Advantage issue 37 web

Advantage

Age Scotland’s quarterly magazine autumn 2013

Luminate Scotland’s creative ageing festival is back

p8: Top tax tips

p12: Special celebrations

inside: Your Luminate programme

issue 37

Advantage is the Age Scotland magazine that provides information, inspiration and ideas to empower Scotland’s older people, their friends, families and carers.

p 4

News

p 6

Calendar

p 7 Inform p 14 Get Involved p 16 Going Local p 20 Inspire p 23 Soap Box p 24 Interview p 26 Clubs’ Corner

If you have news, events or issues that you would like Advantage to cover, please get in touch. We would also welcome ideas on how we might improve the magazine.

Email: advantage@agescotland.org.uk Telephone: 0845 833 9313

Write to:

Advantage magazine is part-funded by grant support

from the Scottish Government. Age Scotland aims

Advantage, Age Scotland Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR

to ensure that information in this magazine is accurate at the time of production and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions, or for the content of any third party advertisements.

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

ISSN 1747-4515

Foreword

foreword

e ecutiv x E f e i h C Brian Sloan, Hi Everyone, It’s hard to believe that just a year ago this September we were holding our breath to see if the inaugural Luminate; Scotland’s creative ageing festival, would be a success. Now, as we look forward to the second festival this October, alongside our partners Creative Scotland and the Baring Foundation, it has taken on the feel of an established highlight of Scotland’s cultural calendar.

If you’ve received your copy of Advantage by post or from a local group, you should have with it a copy of the Luminate festival programme. With over 350 events and activities taking place across Scotland we hope you will discover something to excite you.

On page 20 you will find recommendations from some inspirational festival participants, followed by an interview with Muriel Romanes, Artistic Director of the Stellar Quines Theatre Company, on page 24.

If you haven’t received a programme, you will find contact details to request a free copy on page 21.

Campaigns can be hard to sustain after the initial excitement and enthusiasm of the launch. So it’s a huge thank you to the many groups and individuals who have helped us keep the Still Waiting campaign alive through the quiet summer months. We’ve not yet achieved our goal – an extension of the National Concessionary Travel scheme to community transport services - but the politicians are listening, and there is a growing cross-party consensus that the free bus pass has too often proved of little or no benefit to our most isolated older citizens.

We’re collecting signatures for our petition up until Friday 25th October, so please add your support and spread the word. You can find out more about the campaign’s progress, and what you can do to support it, on page 14.

Bye for now

Brian Sloan

3

news

MSPs propose a boost for Community Transport An influential group of MSPs has set out a blueprint for the future of community transport; the local services which step in to meet the transport needs of older and disabled people that mainstream bus providers can’t, or won’t, meet.

In July the Scottish Parliament’s Infrastructure and Capital Investment Committee published the findings of its inquiry on community transport. It acknowledged that, particularly in light of an ageing population, additional help was needed for the community transport sector to develop and become sustainable in the longer-term.

Age Scotland has broadly welcomed the recommendations, which include; additional capital funding to support the existing fleet of community transport vehicles, a more co-ordinated approach to patient transport, exploration into the feasibility of regional shared booking systems for services, stronger partnerships on transport between local authorities and the third sector, and more research into the benefits of community transport.

However the Charity was disappointed that the Committee did not call for additional direct funding

to grow the community transport sector beyond its current capacity. Instead, it simply welcomed the Scottish Government’s decision to “explore further the issue of longer term funding for the voluntary sector” and that they would “continue to monitor progress in this area.”

Greg McCracken, Age Scotland Policy Officer, said “In our ‘Still Waiting’ campaign, we’ve proposed including community transport in the National Concessionary Travel scheme; a sensible and costed approach to extending community transport services that would ensure that people who need it don’t miss out due to cost or under-development of local services. While further investment in the fleet would be welcome, many older, vulnerable and disabled people will still be waiting for transport that meets their needs.

“Without significant direct investment, and given the likelihood of growing demand within the sector as a whole, it is difficult to see how we can expect community transport operators to respond to an ageing population across the whole of Scotland.”

Find out how you can support the Still Waiting campaign on page 14.

4

Sign our petition at www.agescotland.org.uk/stillwaiting

news

Age Scotland to benefit from Text Santa appeal Text Santa, STV and ITV’s annual charity fundraiser, will return in December 2013 to raise money and awareness for six UK-based charities, including the Age family of charities. The appeal has raised nearly £10 million for charities since it started in 2011.

Hosts Ant and Dec, Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby and Christine Bleakley were joined by Paddy McGuinness for the 2012 live show, which was broadcast on 21st December and watched by a peak audience of 6.2 million people.

UK-based charities were invited to apply to become a Text Santa beneficiary earlier this year for 2013’s appeal and, following a selection process, Age UK was chosen as one of the six charities. Age Scotland will receive a proportion of Age UK’s share of funds raised, in line with Scotland’s share of the UK population.

The other charities featuring in this year’s Text Santa appeal are Barnardo’s, Beat Bullying, British Heart Foundation, CLIC Sargent and Help the Hospices.

Text Santa is an important part of STV and ITV’s Corporate Responsibility programme, using its reach to millions of people to help inspire, engage and empower viewers to make a difference. STV and ITV don’t make any profit from the appeal and 100%

of donations made by viewers go directly to the charities Text Santa supports.

Alison Payne, Age Scotland Individual Giving Fundraiser, said: “We’re thrilled to be part of Text Santa 2013. Donations by members of the public are essential if we are to meet growing demand for our services, and retain our ability to speak out whenever older people’s interests are under threat.

Inclusion in STV’s flagship annual fundraising event will complement our year-round fundraising efforts, and inform new audiences of the difference we are making for older people in Scotland.”

Age Scotland appoints new Chair David Fraser has been appointed Chair of Age Scotland following the retirement of James Wright.

He will formally take up the role on 1st October 2013.

David joins Age Scotland after a period of 9 years on the Board at Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association, spending the last 5 years as Chair. He was also until recently Chair of the Scottish Refugee Council and previously a member of the Department of Works and Pensions Ethics Committee and Chair of the Edinburgh Social Work Standards.

Throughout his career David has gathered extensive experience at senior managerial and chief executive level in a number of organisations related to areas within Age Scotland’s sphere of interest. These

include NHS Lothian, Ayrshire Acute Hospitals Trust and Dumfries and Galloway Primary Care Trust. He was also appointed Chief Executive of the Scottish Qualifications Authority, with responsibility for turning that organisation around following some major operational problems in the early 2000s.

Age Scotland Chief Executive Brian Sloan said: “We have been very lucky to recruit a replacement Chair with such excellent credentials as David who will be able to carry on all the good work of our outgoing Chair James Wright. This is a very exciting time for the Charity, where we are embarking on many new initiatives, and I look forward to working with David to ensure we increase and enhance our services to older people in Scotland.”

Text AGES10 £5 to 70070 and donate £5 to Age Scotland

5

calendar October 2013 1 Age Scotland Awards presentation and Scottish Parliamentary Reception Scottish Parliament Garden Lobby, Edinburgh For more information call 0845 833 9334 or email awards@agescotland.org.uk 3 Scotland 2020: Realising the opportunities of an ageing population Edinburgh, venue to be confirmed. Keynote speakers include Danny Alexander MP, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, and Brian Sloan, Chief Executive Age Scotland.

Visit www.mackayhannah.com or call Jane on 0131 556 1500 8 Age Scotland East Region Assembly Livingston (see page 19) 15 Age Scotland North Region Assembly Inverness (see page 18) 23 Age Scotland West Region Assembly Glasgow (see page 16)

November 2013 13 Age Scotland Annual General Meeting The City Chambers, Edinburgh, 1.30pm- 3.30pm. To register please call 0845 833 0200

by Friday 1st November or register online at http://agescotland.eventbrite.co.uk.

December 2013 5 Scottish Older People’s Assembly Edinburgh International Conference Centre. Hosted again by Gary Robertson from Radio Scotland, the Assembly will focus on the twin themes of Citizen Engagement and the impact of Welfare Reform. Organised by, and for, older people themselves, to provide a forum to share current areas of concern and ideas for the future, it is supported by Scottish Government. Alex Neil MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing, has agreed to attend. To register an interest in this free event email acfaa@edinburgh.gov.uk or call 0131 469 3806.

NOTICE is hereby given that the

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of Age Scotland Ltd will be held in The City Chambers 253 High Street Edinburgh EH1 1YJ On Wednesday 13th November 2013

6

Email your events to advantage@agescotland.org.uk

inform

A lifeline for later life entrepreneurs Going back to work doesn’t have to mean 9 to 5 says Steven Fifer, Communications Manager with PRIME. There will be many people reading this article who quite enjoy the retired life and are glad to see the back of the dreaded working week, especially Monday mornings.

However, there will also be people above the State Pension Age who need to continue working as they cannot afford to retire on their pensions. In addition, we have seen the unemployment rate in Scotland rise by 6.3% in the last year and this means that fewer people will be able to adequately save for their retirement. As a result, more people are looking for work in their older age.

The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) is a new charity to the Scottish landscape, offering unemployed over 50s the chance to explore selfemployment as an alternative route into sustained employment. We also come into contact with a number of people who can afford to retire but want to set-up their own business because they want to turn a hobby into a viable business. Some want to supplement their pension pot and others want to remain working but with greater flexibility, for example to enable them to care for someone.

Wendy

The courses are split over six to eight weeks, including three classroom days and coursework.

Since extending our services into Scotland in March 2013 PRIME has facilitated five business training courses in Edinburgh and Glasgow, with five more coming up.

Pete Jones from Walsall, in the West Midlands, decided to leave his job training people in employability skills as he found it difficult to deal with the extensive driving, long days and stress.

So he decided to turn his hobby of photography into a viable business and attended PRIME’s business training course. Since completing the course, Pete has gone onto establish Pete Jones Photography, as well as refurbishing an old leather mill where he has set-up a studio.

To support aspiring entrepreneurs PRIME has an extensive website with lots of resources. We organise networking events, as well as arranging for new entrepreneurs to be paired with an experienced business professional to act as a mentor.

If going back to work isn’t your first wish, we would also welcome volunteering assistance. Our volunteering opportunities range from helping with events (including help sourcing venue space) to speaking at one of these events to provide some inspiration.

For those who want to take their self-employment interest further, PRIME facilitates business training courses, providing aspiring mature entrepreneurs with the essential tools needed to run a sustainable business, such as understanding accounts, researching the market and how to produce a comprehensive business plan.

Directory PRIME: www.prime.org.uk/courses Tel. 0845 862 2023

Visit our Blog for news and views on www.agescotland.wordpress.com

7

inform st The biggea ding n t s r e d n u mis ption m u s s a e h t we find is tate Pension that the S ble. It is just is not taxa as any other as taxable pension.” r Tax Help fo

Getting on top of tax Taking a little time to get to grips with tax will not only help you maximise your income; it will also ensure you don’t inadvertently fall foul of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The Age Scotland Helpline offers top tips for managing your tax affairs.

Tax is complex, and an article such as this can’t offer you all the information you will need to manage your tax affairs. However it can help you to form questions which you can then take to the experts. In particular, Tax Help for Older People is recommended as a source of free impartial information and advice on all things to do with tax.

It’s important to understand what part of your income is taxable. For example you may have to pay tax on pensions and savings interest, but Pension Credit and Winter Fuel Payments will be exempt.

Earnings from work are always taxable, but if you are over your State Pension Age you will no longer have to pay National Insurance Contributions.

A tax allowance is an amount of income you are allowed to have before you have to pay tax.

Everyone, except for those on very high incomes, is entitled to a personal allowance and some people

8

ple Older Peo

are entitled to other allowances as well. However your allowance will be different depending on your age, date of birth and marital status, and if you have an annual income over £26,100 (in 2013/14) it will reduce. Make sure you know what your tax allowance is for each financial year (April to March.)

If you are registered blind or have poor eyesight you may be eligible for an extra Blind Person’s Allowance.

If you have income from savings, you should be able to get your interest paid with no tax taken off if your total income, including pension, earnings and interest, is less than your tax allowance. Income tax at 20% will be taken off the interest on your savings account at a bank or building society (except an ISA) before you receive it, unless you get, and complete, the relevant form from your bank or building society.

HMRC will allocate you a tax code so that so that your pension company (and employer if your still work) knows how much you can be paid free of tax each year. This can be particularly complicated if you receive more than one pension. Your tax office will write to you from time to time explaining how the code was worked out, so take the opportunity to check they have given you the right allowances, that the amount of pension or other income shown is correct, and query anything that you don’t

Call the Age Scotland Helpline: 0845 125 9732

inform

understand. An incorrect coding can result in you paying too much tax, or too little tax, leaving you with a significant bill which has to be repaid.

Directory

If you’ve paid too much tax because you’ve have not claimed an allowance or tax relief, or because too much tax has been deducted from your income, you can usually claim tax back within four years of the end of the tax year in question. Ask your tax office for the relevant form.

A charity specialising in free tax advice for people aged 60 and over. If you fit their age criteria and your household income, including that of a partner is, £17,000 or less after tax, it can provide help or guidance that could prove invaluable. For example it can; give you a tax health check to ensure peace of mind or to sort out a tax problem, check your Pay as You Earn (PAYE) coding, help you with form filling, assist with reclaiming an overpayment of tax, and advise you on replying to a letter from the tax office.

It’s important that you keep in contact with HMRC. Tell them, in good time, if you are soon to receive a pension and, if you are working, of any changes in your hours. Don’t put off your tax return; this must be sent to HMRC by 31 October for the last tax year, or by 31 January 2014 if you do it online.

There are perfectly legal ways of reducing your tax bill, for example by transferring unused allowances to your husband, wife or civil partner. Tax Help for Older People will be able to advise you as to whether any of these are a possibility.

Tax Help for Older People (Tax Help)

Tax Help can also deliver local talks and surgeries to pensioner groups and organisations representing older people. If this would be of interest please call Alex Stewart on 07922485460 or email stewart286@hotmail.com.

Tel. 0845 601 3321 (low call number) Tel. 01308 488066 (and request a call back)

Taxable income in 2013/14

Rate of tax

After taking into account any income that is not taxable and your allowances, your income will be taxed at the rates outlined below. £0 to £2,790

Starting rate for savings 10%

£0 to £32,010

20% (basic rate)

Over £32,010 to £150,000

40% (higher rate)

Over £150,000

50% (additional rate)

Allowances for 2013/14 Personal allowance

Married Couple’s Allowance

Born after 5 April 1948

£9,440

Born after 6 April 1938 but before 6 April 1948.

£10,500

Born before 6 April 1938

£10,660

One or both born before 6 April 1935

£7,915

Minimum amount of Married Couple’s Allowance

£3,040

Blind person’s allowance

£2,160

Income limit for age-related allowance

£26,100

Call 118 202 Directory Enquiries and donate 9p for each 40p call

9

inform

Beware the boiler bullies Over the summer the Age Scotland Helpline had a spike in calls about cold callers offering boilers and prying into older people’s finances in the process.

There have also been reports of companies surveying for a ‘free’ boiler; then telling householders that they are not eligible for a full grant and will have to pay several thousand pounds for the rest of the work.

One woman called the Helpline to raise concerns after her parents, who are in their 80s, were repeatedly targeted, receiving 15 calls in three days despite having registered with the telephone preference service.

She said: “On one day they had four or five calls from different companies selling boilers, some of whom made out that upgrading was a legal requirement.

They were also asked for personal details about their finances, including whether they were receiving pension credit or other income support, which suggests that these companies are targeting people on lower incomes on the assumption they’ll be a soft touch.

“Some of the calls have been quite aggressive, insisting that they book a site survey, and while my mother is quite assertive my dad’s hearing impairment could have put him at a disadvantage and made him very vulnerable. If they had talked their way into the house my fear is that they might have pressurised them into signing, or doing, something they didn’t want to.”

of a service you’re being offered, or if you’re simply thinking about improving your home’s energy efficiency, it’s best to call Home Energy Scotland.

An Age Scotland Guide to Energy Efficiency Programmes, explaining what help was available from whom for saving money on home energy, was included in the mailing for the last edition of Advantage. If you didn’t receive this please contact the Age Scotland Helpline to request a free copy.

Directory Citizens Advice consumer helpline Tel. 08454 04 05 06 Home Energy Scotland Tel. 0808 808 2282 Age Scotland Helpline Tel. 0845 125 9732

Clearly a growing number of unscrupulous traders are prepared to exploit older house-holders legitimate concerns about rising fuel costs, and to ride on the coattails of genuine efforts to make homes energy efficient.

If you, or someone you know, has been put under pressure to pay for boiler improvements, you can report your suspicions to the Citizens Advice consumer service. If you’re unsure about any part

10 Call 0845 833 0200 to access legal advice

Directory Call 0845 125 9732 for a free copy of the In the Driving Seat guide Call 0845 833 0758 for details of car insurance and motor breakdown cover available from Age Scotland Enterprises.

DVLA driver licensing enquiries Tel. 0300 790 6801 DVLA drivers medical enquiries Tel. 0300 790 6806

inform

Driving in later life Negative stories in the media about older drivers lead some people to give up their cars too soon, while others carry on driving when they feel less able for fear of losing independence. The Age Scotland Helpline offers tips for driving safely for as long as possible There is no age at which you must legally stop driving, however when you reach the age of 70, and every 3 years after that, you’ll have to renew your licence.

Across the UK there are an estimated two million expired photocard driving licenses, potentially incurring a fine of up to £1,000 for their holders, so it’s worth checking yours is up-to-date. Helpfully renewals for drivers age 70 and older are free.

Drivers are legally obliged to declare certain health conditions to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), although you won’t necessarily have to stop driving. Even if there is an issue, vehicle adaptations may allow you to continue driving. If you’re prescribed glasses for driving, make sure you wear them and ensure that your faculties are good enough to be safe on the road.

Check your car regularly and take it for an annual MOT. If you’ve had the same car for a while, consider

whether it’s still suitable for your needs. Sometimes upgrading to a newer model with power steering – funds permitting - can make a world of difference.

It’s worth refreshing your knowledge of the Highway Code as it may have changed since you learnt to drive. You can download it free from www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code or buy it from a bookshop.

It can be hard to accept when we’re no longer able to do something safely. However, if you feel that your reactions aren’t as sharp as they were, or your ability has deteriorated, you should consider whether it’s time to stop. If your friends or relatives have concerns about your driving, think about whether they have a point and get a second opinion.

Alternatives to driving vary from area to area, and may include community bus services, taxi token schemes, or dial-a-ride minibus service in your area.

In Scotland people aged 60 and older are eligible for a National Concessionary Travel card entitling them to free travel on mainstream bus services Anyone worried about driving in later life can call the Age Scotland Helpline for a free guide, In the Driving Seat, which explains all about renewing your licence and declaring health conditions, and offers tips on continuing to drive safely.

Join transport campaigns at www.agescotland.org.uk/stillwaiting 11

inform

Celebrations to remember Pat Craig suggests some starting points for planning an extra special celebration.

The best party I ever went to was a ‘No Drinks, Drinks Party’. It was soft drinks only. Its success was no mean feat as most of the guests were writers or journalists; generally no strangers to the Chardonnay. Each guest donated the price of the bottle they would normally have brought to the local Hospice fund.

Everyone had a great time and felt virtuous.

We can all too easily be caught up keeping up with the Joneses when we celebrate significant life events, and not even enjoying them because we’ve spent more than we know we can afford. Good celebrations generally owe more to creativity than money.

So where do we start when planning extra special celebrations?

• Remember this is your party so do what you want.

If you hate big celebrations, don’t have one.

• Decide what your budget is and stick to it.

• Consider whether to ask for a contribution from the guests. This is only acceptable if an overnight stay is involved or you declare an interest in raising some money for a charity at your event. Make sure that you are up-front about it from the outset.

• Don’t demand dress codes, such as Black Tie or Highland Dress, unless you are sure your guests either have, or can afford to hire, formal clothing.

• Don’t underestimate your guests’ willingness to get fully involved in any activities you plan, but don’t force them.

• Find your ‘Inner Child.’ Who says there’s an age limit on a bouncy castle or that fancy dress is only for the young!

Ceilidhs are a great way to celebrate and can be organised in many forms to different budgets. If, like me, you remember the living room rug being

rolled up on a Saturday night when Robbie Shepherd and his country-dance band came on the radio, you will know what I mean. Local community halls can be hired at reasonable rates. Bands are not too expensive and you can generally find someone who will offer to be the Caller to ensure everyone can follow the steps. Age is irrelevant at a ceilidh. Four, or a hundred and four, you can join in.

Fiona decided on a ceilidh to celebrate her birthday.

She wanted it to be uniquely Scottish, so found a hotel close to the West Highland Way which agreed to let her party take it over from Saturday lunchtime until Sunday breakfast. There was also bunkhouse accommodation at £12 a night, which meant that all budgets were catered for. Although the hotel didn’t have a dance floor, the village hall did and was easily dressed up with tartan. The procession to the railway station in the dark carrying homemade flaming torches to meet guests from London, who arrived on the small single-track train bound for Mallaig, was a real highlight. Walking, cycling and white water rafting were organised at a cost on the Saturday. It rained all weekend, but no one cared.

Summer is a great time to organise a special outdoor event. Kick the boring barbecue into touch.

Organise an Alice in Wonderland party with or without croquet. Insist that everyone comes in fancy dress, making sure there is at least one Mad Hatter.

Serve chilled ginger beer, cucumber sandwiches and cupcakes. Borrow china cups in different shapes and patterns and old style cake stands to add to the atmosphere. Your local charity shop is likely to have something that fits the bill. Make sure you label your cakes with a little flag on a cocktail stick saying ‘eat me,’ and the ginger beer ‘drink me.’ Beg, borrow or buy a small garden croquet set (around £30). Check your local Museum to find out if they organise a similar event to get tips. Lauriston Castle Museum in Edinburgh does, but that may be because it’s where the Edinburgh Croquet Club plays.

12 Locate Charity shops at www.agescotland.org.uk/shops

inform

Canal Caledonian

Another great idea is to hire a Bouncy Castle for the day, making sure you’ve chosen an adult one.

Several companies (details on the net) hire bouncy castles for around £80 a day. The price includes inflating and deflating the equipment, and making sure it is safe. Never let an adult bounce on a child’s one. It’s great fun, even if only observing. Make sure you’ve told everyone to wear old clothes and expect to have to encourage people to take part. Don’t force them, but also expect it to be difficult to get them off once they’ve got the bug. Remember that alcohol and bouncing are not happy bedfellows, so make sure there are plenty soft drinks.

Many people choose a cruise to celebrate significant life events. Not all of us have the wherewithal or desire for such a venture but, being an island nation, it’s not surprising that many of us have an affinity with water. So why not try a trip on a canal boat. The Caledonian and Crinan canal, and the Forth and Clyde and Union canals, have events organisers who will tailor trips to your personal wishes. The canal boat ‘Campbell Christie’ that takes 36 passengers can be hired for £300 plus VAT for a day.

If by chance you’ve won the Lottery, treat yourself and some friends to six nights on the luxury ‘Scottish Highlander’ cruising the Caledonian Canal and Loch Ness for a mere £20,000!

Directory www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk for Mad Hatters party and other events www.scottishcanals.co.uk Caledonian and Crinan canals Events Organiser Tel. 01463 725 500 Forth & Clyde and Union Canals Events Organiser Tel. 01324 676903

Celebrate and give Are you planning a big celebration but would prefer not to receive lots of presents? Why not offer your guests an opportunity to give to Age Scotland in lieu of a gift, helping us to do more with and for older people in Scotland.

Our Fundraising Team can offer you great ideas for planning your event – call 0845 833 0200 or email fundraising@agescotland.org.uk.

Join us on www.facebook.com/agescotland 13

Get Involved

Still Waiting campaign update With more than a quarter of MSPs from across the main parties now backing Still Waiting, and following debate about it in the Scottish Parliament that featured many statements of support, it’s clear that the campaign is having an impact. Without a strong showing of public support, however, we may be unable to persuade Scottish Ministers to extend the bus pass scheme to community transport.

Why does this matter? Frail and disabled people can find it difficult or impossible to use public transport, and in some areas bus services are minimal or non-existent. Community transport services can step in to fill this gap, but often they need to charge, a barrier to people on low incomes, and funding constraints can prevent them fully meeting the local need. Bringing community transport into the National Concessionary Travel scheme will help on both counts.

It will also support the growth and development of community transport as our population ages, and should the worrying trend for mainstream bus providers to withdraw or reduce services continue.

Get involved!

Call 0845 833 9313 – We can send you a Still Waiting petition pack so that you, and your friends and family members can show support to the campaign. Petition sheets should be returned, by 25th October, to; Campaigns, Age Scotland, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR. Write to your MSPs – It’s easy to do online at www.agescotland.org.uk/stillwaiting. If you don’t have internet access please call us and we can send you a template letter. If they have signed up, say thank you, and ask them to write to Keith Brown MSP, the Minister for Transport and Veterans, to request action on your behalf. If they haven’t yet signed up, please encourage them to do so. If you have had any personal difficulties accessing mainstream bus transport, you could make your letter more powerful by describing them in summary.

MSPs supporting the Still Waiting Campaign so far Jackie Baillie MSP – Dumbarton (Labour) Richard Baker MSP – North East Scotland (Labour) Claire Baker MSP – Mid Scotland & Fife (Labour) Jayne Baxter MSP – Mid Scotland & Fife (Labour) Claudia Beamish MSP – South Scotland (Labour) Colin Beattie MSP – Midlothian North & Musselburgh (SNP) Sarah Boyack MSP- Lothian (Labour) Gavin Brown MSP – Lothian (Conservative) Bruce Crawford MSP – Stirling (SNP) Ruth Davidson MSP – Glasgow (Conservative) Kezia Dugdale MSP – Lothian (Labour) Patricia Ferguson MSP – Glasgow Maryhill & Springburn (Labour) Neil Findlay MSP - Lothian (Labour) Kenneth Gibson MSP – Cunninghame North (SNP) Annabel Goldie MSP – West Scotland (Conservative) Christine Grahame MSP – Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale (SNP) Rhoda Grant MSP – Highlands & Islands (Labour) Iain Gray – East Lothian (Labour) Patrick Harvie MSP – Glasgow (Green) Hugh Henry MSP – Renfrewshire South (Labour) Jim Hume MSP – Liberal Democrats (South Scotland) Alison Johnstone MSP – Lothian (Green) Johann Lamont MSP – Glasgow Pollock (Labour) John Lamont MSP – Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire (Conservative) Lewis Macdonald MSP – North East Scotland (Labour) Ken Macintosh MSP – Eastwood (Labour) Joan McAlpine MSP – South Scotland (SNP) Margaret McCulloch – Central Scotland (Labour) Alison McInnes MSP – North East Scotland (Lib Dem) Anne McTaggart – Glasgow (Labour) Nanette Milne MSP – NE Scotland (Conservative) Margaret Mitchell MSP – Central Scotland (Cons.)

Elaine Murray MSP – Dumfriesshire (Labour) Willie Rennie MSP – Mid Scotland & Fife (Lib Dem) Mary Scanlon MSP – Highlands & Islands (Cons.)

John Scott MSP – Ayr (Conservative) Dave Thompson MSP – Skye, Lochaber & Badenoch (SNP) John Wilson MSP – Central Scotland (SNP)

14 Sign up for e-news at www.agescotland.org.uk

Get Involved

A ge S cotla nd ca Beam mpaig ish M ners w S P at ith Cla our Pe ud i a ebles c harity s hop

Knitters Anne an d Ian of th with so e Nan McKay me of th H a ll eir hats

Margaret’s not waiting any more Last winter Margaret, who lives in Dumfries, became one of our case studies for the Still Waiting campaign.

Although living close to a main road with regular buses, she was unable to make use of them as she can hardly walk and, with severe osteoarthritis, can’t use a wheelchair. She told us: “My bus pass is of virtually no use; I’ve spent most of 2012 sitting at home waiting to die.”

After we published the case study Dumfries and Galloway Council got in touch with us. They felt Margaret’s story painted local bus services in too poor a light. So Morag Halliday, our local Development Officer, took Margaret to meet them and, following this, the local Stagecoach manager visited her and found a solution to getting her mobility scooter on the bus. We also arranged for a befriending scheme to provide a volunteer buddy for some journeys; previously she had had to spend a lot of money to have a professional care worker accompany her.

Margaret’s story shows how we’re linking national campaigns to action in communities to improve the lives of older people.

For our member groups which regularly participate (too many to mention!) it’s a fun way of raising money for their activities, as they will share the proceeds from their hats with Age Scotland.

the bu

s

New campaign resists push for ‘online-only’ services A new consumer campaign, Keep Me Posted, is calling for protection of consumer choice over how organisations, such as energy and telecoms companies and banks, send them their bills and statements.

Keep Me Posted campaign partners, which include Royal Mail UK, the National Consumer Federation and the National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, have witnessed a trend of businesses switching their customers to mainly digital communication. They believe every consumer should be able to choose, without being penalised, a paper copy of communications from banks, utility companies and other service providers. Age Scotland shares these concerns and is supportive of the campaign.

Big Knit, big thanks A huge thank you to all our supporters who contributed to this year’s Big Knit. Across Scotland hundreds of knitters put their needles to good use creating little hats for innocent smoothie bottles. Look out for the hats in Sainsbury’s stores this November; for each be-hatted smoothie sold innocent drinks will make a donation of 25p to help older people in Scotland.

se rgaret to u Stagecoach helping Ma

Get involved!

To get involved with the campaign, receive a free information pack, and/or share your stories, preferences and experiences: Write to: Keep Me Posted

PO Box 72064

London EC4P 4DZ Visit:

www.keepmeposteduk.com

Follow us on www.twitter.com/agescotland 15

going local

et Tait from & Margar n e d d a F Nell Mc

news from t he

orum Inverclyde Elderly F

Linwood Elderly Forum

A double celebration and top marks Congratulations to Inverclyde Elderly Forum, winner of the Inverclyde Community Champions Award 2013.

Chairperson Nell McFadden, at a ceremony in Greenock’s Beacon Arts Centre, said: “It was just like the big awards events on TV. We are absolutely delighted, and it’s the icing on the cake in our silver anniversary year.” The Forum has been meeting monthly for 25 years, with guest speakers on topics of current relevance to older people and a typical attendance of 30 to 40 people. Nell says: “This award is for our members, and all of the older people in Inverclyde.”

Congratulations are also due to Age Concern Eastwood Dementia project, which was given top marks by the Care Inspectorate following an unannounced inspection in August. ‘Excellent’ grades were awarded for all categories; quality of care and support, quality of staffing, quality of environment and quality of management and leadership.

Away day bonanza

East Kilbrid e

Seniors F orum

west

in Black pool

A Bite and a Blether Between May and July around 200 older people took part in nine ‘Bite and a Blether’ consultation events across Glasgow. Over an enjoyable lunch participants gave their answers to questions such as ‘what keeps you healthy,’ ‘what helps if you need health or social care,’ and ‘how might flow of information about services be improved.’

The events were jointly organised by Charlie Murphy, Age Scotland West Region Development Officer, and colleagues from the Scottish Seniors Alliance, Glasgow and West of Scotland Forum of Housing Associations, and Glasgow Council for the Voluntary Sector. Glasgow’s Joint Commissioning Strategy on Services for Older People was also discussed.

Dates for your diary 9th OCT: Active Ageing Festival Hamilton

Age Scotland grants in the West supported 15 groups to organise a day away. The outings included a day at Balloch for more than 70 members of Linwood Elderly Forum, and a trip ‘doon the watter’ to Dunnon for Erskine ROAR Activities Club.

Four groups sent representatives to the National Pensioners Parliament in Blackpool.

Hosted by Seniors Together and Forward@Fifty this event aims to encourage older people to ‘get out, get active and get involved.’

Your local Age Scotland team

23rd OCT: Age Scotland West Regional Assembly

Linda Anderson (Renfrewshire, Lanarkshire) 01355 279 929

Renfield St Stephens Church, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow, G24JP

Charlie Murphy (Glasgow, Dunbartonshire, Inverclyde) 0141 427 5145

For further information call Liz on 0141 420 3686 or email elizabeth.brown@agescotland.org.uk.

Activities will take place over three sites in Hamilton: the Town House, Water Palace and Low Parks Museum.

For more information call Sheena McKay on 01698 454105 or email sheena.mckay@southlanarkshire.gov.uk.

16 Text AGES10 £5 to 70070 and donate £5 to Age Scotland

going local news from the

south

Your local Age Scotland team Morag Halliday (Dumfries & Galloway, Scottish Borders) 01387 251036 Heather Baillie (Ayrshire) 01563 528 441

Robin m eets th e Quee n

Cumbrae

-in’ in the Rain!

New support in South Ayrshire for later life alcohol issues Ayrshire Council on Alcohol (ACA) offers a specialist service to individuals experiencing alcohol related problems. With Change Fund support it has now employed an Alcohol Development Worker for the South Ayrshire area with a particular focus on later life. Melissa Tranter says: “We are seeing greater numbers of over 65s admitted to hospitals with alcohol related illness or linked issues.

“A younger body can process alcohol a lot quicker than an older body because our organs age (including our liver) and they function less effectively. There’s no one solution; abstinence works for some, but for many people moderation is the key to success.”

Melissa would like to work with local groups in provision of alcohol information, education and support.

Individuals can also self-refer to ACA if they feel they need support in any matters concerning drinking. The service is confidential and available to older people who may just want advice on changing a drinking habit, and to families of heavy drinkers who would like advice or help in coping with the associated stresses. Phone counselling is available and there is an outreach service for anyone unable to attend the centre.

Robin’s royal encounter On 3rd July Robin Cowan, Chair of Age Scotland member group Peebles and District Old Folks Welfare and of his local British Legion branch, was presented to the Queen during a visit to Peebles war memorial.

“She was very relaxed and down to earth and we had a long chat about the mosaic design of the memorial,” says Robin.

Cumbrae fun day; in the rain, but in style On 22nd June 120 older people from Age Scotland member groups across the South Region came together for a second annual Isle of Cumbrae Fun Day. The event included a sponsored walk to raise funds for member groups, with Age Scotland staff, friends, family and their dogs joining in, and thankfully completed between heavy rain showers.

Almost £2,000 was raised from the day, which has been split between Age Scotland and participating groups.

Age Scotland’s Heather Baillie said: “Whether they walked, or just came along for the trip, participants enjoyed a break from meetings and the opportunity to share in a fun day out. We’re grateful to Age Concern Cumbrae, which hosted an all-day coffee morning with enough home baking to feed an army, to Cumbrae Elderly Forum for doing the raffle, and to Broomlands and Bourtreehill Age Concern for organising afternoon bingo.”

Directory Ayrshire Council on Alcohol 24 Fullarton Street Ayr KA7 1UB Tel. 01292 281238 Email acaayr@btconnect.com

Visit www.facebook.com/pages/Age-Scotland-South-Region 17

going local

news from t he

their new premises ers’ team at d n e ri f e B rly wal Elde The Co

North region round up

In the North East a Development Day in June, run in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council, saw more than 70 delegates from care homes listening to talks on various health-related issues. A Falls Awareness day at Robert Gordon University also saw great interest by professionals in the work of Age Scotland.

Member group Monymusk Seniors invited us to a Farmers’ Market where we gave out information and raised a little money with a Guess the Name of the Bear Competition (Edward, by the way.)

In the North West side we caught up with Carloway Sunshiners, Cairdean Cordail Ceann a Loch, Silver Darlings and Strath Sunshine Club on their summer trips. Jo Cowan, Age Scotland Development Officer, joined colleagues from Argyll Voluntary Action at the Volunteer of the Year Awards in Lochgilphead, a really happy celebration of the achievements of volunteers of all ages. She also hosted an Age Scotland Information Stall at a buzzing ‘Reshaping Care for Older People’ activity day in Kyleakin organised by Skye and Lochalsh Council for Voluntary Organisations.

Attending Merkinch Community Centre’s joyful celebration of ‘Golden Stories’, an intergenerational reminiscence project, was a great end to June for Jo.

Your local Age Scotland team Suzy Gentle (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray, Orkney, Shetland) 01309 673455 Jo Cowan (Highland, Argyll & Bute, Eilean Siar) 01855 821 809

18 For insurance call 0845 833 0758

north

Jo Cowan and Margaret Cam pbell

An invitation to open Cowal Elderly Befrienders’ new premises in July saw Jo in Dunoon. Congratulations to Pauline Livingston, her team and local supporters who have also raised money for a new minibus. While there, Jo called in on Cragroy Tenants Association, with Gwen from Argyll Voluntary Action, to celebrate Margaret Campbell’s Timebank Hero Award.

The Men’s Shed in Moray is really on the move with potential venues identified in both Elgin and Forres and great enthusiasm from the men involved.

Highland and Argyll and Bute groups are also on the hunt for premises and a new men’s social group proved a hit at Cobhair Bharraigh in Barra.

Recent North Region grants awarded include Gordon Forum for the Arts and Helmsdale & District Community Association for creative events. It was encouraging to see new member groups accessing funds to support their aspirations; Fettercairn Lunch Club, Sounds Familiar in Inverness, Lairg Friendship Club and Merkinch Community Centre, as well as supporting long-standing members, DATEC in Thurso and Moray Handyperson Service, in their developments.

Dates for your diary 15th OCT: Age Scotland North Region Assembly Merkinch Community Centre, Coronation Park, Inverness IV3 8AD. For further information call Christine Anderson on 01463 713160 or email christine.anderson@agescotland.org.uk.

5th DEC: Video link to the Scottish Older People’s Assembly 10am - 4pm, subject to venue confirmation, hosted

by Highland Senior Citizens Network. Info: Hazel Allen on 07824 510 647 or email enquiries@hscn.co.uk.

going local news from the

east

A farewell treat

Fiona H yslop M SP campa igners a meets Age Scotla nd member g nd loca roups, l council lors at the Bathgate sho p.

In August Fiona Hyslop, MSP for Linlithgow and Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, met local older people’s groups and campaigners at Age Scotland’s Bathgate shop. They discussed the Still Waiting campaign, which calls for community transport services to be included in the National Concessionary Travel scheme. Fiona Hyslop said: “Community transport is an important issue and I understand the concerns around the inequity of transport for those who cannot access free National Concessionary Travel Services. The Scottish Government will continue to explore ways in which it can support community transport provision, and how this might be most appropriately addressed.”

Katie Docherty, Age Scotland Head of Charity Services, said: “We were delighted that Fiona was able to meet with us, and that several of our local member groups and supporters came along and took the opportunity to share with her their experiences and needs with regard to transport.

“We had a productive discussion, and Fiona made some very helpful suggestions as to how the issues raised by the campaign might be addressed. We hope that she will now raise these with her Cabinet colleagues, and look forward to further discussion as to how Age Scotland can work with the Scottish Government to address the difficulties many of our older people have in accessing transport.”

Dates for your diary 8th OCT: Age Scotland East Region Assembly Howden Park Centre, Livingston, EH54 6AE. For further information call Helen on 0845 833 0200 or email helen.simpson@agescotland.org.uk.

In 2011 Markinch Old Folks’ Treats Committee finally closed its doors after decades of operation. Douglas Macnaughtan, local Age Scotland Development Officer, attended the final meeting of the group and was pleased to receive the balance of its funds (£2,400) on the understanding that it would be used to support the needs of older people from Markinch in future.

Working closely with Age Concern Glenrothes and its Manager Fiona Mackay, Douglas identified an opportunity to extend the group’s Buddy Service to the people of Markinch. This new service, developed with funding from the Change Fund, aims to alleviate loneliness and isolation by providing a volunteer to visit an older person on a regular basis, either in their own home or out and about in the community. The service supports clients and helps them define and realise their goals. This can include learning new skills, or improving old ones, and interacting with other people in the community, whether by shopping trips or visiting a friend.

The funding donated by Markinch will neatly support two places per week for a year as part of the Buddy Service. “Funds are very tight these days,” says Fiona.

“Any additional funding we can find will be well used to expand this worthwhile service to those in the greatest need in our community. At the moment we do not have any Buddy Service users in Markinch.

This grant will ensure that two people from the town will now benefit.”

Age Concern Glenrothes continues to provide Active Ageing sessions from four centres around the town, despite cuts in its budget, helping more than 100 older people. Age Scotland is working with it to develop more services for those in greatest need in the community.

Your local Age Scotland team Douglas Macnaughtan (Fife, Dundee, Angus) 01324 717 079 Carole Anderson (Perth and Kinross, Stirling, Falkirk and Clackmannanshire) 01577 864658 Laura Dunkel (Edinburgh & Lothians) 01506 853 951

Sign our petition at www.agescotland.org.uk/stillwaiting 19

inspire

Festival highlights from our Luminate luminaries Following its success in 2012, with over 300 events taking place across Scotland during October, Luminate is back with another programme of creative activities for 2013.

Vikki Jones sets the scene.

Luminate is a nationwide celebration of creativity as we age, and the 2013 programme will once again offer activities by and for older people, as well as those that will appeal to people across the generations.

This year, Luminate has enlisted the help of some inspiring individuals to recommend their highlights in the festival brochure. Each has direct experience of being involved in the arts, and their recommendations shine a light on some of the wonderful opportunities available this October.

Luminate opens on 1 October with Super Vivere, an exhibition of portrait photographs exploring the lives of siblings from the UK and Europe who are over 90.

Photographer Susie Rea collaborated with her mother, Dr Maeve Rea, a geriatrician at Queen’s University Belfast, on the project that also took the form of a book, Super Vivere: Reflections on Long Life and Ageing Well.

Both Susie and Maeve, 36 and 66 respectively, have selected their Luminate highlights, and their choices speak loudly about the importance of understanding and celebrating ageing in families and across the generations. These range from screenings of the heart-warming animated adventure ‘Up’ in Stirling and Stornoway, to creative writing workshops for older people and their friends and families at Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres in Glasgow, Inverness and Dundee.

Both have selected the touring play ‘Couldn’t Care Less,’ the story of a mother with Alzheimer’s and a daughter who must come to terms with her new role

Craft Café

will return for Luminate 2013 (photo : Eoin Care y)

as carer as she “learns to dance with the person who is, not the mother who was.” As Susie puts it: “When all else recognisable has fallen away, there is only love… and dancing. What better way to tell this story?”

Discovering dance has also been the experience of 65-year-old Irene Kelso who, after a bronze medal for ballroom dancing at school, married a man who doesn’t dance and felt her ‘inner dancer’ had never reached its full potential. Just a year ago, a friend gave Irene a brochure for Dance House and she tried ‘Always Dancing,’ their weekly contemporary classes for older people.

This has led to performances at Glasgow’s Kelvingrove, the SECC and in day care centres during Luminate 2012. Irene was also selected to take part in The Barrowlands Project, created by the world-renowned Scottish choreographer Michael Clark, a spectacular dance event in Glasgow in which community dancers performed alongside professionals in a shared piece.

Irene blogged on the project’s website: “The lessons of the Barrowlands Project are very much lessons for life. It’s about being part of a community where everyone wants to be the best they can be, and wants to help others be the best they can be.”

Sharing creativity and skills with others is also on the agenda at Craft Café, a project run by Impact Arts in Glasgow, Edinburgh and North Ayrshire that aims to reduce isolation and loneliness among older people.

83-year-old John Maloney, a joiner in his working

20 Join us on www.facebook.com/agescotland

inspire

Live M usic No w

will fea ture in 2 013 (ph oto

: Rachel K eenan)

life, attends the Glasgow sessions and has not only learned new art skills but also shares his joinery expertise with others, helping them in their creative activities and supporting the sociable atmosphere that makes Craft Café so successful.

Finding sociable opportunities to engage and bring together older men has been in the news recently with Men’s Sheds projects popping up across Scotland.

Wise Guys, a creative printmaking project with these goals in mind and run by the Highland Print Studio in Inverness, is going from strength to strength.

68-year-old former farmer Richard MacKenzie has made printmaking so much a part of his life that he has even equipped his own print studio at home to allow him to develop techniques further. He says: “Some of these are more technical than others and I’ve enjoyed this aspect of it as well as the creative side – ending up with a piece of artwork wholly my own, one I’d be proud to see on the wall.”

Richard’s recommendations from this year’s programme include an intergenerational day out for grandparents and grandchildren at The Burrell Collection in Glasgow, which is also piloting a stonecarving class for older men during Luminate, and Recount a community-led arts project in Shetland specially commissioned by the festival for 2013.

Developed by Shetland-based artists Roxane Permar and Susan Timmins, the project will enable local people

to share stories and memorabilia about the Royal Observer Corps bunkers that monitored activity during the Cold War, using local textiles to decorate them and creating three unique site-specific installations.

He shares this recommendation with 74-year-old playwright Sylvia Dow, who found her voice as an artist at 70 when she studied for a Masters degree in playwriting at Glasgow University. Her first full-length play was produced and toured in 2012 and her new play Threads, created for Stellar Quines Theatre Company, will be presented as a reading for the first time at Luminate this October.

Communities and cultural organisations have once again responded to Luminate’s theme of creative ageing with enthusiasm and variety. Audiences across Scotland are sure to find an event to tempt them; from films, exhibitions, performances and talks to discussions, workshops, classes and taster sessions that offer the opportunity to try a new creative activity for yourself.

Your Luminate Programme Postal copies of this edition of Advantage contain a Luminate programme. If you’ve missed out on yours call Vikki on 0131 668 8066 or email vikki.jones@agescotland.org.uk. You can also view events info online at www.luminatescotland.org.

Sign up for e-news at www.agescotland.org.uk 21

interview

Optimistic about the future of day care An alliance of local day care providers is promising fresh solutions to some longstanding common issues.

Doug Anthoney reports.

Optima is a new federation of five West Lothian day care providers; Acredale House, Answer House, St Michael’s Day Centre, Braid House and the Rosebery Centre. Together they operate the largest voluntary sector day care in the county, providing almost 300 older people with more than 500 days of day care every week.

Project Manager David Murray says: “With the national Reshaping Care for Older People agenda shifting the balance of care for older people from institutional to primary and community settings, and a Council review of day care taking place, the time seemed right for voluntary day care providers locally to look at common interests, issues, and solutions. Optima’s members saw the advantage of being able to speak with one strong voice, and had a commonality in that West Lothian Council was commissioning their services.”

Forming the federation, a private limited company with a board comprising representatives from each centre, required some care and patience.

“Each organisation had its own character and history, and there was a very mixed funding landscape.” However the rewards are now being reaped apace. “We’ve formed a Managers’ Forum to promote collaboration and peer support, and with the assistance of Evaluation Support Scotland improved our ability to measure the differences we are making.” (See page 26 for more about evaluation.) Shared training provision has also been developed, including a learning programme with Stirling University Dementia Services Development Centre that will enable staff, volunteers, and carers to improve the experience for dementia clients and carers using the centres’ services.

g event (photo: Shirley Law) a trainin i t n e Dem

Another priority is transport. “This is arguably the key to unlocking the way in which day care is reshaped, as the majority of our clients rely on us to get them to and from the centres,” says David. Currently three federation members have their own transport, while two are reliant on volunteers’ vehicles. “With ageing vehicles, and the increasing cost and complexity of running a transport service, it was clear that this wasn’t sustainable,” he says. Optima has now formed a partnership with Lothian Community Transport Services, which presently does not have an operating base in the West Lothian area, that aims to have a combined transport service running across the five centres from April 2014. “We see potential for this to become a social enterprise that will be available to other community groups and create local employment.”

David believes the Optima model could be replicated elsewhere. “We recently gave evidence to the Scottish Parliament committee that’s been looking at community transport, which also gave us an opportunity to hear from other day care providers.

It’s was clear that the difficulties we’ve faced are not uncommon.” David is happy to discuss Optima’s experience with groups interested in taking a similar approach.

Directory Optima Telephone: 01506 430 615 Website: www.optima-scotland.co.uk

22 Follow us on www.twitter.com/agescotland

soap box

Don’t be silent on welfare reform This edition’s guest columnist calls for people affected by welfare reform to speak up.

Every time I open a newspaper there is a harrowing story of someone who is experiencing the impact of welfare reforms. While I understand the necessity for overhauling the current system, I am deeply saddened by the misinformation fuelled by some sections of the press and not quelled by Westminster. The popular opinion of anyone on disability benefits being labelled a ‘scrounger’ is disheartening and inaccurate (fraud for disability benefit is 0.5% and for Employment Support Allowance 0.3%, the cost of tribunals for re-assessment equate to more than the cost of the fraud.)

I am a lone parent full time carer for a child who is now an adult but is still living at home. Last year I lost Child Benefit and the component parts of income support for having a child with additional needs. Our household income is now down by £2000 a year.

Carers Allowance is £59.75 a week and to qualify for carers’ allowance you have to care for the person for 35 hours a week. This works out at £1.70 per hour, far less than the minimum wage of £6.31, or the living wage of £7.45. As a full time carer you can be ‘on duty’ for 168 hours a week – which is 35 pence an hour! Carers save the UK economy £119 billion a year therefore I feel it would be reasonable to expect Carers Allowance to be a realistic amount to replace earnings.

Welfare reform is causing huge anxiety for carers and the Royal College of GPs has asked doctors to look out for signs of depression in them. If the Governments fail to support us, carers’ ability to care will cease and we will need looking after ourselves.

In its evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee, Inclusion Scotland also

Carers Allowance is £59.75 a week ... this works out at £1.70 per hour expressed concerns that welfare reform cuts could affect the human right to a home and family life.

If people can overcome the stigma of talking about their financial difficulties we can approach local councils and the Scottish Government (who is listening) to find ways to ease the financial pressure on carers. The Scottish Parliament’s Welfare Reform Committee is still collecting evidence of how the welfare reforms, including Personal Independence Payments and Universal Credit, are impacting on people, so if you have a story to tell I would urge you to get in touch with them. You can email welfarereform-yoursay@scottish.parliament. uk or write to Kevin Dougan, Welfare Reform Committee, Room TG.01, Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh, EH99 1SP. The author’s name was withheld at her request.

Call Age Scotland on 0845 125 9732 for welfare reform advice 23

interview

Take courage Muriel Romanes is Artistic Director of Stellar Quines, an award winning Scottish Theatre Company she helped establish in 1993, with the aim of celebrating the energy, experience and perspective of women. She began her career as an actor, including the role of Alice Taylor in Take the High Road. Doug Anthoney spoke to her about her life, work and thoughts on older people’s participation in the arts.

“Part of me feels that I should go out to grass, but part of me is hugely inspired by what is happening,” says Muriel. As Artistic Director, with responsibility for all the research, development, programming and production of creative material that Stellar Quines puts in front of its audiences, she’s particularly excited by the potential for digital technology. “We don’t have the money any more for huge touring productions, but we’re looking at how we can work with film, and film directors, to present plays in mobile cinemas. It would be a great way to give access to the theatre to people who wouldn’t otherwise be able to enjoy it, such as in remote areas and care homes.”

Stellar Quines is working with Jennifer Tremblay, a playwright from Canada, to bring a trilogy of her plays to Scotland starting with The List. “The ambition is to offer a mix of live and cinema performances to audiences across Scotland,” says Muriel. Such international links are high on the Company’s agenda. “I’m particularly interested in the voices of women from the northern fringes, including Scotland, Scandanavia, Iceland, the Baltics and Canada. Quebec, where Jennifer comes from, has some similarities with Scotland in its debates about independence.”

Muriel is also interested in works that offer insight into older people’s lives. “Dementia is important,

but there’s a risk that it could soon be overdone as a dramatic subject, unless we find new angles on it.

I’d like to see more about older people’s life stories, and about the interactions between generations and within families.”

She sees Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival, as a vehicle for “getting older people out and about and inspiring others.” “My father, who is 97, was a Professor of Anatomy. Although his is currently very ill, he is still an inspirational person to speak to about anatomy and many other subjects.

But I also know people who have been performers who have simply stopped when they got older, even when they had so much still to give. Maybe it’s something we picked up from our parents; the idea that at a certain age we should fade into the background. It’s something I would like to challenge.”

Part of Muriel’s role is mentoring emerging artists.

“I try to inspire them, and to push them forward to discover the extraordinary in the ordinary, which is what, I think, art is all about. Playwright Sue Glover and I talked about the idea of a work looking at the experience of women exploited as cheap agricultural labour in the 18th century, and had great fun researching it together.” This became Bondagers, a play that Scotland on Sunday said ‘everyone should see.’

24 Call 118 202 Directory Enquiries and donate 9p per 40p call

Clubs

How do we know if we’re making a difference?

The term ‘evaluation’ might sound like management-speak, but it’s really just about finding out what difference your group is making. And it’s easier to do than you might think, says Doug Anthoney.

Evaluation is the process of checking whether your group or service is making the difference it would like to make. This isn’t only useful in order to attract, and meet the requirements of, funders. If you can prove that your efforts are having an impact you can celebrate that fact; and spur your volunteers, trustees, staff and supporters to achieve yet more.

Don’t be scared of finding out that your work isn’t quite making the difference you hoped. This will give you an opportunity to make improvements.

Becoming an effective self-evaluator is mostly about thinking ahead (and creatively), developing good habits, and being reflective. It involves establishing an on-going cycle in which you; clarify your aims and

26 For insurance call 0845 833 0758

objectives, collect the information that best reveals the extent to which these are being met, reflect on the information you’ve collected, and use what you have learned to shape future plans and actions.

Being clear about what you want to achieve is critical. If your group is constituted it will have its purpose set out in its governing document. A mission statement, saying the same thing but stripped of legalese, can also be helpful. If you don’t have a clear, succinct statement explaining the overall difference your organisation exists to make, it’s advisable to draft one. Everyone who has a stake in what you do; including trustees, staff, volunteers, service users and supporters, should be given an opportunity to contribute. Your local Age Scotland Development Officer (see pages 16 to 19 for contacts) can help you to get started.

Often a group will have a clear aim, but is unable to fully describe how this aim links to the activities and services if offers. Agreeing ‘outcomes’ statements will enable you to fit everything together in a way that enables evaluation. An outcome is simply a difference you would like to make, and each of your statements (four or five is about right) will explain; what you trying to change, for whom, and in what way. For example, ‘reduce isolation among local

Clubs’ Corner older men’, or ‘increase benefits uptake by low income pensioner households.’ All of your activities should logically contribute to achievement of your outcomes. If they don’t, it may be time for changes.

For each outcome you will need to have indicators; measures that will tell you whether or not the change is happening. These are likely to be a mix of figures, such as numbers of service users, or meals served, and of ‘qualitative’ indicators that reveal the difference you are making to individuals. Case studies can be very effective in evidencing difference made, particularly when these include beneficiaries of your services speaking in their own words. Photos and audio or video recordings can be powerful here. If your group doesn’t have the time, money or expertise to do these well perhaps there are local clubs or colleges that could help you as a project.

Don’t just spring a camera or microphone on your service users. Make sure that they understand how you will use the case study and that their consent can be evidenced. At Age Scotland we have a ‘Model Release Form’ for recording such permissions, which we are happy to share.

To evidence progress it’s important that you have a baseline. This is a snapshot of the situation prior to your intervention against which subsequent changes can be compared. The traditional ‘before and after’ questionnaire isn’t always appropriate, particularly with vulnerable groups. However there are lots of ways of capturing this information sensitively and unobtrusively, including attractively designed visual maps and scales to which marks can be added by service users indicating their level of well-being or social connectedness. Evaluation Support Scotland (see box) is a good source of advice and ideas.

Evaluation Support Scotland ESS is a third sector organisation which helps voluntary groups and funders to better evaluate their impact.

Email: info@evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk Telephone: 0131 243 2770 Website: www.evaluationsupportscotland.org.uk

Smiley faces in Cowal Cowal Elderly Befriending (CEB) provides befriending services to 120 older residents of Cowal in Argyll and Bute each week. Five years ago it decided to improve its ability to self-evaluate in order to make services better for clients. “We were able to say how many clients were doing what, but we could only make inferences about the impact of our work,” says Information Officer Duncan MacLeod. With support from evaluation consultant Blake Stevenson through their BIG Lottery grant, evaluation tools were developed, including a ‘Smiley Face’ scoring system whereby clients could rate themselves for aspects of well-being. “It was non-invasive, fun and people were more than happy to help us,” says Duncan.

Clients were also asked what they thought would be good indicators for service outcomes. “They told us that a good measure of their social happiness would be the extent to which they were making new friends and supporting each other” says Duncan. The service was then able to focus on facilitating this development.

Self-evaluation also enabled CEB to discover more about the needs of clients with dementia. “We asked carers, families and social workers what would show that these clients were benefitting from the service,” says Duncan. “This became our ‘What Would Change Look Like?’ evaluation tool with indicators such as remembering the outing; appearing happier and looking forward to the next outing demonstrating a positive impact.”

Improvements in self-evaluation have enabled CEB to adjust its services to better meet needs, including the development of new services. “Clients were telling us that they were struggling with practical tasks around the home and this led us to create our new odd-job service, Befrienders Extra”, says Duncan.

Duncan is happy to speak to other groups about evaluation.

Telephone: 01369 704985 Email: cowalbefrienders@hotmail.com

Find topic fact sheets at www.agescotland.org.uk/publications 27

WILLS • POWERS OF ATTORNEY • LIVING WILLS • GUARDIANSHIPS AFTER A DEATH • TRUSTS • EQUITY RELEASE • LEGAL AID

looking after generations The true cost of care for our loved ones is something we seldom think of, but the day may come when you’re forced to seek Care for yourself or a relative.

Solicitors for Older People in Scotland will guide you and your family through this highly emotive process with compassion and expertise. With forward planning, houses need not be sold to pay for care costs.

CALL 0800 152 2037

www.solicitorsforolderpeoplescotland.co.uk All our members are regulated by The Law Society of Scotland