will re-commence in June 2018 and the day and times may change. Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 What happened in 2017/2018?
New Premises!!
Moving to our new premises was one of the highlights of 2017! The move went well, with all staff and volunteers ‘mucking in’ and doing all they could to get us moved and settled as quickly as possible. The staff would like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers that offered their help and support during the move.
Mental Health Project
At the beginning of 2017, we were awarded some funding to run a 12-month mental health project. This concluded in January 2018. The project was a great success and offered vital support to people experiencing low-level stress, anxiety and / or depression. The great work was continued by Oblong wh en our funding came to an end.
Farewell Maggie
On the 1st August 2017, our dear friend, colleague and board member, Margaret Plasting, lost her battle with cancer.
Margaret, or Maggie as she was affectionately known, was one of the founding members of Otley Action and has been a volunteer ever since. She was one of the backbones of our organisation and her loss will be felt throughout for a long time.
Rest in Peace Maggie.
Time to Shine Funding
In February 2018, we were notified that our
funding application was successful and we would receive a grant to run a mini-bus project. This project will start in April 2018 and will be run by our Senior Social Inclusion Worker, Catherine Greenwood. Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
Otley Leg Club
In July 2017, a partnership was formed between Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Chevin and Westgate Surgeries, Otley Action for Older People and Leeds CCG to discuss a Leg Club for Otley, the first in the north of England.
Traditional management of lower leg problems, such as ulcers, sees patients attending leg clinics at hospitals and GP practices, or being visited at home by nursing staff. Since 1995, Ellie Lindsay OBE has developed the Leg Club model to treat individuals (known as members) on a drop-in basis in community settings, often village halls, in order to address individuals’ psychosocial needs, de-stigmatise the condition and involve them in their care. The initiative provides a partnership between nurses, patients and the local community with care provided in a social, non- medical setting. The Otley Leg Club was launched on the 7th March 2018 and runs every Wednesday 1.30pm until 3.30pm at Otley Old Peoples Welfare Centre, LS21 3AA.
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018
Third Sector Health Grants – Leeds North CCG
Mental Health Project
In 2017 Otley Action acquired funding from the Leeds Community Foundation, on behalf of the Asda Foundation, to run a mental health project, called Looking Up. The aim of the twelve month project was to support older people experience low level anxiety, stress and depression and provide coping techniques to reduce these feelings. The grant was facilitated by Leeds Community Foundation. Sarah McNab was employed as the Mental Health and Well-being Co-ordinator in February 2017 and managed the project throughout it’s duration. The final evaluation was submitted in January 2018.
Memory and Inclusion Project
The Memory and Inclusion project has been running since August 2010. The aims of the project are to reduce social isolation amongst local older people, improve access to information and support and to improve the quality of life for older people with dementia and their carers. Many factors can lead to social isolation such as poor mobility, financial hardship, poor health, and transport problems. Otley Action for Older People (OAOP) aim to tackle this by offering, escorted transport with our minibus with a tail lift designed for people with disabilities. There are numerous activities throughout the week as well as trips, befriending visits, a dementia café, financial assessments and form filling support. OAOP regularly make referrals to Adult Social Care and Equipment Services.
Social Work Programme
The Project Manager and Senior Social Inclusion Worker are both qualified and registered Social Workers. The Project Manager is qualified to supervise students in the workplace whilst the Senior Social Inclusion Worker holds a level 2 Practice Educator qualification. The role of Practice Educator is to assess and report on Social Work degree students throughout their practical placement. Most students come to OAOP for a period of either 70 or 100 days. The student programme is invaluable as it provides OAOP with not only a financial income but also a wealth of developing talent. Over the past 7 years, our fantastic students have supported us to make several successful grant applications, start new groups, run large events such as our Independent Living Events, as well as supporting us to run our weekly lunch clubs and groups.
Needs Assessments and Home visits
Since April 2017 the Inclusion worker and the 5 social work students on placement have made over 220 home visits to assess and to review both new and existing service users. This work is greatly supported by our befriending volunteers who have made over 1,000 home visits to their Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 allocated ‘befriended’ service users over the past year. The Social Inclusion Worker and students have made 15 new Attendance Allowance applications which have helped our service users to access over £55,000 of financial support in the last year alone.
Weekly Groups
Every week OAOP run a Monday activities group, Bingo, 2 Tai Chi classes, an art class, 3 lunch clubs, our leg club, a Wednesday lunch group, our choir, parents, tots and seniors play group, Zumba Gold and a Friday lunch group. OAOP also run a monthly quiz, memory café and various trips throughout the calendar year.
Otley Action Choir
Otley Action for Older People has an exciting new choir group who meet every Thursday morning at Otley Labour Rooms. The choir is led by Thanda Gumede. The choir is a great addition to our social activities programme. Studies have shown that singing relieves anxiety and stress and releases endorphins. Singing has physical benefits because it is an aerobic activity that increases oxygenation in the blood stream and exercises major muscle groups in the upper body, even when sitting.
Volunteer Car Scheme
Our volunteer car scheme continues to go from strength to strength over the last year, we have seen a 40% increase in car jobs. We currently have 25 car drivers who assist our members taking them to GP appointments, hospital appointments and to supermarkets for shopping. Between April 2017 and March 2018 we have provided car transport to our members on 441 separate occasions.
Befriending As more and more of our older people are becoming housebound and socially isolated, the demand for our befriending service has continued to grow. Befrienders provide a vital service from popping in and having a cup of tea and a chat once a week to taking a housebound older person out shopping. There are currently 20 members receiving regular befriending visits from our volunteers. We are keen to recruit more volunteers as we still have 5 older people currently on the waiting list.
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 Otley Action Finance – Fundraising and Donations
Leeds City Council – Otley Action for Older People have an eight year contract with Leeds City Council which runs until the 30th September 2018. (£53,470.00)
Leeds City Council– Otley Action for Older People was awarded three lunch club grants to support three separate lunch clubs in Pool and Otley. (£5,714.00)
Leeds City Council – MICE money to support the Parent’s, Tot’s and Senior’s group (£500)
Otley Town Council – Otley Action for Older People was awarded a grant from Otley Town Council to contribute towards the architect fees for our office move (£2,250.00)
Pool Parish Council – The council awarded Otley Action for Older People a grant towards our Easter Party (£130.00)
Barry Anderson – Otley Action were awarded a grant, also towards our Easter Party (£120.00)
Awards For All – Otley Action received a grant from Awards For All to contribute towards a consultation exercise to evaluate the long term sustainability of Otley Action for Older People (£9,275.00)
Synergy Netball – Synergy Allstars netball club held a charity netball tournament a donated the proceeds to Otley Action (£500.00)
Sir George Martin’s Trust – Otley Action for Older People were awarded a grant to contribute towards the costs of the office move (£1,370.00)
WG Edwards Charitable Foundation – Otley Action were awarded a grant towards our indoor bowling project (£1,000.00)
Otley Friends of Montereau Mr FG Barton – Otley Action received a donation towards the renovations of our new office (£873.44)
Zombie Apocalypse Mel Metcalf – Otley Action were kindly chosen as the charity the Otley Zombie Apocalypse raised money for with their event (£1,750.00)
Charities Aid Foundation – Otley Action were awarded a grant from Charities Aid Foundation (£500.00)
Otley Parish Beer Festival – The proceeds raised from the charity beer festival were kindly donated to Otley Action (£500.00)
Castley for the Poor – Otley Action received a kind donation from Castley for the Poor (£225.00)
Roy and Ann Anderson – Otley Action received the proceeds from their 50th Wedding anniversary (£200.00)
Otley Action for Older People / Annual Report 2017/2018 DETAILED INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2018
2018 2017 £ £ £ £ Income Grants, Donations and Fundraising 90,343 178,863 Fees and Charges 8,271 5,188 Contributions to Activities 22,798 19,649 Luncheon Club 14,321 14,029 Community Car Scheme 1,679 1,328 Bank Interest 1,251 1,320 Social Work Placements 4,880 2,480 Employers Allowance 3,000 3,000
Total Income 146,543 225,857
Expenditure Architect & Solicitors Fees (new premises) 8,536 - Set Up Costs (new premises) 17,719 - Office and Room Rent 9,886 10,618 Light and Heat 2,763 2,351 Subscriptions 389 257 Telephone 1,620 1,511 Printing, Stationery & Postage 1,129 1,259 Insurance 601 845 Repairs & Renewals 545 1,468 I T Support 3,180 1,583 Independent Examination 1,830 2,244 Professional Fees/Consultancy 4,970 682 Miscellaneous 37 58 Bank Charges 260 455 Publicity 2,007 2,581 55,472 25,912
Grant Repaid 3,250 - Minibus & Van Expenses 13,387 7,785 Trips, Social Events & Activities 17,413 15,268 Luncheon Club 14,645 13,171 Boiler Donation - 100 48,695 36,324
Salaries 61,596 78,316 Employers National Insurance 4,185 5,994 Pension Contributions 13,465 15,967 Payroll Fees 612 821 Training 60 1,097 Volunteer Expenses 3,877 2,855 Childcare Costs 3,056 3,056 Recruitment Costs - 179 DBS Checks 266 188 87,117 108,473 Depreciation 10,721 11,657
Total Expenditure 202,005 182,366
Net (Deficit)/Surplus for the Year (55,462) 43,491
Funds Brought Forward 252,895 209,404
Funds Carried Forward 197,433 252,895