Ageing Better Middlesbrough Summer Newsletter 2020

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SUMMER 2020

Issue 19

NEWSLETTER During these difficult times we still want to do everything we can to ensure we brighten your day.

In this issue: Page 2&3: ABM Latest News

Staff and members have been working hard to bring you the latest news and views from our members while in lockdown.

We hope you enjoy reading.

We’re here for you

Page 4&5: Members’ Stories

At the time of writing this, we are all still at home and we don’t know when that will change.

We understand that you may be feeling quite uncertain and strange, which is why we want to let you know that we are still here for you.

Our usual activities have had to stop, but there are still ways we can help and keep you connected, from telephone befriending to support using your digital devices. Check out pages 2 and 3 to find out more.

Page 6&7: Community Stories

You may have noticed, there isn't a What’s On or Taster Sessions programme with this edition either, but we do have lots of stories, ideas and games to keep you entertained.

Page 8&9: Your Community Noticeboard Page 10&11: Now it’s your turn…

Page 12: ABM Noticeboard

Visit our website: www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ageingbettermiddlesbrough Follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/abmiddlesbrough Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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AGEING BETTER MIDDLESBROUGH • LATEST NEWS

Telephone befriending service We have set up a free telephone befriending service for people who need a regular friendly chat from one of our lovely team members.

We are here to talk to anyone in Middlesbrough aged 50 and over and offer support, reassurance and regular contact during this difficult time.

Please call us on 01642 257020 and leave a voice message letting us know your name, contact number and that you are interested in the Ageing Better Middlesbrough befriending service.

You can also sign up on our website at: www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk/how-wecan-help/1-to-1-support/

Zouzou Litambola, who lives in Grove Hill, has been having regular chats with Anya, our Age Friendly Officer, after contacting the befriending service.

Zouzou’s husband had a stroke, meaning she is a full time carer for him. She says that the befriending service has comforted her over the phone and she is happy that she can talk to another person.

She said: “I talk to a lot of people but one of my favourites is Anya.

“Anytime she calls I can tell her anything and I have never even met her. She might say ‘you sound distressed’ and after I speak to her, I feel better.

“I wasn’t confident to call someone I didn’t know, but every time Anya calls for a chat we end up talking for a long time.”

Zouzou says that the situation can be difficult at times, but the service has helped an awful lot.

“When we went out prior to lockdown, I’d talk to people on behalf of my husband. I also do a lot for him in general.

“During this difficult period, the befriending service reminds me someone is there. Someone who will listen and someone who will give me advice.”

Before Zouzou and her husband had to isolate at home they would go out together but, like so many others, they are unable to do this right now.

However, Linda from our Community Development team, was able to deliver an activity pack that Zouzou’s husband is really enjoying.

Zouzou also receives ongoing calls from Anya.

Facebook fun While we can’t get out and about, we’re trying to keep our Facebook page full of fun activities for you to get involved in.

From an Easter bonnet competition and weekly quizzes to gardening tips and online fitness, we hope there is something for everyone.

Give us a call if you need a hand getting on to Facebook, otherwise you can follow us by going to www.facebook.com/AgeingBetterMiddlesbrough/

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Our winning Easter bonnets – winner was Donna Caldwell (and daughter), and runner up Kirsty O' Neill

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Stay warm and well at home If you are worrying about the amount of energy you may be using because you are at home more, our friendly Affordable Warmth team can help.

They can discuss how to make the most of your energy at home so it costs you less, whether you are with the right supplier and if there are cheaper alternatives, and give lots of help and advice to stay warm and well at home.

Jennifer and Wendy are available between 10am and midday and 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday. They will be answering emails, phone calls and text messages.

Need help using a digital device?

Would you like some support with your digital device to help make better use of it?

Maybe you want to connect with friends and family on a video call, order an online shop, or book GP appointments online.

Whatever device you have, we can provide one to one support over the phone so that you can make the most of life under lockdown.

To get in touch, you can call 07415 158713 or 07940 786914, or email: warmhomes@menvcity.org.uk

Do you know your Apple from your Android?

We are looking for volunteers to help us provide our one to one phone support to help people stay connected while they are at home.

You will be teaching people a whole range of different things, depending on their needs, from how to video call to help setting up online shopping or accessing a GP appointment system.

Volunteers need to be conďŹ dent with a range of technology and be able to patiently guide others through the steps needed to resolve technical issues.

For more information please contact Joanne Stevenson: joannestevenson@hope-foundation.org.uk

If you are motivated to get online but do not have a way of doing this, we may be able to provide you with a digital device. We can also connect you with one of our friendly staff members over the telephone who will help teach you how to use it.

Please call our team on 01642 061019.

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YOUR STORIES • TOLD BY OUR MEMBERS

Geoff’s lockdown diary Our regular newsletter contributor and well-known Ageing Better Middlesbrough member Geoff Kerr Morgan has written to let us know how he has been getting on while staying at home.

During this Covid-19 lockdown it has been difficult to find different things to occupy my mind and even have some fun, so these are just some of the things I have been doing to stay positive and not become a couch potato.

To keep myself fit initially, I was going for isolated walks along the Berwick Hills Nature Reserve, around 2.5 miles.

Now I walk around my garden x amount of laps a day. I also use my staircase for exercise. Sometimes I run on the spot or dance to music.

I find reading quite relaxing and helpful and have been studying some history books through the day and reading novels on an evening. I am not a great television lover but found some really good programmes to watch on BBC I player, Inspector Montalbano and Vienna Blood come to mind.

Also, I use YouTube which is like having my own television channel watching things I like, full speedway meetings and documentaries and more. I have recently

bought a number of DVD's (ordered online) and I have enjoyed watching them immensely.

A few more things that have kept me sane are listening to music (Pop or Classical depending upon my mood) and keeping in touch with people - which has been so necessary to lift me up.

Social media has been very important to keep in contact and also the telephone.

The Thursday night clapping for NHS workers has been amazing. My neighbours have been brilliant. We chat (from a distance) on a Thursday night and have a laugh. I think this has brought us closer together.

I hope everyone stays safe; I look forward to getting back into my social activities very soon.

Continuing to shine at 99 Many of us are feeling worried about the current situation and wondering when it’s all going to be over.

For Middlesbrough born Ageing Better Middlesbrough member Harry Norris however, he’s just taking it in his stride.

The 99 year old, who volunteered as an Airframe Fitter in the Royal Air Force at the beginning of the Second World War, says that even though we can’t do most of the things we would like to do at the moment, there is still plenty that can be done.

He said: “I’ve always liked to keep my mind occupied and my body fit.

“I was the treasurer at the TOFY Club (The Over Fifties Youth Club) and Sporting Chance, and a cashier at my local church.

“I also take part in carpet bowls and will continue to do so when I can get back out again. I love walking on the beach at Redcar with fish and chips and I regularly take part in exercise – wherever I am.”

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Harry is also using his computer to stay in touch with family and friends.

He said: “My two children live in East and West Sussex and my six grandchildren live all over the world, so it’s hard enough to see them without being in the current situation.

“My son showed me how to set up Zoom and Facetime, so I can talk to them all and still feel like they are with me. It’s also helped me keep in touch with the people I’ve met through Ageing Better Middlesbrough.

“Technology is a wonderful thing and not something you should be scared of. Those five minutes of frustration you may have when trying to understand how apps work will seem like nothing once you can see the faces of those you love.”

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Lockdown – My life Martin Peagam – turned upside down. A digital life for me Marjorie Homer, who is dedicated member of our Ageing Better Middlesbrough Action Group (ABMAG), has been reflecting on her time in isolation, what she has learnt over the past few months and how her thoughts for the future may change as a result of lockdown.

How are you all coping with this social isolation thing?

I have to say I am quite enjoying it.

Okay, it has its disadvantages... but I tend to focus on the positives.

“I’m usually busy with meetings or activities” she said.

“To go from a busy lifestyle to nothing has been a bit of a shock for me, so I decided to make a plan of action. This included lots of things that I’d not previously had time to do, like painting, gardening, cleaning and even putting together a PowerPoint presentation.

“As many of you may understand, sometimes your mood is up and other times its down. However, if you put goals in place, it gives you something to focus on. This is great for your mental and physical health - not to mention the sense of achievement when it’s complete.”

Marjorie has also been reflecting on how things will turn out in the future, stating that both technology and the way we think could shape a better lifestyle for all of us.

“If you have a laptop or tablet, I’d encourage every one of you to use it” she said.

“I’ve learnt how to use Zoom to speak to my family in the UK and New Zealand, as well as to listen to very informative talks. It’s really brought me joy connecting with people in an alternative way.

“During these times of uncertainty, I also think about organisations and individuals who are working to help the most lonely and isolated. They are doing a magnificent job, but lots of us will be in this situation for a long time, so this great work must continue.

I am fortunate to have access to the internet, but even without it there is plenty to do in ‘splendid isolation’.

In fact, without the internet I might have read more books and practiced my cooking more than I have done!

The internet is great though...

The month of May is usually a very busy month for me as its normally Middlesbrough Local History Month, and I am busy delivering talks, walks, and attending events. So it’s a packed diary of activities.

As an alternative, there will be an online virtual Local History Month, so I’m looking forward to getting my teeth in to that.

It has meant a steep learning curve and I’m not sure I have fully mastered it, but I'll get there in the end.

My ‘Time Traveller’ alter ego will be available online via the Discover Middlesbrough Facebook page and there will be lots of other local historians taking part too, so please have a look.

To pass the time away I have also engaged in online quizzes, enjoyed some great music, and even learned how grow potatoes - all thanks to the internet. I even managed to book a ‘click and collect’ slot at the supermarket.

“If you are at home alone, I hope you have found a way to cope with this difficult time and that some of my suggestions help.

Life is a little different at the moment, but I'd urge everyone to take part in some kind of online activity. You’ll really see the benefit.

“My recent experiences will change my approach to the world, as I’m sure they will for you too. I will be more grateful for what I have, and more understanding of the difficult situations which others face.

Stay safe. Martin

“This situation, how we deal with changes and how we can cope with the ‘new normal’ will factor in to the volunteering work I do for ABMAG, meaning we will always be thinking about Ageing Better Middlesbrough members and how we can help in any way.

“I look forward to seeing some of you in the not too distant future.”

Marjorie Homer – Chair of Core Partnership and ABMAG.

If you need help using digital technology like mobile phones, tablets and laptops, we can help. We can support you to register for online appointments with your doctor, suggest ways to shop online, set up Zoom video calling and much more. Just call 01642 061019 for more information.

If you are motivated to get online but do not have a way of doing this, we may be able to provide you with a digital device. We can also connect you with one of our friendly staff members over the telephone who will help teach you how to use it.

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

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YOUR STORIES • FROM YOUR COMMUNITY

A blooming lockdown Ageing Better Middlesbrough member Mavis Arnold has been doing her best to raise spirits for people in the local community.

The 82 year old has brought half a dozen neighbours together to help decorate their back alley with flowers, plant pots and beautiful hanging baskets – in what would otherwise be an ordinary, rubbish-ridden area.

The story started over a decade ago, when Mavis applied for funding from West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust, and large iron gates were fitted to the end of each alley way.

“It makes a real difference being able to look at all the beautiful flowers and continue our love of horticulture while in lockdown.

Mavis said: “My neighbours and I felt a little more secure when the gates were introduced, so I thought it would be a good idea to transform the alley into a green space.”

“I lived through the Second World War and I remember my school being bombed when I was a young girl in South Shields. We stayed at home for a long time back in the day because it was too scary to go outside.”

Residents rallied together to do everything they could to transform the space.

Fast forward to the present day, and this same space shows no sign of deteriorating.

Mavis also has some sound advice for those who may be looking at creating their own little green space or brightening up their living rooms and kitchens.

“We keep planting new flowers every year. It’s funny how something so small can have a major impact on someone’s life. We even have younger generations helping out now, so that’s great to see.”

“If any members are reading this and need some inspiration, just buy a couple of little bedding pots.

It’ll make a huge impression and certainly brighten up the room.

The area has made a huge difference for people at the moment, with residents continuing to maintain it.

“By that point you’ll be bitten by the bug and move on to bigger and more beautiful plants.”

“Even during these uncertain times, we still sit out the back and have a natter with each other while keeping our distance.

If you have an interesting story to tell, please get in touch by emailing: chris.adamson@middlesbroughandstocktonmind.org.uk

Discover your family history Regular newsletter contributor and local historian Ian Stubbs has been telling us how to find out about your family history.

Ian said: “If you’re into your history like I am, you can use www.ancestry.co.uk to find out more about your family.

“I’ve been using it to find out about those buried in Linthorpe Cemetery for my research, so it has plenty of uses. You never know, you may find out something interesting.

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“With the help of Middlesbrough Council I’ve also been creating a virtual series of pages and some video snippets to replace my talks for the friends of Linthorpe Cemetery and the Nature Reserve for the 75th anniversary of VE day too.

“Whatever you do, stay safe and I’ll see you all in the next edition.”

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Keeping fit at home Have you been going out for a daily walk? Or are you finding it hard to fit in any exercise while you’re at home? Maybe you’re not sure how to get moving safely.

We’re here to help.

We all know that exercise is so important for keeping us healthy. In fact, the NHS says the benefits of exercise are: It keeps your mind sharp – regular exercise for those over 50 improves cognitive function, including memory.

It improves mental health – exercise doesn’t just make you look better on the outside, it can also significantly benefit your mental health and wellbeing too.

It can reduce the risk of certain illnesses – developing symptoms like heart disease, cancer and diabetes can be significantly reduced by fitting regular physical activity into your life.

It helps maintain muscle mass – which is important for keeping us strong and able to move about for much longer. It is also important for your bones too, as a healthy bone density can reduce the risk of falls and trips.

Our resident fitness expert, Anna shares her wisdom on how to exercise at home: She said: “Some of the best exercises to try are some of the easiest, and they may make more of a difference to your body than you realise.

“A wise man once said, ‘you may as well try something once’, so here’s our guide to some of the most obvious (and alternative) exercises to try in your living room.

Arm exercises Extending and stretching your arms to keep blood flowing is important.

It gives your body a reminder that you still want to take care of it, and it’s really easy to do.

You could even grab a couple of tins of spaghetti hoops from the cupboard and practice pulling them away from you, then towards you.

You could also try lifting each arm out and up into the air – alternatively at first and then together.

Leg ups It is important to keep your legs just as active as your arms by moving them throughout the day. This can be done by sitting up tall in a chair and carefully lifting the bottom part of your leg up and down.

Try 10 repetitions and see how you get on, then up the ante if you feel comfortable.

Dancing Another fun way to exercise is to practice some dance moves while sitting listening to your favourite music. You can try some seated shimmys, hand jives, claps, finger pointing, toe taps and even some gentle twisting.

Give it a go and let us know the results.

“Be mindful though. None of these exercises should be painful, so if it hurts then stop.”

Chair based There are lots of exercises you can do from the comfort of your favourite chair.

Why not try marching? You can swing your arms to increase the effort and once you get the hang of it you could up the repetitions or go a little bit faster.

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YOUR COMMUNITY • NOTICEBOARD

Our service directory During these times of uncertainty there are lots of services and support available to people. We may still be living under some restrictions, but local organisations have done as much as possible to make sure they can still support you.

That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide of phone numbers relating to key services in the Middlesbrough area. Many of them are operating slightly differently now, but there are still ways you can get in touch.

There are also new services which you can access that have been set up as a result of Covid-19.

Need help with your benefits? Middlesbrough Council Benefits advice are still taking telephone enquiries if you need to get in touch.

They can be reached on 01642 802303.

Additional benefits support is also being provided by Age UK Teesside for people aged 50+. You can contact them on 01642 80 55 00.

If you are dealing with a mental health crisis, you can call Tees, Esk and Wear Valley NHS Foundation Trust on 0300 0200 317.

If you need help or support with bereavement, Cruse can help. You can get in touch with them by calling 0808 808 1677.

If you are living with, or support someone with dementia, The Alzheimers Society can offer a range of support. You can contact their friendly team on 0333 150 3456.

Need help with shopping, making meals, or pet care? Middlesbrough Council’s Help Boro service is here for you. For more information you can call them on 01642 729777.

For those who need to report domestic violence, Harbour can help. If you would like to speak to them about issues you may be encountering while at home, just call 03000 20 25 25.

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If you suffer from arthritis, The organisation Versus has a national helpline for people with concerns or questions relating to the condition.

They also have an online community of people to chat with. You can get in touch by calling 0800 5200 520.

If you are a resident of Thirteen housing and would like to discuss any issues with your property, you can contact 0300 111 1000. They also have an out of hours team available between 5pm and 8pm to report emergencies (via the same contact number).

If you have been the victim of a scam email or phone call, you can report this to Action Fraud by calling 0300 1230 2040.

Remember, if you need any more help or advice, you can call our telephone befriending service on 01642 257020 and we will do our best to help, in any way we can.

You may need the number of an alternative organisation, help with understanding the lockdown and current restrictions, or just a friendly chat with someone in our team. Whatever you need, we’ll be happy to help.

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Digital David’s website tips Since we've all being staying at home during lockdown and many of you are having to shield for at least 12 weeks, being able to access online services has never been so important.

Video calling friends and family is helping us all feel closer to Digital David our loved ones and ordering groceries online is saving people from having to venture outside and stand in long queues for the shops.

As well as this, there are lots of other resources online to help pass the time, keep you entertained, and give your grey matter a good work out.

I have put together some links that I hope you will find useful.

You can find lots of local and national news and updates on the government website: www.gov.uk/coronavirus The latest news and updates on the coronavirus pandemic can be found at: www.ncsc.gov.uk The National Cyber Security Centre for information and advice on scams is a great site.

You can also report scams directly to them by emailing: report@phishing.gov.uk

For exercise and wellbeing tips, www.nhs.uk has lots of handy guides and demonstrations.

Just search for ‘live well’, ‘strength exercises’, and ‘exercise for seniors’.

Lots of great entertainment can be found at: www.chatterpack.net/blogs, including a list of free online boredom busting resources.

Do you like animals? Wildlife live cameras from all over the world can be found at www.explore.org/livecams. This site also includes highlight videos and live feeds to the NASA Space Station and the Northern Lights. www.crossword-puzzles.co.uk shares a collection of crossword puzzles from newspapers all over the world, so there’s plenty to keep you thinking here!

If you haven’t already, then pick up that tablet, switch on the computer and get exploring the many wonders that the online world holds.

These links will help get you started but who knows where you will end up.

One minute you could be having a video chat to family in Australia, and the next you’ll be watching a LiveCam feed of Great Horned Owls in America or a virtual tour of the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. The possibilities are endless!

www.nextdoor.co.uk helps you stay informed about what’s going on in your neighbourhood.

It has a help map, crime/lost and found features, local businesses updates, a for sale marketplace and online learning.

Bt.learnmyway.com lets you register for free and get access to courses which help you with basic computer/tablet skills, video calling, online shopping, staying safe online, and much more. When you register just use Centre Code 2998 The Hope Foundation.

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NOW IT’S YOUR TURN ...

Janet’s melting moment biscuits Regular newsletter contributor and baking specialist Janet is back, and this month she is sharing her recipe for delicious Melting Moments biscuits.

Janet says that they are ‘very moreish and very easy to make’, so have a go and let us know how you get on...

Ingredients: 5 oz self-raising flour, 3 oz caster sugar, 4 oz butter or margarine, 2 teaspoons vanilla essence, desiccated coconut, glace cherries.

Sudoku

1. Cream the butter and sugar together in a bowl until light and fluffy 2. Add the vanilla essence 3. Stir in flour and mix well 4. Roll the mixture into small balls and then roll in the desiccated coconut 5. Squash the balls slightly with your hands 6. Place half a glace cherry on each ball 7. Place on a greased tray and bake for 15 to20 minutes at gas mark 3 to 4 or 325 to 350f

Fancy a challenge? Why not see if you can complete our sudoku puzzles...

The answers are at the bottom of the page.

Good luck.

Uses only Heuristic 1: Simple row, column or 3 x 3 area inconsistency/insufficiency.

Turn the page around for answers

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Word search

We know the last few months have been tricky but one thing that has shone through is the kindness of people in our communities... and that's the theme of our word search.

Can you find all of the hidden words?

CONSIDERATE

LISTENING

THOUGHTFUL

CARING

SMILES

FRIENDSHIP

BAKING

SHOPPING

TOGETHER

GENEROUS

VIDEO CHAT

CUPPA

CONVERSATION

RAINBOW

NEIGHBOURS

Your memories “I remember going on my honeymoon in Italy with my husband Stan. It was a lovely time and very romantic. Not to mention the food...which was incredible.”

Audrey from North Ormesby.

In our last newsletter, we asked you to send in your holiday memories.

Whether you were dancing in the Dominican or soaked up the sun in Scarborough, we wanted your feedback.

Here are some of the memories you shared:

“The first time I went to Benidorm with my late wife was amazing. We went every year for 20 years after that, and I always look back fondly on those times.” James from Linthorpe.

“Lots of people love going abroad but I always go on bus trips with my local club to Scarborough, Blackpool and even Southend. Our country has lots of beautiful old

Ageing Better Middlesbrough • Connecting you to your community

buildings, architecture and alternative entertainment. I love it.”

Katrina from Eston.

Next time, we’d like to hear your memories of food. Maybe you have a favourite restaurant you always frequent? Or there may even be a recipe which has been passed down the generations, which is still used now.

Email: chris.adamson@ ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk and you could feature in our next issue.

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NOTICEBOARD Quiz time! e that tune’ quiz?

Do you think you can get the answers to our ‘nam the song... good luck!

We are looking for both the artist and name of 1 2

t will I be?’

When I was just a little girl, I asked my mother ‘wha

You keep saying, you’ve got something for me.

Something you call love but confess. lie.

3 She said I was high class, but that was just a buy you things.

4 You know I work all day to get you money to one could look as good as you.

5 I don’t believe you, you're not the truth. No bloom, for me and you.

6 I see trees of green... red roses too. I see them after tomorrow 7 There will be love and laughter and peace ever just you wait and see. bend, and I've not seen the 8 I hear the train a coming its rolling around the sunshine since I don’t know when. down from the train and 9 The old home town looks the same, as I step there to meet me is my mama and papa. pie.

10 When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza

Quiz answers

Thanks to everyone for spreading the word about our membership and helping us reach more people in Middlesbrough.

If you would like to know more, please visit: www.ageingbettermiddlesbrough.org.uk, where you can fill in an online membership form.

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Now receive our information

THANK YOU TO . . .

Zouzou, Geoff, Harry, Martin, Janet, Mavis, Ian, Anna and David.