Dates for your diary Number 44 Summer 2014 Campaign meetings Open Forum meetings 9th October Malcolm X C.C. 14:00 -16:00 14th August Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30 th BOPF Newsletter 8th January Baptist Church 10:30 -13:30 11 September Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30 The voice of 's over 55s 9th April Baptist Church 10:30 -13:30 13th November Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30 Non party-political 11th December Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30 Malcolm X Community Centre, City Road, BOPF membership now numbers 2753 Bristolians! St.Paul's, Bristol BS2 8YH  0117 955 4497 12th February Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30  [email protected] 12th March Easton C.C. 14:00 - 16:00 27th September to 12th October NOTE: Except for dates marked meetings NOTE: Except for dates marked meetings th , Princes' Wharf, will be held at Baptist Church 14 May AGM Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30 M Shed, Princes' Wharf, will be held at Broadmead Baptist Church Bristol's Floating Harbour. UnionUnion Street, Street, BS1 BS1 3HY 3HY  0117 0117 929 929 138 138 Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St., [email protected] [email protected]  A celebration of the value and  http://www.broadmeadbaptist.org.uk/ Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW  0117 954 1409  http://www.broadmeadbaptist.org.uk/  [email protected] everyday achievements of people over 55, in Bristol. Christmas Party 2014. We are looking for a free, accessible venue to Stalls, Workshops, host our Christmas Party lunch for our less mobile members. If you know of performances, fêtes and anywhere that would have us, please contact the office on 0117 927 9222. exhibitions all over the City. Angela Auset, BOPF MC Member and Christmas Party organiser Launch 27th September Help Us Keep Our Mailing List Up-to-Date @ M Shed If you have received this newsletter through the post, your name is on our mailing list. Our newsletter is free of charge, but we do need older people to complete our occasional survey http://celebratingage.org.uk questionnaires in return, to help us feed back to the Council and other Agencies how Bristol's over 55 population feel about a broad range of issues. If you know of an older person in Bristol who would like to receive our newsletter, or if you would like your name removed from our mailing list, please complete the form below and return it to us at Thank you Judith! Hello Julie! By Toni Massari the Forum office (address below), or ring us on 0117 927 9222. th Please add/remove this name to/from the Forum mailing list (delete as appropriate): At the AGM of 15 May our Chair for the past few years, Judith Brown, stood down from office, to concentrate on her other roles, as Vice-chair of Bristol Name Ageing Better, member of Bedminster Older People's Forum, BOPF Address Representative on Bristol City Council's Health and Social Care Scrutiny Commission as well as on the Bristol Older People's Partnership Board and Postcode signed: deputy Chair of Celebrating Age Festival. Taking the staff of office from her is Julie Boston, veteran campaigner against BristolBristol Older Older People's People's Forum, Forum, c/o c/o Age Age UK UK Bristol, Bristol, Canningford Canningford House, House, Bristol Bristol BS1 BS1 6BY 6BY   library closures, founding member of the Bus Pass Poets and of the Friends of Suburban Bristol Railways group.  01170117 927 927 9222 9222  [email protected] [email protected]   www.bopf.btck.co.uk www.bopf.btck.co.uk The Forum is delighted that Judith has elected to continue as Management Disclaimer: BOPF welcomes contributions from members. We will always make Committee member and welcomes Julie to her new role. every effort to include your views. Some of the opinions in our publications are Other MC members are: Angela Auset, David Elson, David Rigby, Di Parkin, those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of BOPF. Elaine Hutton, Gillian Seward, Gloria Morris, John Taylor (Vice-Chair), Phyllis Watkins, Ruth Bailey, Stephanie Batterbury (Treasurer), Val Jenkins and Zia BOPF would like to thank Bristol City Council for its financial support and also Age UK and Age UK Bristol for their professional help. Haque. Thank you all for standing, and in particular to returning members! BOPF is affiliated to the National Pensioners' Convention. BOPF Newsletter Editorial Team: Judith Brown, Val Jenkins, Ruth Bailey and Toni Massari Community Health Changing Places in Bristol. - the Workhouse, “the clinic “ and now Adult Community Services I have been campaigning hard for many years to get accessible changing places for people Are you going to get Community Health Services you need when current contracts in Bristol, I am a parent carer of a 29 year old daughter who needs to use one. end in October 2016? To let you know that we do have some in Bristol, , South Bristol Community Local people are apparently being asked for their views about future services. But Hospital, South Bristol Leisure Centre are amongst them – see below. “Bristol CCG has asked The Care Forum to support them to gather the views of patients There are some that do not have all facilities to be a changing places, but are nearly there and carers who use these community health services via the voluntary and community @Bristol, Mshed, The Zoo, Adventure Playgrounds all put in for larger children, but can be sector organisations that support them.“ used by adults, also other leisure centres have or are working towards them. Is this the best way to actually reach the widest number of local people? Anyway the There are also some planned for the future BRI new entrance, New Southmead hospital views of the organisations will be fed into the recommissioning process and we look and City Hall. forward to a report of how this was done. I have done this from memory and may not have covered all, but you could contact BPAC - Have you had a chance to give your views? Whether yes or no, read to the end for Bristol Physical Access Chain who are now also campaigning for them and hold a list. details of events and contacts. According to a survey by the Royal College of Nurses Mandie Lewis, BOPF Member Community nurse numbers have fallen by 47 per cent in the last decade at current rates Other locations with adult changing facilities in Bristol: the system will collapse by 2025 so we’d better get our voices heard quickly. ● Cabot Circus Shopping Centre, Cabot Circus, Glass House, Bristol, BS1 3BX I attended an event on 17 June for “Bristol Voluntary sector organisations and Tel: 0117 9529360 community groups that support older people with an equalities perspective (e.g. ● South Bristol NHS Community Hospital, Hengrove Promenade, Witchurch Lane, black and minority ethnic, LGBT or disabled older people)” This was run by the Care Witchurch, Bristol, BS14 0DE Tel: 0117 923 0000 or 0117 342 9737 Forum on behalf of Bristol Clinical Commissioning Group. The aim is to ask the views of ● Kingswood Civic Centre, One Stop Shop, High Street Kingswood South local people - but look sharp for your own chance to give a view, this is not always easy especially if you are not a computer user or contacted by your supporting group on this Gloucestershire, BS15 9TR Tel: 01454 863101 topic. ● Keynsham Leisure Centre, Temple Street Keynsham, BS31 1HE Tel: 01225 395164 My personal concerns: ● Patchway Hub, Rodway Road, Patchway, South Gloucestershire, BS34 5DQ Tel: ● Services should be delivered by people who set out to provide care not by 01454 868008 organisations that calculate what must be charged per visit etc. in order to make a surplus. ● Hft Head Office, 5/6 Brook Office Park, Folly Brook Road, Emersons Green, Bristol, BS16 7FL Tel: 0117 906 1700 ● Services should be based in one-stop clinics which are easy to locate and which can advise how to get help with all social and medical problems a person may have. For all email enquiries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland contact: [email protected] ● Clinics should include Social Workers who can look at all circumstances around a person’s life. http://changing-places.org/Findatoilet/Locationmap/tabid/70/Default.aspx ● All grades of staff to be supported and on proper pay and conditions e.g. Living wage For a location map of adult changing and proper recognition of additional or unsocial hours. toilets in Bristol, either visit the ● Effective procedures for public complaints, for monitoring quality and with proper website or ring: 020 7696 6019 provision for staff to voice concerns without victimisation. Contacts: Bristol CCG, South Plaza, Marlborough Street, Bristol, BS1 3NX Tel: 0117 976 6600 Speakers at our next meetings, Broadmead Baptist Church, 10:30-12:30 The Care Forum The Vassall Centre, Gill Ave, Bristol BS16 2QQ 0117 965 4444 On 14th August we will welcome Tim Lloyds-Yates, from Alive! Activities, a Charity dedicated to improving the quality of life for older people in care by enabling their Events participation in meaningful activity. Tim will tell us about their programmes for 2014-15. If you happen to be a computer user look at www.surveymonkey.com/s/NQR25GY or https://www.bristolccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/how-you-can-get-involved/adult-community-heal Our second speaker will be Senior Specialist Dietitian Rachel Liston and colleagues, th-services from the Eat Well, Live Well project, at the BRI, who will bring displays and resources on because it's local people they want to talk to and personally I didn’t feel well equipped to eating well on a budget and food for health. The team will hopefully stay for lunch. represent all the experiences and views of the two and a half thousand BOPF members. On 11th September, come and meet Dr Praminda Caleb-Solly, from the Bristol Perhaps we could request a paper copy of the form - consulting representative Robotics Laboratory, a research collaboration between the University of Bristol and the organisations like those who attended my session does not mean those individuals they University of the West of England, accompanied by Molly the Dementia Care robot. The “represent” are automatically going to get their view in. development team would greatly appreciated your feedback, so do come and join us!. 2 A personal view, from BOPF member, Keith Evans We hope you will be able stay for our extended Bring-Your-Own sociable lunch! 19 Chair's report From the Deck Chair.

From the new Chair of BOPF, Julie Boston 2014 has been a momentous year for me for two reasons. In April, Judith Brown, Chair of BOPF, nominated me as Chair.. Why ? My attendance at BOPF meetings has been sporadic and I could never work out how to slot into the Forum. Years ago, I came with my husband, Will Fancy, who died in 2009, but gave up because he couldn’t hear. I didn’t feel that pension-hood was my priority. How wrong I was. My suggestion that we need to be able to see and hear each other speak at Forum meetings was immediately accepted at the committee meeting. We set out the chairs in a semi- circle at the June meeting and it was better, but sitting round tables might be even better. In fact it worked well at the housing meeting in the winter. We know the importance of socialising and networking. We hope that if people bring food to share at the August Forum meeting this will happen. And BOPF Forum Manager, Toni Massari, has arranged with Broadmead Baptist Church to hire the hall until 1.30 pm. So please support this. Who remembers means testing? I was shocked to read in the Spring BOPF newsletter that Dawn Primarolo MP, in reply to Judith’s question on means testing , said that under a Labour Government the winter fuel allowance would be means tested. Means testing involves costly administration and leads to a service for the poor, and a service for the poor is a poor service. We have agree to invite Bristol MPs to speak in the autumn. Our campaign priories are keeping the pensioners bus pass; cycling on pavements and heating in winter. Hopefully I will be able to take forward these issues through the Green Capital Inclusion Group where I will be representing BOPF.. The Celebrating Age Festival on Saturday 27 September at the M Shed, Princes Wharf, Wapping Road, Bristol is something to look forward to. Hopefully there will be a Tea Dance and Reminiscing session which will let us be part of the action. The other momentous event this year is my 80th birthday. I persuaded my family – five children aged between 7 and 17 and their parents - to celebrate it on International Women’s Day. We walked from the M Shed to Bedminster Down up through the woods of Burwalls, down into the majestic estate, along Colliter’s Brook, around South Bristol Crematorium and into Cross Hands Pub where we dined and wined. 17 year old Bethan gave everyone a necklace which she had made with green, purple and red ribbons. Green and purple are the colours worn by suffragettes. The red ribbon stands for a word which begins with social. Some of the younger family members were stumped by this word. I am a very lucky person. Julie Boston

NEW MEETING TIMES! Mostly on the 2nd Thursday of the month, 10:30 to 13:30, At the request of our new Chair, Julie Boston, and starting from August, we are extending our meetings by 1 hour, to share a Bring-Your-Own lunch, get to know each other a little more and generally make our meetings more sociable. We hope you will be able to stay for this extra hour, or part of it and share some convivial time with other BOPF members and management. 18 We suggest we all bring a sandwich or two and a piece of fruit. 3 Editorial Note: In Feb 2014, the Government announced a 6 months hold off for the SECOND BEWAREBEWARE OFOF THISTHIS VERYVERY SINISTERSINISTER ANDAND EFFECTIVEEFFECTIVE SCAM!SCAM! ATTEMPT AT SELL OFF called CARE-DATA, so they will be trying again in SEPTEMBER 2014. Scammers have cottoned on to the fact that, if they stay on the line and do not hang up after calling a UK number, the line remains connected to them and they are exploiting this! IMPORTANT CHANGES TO YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS The scam works like this: GP practices across England will soon be required to supply patients’ personal and confidential 1. The fraudsters set up a telephone number with two extensions and configure them so medical information, on a regular and continuous basis, to the Health and Social Care Information that, when a call is transferred between them, it rings just like a new 'phonecall. Centre (HSCIC). When they ring a telephone number and someone answers they: The data upload is due to commence in March 2014 and all households should receive a leaflet (‘Better information means better care’) through their letterbox about this in January. Details 2. pose as police or an internet security company calling about card fraud. He, or from your medical record will be extracted from the practice in a form that can identify you, and she, will make the call sound very urgent, to panic and confuse you into compliance will include your NHS number, date of birth, postcode, gender and ethnicity, together with your 3. ask for your name and the name of your bank. They may say “I only need your name medical diagnoses (including cancer and mental health), their complications, referrals to and the name of your bank, no other security details” to reassure you. specialists, your prescriptions, your family history, details of your vaccinations and screening tests, your blood test results, your body mass index, and your smoking/alcohol habits. 4. tell you to immediately ring the number at the back of your card – This is designed to reassure you that the call is genuine and take you off your guard so that you will comply This programme is called “care data”, and the information uploaded will be used for purposes other than your direct medical care (so-called “secondary uses”). 5. remain on the line and when they hear you dial their bank they ... Medical staff treating you in GP surgeries, hospitals, A&E and out-of-hours centres will not 6. transfer the call to a second fraudster, (all you hear is what you believe to be your bank's use, or be able to use, this database. However, the uploaded data is likely to be made available to number ringing, while in fact you are still connected to their original call) organisations outside of the NHS, such as universities and commercial organisations. 7. pose as a Bank security employee and go through the security identification procedures, Under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, GP practices have no choice but to allow the HSCIC to checking your name, account number, sort code and other security details extract this information. Once the data has been extracted, the GP practice is no longer the data 8. ask you to enter your pin number into the telephone, to verify your identity; and... controller for that information, and cannot control or protect in any way how that information is used, shared or who has access to it. 9. tell you to cut up your card and put it in a sealed envelope, which will collected by a secure courier – usually an innocent taxi or courier company - who will unsuspectingly Although GP practices cannot object to this information leaving the practice, individual collect the card and deliver it to the fraudsters. patients and their families can instruct their practice to prohibit the transfer of their data, i.e. you These will piece the card back together, to get the card number and proceed to empty the have the right to opt-out. account, using the pin number they have just obtained from you. Because when you hang up If you do nothing, i.e. you do not opt out, then your medical information will be extracted and you believe you have just have spoken to your bank’s card fraud department, you will take no uploaded to the HSCIC. Once uploaded, you will not be able to get this data deleted by the further action, giving the thieves plenty of time to empty your account and cover their tracks. HSCIC. So if you want to opt out, you need to act now. If you get this kind of call, do not engage in conversation but, instead:: To opt out, simply fill in your details on the form to the right of this page, cut it out and post it or drop it in to your GP practice, marked for the attention of your GP. If you wish to opt out your A. DECLINE to answer and ask the caller to contact your bank directly, who will make all the children or other members of your family for whom you are responsible, you can add their details necessary checks and WRITE to you or, alternatively, send an officer to your home. on the back of the form. B. HANG-UP and wait at least 10 minutes, THEN dial 1471, to check whether the number was This is not the Summary Care Record. The two databases are very different. Opting out of one recorded; if so, take it down to pass on to the police database does not mean that you have automatically opted out of the other. C. REPORT the call to Action Fraud so that they can pass the report to the local Constabulary. Further information about the “care-data” programme is available online . REMEMBER: The above leaflet was written with the help of Dr Neil Bhatia, GP. We recommend you visit ● The Police rely on our reports to fight these scams! his website: www.care-data.info which provides a more comprehensive view of the ● Your bank will never send a courier to your home care.data programme than the ‘Better information means better care’ leaflet you may have

● seen. Your bank and the police will never collect your card 8am – 9pm Monday - Friday ● Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN 9am – 5pm Saturday - Sunday NHS England does provide some more details at www.nhs.uk/caredata and the Health and Social Care Information Centre also has a page describing how it handles your confidential Thank you to Angela Auset, BOPF MC member, for informing us about this scam medical information at www.hscic.gov.uk/patientconf REMEMBER ALSO: Door step callers – DON'T LET THEM IN! Opting out will have no effect on your medical care. If you are unsure what to do, opt out don't open the door to unexpected callers: speak from behind the door and ask who is there. If they now. You can discuss this with your doctor at your next appointment and, if you are ask to come into your house to find a gas leak, call your gas company to check and ask for their ID! satisfied, you can opt back in at any point. Copies of this leaflet for you to print or e-mail to If they give another reason, like looking for a missing pet, decline to let them in or, if you have a friends and family can be downloaded from http://optout.care-data.info 4 friendly neighbour, ring them and ask them to please come into the house with you. 17 The new Care Act - Tell Them What You Think. The Draft Bristol Cycle Strategy closes 11th August 2014 Available in Bristol libraries: get your copy, fil it in and send it to City Hall, Consultations by Judith Brown BOPF Management Committee. member. Bristol’s first comprehensive strategy to encourage more people to cycle was published by Bristol City Council Did you know that there was a new Care Act which is today (Monday 7 July). the most comprehensive overhaul of care and support Available for comments until 11th August, the ambition framework sets out how cycling can be made a simpler, law since 1948? safer and more attractive option for anyone whatever their age or cycling experience. Something that could affect us all, and which will have an enormous impact on local Currently, although the number of cycling commuter trips has doubled, cycle journeys now make up eight per authorities like Bristol City Council, and the way they spend their money? cent of journeys to work. The strategy sets out a commitment to increase this to 20 per cent by 2020, as well as Care and Support Minister Norman Lamb says the Government believes the changes will continuing to invest £16 per head of population per year to deliver cycle improvements. make the system fairer and will mean people get better care. The Care Act became law on The new strategy addresses the challenges and barriers that keep people off their bikes or not confident 14th May 2014, and the Government is inviting views on the draft regulations and guidance enough to try cycle journeys in the first place. Future investment will be targeted to deliver innovative projects . The consultation runs until August 15th 2014, and gives us an opportunity to influence the in six priority areas and towards the creation of a safe cycle network across the city. way local authorities deliver the reforms. So whats it all about? Assistant Mayor for Transport Cllr Mark Bradshaw said: The good news is that there will be a national standard of eligibility, so all councils will use “‘We can all be proud as a city that the number of people who cycle, either daily or less frequently, has greatly the same standard, which means if you move into a new area your care should remain the increased over the last ten years, I want to use this strategy to reach out to more groups who think cycling isn’t same. This is something I pushed for when I met the last Health Minister,and I’m pleased to yet for them. see it there, but my call for a national care service funded by national insurance didn’t make it into the Act. “Bristol still faces challenges in persuading older people, children, women and disabled people that cycling can be part of lives. So, we must address the barriers to this wider participation which will help meet our transport There is a new right for carers to get support if they meet criteria. Personal Budgets which and health priorities. This strategy sets out how we will work with residents, neighbourhoods, businesses, other many already receive are now made law. If your care provider goes out of business, the councils must protect you. There are provisions for young adults leaving care to be given public bodies and campaigning organisations to make a further step change in the numbers cycling - a better care and support while in transition. connected network of segregated, safer routes will be a priority. We will soon make further announcements about delivering this network and ensuring that cycling input to the Council is better coordinated." Speaking personally I support all these measures. However I am dubious about some of the other things I’ve read. There will be a cap on care cost during your lifetime, but no Bristol City Council has signed up to be one of seven cities taking part in Sustrans’ cycle accounts project to description of how it will work. There will be a ‘universal deferred payments scheme, but no provide comprehensive comparable data on cycling. description of how it will work. What happens to your partner, if you have used up all your Sustrans Regional Director Ian Barrett said: share of the house value during your lifetime and it is clawed back after your death. Local “We know there is massive demand for more people to be able to cycle their daily trips to school, work and authorities will have a statutory duty to make enquiries where it thinks a vulnerable adult is other destinations and what’s holding many people back is concerns about safety and the quality of routes. at risk of abuse or neglect, which sounds fine but how are they going to know, and what will Bristol’s commitment to build a cycle network that can be confidently navigated by children as well as adults will they do about it? enable far more people to cycle regularly, with huge benefits for the City’s health, environment and quality of Like all legislation, the detail in the fine print is what matters. To take part in the life”. consultation, and read all the fact sheets, you can get full information online Part of the new strategy is a commitment to deliver a more comprehensive and simple network, as set out in www.careandsupportregs.dh.gov.uk or ring the Council and ask the Consultation team the Bristol Cycling Manifesto from the Bristol Cycling Campaign. to send you some information on 0117 922 2848. “Tens of thousands of ordinary people already enjoy cycling in Bristol”, said Eric Booth, Chair of Bristol Cycle

st Campaign. “There are tens of thousands more who would like to join us, but they need to be confident that it’s Tea Dance for Older Person's Day, October 1 ! safe and easy. We warmly welcome this strategy which is in line with our Bristol Cycling Manifesto. We’re When the Government next ask us – as they do every year! - how we are celebrating Older looking forward to working with the council and local communities on making it happen.” People's Day, on 1st October 2014, we can tell them that we are holding a Tea Dance at the , 2 – 5 pm. The strategy is available at www.citizenspace.com/bristol/city-transport/cycle-strategy for consultation. The final This will be a FREE, accessible, daytime event, to engage with older people from ALL strategy will be published in September. http://bristolcyclingmanifesto.org.uk Equality communities in Bristol, those with disabilities, LGBT elders and members of … BUT still no mention of Cyclists on pavements! different cultures, Faith and ethnic communities,their carers, friends. Thank you for being We aim to offer, not only the chance to socialise, share experiences and a laugh, but also We are NOT against cyclists Do not walk hopefully to help members of the different equality communities to appreciate being part of a thoughtful cyclist! in cycle lanes! such a diverse and vibrant City. The event, at the Trinity Arts Centre, in Easton, will We are against ANTISOCIAL CYCLING!! coincide with their 'Vice and Virtue' Project, sharing stories about the Old Market area. Rule 64 of the Highway Code: For more information, or to book your place by the 15th of September, write to the “You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.” office, at the address on the back of this newsletter, and let us know whether you Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A 1984, sect 129 16 have dietary needs or require disability transport and will be bringing a carer. Safer routes for cyclists and pedestrians! 5 GREATER BRISTOL BUS NETWORK EVALUATION REPORT – Travel West Cycling on pavements. Passengers using the Greater Bristol Bus Network (GBBN) routes have reported a 33% Our vigorous campaign against Cyclists riding on very busy, pedestrianised pavements, rise in the ‘overall quality of the bus service’. This raised the overall satisfaction level, in Broadmead, has not worked in Bond Street – by Debenhams - and the Haymarket end regarded by Passenger Focus as the key indicator of bus user satisfaction, to 73% in of Broadmead, outside Primark, where numerous pensioners get on and off buses. 2011/2012. This figure, along with increases in passenger numbers and other significant This in spite of our talks with the police; even Sue Mounstevens - Police and Crime improvements in patronage, frequency, punctuality and journey times, are included in the Commissioner - told us at the Open Forum of March 2013, that her own mother was GBBN monitoring report that will be endorsed by the West of England Joint Transport knocked-down by a cyclist. Board on 4 July 2014. The full report and summary are available at: Things haven't changed at all; cyclists are still riding on pavements. I found to my http://www.travelwest.info/gbbn Regrettably there isn't a telephone number surprise that cyclists nowadays don't seem to know that cycling on pavements is illegal and is especially dangerous for pedestrians, on busy pavements. Reply to Judith Brown' letter on Elder Abuse PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ALL THE CYCLISTS YOU KNOW! Reply to Judith Brown' letter on Elder Abuse FromFrom Charlotte Charlotte Leslie, Leslie, MP MP (Cons.) (Cons.) NW NW Bristol Bristol Perhaps what each and everyone of us should be asking our local Councillors to campaign for are plaques on the walls – rather than adding to road signs – prohibiting DearDear Judith, Judith, cycling on pavements? And maybe Sustrans could be publicising this through their Thank you for contacting me about older people’s care. organisation. Thank you for contacting me about older people’s care. Please write in to us about your experiences with cyclists on pavement. Write to: InIn my my role role on on the the Health Health Select Select Committee Committee in in Parliament, Parliament, I Ihear hear all all too too often often about appalling cases of abuse and neglect in our care homes – this has to stop. The Campaign Against Antisocial Cyclists, BOPF, at our address on the back of this about appalling cases of abuse and neglect in our care homes – this has to stop. newsletter. I Iwelcome welcome recent recent changes changes that that the the Government Government has has made made through through the the Care Care Bill, Bill, Ruth Bailey, BOPF Management Committee member particularlyparticularly on on better better inspections inspections by by the the Care Care Quality Quality Commission, Commission, but but I Ithink think we we cancan go go further. further. I Iwas was the the only only Conservative Conservative MP MP to to vote vote for for the the introduction introduction of of a a new new offenceoffence of of “corporate “corporate neglect”, neglect”, which which would would have have seen seen prosecutions prosecutions of of care care home home ownersowners for for neglect. neglect. I Iwould would also also like like to to see see private private providers providers of of public public services services subject subject toto the the Freedom Freedom of of Information Information Act, Act, which which would would really really boost boost trust trust and and accountability accountability –– we we need need much much more more data data to to be be available. available. I Iagree agree that that we we should should look look at at a a register register of of care care workers, workers, and, and, most most importantly, importantly, wewe need need to to look look at at the the training training and and employment employment of of care care workers workers to to make make sure sure that that wewe are are truly truly rigorous rigorous in in standards standards of of care. care. I Ihave have done done a a lot lot of of work work on on supporting supporting whistleblowers whistleblowers in in the the NHS NHS and and the the social social carecare sector, sector, and and I Iwill will continue continue to to press press for for moves moves that that will will bring bring about about the the culture culture changechange we we so so desperately desperately need, need, especially especially when when care care of of the the elderly elderly and and vulnerable vulnerable is is concerned.concerned. BestBest wishes, wishes,

CharlotteCharlotte Leslie Leslie ConservativeConservative Member Member for for Bristol Bristol North North West West

Bristol Centre for Enablement 0300 300 0110 New, accessible premises for: Highwood Pavilions ● Prosthetics TheThe Disablement Disablement Services Services Centre Centre Some of our members at our March Open Forum, in Easton, listening to Mayor George Ferguson, ● Orthotics Jupiter Road, andand the the Bristol Bristol Communication Communication BOPF member. Thank you for coming George! (spot our new Chair, Julie Boston). ● Patchway AidsAids Service Service are are moving moving to to the the Wheelchairs BS34 5SP newnew Bristol Bristol Centre Centre for for ● Special seating “Great to meet Julie when she was 'guesting' on Silversound n BCFM radio on Friday. Enablement at specially adapted I hope you all listened . If not you can listen again on www.BCFMradio.com.” Enablement at specially adapted ● Environmental controls premises at . premises at Cribbs Causeway. ● 6 David Rigby, BOPF MC member & BCFM radio host for Silversounds Communication aids 15  Are you on email? Would you like to receive our electronic copy instead, or as well, to forward to family, friends Dhek Bhal 'Sporting Memories Project' and neighbours? Email [email protected] and help us save money and resources. Love Talking Sport? NOT on email but would like to be? ...but you don't have to! Come along to our new Sporting Memories Project, to At BOPF we think it's great that so many Share your stories of watching or playing sport older people are choosing to learn news ● Who were your sporting heroes? skills and welcome courses and ● workshops to help us to “get online”. What great sporting events have you seen? ● What games did you enjoy playing? BUT, we also believe that people shouldn't be forced to because Contact the Dhek Bhal office for more details 0117 914 6671 / 2 information is no longer available in any other form. Dhek Bhal minibus fundraising. Not everyone can “get on” with Dek Bhal, a South Asian registered computers and, if the only freedom is Charity set-up to support older people the freedom to do what others want us and carers, through day centre, city and to, it is no freedom at all, it's bullying! domiciliary care services – has been We will not tolerate Digital Exclusion; it's actively fund-raising to buy a new, 17- wrong, it's undemocratic and we believe seater minibus to replace their existing, that information should also still be faulty, 12-year-old bus. available in print, at Libraries. The total cost of the minibus is £48K. BOPF representatives on Boards, Panels, Committees, Commissions and The John James Foundation Trust has Neighbourhood Partnerships will pledged 50% of the total cost, so this far continue to ask that Government we have successfully raised £27K, Agencies, the Council and partner leaving us to raise a further £21K Voluntary organisations distribute Other monies raised were from the Avon & Somerset Police, Trustees, members and staff information in print, because anything and during an Open Day, when we raised approximately £1000. else is discrimination! The minibus is a lifeline for our members, who are the elderly, infirm and disabled. So, if you want information in print, do The minibus transports them, with an escort, from home to their place of activities, three ask for it, write to your Councillor and times a week. It also takes them on short trips to places of interest as part of life- tell them or, better still, join our Digital enhancing activities. Exclusion campaign group! When not in use by members, the vehicle is hired out to other voluntary and Charitable organisations. Proudly supporting local business. We are still waiting for the outcome of our funding bids to other Trusts and the Big Lottery. The management team has decided to appoint a trusted, local company to do our In the meantime we would be grateful if you could contribute towards this good cause. newsletter mailing, to reduce costs and workload. Please contact Zehara Haque, (CEO), on 0117 914 6671/2, mobile: 0777 620 4661 Direct Mail Systems is a Bristol-based fulfilment and Or email [email protected] mailing house, founded in 1974 and providing a turnkey mailing and data processing services. The Company has attained BS EN ISO 9001: 2008 Need transport to the South Bristol Community Hospital? quality assurance and BS EN 14001: 2004 environmental accreditation and is a DMA The Hartcliffe & Withywood Neighbourhood Partnership's CATT Community Bus may be Approved Member, Royal Mail Mailing House able to help. Ring 0117 377 3450 to find out about for free transport from St. Anne's, Scheme Accredited & a member of the Bristol Broomhill, Wimdmill Hill, Bedminster Down, Ashton Vale, Ashton, Southville, Chamber of Commerce. Headley Park and Stockwood. Or write to: HWCP Symes District Centre, Peterson Ave., At DMS customers' database information is processed in a secure environment, Hartcliffe, Bristol BS13 0BE – email: [email protected] website: www.hwcp.org.uk 14 to the highest UK Data Protection security standards and procedures. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY 7 Celebrating Age Festival seeks creative talent for art and craft competition

BRISTOL’S Celebrating Age Festival is calling for entries from creative people aged 50 plus for its annual art and craft competition. is a local Bristol charity that works with people 55+ and the local community to facilitate inspiring This year’s festival which runs from 27 September -12 October will be themed Bristol social activities that enrich lives, reduce isolation and encourage active participation. Ageing Better - and entries could reflect anything in the city from people and places to Our motto of ‘Involve, Inspire, Enjoy, reflects our philosophy that people 55+ have a right to a rich and ships and buildings. fulfilling life experiences and an active place in society.

Bristol Older People’s Forum and Festival Steering Group member Judith Brown says: LinkAge Befriending & ACE LinkAge Activities LinkAge Intergenerational Project We’re approaching an amazing Projects "We know Bristol’s got talent – and this is a chance for creative and artistic older It’s amazing what a cup of tea 100 activities each week across We believe that young and old people to show what they can do, and to share their work with the city”. and a chat can do! Befriending Bristol. There’s something for can learn a lot from each matches a volunteer with a everyone - from archery to other, so the third strand of “Entries can be in any medium - from paintings and sculpture to collage or lonely and isolated older Zumba, cooking to walking our work is about activities embroidery but must be no more than 3ft by 3ft. Their work will be on display in person for companionship. The football - and we’re always that break down the barriers the Central Library and the public will vote for the three entries they like the ACE Project, supported by the open to new suggestions! between generations. For most…” University of Bath, matches a Through the activities, people example, with Let’s Get volunteer with an older person from the local area meet, chat Cooking, we had young people The three most popular pieces of work will then be taken to the M Shed for the who wants to get out and and make friends, which in teaching classes of people 55+ Celebration Launch of the festival on 27 September where prizes will be awarded. The about and just needs a bit of turn helps build stronger about exciting new recipes and day will also include a range of stalls, entertainment and activities aimed at the over 55s encouragement. communities. dishes from around the world. and will be followed by two weeks of neighbourhood events across Bristol.

All work should be submitted, with contact details, to Central Library by 6 September and will be displayed there from 8-29 September for the public vote.

For more information about the Art and Craft Competition call Shelley Hankins on 0117 929 7537, email [email protected] or visit http://celebratingage.org.uk

For further information about the festival go to http://celebratingage.org.uk

The Vassal Centre's Summer Fayre Exciting Up Coming Activities and Events LinkAge Cross Cultural Work It’s ‘All Aboard’ in July, a project aimed at involving people 55+ in LinkAge also works proactively 6th August 10:30am – 3:30pm canoeing, sailing and rowing. In August we’re holding an with Bristol’s many and varied Stalls, refreshments and children's activities. intergenerational Summer of Age festival with over 60 events ethnic elder groups. We support including cooking, arts and crafts, ping pong, new age curling, a bi-monthly BME Elder FREE admission, everybody welcome! walking football and bush craft. In October there’ll be a 55+ ping Consortium where elders groups pong tournament – you’re never too old for gold! We’re proud from the Afro-Caribbean, BBQ supporters of the Celebrating Age Festival - this year we have 47 Chinese, South East Asian and Craft Stalls different activities for people to get involved in. For more Somali communities come information, get in touch (see phone numbers below). together to discuss issues that Holistic Massage affect them and share common Reflexology solutions. Raffle To Find Out More About LinkAge Please contact or main office on 0117 353 3042 Or contact one of our local hubs: Cakes Bedminster & Southville 0117 305 2365 North Bristol 0117 353 3042 Lawrence Hill & Easton 0117 955 5881 Hengrove and Fun for all the kids! Knowle 0117 353 3042 Whitehall & St George 0117 935 4471 Stockwood 0117 971 5843 Meet K9, the Daleks and their Minions! 8 13 Contact the Elderly  0800 716 543 or 0117 960 9606 if you or someone you know are Useful numbers affected by loneliness, OR to become a befriender  [email protected]  telephone  fax mobile textphone  email  website P  www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk. Bristol Older People’s Forum:  0117 927 9222;  [email protected];  Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Helplines  0845 712 3456 www. bopf.btck.co.uk. c/o Age UK, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street, Bristol U  textphone 0845 722 4433 BS1 6BY; The Forum is the main co-ordinating organisation for older people’s groups and older activists in Bristol. We always need more members to make the Forum even LinkAge  0117 353 3042  [email protected] works with more effective. Can you recruit friends and relatives? L people 55+ and local communities to facilitate inspiring social activities that enrich lives, reduce isolation and loneliness and promote active participation. Age UK Bristol:  0117 922 5353 -  [email protected];  www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol. Canningford House, 38 Victoria St.. Bristol, BS1 6BY Age L Milestones Trust  0117 970 9300  0117 970 9301  UK Bristol (formerly Age Concern) individual help, advice and suppor for people over 55. [email protected]  www.milestonestrust.org.uk/ Unit 10, Eclipse Office Park, High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5EL Supported Living; Nursing & Residential, Action for Blind People:  0117 953 7750 Still House Lane, Bedminster, Bristol. BS3 - Specialist Home Care; Respite; Mental Health; Elder Care, Dementia; Day Care. 4EB -  [email protected] or vist our pages on the AfBP website, at:  https://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/resources/local-action-teams/bristol/ Next Link -  0117 925 0680 -  [email protected] Link House, O 5 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JQ - Domestic Abuse Support services for women, they Alzheimer's Society:  0117 961 0693  [email protected] can also help with housing if you are leaving a violent home. International House, Bank Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8LX For people with North Bristol Advice Centre - 0117 951 5751  [email protected] Alzheimer's and their carers in Bristol. U   www.northbristoladvice.org.uk Bristol Bath & Weston Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme  0117 3421630  [email protected] We cover the Bristol, Bath, South T Older People's Gardening Project -  0117 935 9710 Community Service Gloucestershire and North Somerset area and provide screening for AAA for all. Volunteers (CSV), in partnership with Bristol City Council, runs a gardening service for Ordinarily, only men in their 65th year are invited, but we encourage men over 65 to self-refer. elderly and disabled people who are unable to manage their own gardens. Bristol Dial-a-Ride:  0845 130 1875  www.bristoldialaride.org.uk. The Vassall Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) W. Region -  0117 922 4392 Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2ZZ; Provides a door-to-door bus service for any CREATE Centre, Smeaton Rd, Bristol BS1 6XN.  www.rsvp-west.org.uk person who cannot use public transport. NB Now renamed Social Access D S.A.R.I. – Support Against Racist Incidents - 0117 942 0060 PO. Box 2454, Bristol, Bristol Hate Crime Services (BHCS)  0800 171 2272 (freephone). The newly-funded BS2 2WX; Support for victims of racial harassment to help them survive their traumatic one-stop reporting service for any kind of crime against people because of a specific I experiences by helping with reporting follow-up on actions. characteristics: Faith, race, age, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation. Southville Older People Services  0117 923 1039  Bristol Shopmobility:  0117 955 9083 Cabot Circus Car Park, Newfoundland Circus, R [email protected] Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 BS2 9AB; Hires powered scooters and wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs to enable 1QG. Activities people with mobility impairments to shop. By prior arrangement a user can be met with a scooter when arriving at the shopping area. Long term hire also available.. SW Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre -  0800 512 012 3 St Peter’s Court, E Bedminster Parade, Bristol BS3 4AQ; [email protected]. Provides advice Bristol Rape Criss:  0117 929 8868  [email protected]; or The on keeping your home warm and saving on fuel costs. Grants may be available. See (National) Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre:  0808 802 9999. Women of all C also  www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. Warm Front grant enquiries: 0800 316 2805. ages can be affected by rape and getting free, confidential support from trained counsellors is essential to their recovery and wellbeing. Tackling Discrimination Service -  0117 916 7704 Avon and Bristol Law Centre, 2 Moon Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol BS2 8QE,  [email protected] Carers' Allowance Unit:  0845 608 4321 Textphone: 0845 604 5312 T Thomas Pocklinton Trust - e-Befriending, please contact us on or 0208 996 1930 or visit Care Direct:  0117 922 2700  textphone 0117 903 6689 8.30am to 5pm M-F  [email protected] . Council adult care (social services). Call if you are O Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service (WRAMAS),  0117 3521888 PO Box concerned about abuse of a vulnerable adult. Telephone interpreting service available. 595, Bristol, BS99 2AW, [email protected] Centre for Sustainable Energy:  0800 082 22 34. For help with reducing your R West of England Care and Repair -  0300 323 0700 or visit  www.wecr.org.uk 5 heating bills and making your home warmer and more comfortable  www.cse.org.uk Hide Market, Waterloo St., St. Philip's, Bristol BS2 0BH.;  [email protected] Crime Stoppers:  0800 555 111. To report crimes and criminal activities to the Y 12 police, anonymously  https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ 9 National/Outside Bristol P Other services for older people in Bristol.   fax mobile textphone  email  website  telephone  fax mobile textphone  email  website telephone Action on Elder Abuse -  0808 808 8141;  www.elderabuse.org.uk. Provides a U At Home With IT Ltd.: 0750-3926275  0117 911 0493 free helpline for anybody worried that an older person is being abused or mistreated, Basecamp, 2.02 Merchant Venturers’ Building, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UB -  however, if it's urgent or an emergency ring 999!. L [email protected] Community Interest Company, training provider on mobiles, Age UK (National) -  0800 169 6565;  www.ageuk.org.uk. Post: Tavis House, 1-6 smartphones, tablet devices, laptops and desktop PCs  http://www.athomewithit.co.uk/ Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Works to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research. Living Mobility and Driving Centre WoE C.I.C.  0117 965 9353 The Vassall Centre, L Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ Individual Driving and Adaptation assessments - Alzheimer's Society National Helpline -  0300 222 11 22 for dementia information  [email protected]  http://www.thisisliving.org.uk/ and support for families and carers for people with Alzheimer's and Dementia. - Broken Rainbow -  0300 999 5428  [email protected] ; Support for Over 55s in North Bristol  www.broken-rainbow.org.uk National helpline for LGBT victims of domestic violence. Mon. & Thurs. 2 - 8pm. Weds: 10am – 5pm. O Community Support at Home is a free home visiting service, run by North Bristol Advice Centre, to help people over 55 stay independent in their Care Quality Commission: Concerns about care? Tell us!  03000 616161, or  own homes. [email protected]  http://www.cqc.org.uk/public/get-involved/share-your-experience U Our friendly and experienced volunteers can visit an older person in their home up to 6 You can also share your experience of a service with us. times, talk through their individual needs, and provide tailor-made help and guidance Heat Helpline-  0800 336699 free and confidential help for people who are having T including income maximisation checks, advice on energy best deals, help with managing difficulties meeting their heating costs. money and information on housing adaptations, social activities, transport, health and more. We also provide activities to help older people get out and about, learn new skills and National Pensioners Convention  020 7383 0388 Walkden House, 10 Melton Street, make new friends. We run regular trips, “tea and talk” socials, IT courses, a Gardening Club London NW1 2EJ;  [email protected];  www.npcuk.org.uk. National umbrella and shopping trips to local supermarkets by minibus. body for 800 affiliated pensioners’ groups, including BOPF. Individual membership £5/yr. D Community Support at Home is open to over 55s in Lockleaze, Horfield, Southmead, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Families Association (SSAFA)  08451 300 975. Team Henleaze and Westbury- on-Trym. For more information, or to make a referral,  [email protected]  http://www.ssafa.org.uk SSAFA Central Office, contact Janie Adams on Tel: 0117 951 5751 Email [email protected] 4 St Dunstan's Hill, London, EC3R 8AD; For ex-military personnel and their dependants, I or visit www.northbristoladvice.org.uk SSAFA may be able to help with the costs of items like home improvements, mobility Volunteer with us: We welcome friendly, patient people as volunteers for the Community Support scooters etc. at Home project. We are currently recruiting home visiting volunteers and volunteer drivers. It’s R extremely rewarding and you’ll receive full training. If you are interested or would like more South West Seniors: The SWSN’s role is to act as the collective voice for older people in information please contact Janie, as above. the region. Around 60 groups and clubs with a total of over 52,000 members are affiliated. By speaking up on your behalf, what we say CAN make a difference… in the media and E with politicians, health organisations, support bodies and government – local, national and even Europe-wide.  http://seniorsnet.org.uk/pages/ C Lifeskills Safety Programmes for older people. Third Age Trust / University of the Third Age (U3A)  020 8466 6139;19 East Street, All visits for older people are FREE Bromley, Kent BR1 1QH;  [email protected];  www.u3a.org.uk. Topics include: Encourages and promotes educational and cultural activities for older people. T Lifeskills: Learning for living ● Home Safety Telephone 0117 9224511 The Thomas Pocklington Trust:  0208 996 1930  befriending@pocklingon- ● Falls Prevention trust.org.uk Pier House, 90 Strand on the Green, London, W4 3NN Provide national The Create Centre, O ● Healthy Eating telephone and email befriending schemes for people with sight loss in the UK Smeaton Road ● Fire Safety http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/supportservices/befriending/telebefriending. Hotwells  ● R Personal Safety Britol Deaf Diabetes Support Line text 07980 973191 ● Armchair Exercises BS1 6XN ● Safe Medication Advice 10 For deaf people with Diabetes, or email [email protected] Y 11