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Excellent company page 6 Accessible transport page 7 A marvellous job page 4
The retireless
This summer weve seen Mick Jagger strutting his stuff on the Glastonbury stage, Bruce Forsyth dancing across our screens and Dame Helen Mirren continuing to make headlines as a stage phenomenon and fashion icon. Opinions vary wildly when it comes to these celebrity oldies but attitudes to age and ageing are changing. People arent stopping doing the things theyve always done, dressing and behaving the way they always have, just because theyve hit retirement. Even in the sports arena, people are going on longer, as Olympic goldwinning showjumper Nick Skelton proved last year at the age of 54. Britains oldest female triathlete Eddie Brocklesby, 70, only took up running at 52. From 91 year-old Hampshire DJ Margaret Leigh-Jones to Dorset woman Winifred Turner getting her first tattoo at 92, retirement certainly doesnt look like it used to. People increasingly refuse to be defined by a number and instead are asking, why stop? And at Glastonbury the Stones showed us we dont have to.
What next?
Part time work
l Using skills you already have, behind the scenes or customerfacing: www.nidirect.gov.uk/ job-programmes-for-over-50s l Help@Home workers wanted, see page 7
Volunteering
l Contact us to find out about volunteering opportunities l gokingston volunteering.org.uk
Start a business
l Set up your own business, or start an enterprise that benefits your community: www.socialenterprise. org.uk and www.gov.uk/browse/ business/setting-up
Professor Richard Moody isnt ready to retire: I simply love what I do.
Unstoppable
Its not only the famous who are still making waves after their freedom pass has been delivered. One unstoppable Kingston resident is the accomplished geologist Professor Richard Moody. Having taught hundreds of students, had a hand in writing 26 books, led trans-Saharan expeditions and more, he recently received the Distinguished Service Award of The Geological Society of London. The British public are being encouraged to work longer. Some are finding they have no alternative; others
are embracing opportunities their parents never had and loving it. Either way, people are increasingly looking for work or activity in later life that is fulfilling, is fun, makes them feel valued and keeps them healthy and happy. Employment rates for people over 65 have continued to grow since 2001, even throughout the recession which has left other age-groups still struggling. Continuing paid work is the best option for many, with the increasing financial strain of younger and older dependants, not to mention pensions less valuable than many had hoped. But this need not be the doom-and-gloom scenario depicted by many tabloids. Many find a new lease of life by actively choosing to continue working perhaps in a different field or through self-employment or by throwing themselves into a new pursuit or giving others the benefit of their experience
with like-minded individuals. Whether joining an established group, or enjoying free lectures at local museums or universities, feeding the grey matter has never been so easy or accessible. New style day services like The Bradbury in Kingston and organisations such as the U3A offer Potential opportunities for discussion, learning something new or visiting places of As the renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow once said, We are not great interest and beauty. People are deciding that retirement in a position in which we have nothing doesnt have to begin with cardigan and to work with we still have potential. slippers. It will take time for UK business The possibilities are endless and the demand for help is ever expanding. The to adapt enough to accommodate the growing number of third-agers ready for voluntary work of older people in their the next challenge, but the world is communities is estimated to be worth catching on. Queen of Shops Mary over 10 billion per annum to the national economy and this is set to grow. Portas hosts a new TV programme later This third age, as it has been termed, this year called Marys Jobs for Life, launching Britains first ever employment gives many people the time to pursue agency for the over 65s. We look forward long-held ambitions, gain new to seeing the results. qualifications, or simply share ideas
Issue eighteen l Autumn 2013
through volunteering. This could mean anything from helping a local organisation with administration to being a trustee, befriending someone isolated, caring for nature reserves or driving for those with disabilities whatever your skills lend themselves to.
Gareth Thomas MP, Anne Cann, Tulloch Kempe and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson
Age Concern Kingstons Stay Well at Home service has won the 2013 Charity Award for Social Care and Welfare. Against stiff national competition, Stay Well was selected in the Social Care and Welfare category. The award was presented by parliamentarian and paralympian, Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, at a suitably glittering ceremony at Mayfairs Grosvenor House Hotel in June. In order to win, Age Concern Kingston had to evidence how its work met ten hallmarks of excellence, including innovation, leadership, effectiveness and accountability. The award adds to Age Concern Kingstons winning history. Two years ago we won The Guardian Award for Care of Older People for our successful Fit as a Fiddle project, and Chief Executive Shane Brennan was shortlisted for a Charity Times award for outstanding leadership. Stay Well works with people to identify what they want and need to support them in staying independent and well at home, as well as ways to increase wellbeing. The service is popular, with clients, family members and informal carers expressing their satisfaction with the attention ACK pays to the things that matter to them.
Supporters making a donation to Age Concern Kingston will soon be able to double their donation in seconds for free. Localgiving.com is giving away 500,000 to local charities and community groups by doubling any contribution up to 10. Last year the campaign raised over 1.3 million and this year theyre aiming for even more. Whether you have used our services before, know someone who has or value the work were doing, a donation from you can help us to continue providing expert support to vulnerable people. From Tuesday 15th October you can go to our Localgiving. com page below and anything you give will automatically be doubled. Its as easy as that. www. localgiving.com/charity/ ageconcernkingston
Keep me posted
As more and more services move online, a national campaign is encouraging banks, utility providers and other companies to continue providing paper bills to those who want them. Keep Me Posted is a partnership of representatives from charities, interest groups and businesses who believe that all consumers should still be able to choose for themselves. Without access to paper bills there is evidence that some people find it harder to pay what they owe and keep track of their finances. This particularly effects those who arent comfortable using computers or do not have access to the internet. If you are interested in supporting this campaign you can go to their website www.keepmeposteduk. com or write to them at Keep Me Posted, PO Box 72064, London EC4P 4DZ. How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA t: 020 8942 8256 e: admin@ageconcernkingston.org w: www.ageconcernkingston.org twitter: @agekingston agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, e: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, t: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper
Who we are
We are a leading independent charitable organisation dedicated to working with people in south west London. Kingston upon Thames We have 65 years of experience of supporting people and carers to live safely and independently in their own homes and over the years have won awards for this, the most recent being the 2013 Charity Award for Social Care and Welfare. Our vision is to make your life a greater life. We have a history of working in innovative ways with local people to deliver the services that they want, and of working in partnership. We provide a range of community-based services which help and support people to live in their own homes. These include Information, Advice and Advocacy; practical help in the home (e.g. Handyperson services, cleaning and domestic help, shopping, support after a hospital stay) and social activities (social centres, lunch clubs, telephone befriending, dementia club). These services are accessed by hundreds of older people and carers each year. Our workforce of 50 staff is supported by over 100 trained volunteers who add value and huge commitment to all the services we provide.
age concern
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Letters
The best medicine
When one reaches retirement, as you can imagine, its a huge change in ones life. The two biggest effects are obviously money and the other is company. When you have spent so many years working every day with people of different generations ones lack of conversation and interaction with others becomes a nightmare. Last Saturday at the Bradbury Booze and Views evening we had a chance to get together with other people again, and for people like myself it was a lovely experience. That evening was worth far more than any medicine I could ever get from my GP. Mrs D Bryant Find out more about Booze and Views on p6
Please send your letters & feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
Agenda editorial
A booming recovery
In the summer the Treasury announced that Britains economy grew by 0.6 per cent over the previous quarter. This is the first good news on the economy in years and over recent months there has been further positive economic news. Official figures showed that British manufacturing sprang back to life, rising by 1.9 per cent; house prices are steadily rising and overall stock markets are climbing. The Economist reports that surveys measuring consumer confidence show shoppers are feeling positive vital in an economy in which consumption makes up two-thirds of spending. Of the manufacturing output figure, economists are saying this is the most convincing sign yet that the UK economy is on the mend.
Austerity
Although the government hopes that this is indeed the beginning of a sustainable recovery, austerity for a lot of people will continue for the years to come with many cuts in public spending still yet fully to come into effect. Those on fixed incomes will continue to be hit in two ways: firstly, struggling to keep up with the rising costs of living, with inflation still around 3 per cent; secondly, austerity means continued cuts in support services provided, or supported, by local authorities. This is further compounded by the well-documented pressures on health service funding.
Indicator
Some media commentators have hailed the latest economic news as an important indicator that things are beginning to turn around and others are clearly getting carried away by talking of Booming Britain! At the current growth rate it will be 2015 before the country even recovers the same level of growth it achieved in 2008. In reality its going to be some time yet before many people will notice a change, and even longer before therell be any real investment in the health and care services that are needed to address the increasing demands of an ageing population.
When?
Whether you can help regularly, occasionally or just have a few free weeks coming up, were keen to hear from you.
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A marvellous job
Mr Smith is a Kingston resident who has devoted much of his life to his country, from directing London traffic to combating espionage, navigating for the RAF and protecting royalty. He speaks to agenda news about his experiences and explains why he was awarded two DFCs and a CVO. Now retired, Mr Smith describes the value of the support he has received from Age Concern Kingstons Help@Home service.
How did you find yourself in the police force? When I was 18 I joined the Metropolitan police force. I went down to a police training school in London and it was a real culture shock, I hadnt the slightest idea of what to expect. Having worked for 18 months in a division in London sorting out the motorcar congestion it began to get a little boring I didnt come across any of the exciting incidents that I had read about. So you wanted excitement? Well yes, I wanted to be the next Sherlock Holmes, if you like and that was not in sight! So I read about the special branch, applied and found myself a branch officer. They kept a tab on Irish extremists and disruptors of the peace. At this point it was clear that there was going to be a lot of disruption in Europe due to Hitler. The war began and I became a navigator for the RAF, from there I was sent to interrogation training. What was it like during that time? Britain was no picnic at the time I was at the RAF holding unit when a top secret memo came out saying they were looking for any German speaking aircrew to volunteer for special business, so of course I volunteered. One of the squadron leaders was losing more crew men than was acceptable. It was thought that the German night fighters were very well trained, so they allocated one German speaking person to go with each of the bomb raiders. We had special equipment that would confuse the commentary that the German air fighter controllers were putting out to direct their fighter aircrafts. Then one night two of our gunners were killed and I was wounded. I was in hospital for four months. So what happened after your time in hospital? Soon after, the Germans surrendered so it was time to go back to the police. And how was that, going back with all this added experience? I was welcomed back heartily to the force I had been awarded two DFCs (Distinguished Flying Cross) for my work during the war. There were various espionage trials that took place and I assisted the superintendent. These people were feeding the Russian Embassy with British intelligence you see. What was your biggest achievement? I was promoted to head of the branch, which was a great honour. Also I took over the security of the Prince of Wales investiture and we sent a team up to Wales we did a marvellous job. I got a CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) for all my work, its not one you just fling around the Queen presented it. And how has Help@Home helped you? Well since my wife died it has been lonely and I find certain things a struggle, but luckily I have people like Simon who make my lunch hes very intelligent, he has two degrees and speaks various languages. I dont get many chances to speak with people who are interesting so people like Simon are a lifeline.
Reminiscing: Mr Smith at home, and on his wedding day
Agenda Feature
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Mobility assistance
Kingston Shopmobility 020 8547 1255 The Shopmobility scheme provides wheelchairs and motorised scooters on loan to anyone who considers they have mobility problems so they can get around Kingston independently with freedom, confidence and dignity. Registration and hire fees apply. Wheelchair hire for a week is available. Radar key A Radar key is a large, conspicuous, silver-coloured key that opens more than 9,000 accessible toilets in the UK and a few around Kingston. Keys can be obtained from Kingston Shopmobility (see above), Kingston Centre for Independent Living 020 8546 9603 and Bentalls Centre Management Suite on 2nd floor. They cost 4.00. TfL Travel Mentoring service 020 7027 5822 The Travel Mentoring service can offer help in planning accessible travel routes on the London transport system and provide a mentor to come along for first few journeys to assist in confidence building and becoming an independent traveller. It is a free service. Rail Travel Passenger Assistance 0845 748 4950 National Rail Enquiries have dedicated operators who can assist in finding the best way to reach a train station by
Have wheels will travel!
To register for any of these services, call the numbers above for an application form. You may have automatic eligibility if you are in receipt of certain mobility benefits or registered blind otherwise you may be asked to undergo a mobility assessment. Age Concern Kingston offers assistance to complete and process application forms for the Dial-a-Ride, Taxicard and Blue Badge schemes, please call 020 8408 8170.
accessible public transport and will connect you to the correct train company passenger assistance team for your journey. It is a free service. The Disabled Persons Railcard costs 20 and saves up to 1/3 on most rail fares including fares for a travelling companion. There are similar discounts for rail fares for disabled people who do not have a railcard but are blind or visually impaired and includes their travelling companion, and for people who travel in their wheelchair on the train.
Victoria Coach Station Mobility Assistance 020 7027 2520 If you have a mobility impairment you can pre-book assistance by either phoning the Help Point or completing a form on the TfL website 24 hours prior to departure. It is a free service.
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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons, podiatry and holistic therapies are also available for members and non-members. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm. Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Manager: Cathy Weight
The Bradbury
The Bradbury is a drop in centre for the over 60s. With a lively, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, The Bradbury offers a wide range of activities from tai chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches (including a roast lunch on a Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. When the weather is good you can eat al fresco as we have a pleasant patio garden. The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Manager: Laura OBrien
Excellent company...
A few weeks ago Bradbury members attended their third Booze & Views event. This is a monthly, intergenerational, cheese and wine evening at the Bradbury. The event was developed by Nadia Daghistani, as part of the Year Here fellowship and has received funding from O2 Think Big. This seasons event took place on one of the hottest Saturdays of the year, but guests kept their cool and partied on despite the heat. Bradbury members spent time meeting recent graduates and together they took part in a pub quiz. A few glasses of wine and many laughs later, the quiz winners were presented with Al Capone style hats and moustaches. Everyone agreed that the excellent company made the evening special and all guests left grinning ear to ear with a story to tell. There was a nice atmosphere, said one member, really cheery and fun. Whens the next one?.
An Interactive Timeline
Kingston University drama students Ben and Alice have worked with Raleigh House members to explore their life stories. Through regular lively discussion, playing games together and singing favourite songs the participants got to know each other over a number of weeks. They had so many interesting memories, said Alice. For the final event the students developed a shared timeline for an audience to explore, encouraging conversations between older and younger generations. This culminated in a musical performance showcasing the group singing traditional folk songs. It was a fantastic project, said one of the participating members, We all thoroughly enjoyed it, and everyone got on so well together. A film, KU Interactive Timeline With Age Concern, is available online on YouTube.
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Help@Home
I get help when I want, how I want Managing the everyday practical tasks of home can become more difficult in later years. Help@Home provides support with a wide range of practical tasks in and around the home.
Diary Dates
Meetings and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service designed for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am2.00pm at Raleigh House. Next dates: 14th September, 12th October and 9th November. 4 per person including a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.
Who is eligible?
Anyone over 55 years old or any adult with a disability, who lives in Kingston.
Who is eligible?
This service is free of charge to over 65s, if you are registered with a Kingston GP.
Volunteers wanted
Do you have DIY skills? Do you have an occasional few hours to spare ? As this popular service grows, we are seeking volunteers to assist clients with small jobs in their homes. Please contact us to find out more.
Job opportunities
Our popular Help@Home service is expanding. Get in touch to find out more about working with us.
Lunch Clubs
In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court Lunch Club Tuesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at Fountain Court, New Malden The Charles Lesser Lunch Club Wednesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at Charles Lesser House, Chessington The Bradbury Centre Lunch Club Wednesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at The Bradbury Centre, Grange Road, Kingston For more information call 020 8942 8256.
Fit as a Fiddle
Are you over 50, live in the borough of Kingston, and want to lose weight, get fit, and improve your physical and mental well-being? Why not join a free 6 week course starting in September 2013?
In Touch service
Our dedicated volunteers provide telephone support and befriending.
Take your pick from gentle exercise to more vigorous activity: l Nordic Walking: Holly Lodge, Richmond Park, Mon 9th Sept 10.30am Housing choices service l Aquacise: Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Kingston, We can also help you think Weds 11th Sept 1.30pm through your options, including l Body Balance: Christ Church Hall, New Malden, moving or staying at home. Thurs 12th Sept 12.30pm l Chair based exercise: St Marks Church, Surbiton Volunteering Fri 13th Sept 12.30pm
Whats on in Kingston
Kingston Pensioners Forum
Second Monday of the month at Richard Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston. For more info call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.
opportunities
Have you got excellent people skills or experience working with vulnerable people? Contact us about volunteering for Stay Well.
Who is eligible?
This service is free to people over 50 living in the borough of Kingston.
U3A Kingston
First Monday of the month, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.
Contact us To discuss any of our services or joining our team please call 020 8942 8256.
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Help@Home
age concern
Kingston upon Thames
The Help@Home team providing the support you want, how and when you want it.
Charity Number 299988