Elders Council of Newcastle

Older People working for Older People

May - June 201 6 Issue 71

Information Success!

The Elders Council held an Information Day on 21 March at the Centre for Life, which proved an excellent venue for the event. It was called “The Really Useful Day Out” and so it proved to be.

The focus was on home care, housing options and direct payments. 80 people attended, and 17 stallholders provided information/advice, including Anchor, Disability North, Newcastle Carers, St. Oswald’s, Fire and Rescue Service and Ways to Wellness.

Our Patron, John Grundy, opened the event in his usual ebullient style and this was followed by four short presentations by professionals on: Inside this issue: Page

 Assessing your care and support needs Elders Council at Work ...... ….. 1-9  Direct Payments Fun and Fitness Event ……..………6  Knowing your Housing Options  Myths and Realities of Paying for Care Housing Open Days ………………..7

Feedback and comments from attenders Dementia Update ………………….12 and stallholders was positive and Things to do …………………….13-16 suggestions for future events included: Volunteering …………………….18-19  advice about savings and inheritance;  information on leisure activities; Information updates...... 20-22

 topics around health/self- Correspondence………...…….……23 care/diet/exercise;  volunteering; Poetry Corner …………..…...… 24-27  carers’ issues. Contact Details……………….….… 28 If you have any other topics you would 1

Information Success!

like us to focus on for the next event, please let us know.

Date for your diary!

Elders Council Fun and Fitness ‘ The morning finished with soup and rolls all round and the winning of a £20 voucher by See pg. xxx one lucky attender. Remember: you have to be in it to win it! for further details

The Elders Council is grateful to First stop, Care and Repair and Nationwide Building Society for supporting this event.

2

Elders Council at Work

Health and Social Care Working Group

Home Care Services will continue to be its report Future of Home Care top of the Agenda for the Working Services, which is on the Elders Council Group. At the April meeting there was a website. The key findings were lively discussion about the Healthwatch summarised in a previous issue of the report, Spotlight on Home Care, which Newsletter. Together with the has just been published. The findings Healthwatch Report, there is now a body are based on replies to a questionnaire of evidence about home care services sent to current users of the services from current users of the services and provided by the five home care agencies future expectations from members of the in contract with the City Council. The Elders Council and partner vast majority of respondents were organisations. satisfied or very satisfied with the services they received and felt that they In the present debate about the funding were treated with dignity and respect of public services, we must make our always or mostly. So a high level of contributions based on the evidence we appreciation of the service and of the have accumulated … so the story care workers who came into their continues at future meetings. homes, but around a third of Connected People and Connected respondents had suggestions for Communities improvement, particularly about Although home care is receiving a lot of continuity of care workers, and about attention, there are other issues of communication. Comments on these concern, so Working Group members issues stressed the anxiety experienced are putting together some views about by frequent changes and the difficulty of good social relationships. It seems building trusted relationships. Failure to increasingly to be recognised that notify changes in service, including times loneliness and social isolation are of visits, was a cause of dissatisfaction important health issues, so building good for a minority of respondents. On the social relationships is fundamental to our whole, it seemed to be felt that care wellbeing and not just a fringe matter. workers had received some training, but there was concern about the level of If you wish to contribute to the training in medicine management when discussion on these, or any other health help with medication is an important topics, future meetings will be from element of the care required. This 10.30am to 12.30pm at Broadacre Report gives a balanced view of the House, Market Street East on: service currently commissioned from five service providers, and is now available  Friday, 20 May at the time when the next contracts are  Friday, 17 June about to be decided.

Please telephone the office for an In addition to this Healthwatch Report, agenda and notes. the Elders Council has already published 3

vElders Council at work

Transport and Highways Working Group

Road Changes Newcastle is currently undergoing the biggest changes to its roads infrastructure for a generation and we are continually monitoring these, from the planning stage through to final completion and eventually the effectiveness of the changes.

Within the city the developments at Central Station and John Dobson Street are well underway and, together with proposed improvements at Barras Bridge, should enhance the space available to pedestrians and cyclists, providing more safety and comfort for both.

Across the city the changes at Cowgate and Four Lane Ends are close to completion and Salters Road/Church Road has made rapid progress. New projects are being started on the North West Corridor at Cow Hill, Kenton Road/Grandstand Road, Blue House roundabout, Osborne Road junction and Haddricks Mill roundabouts at South . Other improvements planned include changes to the road structure at the north end of Scotswood Bridge.

It is also hoped that a new access to the Central Station can be created on the South side of the station with a direct pedestrian link to the new development immediately behind it.

Nexus Cycle Trial Metro has always allowed folding bikes to be taken on trains, and they have invested in new cycle storage racks and lockers at stations. They are now holding a limited trial of the carriage of non-folding bikes between Callerton Parkway and , from Monday to Friday during the off-peak periods.

For the next few months, bikes can be taken onto trains between Callerton Parkway and Jesmond (in either direction), Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm. Each Metrocar will have one designated storage area for bikes located near the perch seat. One bike is allowed on each Metrocar.

The space will also be used by wheelchair users and customers with pushchairs, and they must always be given priority. If a cyclist is using the space and a wheelchair/pushchair user wants to board, the cyclist must move to the other Metrocar or wait for the next train.

For more information on the trial, ring Nexus Customer Services on 0191 20 20 747 or email to [email protected] .

4

vElders Council at work

Transport and Highways Working Group

Nexus operating concession with DB RegioTyne and Wear Ltd Nexus has announced that, although they have the right to extend the current contract for two years beyond March 2017, they plan to manage Metro operations directly themselves from April 2017. This proposal is one part of a four-point plan for the future of Metro, comprising as it does funding for new trains, arrangements for a new operating contract, continued capital investment and potential extensions.

Outings in 2016 with a Concessionary Bus Pass Just a reminder that we will be publishing in May the latest edition of our “Outings with a Concessionary Bus Pass” leaflet.

This is our eighth year for this popular leaflet and again this year we will have a couple of new places for you, a new route to one of our popular places as well as bringing our old favourites up to date.

The leaflet will be available towards the end of May and you will be able to download a copy of it from our website. Alternatively, you will be able to get a free printed copy by sending a stamped addressed envelope to Anne (office address on the back page).

Wherever you are travelling to, have a good journey and do let us know how you get on.

Communication Working Group

Listen in to your own special radio programme

Everyone’s tomorrow – today! is 9BX. Please include any suggestions for the Elders Council radio programme that topics you would like to hear about. goes out on the first Friday of every We are also looking into setting up a month between 2 and 4 pm on the Listeners Panel which can provide direct community radio station NE1fm feedback to our radio team. If you are (102.5fm). interested in being a member of the If you have difficulty in finding the regular Listeners Panel, then please wavelength 102.5fm on your radio, you email or can listen via the Internet on NE1fm write to us Webplayer http://ne1fm.net/webplayer . and we will get in touch We are keen to get our members’ views with you. on our programmes, so please listen in and send in your comments. Email our co-ordinator at [email protected] or write to Steve at 166 Wingrove Road, NE4

5

vElders Council at work

Older Person Friendly City

Neighbourhood Activities The Working Group would like to draw the attention of members to some current neighbourhood developments. We have been notified that some neighbourhoods are forming neighbourhood forums, which can be the first stage in developing a local plan for their neighbourhood. Kenton, Lower Valley and Dinnington have already embarked on this process. Some other neighbourhoods have been consulted about local development plans (e.g., Acorn Road in Jesmond, where improvements are now completed). Residents around Kenton Bank Foot were consulted during March about a Masterplan for their neighbourhood. What happens in our neighbourhood – such as housing and transport, as well as shops and other amenities – is all of interest to older people, so it’s worth looking out for opportunities to have a say. Of course, it can seem rather tedious going to lots of meetings, but getting involved brings benefits as well – to ourselves and to other elders. Another development which affects ways of getting involved is the change in ward committees. There will be fewer ward meetings in the future, and smaller ward budgets to support local initiatives. And there will be fewer ward co-ordinators as well.

Yet getting involved in our neighbourhood is so important that we shall have to find ways and means for older people to have a say about important developments.

Fun and Fitness Afternoon, Thursday 19 May, 2-4pm Ouseburn Parks Visitor Centre, Jesmond Dene

Another reminder about this event which the Working Group is organising as part of Jesmond Community Festival. There is a warm invitation to members to support this event. The highlight will be a talk by our patron, John Grundy (pictured left), about the interesting history of Jesmond Dene. And, of course, an opportunity to enjoy a walk in one of the most attractive parks in the City.

Future Working Group meetings will be on Mondays, 10.30am-12.30pm in Room 0.11, Broadacre House, Market Street East on:

 9 May  6 June

6

vElders Council at work

Housing Group

Curious about housing? Why not join us at an open day?

Newcastle City Council and the Elders Council of Newcastle are working with Anchor, Bernicia Homes and Your Homes Newcastle, who provide sheltered and assisted living housing for older people, to do some scheme open days.

This will give you the opportunity for a taster of what housing schemes can offer, have a look around and to chat with residents. The housing manager will be on hand to answer any questions. You can also have a chat with members of the Elders Council, who are keen to get your views on the issues affecting older residents in Newcastle.

Here are the dates and times for the open day programme.

Sheltered housing to rent

Bishops Court, Tebay Drive, Anchor Monday 13 June, 1-3 West Denton, NE5 2XG

Hadrian House, Hexham Rd., YHN Thursday 16 June, 10-12 , NE15 9HX

Sheltered Housing to buy

Sandyford Park, Sandyford Rd., Anchor Tuesday 14 June, 10-12 Jesmond, NE2 1TA

Assisted living to rent

Parkview Grange, Yatesbury Ave., Anchor Thursday 16 June, 10-12 , NE5 3TD

Bowmont House, Wagonway Drive, Bernicia Wednesday 22 June, 10.30-12.30 Great Park, NE13 9BL Homes

Trevelyan Court, Trevelyan Drive, YHN Wednesday 22 June, 1-3 Newbiggin Hall Estate, NE5 4EG

Traveline North East and Cumbria has information about local bus services on their website. Alternatively, you can contact them on 0871 2000 2233, e-mail [email protected] or call into a Nexus Travel Office.

Just turn up on the day. You can choose to visit one scheme or to visit them all. Family or friends are also very welcome. 7

vElders Council at work

Community Conversations in Dinningon

We held one of our “Awards for All” camera was focused on the large-scale Community Conversations in Dinnington map of Dinnington. Each table also had on 14 April. As always with these a plastic marker and a set of cards (a bit events, quite a lot of planning takes like a set of playing cards but with place beforehand. We were fortunate to questions.) discover that Dinnington are working on a neighbourhood plan; this meant that The first card was taken from the pack we were able to engage with the parish and it said: “Move the marker to a place councillors and work together on a you want to save.” This led to discussion Community Conversation. The about why the person who had the card councillors would have material for the chose the spot they wanted and what neighbourhood plan and we would gain others might have done. Then the next information from the older people person chose a card, which either had a themselves about what it’s like to grow question about moving the marker to older in Dinnington. another place - like a place that makes you feel safe/ happy/ to go to on a rainy We have also been helped by Ian day for instance. Sometimes the cards Johnson, a Ph.D. student from were for discussion, so it might be, Newcastle University. He’s very “What happens where the marker is now interested in using technology as an aid that you think could be improved?” to enable people to engage in the democratic process and he devised the It didn’t take long for everyone to be session in Dinnington. Also added to the involved and forget the camera was mix was Moyra Riseborough, who has there. It meant too that everyone had an been commissioned by the Elders opportunity to say their piece and be Council to evaluate the Awards for All heard. It also meant that sometimes work. people discovered things they didn’t know about the village. There were often On the day, around 30 older people bits of “do you remember when - - - arrived at the village hall to a welcome “mixed in with the discussion. from members of the Elders Council with a welcome cup of tea or coffee. After After an hour and a half, although it the official introductions and welcomes, didn’t feel like it, we stopped and Ian and which always include a profile of the his colleagues turned off all the “techy” Elders Council and the work it does, we stuff, the large maps were rolled up and were able to make a start. we turned our attention to eating a very good lunch. It was pretty high tech too. Each table had a camera and an audio recorder; the

8

vElders Council at work

Community Conversation in Dinningon

I heard a lot of good comments as people left, “I enjoyed that”; “Will you be doing it again?”; “I’m glad I came”; were a few. We won’t be doing that again in Dinnington but we still have other conversations in another part of the city.

The data Ian collects will be available to the Elders Council and the Parish Council and for both groups it should provide a rich seam of information about what it’s like to be an older person in Dinnington.

.

Mile Castle Social Get Together

Another monthly social get together will take place Wednesday 18 May, 10.30am at the Mile Castle, the public house right on the corner of Westgate Road and Grainger Street.

It’s a chance to meet with friends, bring friends, meet new friends and enjoy time together. It’s also a chance to get that “grouse and grumble” aired if you feel like it! There will be something to do or someone to listen to as well as enjoying a drink or even a meal out at the Mile Castle.

The room for this session is on the third floor but there’s a lift if needed. There’ll be someone at the door to welcome you.

Why not pop along, get your bus-pass out (no taxi available from our funds for this) and we’ll see you there.

You don’t need to remember the date: it’s always the third Wednesday of the month. Try and help to keep people connected and let them know it’s happening or offer to “buddy up” with them if they feel a bit worried about coming alone. See you on Wednesday 18 May.

9

vReports

Elders Council member wins Lord Mayor’s Award

Our congratulations go to Keith Pimm (pictured left), who was recently awarded a prestigious Lord Mayor’s Award at the Mansion House. Keith richly deserves this award, which was given to him in recognition of the many years of hard work and dedication he has given to the work of the Exhibition and Brandling Parks Trust. Seeing the parks on his doorstep going into decline prompted Keith to inspire and cajole others to see the opportunities that the parks offered for community action. As a result, a wide range of activities and projects have been enjoyed by young and old ranging from activity days such as Den Days and a wide range of arts projects, through to more substantial changes such as the Lakeside Explorer, which has resulted in a lovely board walk and a swan island on the lake (currently home to nesting swans).

All this work laid the foundation for a successful bid to Heritage Lottery, which has funded major improvements in Exhibition Park. Keith’s inspiration and determination and the huge commitment of time and energy he has given over many years have been key to persuading others to join in the effort to improving the Exhibition and Brandling Parks for the people of the city. And Keith has still managed to find time to be an active member of the Elders Council from its very early beginnings!

10

vInformation

State Pension Changes

Age UK have sent us information about the pension changes that came into force in April.

A new State Pension was introduced on 6 April 2016 which affects people reaching State Pension age on or after that date. This will affect you if you are:

 a woman born on or after 6 April 1953

 a man born on or after 6 April 1951

When the new State Pension is fully introduced, it will have the following features:

 It will be a single weekly amount. The full amount has been set at £155.65 for the financial year 2016/17.

 However, you may get more or less than this full amount, depending on your individual circumstances.

 The full amount will be given to people with at least 35 years National Insurance (NI) contributions or credits.

 To qualify for any new State Pension, people will need at least 10 years of contributions. Those with between 10 and 34 years of contributions will receive a proportion of the pension.

 It will be an individual entitlement, so in general there will be no special rules for people who are married or in civil partnerships, bereaved or divorced.

 Pension Credit and other means-tested benefits will continue to provide a safety net for people with low incomes, but the savings credit element of Pension Credit will be abolished (it will remain for existing claimants).

If you want to know the full details of these changes, go to https://www.gov.uk/new- state-pension/overview . If you don’t have access to a computer, we suggest that you go along to your local library and ask the librarian to help you to find this address on the library system.

11

vDementia

Tyneside Cinema secures funding to continue dementia-friendly cinema

The Dementia-Friendly Cinema project was initiated and provided with seed funding by the Elders Council. So we are very glad to learn that funding has now been secured to enable the programme to continue for a further three years. The Tyneside Cinema has successfully secured a grant from the Ballinger Charitable Trust that will enable it to support and deliver a three-year dementia-friendly cinema programme following a very successful pilot programme in 2015.

From July to December 2015, Tyneside Cinema hosted a series of dementia-friendly cinema events – special film screenings in which adjustments had been made to take into account the needs of people living with dementia. The screenings proved popular with audiences, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from people living with dementia, their families and carers.

Thanks to the grant from The Ballinger Charitable Trust, dementia-friendly cinema will return in May 2016 as a permanent part of Tyneside Cinema’s programme for the next three years. The grant will enable the cinema to make permanent as well as temporary physical changes to the building, making adjustments so that the space is as welcoming as possible for audiences. The cinema will also be able to continue to invest in staff development and training. The relaunch of dementia-friendly cinema will coincide with Dementia Awareness Week (15-21 May) and the first showing will be of Mary Poppins on Thursday 19 May.

The dementia-friendly events were designed to suit the needs of people living with dementia by:

 having special large-print and contrast-adjusted signage around the building and in the auditorium  increasing lighting in the auditorium during the film  reducing sound levels  screening no adverts or trailers before the film

For details of the programmes, please ring 0191 227 5500 or visit www.tynesidecinema.co.uk/dementia-friendly-cinema .

12

Things to do …

Streets for People

The Co-operative Communities Service number of observations you can make. of the City Council has written to us to You’ll find the website with the map and tell us about a new initiative – Streets for survey for Heaton and Ouseburn, and People Heaton and Ouseburn. This is more information about Streets for the latest community project looking for People at funding to make improvements that will www.newcastle.gov.uk/streetsforpeople . make it safer and easier to walk and Or you can ring Ali Lamb on cycle round Heaton and Ouseburn. 0191 277 7681 or 0785 582 5681 to ask

The first stage of the project is about her to send you paper copies; or you can gathering information from as many pick up paper copies from such places people as possible. So the organisers as libraries, cycle shops or community centres. want to hear from people who live, work, learn and spend their free time in the You can contribute to the map and area. They want to know what’s good, survey until 5 June but please don’t wait bad or indifferent about getting around till then; do it now, and pass on the link places or using routes to local to as many people as you can. If you destinations and, what your thoughts are want to send in any pictures to illustrate about how to make it better. your issue, you can email them to

They’ve got a website with an interactive [email protected] ; map and short survey to complete. It’s you can also use that email address to quick and easy to do on your phone or ask any questions. other device and there’s no limit to the

Older People’s Singles’ Group

An Elders Council member has taken the initiative to set up a social group. Well done, Anne! On your own?

Why not enjoy the company of others over a coffee, in a relaxed and informal setting? Do join us at Mark Toney’s, Grainger Street, Newcastle who are kindly allowing us to use their downstairs room.

We meet on the first and third Monday of the month from 4.30 to 6.30pm. So our next meetings are on Monday 16 May, Monday 6 and 20 June and Monday 4 July.

Hope to see you there!

“Don’t be lonely; come to Mark Toney!” 13

Learn a new skill …

… Learn to fix your bike?

Liz Jackson, Active Newcastle’s Cycling and Walking Officer, tells us that she’s running a free “fix your bike” course on Tuesday 10 May.

Simple tasks like changing a tyre and mending a puncture are demonstrated and then performed by participants under the supervision of a qualified Instructor. They also offer simple advice on seat-height adjustments, different valve types, tyre pressures and tyre/inner-tube sizes.

 Know your bike – what the parts are called and what they do

 Keep it clean – what needs cleaning, when and how

 Adjust and fit – how to set your bike up for you and get your brakes and gears working properly

 Fix that flat – you’re guided you step by step through mending a puncture.

The session lasts about two hours and you should be prepared to get your hands dirty in the practical parts. Alan Gowers, one of the Newsletter editors, says: “The instructors are very friendly and certainly know their bikes. You can't help catching their enthusiasm for cycling and understanding your bike better. My wife, son and I have attended and I recommend having a go – you gain at lot of cycling confidence.”

To book your place:

Tel. Liz on 0191 278 3390 or 0782 780 1137, Email: [email protected] or Visit: http://www.cycleexperience.com/cycle-maintenance-courses.php . or Tel: Yvette or Les on 0792 988 4853 or 0775 405 8577 or Email: [email protected] or [email protected] .

14

What’s On!

Newcastle Philosophy Society

The Newcastle Philosophy Society practises free philosophical conversation, welcoming everyone with an interest in philosophy – especially novices – and all philosophical approaches. The Newcastle Philosophy Society aims to release philosophical conversation back into the public arena to further free philosophy from the dusty academic closet. They are not affiliated with any academic institution, and most of their members do not have formal qualifications in philosophy.

Their events are designed for engagement and interaction, sharing and dialogue, in a spirit of mature enquiry rather than debate. Events are usually free, though a small number may ask for a small fee to cover room hire costs (and information about such fees will be highlighted before the event).

Pop along to one of the drop-ins on:

When: Tuesday, 10 May or Tuesday, 17 May, both at 11am

Where: Tyneside Bar Café, 10-12 Pilgrim Street.

For a full list of events visit http://newphilsoc.org.uk/wpress/ .

Membership of the Society is free, and it is not necessary to attend events. Members receive a weekly email, as well as being granted voting rights at the Annual General Meeting.

For further information, please email the Assistant Secretary, at [email protected] .

15

Try something old, learn something new …

Put a Song In Your Heart

For anyone living in and around Jesmond, one of the highlights of the spring is the annual Jesmond Community Festival. The 2016 Jesmond Community Festival starts with a warm-up event on Friday 6th May, features a spectacular parade on Saturday 7th and continues with more than 90 more events through to Sunday 22nd May. More information on the full programme can be found on www.jesmondfestival.org.uk or you can pick up a programme from Jesmond Library and numerous other locations. The Elders Council is involved in organising two of the FREE events:

1. Put a Song in Your Heart An afternoon of fun and frivolity for the over-50s, performances by pupils from Newcastle High School for Girls, afternoon tea, and a quiz with prizes.

When: Thursday, 12 May, 2-4pm (Doors open at 1:30pm) Where: Newcastle High School for Girls, Sandyford Park, Sandyford

2. Fun and Fitness for over-50s (see pg. 6 for further details)

For further information: Contact the Elders Council office on 0191 208 2701 or email [email protected] .

Would you like to play Pickleball?

Pickleball is a rapidly growing sport in learn: you will be up and playing within the UK and a sort of cross between ten minutes. It’s also popular with the tennis, badminton and table tennis. It’s over-50s. played on a badminton size court, with a The first Pickleball group in the North tennis-height net and a paddle about East has been established and they play twice the size and thickness of a table every Thursday at Tyneside Badminton tennis bat. Centre, 37 Bowness Road, Newcastle It’s said to be really fun and easy to upon Tyne, NE5 2TA from 2.30 to 4.30. Equipment – paddles, balls, etc. – is provided; the cost is £5 per session but the first session is free.

New players are always very welcome and if you are interested – or want more information – either just come along or please contact Peter McCue on 0782 777 6101 or on [email protected] .

16 . Information Board

New library times

As you probably know, library opening times are changing across Newcastle. The City Library will be open as follows:

Monday to Thursday: 10am to 7pm Friday: 10am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 4pm Sunday: 11am to 4pm

For the opening times of your local library, please ring 0191 277 4100 or go to http://www.newcastle.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-tourism/libraries/branch- libraries-and-opening-hours/city-library#contact .

Ideas for days out for you or with the grandchildren

.

Each year Northumberland Wildlife Trust (NWT) organises a comprehensive programme of exciting days out and activities to appeal to everyone across the region. From wildlife photography and relaxing natural pamper days to guided osprey walks and wild foraging, there is something to suit all interests and ages. The Trust hosts Wild Tots playtimes for under-5s and Wildlife Watch groups for 5-12 year olds. Their annual celebration of our region’s wonderful wildlife, Our Wildlife, is being held at Blagdon Hall on 20 August, and promises to be bigger and better than last year. If you want to find out what’s on or book a place on any of the activities, please ring 0191 284 6884 or go to www.nwt.org.uk/whats-on .

17

Newcastle Good Neighbours Service

The Royal Voluntary Service can offer practical help that can make all the difference to older people, whether it's collecting a pension or a repeat prescription, walking the dog or changing a light-bulb.

Often family members might live too far away to visit regularly so Royal Voluntary Service Good Neighbours provide valuable company and friendship as well as making sure that the older person is safe and well.

Patients can self-refer by calling 0191 300 9334 or please talk to your GP at your next appointment. The service is FREE and all our friendly volunteers have enhanced safeguarding clearance.

Programme of Events

The Elders Council website (www.elderscouncil.org.uk) includes under the

‘Events and Workshops’ section a listing of local events and workshops currently taking place. This includes regular activities such as coffee mornings, yoga, carpet bowls, line dancing and walking football to name a few, as well as other events and workshops that are one-offs.

Most recently we have uploaded to the website a printable version of this document. If you don’t have a computer and would like a copy of this document, send us a stamped addressed envelope and we will forward you a copy.

Please note: the website and ‘Programme of Events’ document are regularly updated; however, we emphasise that it is worth checking with the organiser in advance, as often booking is essential for some of the activities.

18

Volunteering makes you stand out from the crowd

Looking for an exciting volunteering opportunity that uses your business skills? Become a Sported volunteer!

Sported is seeking retired people with expertise in:

 business or  strategic planning or  finance or  marketing or  PR or  fundraising or  governance or  impact measurement to support their growing membership of community sport and youth groups.

They have volunteering opportunities across the North East and a range of flexible options. As little as one hour of your time per month could make a massive difference to their members. Through the power of sport, members are transforming the lives of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK.

A volunteer says: “Volunteering with Sported lets you grow and 'escape' the world you normally work in. You contribute and learn. You see the results and, more importantly, the desired outcomes each project strives to achieve.”

To find out more about Sported’s volunteering opportunities, please ring Emily Burns on 0777 560 2137 or email her at [email protected] .

19

Information Update

Ostara (formerly known as Community Care Alarm Service) 24-hour response and support

Worried about getting help if you have an accident at home or fall ill suddenly? Want to live independently and confidently? Then a 24-hour response and support service may be of help.

Ostara (formerly Community Care Alarm Service) provides state-of-the-art alarm equipment ranging from simple alarm buttons to flood detectors, pill dispensers and door-opening sensors that are connected to a 24-hour response centre based in South Gosforth.

If an alarm is activated (for example if you fall, become unwell or feel unsafe), the 24- hour response centre is alerted. A member of the team will contact you straightaway to check that you are ok. If you need assistance, a response officer will travel to your home to help you.

Ostara is part of the Your Homes Newcastle Group, although anyone living in Newcastle can join the service, regardless of the type of accommodation you live in or who owns your home.

To get further details, please ring 0191 277 7470, email [email protected] or visit www.ostara.org.uk . You can also request a free information pack or book a free, no-obligation consultation at www.ostara.org.uk/contact .

Top Tips from members

Top Tip from John Telfer

How often have we put something away ‘to keep it safe’ and not been able to remember where we put it?

A very simple way to help counter this difficulty: stick a label on the drawer or cupboard door marked ‘stationery’ or ‘CDs’ or ‘cutlery’. This makes it much easier to find things we have diligently put away and is also really useful for someone living with dementia. Re-usable adhesive stickers are ideal and mean that we are much more likely to be able to find those special things. Top Tips from Eileen De-Voy

1. Use a wet finger-tip to remove egg shell from a basin.

2. To secure a chopping board, place on a damp cloth.

20

vInformation Updates

Off the Radar – Housing disrepair and health impact in later life

Care & Repair England have just published a new report highlighting how decent suitable housing underpins health and wellbeing, particularly in later life. Older people are more likely to live with chronic health conditions which can be exacerbated by poor housing and most also spend a greater amount of time at home. The report sets out the national picture with regard to the scale of poor housing conditions amongst older people, and the impact on health and wellbeing. If you would like to read more you can get a free copy from http://careandrepair-england.org.uk/wp- content/uploads/2016/02/Off=the-Radar-2016.pdf.

In the light of this, it is really important that we continue to maintain our homes, and there have been recent changes to the services and support available in Newcastle to help.

MEARS Home Improvements service now closed Handyperson, Navigator and Trades Register Services

It's with great sadness that we announce that Mears Home Improvements has now closed. The funding for their services was not renewed in 2016/17 and therefore the branch ceased to operate on 31 March 2016.

But the staff at Information NOW are working to identify other services that may be able to assist older people with small DIY jobs, household maintenance and painting/decorating.

So far, we are aware of the following alternative services:

 Caring Hands handyman service for older people in the East End of Newcastle (£5 administration fee).  Poppy Calls Royal British Legion handyman service for ex-service personnel who cannot carry out home repairs themselves and who are on low income.  Newcastle Repairs Service for Your Homes Newcastle tenants.  Ferguson Lodge Maintenance at Home Service can assist people with either fixing small repairs or helping them find alternative tradespeople.

There are a number of online directories that list registered and vetted tradespeople. These include Checked and Vetted; Which?Trusted Traders; and Checkatrade.com to name but a few. Visit Information NOW for the full list.

If you are aware of any other reliable and trusted services that should be included on Information NOW please ring 0191 208 2703 or go to informationnow.org.uk .

21

vInformation

Save Water

Northumbrian Living Water are giving away free water-saving kits to all their customers. The kit includes:

 universal plug, which fits all sinks and saves on average 12 litres per day  tap insert, which saves on average 36 litres per day  save-a-flush, which saves on average 12 litres per day  four-minute shower timer, saving on average five litres per day  water-saving shower regulator, which saves on average 30 litres per day.

If you are a Northumbrian Living Water customer and would like to receive your free water kit, please ring 0345 266 0585 or go to https://www.nwl.co.uk/your-home/saving-water/request- water-saving-devices.aspx .

Save on your energy bills

The final Big Community Switch is now open for registration. This is an opportunity to lower energy bills by switching supplier.

This service has collectively helped residents in Newcastle to save over £47,000 on their energy bills over the last two years, and average annual saving for each resident in the February auction was £296.

For more information and to sign up before midnight on Monday 16 May, please go to: www.newcastle.gov.uk/big-community-switch . If you haven’t got access to the internet, please ring the library service on 0191 277 4100 and make an appointment at any of the council's libraries. You'll need to bring your current supplier details with you, ideally an annual statement or your most recent energy bill. A confirmation of registration will be sent to you by post.

22

Correspondence

Dear Editors,

I thoroughly enjoyed the Elders Council Information Day at the Centre for Life on 21 March and so did many of the others I spoke to. Also your services are greatly appreciated and you are thought of with such fondness. Thought you would like to know that.

Yours truly,

C. Brailey

Wellbeing for Life Session

The next Wellbeing for Life session will take place:

When: Wednesday 1st June, 10.30am – 12.00 noon

Where: Jesmond Community Library.

This has been organised jointly by the Elders Council of Newcastle and Friends of Jesmond Library.

There is no age limit, but the target audience is older people aged 50+, and in particular older people who would like an opportunity to meet socially in the library to hear about fitness-related, creative or simply sociable activities and events happening in the area.

For more information: Tel: Jesmond Library on 0191 281 2385, or Email: [email protected] .

23

Poetry Corner

c

Coast to Coast

Here we are already it’s June Summer time will be here soon It’s lovely to have a summer day To go down to the beach and play At St. Mary’s for a while, you can bide But be sure you know the tide If the chart you do not check You’ll be in water past your neck Go on to it’s very nice And treat yourself to a Venetian ice Doesn’t matter where you’re from You’ll enjoy a walk along the prom Out to sea, there may be ships Hospital corridor Then go and buy some fish and chips Next a small bay with fishing boats I glisten with linear pride. A lovely place called That machine has come to a rest. Travelling on, further south My polishing is now complete. You come to the stunning The cleaning ladies have long gone. The view is really hard to knock Footsteps echo as people enter As you pass the pub the Gibraltar Rock Through the automatic front door. A must when you are here They stop to read the signs overhead: Is a stroll along the windy pier A & E. X-rays. Wards, 40-46. If it’s closed then don’t despair Walking shoes continue unrhymed. Watch the waves crash in the air I listen to the acoustics as they proceed. If you come by car, train or bus Some are slow and heavy laden Wherever you go will be a plus As if carrying a loaded heart. So raise your glass and give a toast To this fabulous, scenic north east coast When the night shift finally begins The silence tastes like galactose Eileen De-Voy Until frantic movements juxtapose Responding to an emergency call. Soon I am ready for the daytime drone Not knowing who may step in my way. At least they will see the ‘Way Out’ sign. But I cannot exist; trapped forever inside.

Asit Maitra

24

Newsletter Costs

Each edition of the newsletter costs the Elders Council nearly £600 to post out to members (plus about £1125 for printing). So we’d be really grateful if you could help to reduce these costs.

1. If you agree to take the newsletter electronically (by email), not only do you get your copy in colour and earlier than if you got it by post; it also means that we’re saving on postage. To sign up for this service see details on pg. 28.

2. If you agree to deliver some newsletters in your neighbourhood by hand, we save on the postage and you get to have a bit of exercise and perhaps meet and chat with neighbours (just ring the doorbell and hand over their copy of the newsletter personally).

We’d be very grateful if you could choose either of these options. Please ring Anne Richardson (0191 208 2701) or email her ([email protected]) and let her know

3. The third way you could help is by giving a donation to the Elders Council to cover postage and production costs. (See the donation form below and on pg. 26). 4. Or you could help by using the Give as You Live system, giving money to the Elders Council each time you shop online.

Donations and Gift Aid

Could you please help by making a Gift Aid donation to help cover the costs of the production of the Newsletter?

……………………………………………………………………………………………….. PLEASE HELP THE ELDERS COUNCIL TO CONTINUE ITS WORK

I wish to donate £7.50 [ ] £15 [ ] £30 [ ] Other [£ ] to the Elders Council of Newcastle and enclose a cheque for that amount. Please send to Elders Council office (address details on page 28).

Name:

Address:

Postcode:

Please tick if you require a receipt (√).....

25 Help needed to hand deliver newsletters

The postage on each newsletter is 63p. At present 84 people are hand-delivering 643 copies, which saves the Elders Council approximately £350 for each edition (i.e., approximately £2,100 over the year). We are currently looking for members to hand- deliver newsletters in the following places:

 Bishops Road,  Bracknell Gardens, Chapel House Estate  Briarwood Avenue, Gosforth  Broadway Court, Gosforth  Cleveland Gardens, High Heaton  East Thorp, Newbiggin Hall Estate  Hareydene, Newbiggin Hall Estate  Havannah Crescent/Sycamore Avenue, Dinnington  Heaton Road, Heaton  Holywell Close, Barrick Road  Linbridge Drive, West Denton  Tynedale House, View  Western Avenue, West Denton

If this is something you would like to help with, please call Anne on 0191 208 2701 letting her know the area you would like to deliver in and whether you would like to pick up or have the newsletters posted out to you.

………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Donations and Gift Aid

If you would like us to claim Gift Aid relief (so that we can claim back money from the Treasury), please complete the relevant boxes below:

Charity: The Elders Council of Newcastle Ltd.

I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax at least equal to the Amount of tax that the charity will reclaim on my gifts.

I confirm that this donation and all previous and future gifts of money to the Elders Council should be treated as Gift Aid donations.

Please notify us if you wish to cancel this declaration.

Thank you.

26

Poetry Corner

On the Breeze

Low sunrise greets another day As birds up high will soon relay For other than those spoken words There is nothing like songs of birds

Soon sound of life on high is ready Though all will have to take it steady For food and drink a little sun They may all have to be won

Starlings awake then on their way To swoop and climb while all at play For instinct is an awareness act Safety first is always a cautious fact

Seagulls announce while on display That they are here but not to stay Blackbirds awake, crow, rook, jackdaw All to scan for what is on the floor

Wild geese on high and on their way To find a warmer place to stay In ‘v’ formation to cross the sky Though only nature knows reason why

Our friendly robin to whistle sing As local bells begin to ring Or strike time when on the hour So accurate in beat and the power

Birds produce some mystery sounds To all who listen for the grounds That quiet churchyard meek mild Last resting place for husband, wife, child

John Reid

27

Newsletter Information

Newsletter Articles

If you would like to submit an article to be considered for the July/August 2016 edition of the Newsletter, will you please ensure that you forward it before Thursday 9 June.

Newsletter in other formats

We can make our Newsletter available in alternative formats (e.g. in larger print or audio tape or an audio CD). Please just let Anne know what format you would like (0191 208 2701)

Electronic Version of the Newsletter

It costs about £1.20 per member to send out this newsletter, so would you be willing to have the newsletter sent to you electronically? If you would, it would save a lot of money every year. So please sign up for this service now by emailing [email protected], please put “E-mail newsletter” in the subject box.

Advantages to signing up for this service include receiving the Newsletter at least 14 days sooner than you would normally receive it via the post; getting earlier notice of events happening throughout the city; and seeing the various images in colour.

What are you waiting for?

Contact D etails

Elders Council of Newcastle nd Room 2.3 6, 2 Floor, Biomedical Research Building Campus for Ageing and Vitality Nuns Moor Road NE4 5PL

Tel. 0191 208 2701 Fax. 0191 208 2705 Email : [email protected] Website: www.elderscouncil.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1122424

28