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WELCOME FROM OUR CEO
YOUNG PERSONS VOLUNTEER PROJECT
VOLUNTEER VACANCIES
CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS
BITESIZE NEWS
Sometimes I get asked “What does Age UK Plymouth actually do” and I then have to take a very deep breath as we provide so many essential services that are vital to the health and wellbeing of older people locally… but rather than me listing these services I would urge you to read Jim’s story on page 13 of this edition of Prime This really encapsulates what we
do and gives an insight into how we make sure that loved ones are supported in the most compassionat ways
On page 5, you can read about Pete, our city wide “Volun of the Year”. He’s a remarkable man making a difference We need many more “Pete’s” at Age Plymouth…and my email address is written below if you you can support us in any way! Collectively we can m even more of a difference!
Thanks for your support.
A-Level students from Plymstock School and Lipson Co-operative Academy are part of a hugely successful volunteering scheme pioneered by Age UK Plymouth.
The first group of students from Plymstock School who completed their volunteering at the Dementia Day Centre, based at Memory Lane in Plymstock, have found the experience invaluable and it has given them the ability to demonstrate proactivity, empathy and an ability to work as part of a team Volunteering has also provided an opportunity to learn, develop and showcase skills, improve confidence and equip these young people with knowledge and experience
A-level student Isabella who has chosen to continue volunteering at the Dementia Day Centre said, "It's been an amazing experience being able to work with such great people. I really enjoyed my time and look forward to continuing this journey with Age UK Plymouth."
The initial trail and subsequent first round of the programme were both a huge success with almost 100% of volunteers choosing to stay with the charity after their six weeks of volunteering, and there’s certainly a pattern emerging as the second round of Plymstock School volunteers are almost all electing to stay “It’s been really incredible to see the dedication from these young people,” said Day Centre's Manager Tracy Walker, “Our
Dementia Day Centre is a really wonderful place to be, it can be challenging at times but all of our volunteers experience the sense of joy that we foster with our clients and that is an invaluable experience for our young volunteers.”
Plymstock student Ewan has been grateful for the welcoming and inclusive spirit at Age UK Plymouth: “In my own personal experience of Age UK at the Dementia Day Centre, I have started to build new relationships with a wide variety of people, in what was previously an unfamiliar environment. The staff, volunteers and clients were so welcoming and kind, and allowed me to give my time and attention to not only listen to people, but to grow as an overall person too”
Young volunteer Ruby also believes she has benefitted from the experience she has gained through her time volunteering, and looks forward to continuing to work with the charity, “I have loved getting to
know the clients and staff and having fun with the team. I have gained lots of experience with more elderly people and I feel this has really benefitted me”
Wendy Snook, Volunteer Coordinator for Age UK Plymouth has worked closely with the students from the interview process through their integration into the teams, “We’ve been blown away by the enthusiasm of all the volunteers from Plymstock School The level of commitment has been a real testament to these young people and we’re looking forward to working with our first cohort of students from Lipson Co-operative Academy at our Mount Gould Day Centre”
“We are delighted to be working with Age UK Plymouth to give some of our students the opportunity to volunteer within the local community and for such a good cause,” said Miss Monelle, Head of Sixth Form at Plymstock School “It is another way that our students can show the compassion and goodwill that so many of them have, their willingness to help others always astonishes us during such a busy time in their studies. We have already had a great response to the programme and we are hoping this can be a link with the local community for many years to come.”
Age UK Plymouth has a strong sense of partnership, frequently working with local organisations to bring services, projects and volunteers together. “Cohesion in the community is fundamental to what we do,” said Head of Fundraising, Tara Dale. “We’re a local charity serving people within our city and we’re extremely fortunate to be able to connect with many other organisations, businesses and charities who also see the importance of community. It’s been a really uplifting experience to work on this project which has seen young people able to develop and gain practical and transferable skills such as; working as part of a team, communication, self-motivation, organisation, time management and initiative. But credit where credit is due, these students have been outstanding, a real pleasure to work with”
Tia started on the Young Persons Volunteering Programme and enjoyed her time at the Dementia Day Centre so much she stayed!
“This is a perfect opportunity for me to give back and support people who need it The charity helps so many local people in so many ways, from support at the Dementia Day Centre to helping them in their homes It's such a wonderful place to be and I'm so pleased to be a part of it.”
“I feel I have benefitted by Volunteering with Age UK Plymouth because I have experienced what it would be like to work within a section of Health and Social Care. I have enjoyed meeting new people.”
We are looking for creative people to help us produce material to share on our website, social media channels and our quarterly magazine. The ideal volunteer would have experience or an interest in telling the stories of our charity, clients, colleagues and fellow volunteers via content and articles.
This flexible volunteering position would ideally suit someone with an understanding in crafting press releases, essays and long-read articles, someone studying English or journalism or with a passion for storytelling.
Our Reception team is the first point of contact albeit via a phone call or by visiting The William and Patricia Venton Centre and delivering an excellent experience is key
The role will include signposting people to the relevant departments within our Centre, providing key information relating to our services and activities, answering the phone, general admin duties, greeting our Centre users, managing post and much more, benefiting both our clients and team
Are you passionate about supporting your local community? Can you add a bit of sparkle to someone’s day? If the answer is yes then we would love to hear from you
To be successful in this role you need you to have a caring nature, be a good listener, reliable (particularly important for our clients with dementia), excellent timekeeping, and enjoy being part of a team
We have a fun and interactive Veteran’s Walking Football session every Monday afternoon at Harpers Football Centre. It’s a fabulous session that promotes part of a healthy lifestyle to our clients.
The role would include encouraging our clients to participate, help with a little refereeing, being on hand to help with much needed refreshments and enthusiastic cheerleading.
Many organisations take their corporate social responsibilities very seriously This can be by making small grants available, funding volunteer days or donating equipment We are so grateful to HSBC for providing free fraud awareness sessions to our Jolly Elders and Community Cuppa groups, staff from Survitec for your time and energy sprucing up our outdoor space and Sky for distributing magazines.
Pete is our IT volunteer and he helps those who need support with their digital skills. As we all know, the pandemic saw people become more and more isolated and we have seen as a result a huge increase in the number of people who want to improve their IT skills in order to communicate Pete, has been with the charity for over 10 years and has helped many people.
Pete provides a lifeline for many people particularly as we move into a time where technology is used more than ever. He is an incredibly valued member of the volunteer team and all his work is hugely appreciated by the entire team at the charity. Thank you Pete for all you do and this award is incredibly well deserved
From supporting the teams in our Day Centres, kitchens and reception to behind the scenes roles at events, driving, delivering or admin support. Whatever your background is, you have skills that can help us continue to support over 50s and those living with dementia in the city of Plymouth.
Why not ask your employer what they can do to support over 50s, those living with dementia and their carers in the city of Plymouth.
Celebrating three years of first class dementia care at Plymstock's William Venton Centre on Memory Lane.
This August marks three years since Age UK Plymouth's Dementia Day Centre relocated from Mount Gould to the William Venton Centre in Plymstock.
Our Dementia Day Centre provides care for people with memory loss, cognitive issues and all stages of dementia. We understand that a diagnosis of any illness can be difficult for both the person and their carers, therefore, we offer free introduction and taster sessions People can come along to meet with our team and find out about the support available to them, easing their transition into the service
Our aim is to provide an approach focused on our clients enjoying quality time with us, and for their carers to know that their loved ones are being well looked after and are engaging with the group. Our experienced
team adapt to meet the needs of each client, there's always a variety of stimulating and engaging activities on offer
Thank you to the ongoing support of our wonderful Plymstock community and of course our fabulous staff and volunteers.
Pictured: The team from Harrisons Builders who completed our Dementia Awareness Training before undertaking a project at the Dementia Day Centre to improve and refurbish the toilets and create an accessible shower room
For those with memory loss or dementia we provide a specialist day care service providing meaningful, variedandpersonlisedactivities.
Providing invaluable respite for carers and operating five days a week, the Dementia Day Centre offers an enjoyable day out in a friendly, safe and comfortable environment with flexible day caretosuitindividualneeds.
- Painting, crafts and baking
- Puzzles, quizzes and seasonal activities
- Singing and dancing
- Theatre and musical performances
- Table tennis, boules and VR cycling
- Refreshments and home cooked meals
If you're concerned about costs preventing you from accessing this service, you can speak to one of our friendly Information and Advice team.
“I have been really pleased with how quickly my mother adapted to attending the centre despite her Alzheimer's making any change of routine difficult for her, she was made to feel comfortable from the outset. The staff have got to know and understand Mum in a relatively short space of time."
For more information please contact dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouth.org.uk or call 01752 256020
Grab your trainers, join us for a free first session and keep your mind and body fit Refreshments will be available after the session
When?
EveryMonday,14:00-15:00
Where?
HarpersFootballCentre,PL23DE
Howmuch?
Firstsessionfreeandthen£200
All Veterans aged 50+ or with disabilities are invited to join us weekly for plenty of sweet treats with tea, coffee, company and of course sticky buns!
When?
EveryTuesday,10:00-12:00
Where?
AgeUKPlymouth,MountGould, PL49RD
Howmuch?
£2.00
Hosted at our Mount Gould centre twice a month, enjoy a traditional breakfast including tea, coffee, toast and good company
Thanks to a £98,000 grant from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust a much loved project for Armed Forces Veterans, aged over 50 or living with a disability in the city of Plymouth, is set to continue for a further three years. In just over a year the project which now supports over 100 people a month has gone from strength to strength with regular events including a weekly social morning, two monthly brunches and a walking football team.
When?
The2ndSaturdayandlastSunday ofeachmonth,10:00-12:00
Where?
AgeUKPlymouth,MountGould, PL49RD
How much?
£500foraneightitembreakfast
As part of Age UK Plymouth’s commitment to over 50s and those living with dementia in the city of Plymouth, clients and their carers were consulted prior to the grant application and their thoughts, views and opinions have been fundamental to shaping plans for the project As well as a wider range of groups and activities, there was significant interest in the additional provision of counselling and wellbeing support.
The funding has seen a qualified, independent Therapeutic Counsellor appointed to provide one-to-
one counselling sessions designed to support veterans who might be looking to build and maintain good mental health. A flexible six to ten week programme has been made available free of charge to veterans over 50 years or with disabilities, providing an opportunity for change for those living with a range of challenges to their mental wellbeing, including; PTSD, low level depression and social isolation.
Counterpoint Therapy Plymouth’s Georgina Edwards says, “I’m looking forward to working with Age UK Plymouth to offer face to face counselling for individuals through a series of regular, free sessions in a comfortable and confidential environment. These sessions will id i f k
The Veterans Project at Age UK Plymouth comes under the remit of its Wellbeing Hub, and Sarah Allen the charity’s Information, Advice and Wellbeing Hub Manager is thrilled at the opportunity to continue working with veterans through the charity She states, “It’s a huge testament to the success and hard work of the team, who have built and developed our Veterans Project over the past 18 months, that we are now able to not only continue to support but also massively increase our offering and the range of opportunities for our clients”
Over the past 12 months the project was able to arrange and subsidise trips to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Drakes Island, Plymouth’s Citadel and the naval base at Devonport, as well as hosting a Walking Football Festival and working with partners including the Eden Project and the Defence Gardens Scheme. The Veterans group has also welcomed volunteers from The Royal Navy and Sky, amongst others, who have kindly given their time to support the activities hosted at Age UK Plymouth’s Mount Gould Centre.
Counselling and wellbeing support for Veterans over the age of 50 living and workinginthecityofPlymouth.
We're here to support over 50s in our community to love later life with dignity and independence. Our free and friendly counselling service is here to help Veterans access the supporttheyneedtobuildandmaintaingoodmentalhealth.
This flexible programme supports people living with a range of challenges to their mental wellbeingincludingPTSD,lowleveldepressionandsocialisolation
Our fully qualified, independent counsellor will guide and reassure you through your journey to bettermentalhealth,atyourownpaceandwithfullconfidentiality
Georgina.Edwards@ageukplymouth.org.uk or call 07300 334033
The following story is fictional and designed to demonstrate how people are supported by Age UK Plymouth, it's services and partnerships across the city. Whilst this particular Jim is fictitious, the challenges he experiences are genuine and his story echoes through our city.
Jimis67,he'slivedinPlymouthsincehejoinedtheRoyalNavyinthelate70's After20yearsservice he retrained as an electrician and most recently taught basic DIY courses at a college for adult learning Jim and Kathleen, his wife of over 30 years, have a daughter who lives and works in Bristol andthreegrandchildren.
Early in 2020 Jim noticed that Kathleen was having difficulty concentrating and was losing track of timeanddates.BeforethelockdownJim'sdaughter,Jennifer,wouldvisiteverycoupleofmonthsbut whentheysawherinOctober2020forthefirsttimeinninemonthsshewasshockedthatKathleen seemedtobestrugglingeventofollowtheirconversation ByChristmas,Jimwassurethattherewas moregoingonthanjust"gettingold".
In the new year Jim began trying to find a diagnosis for Kathleen. As the country continued to go in and out of lockdown, appointments were regularly rescheduled but finally in December 2021 KathleenwasdiagnosedwithVascularDementia JimandhisdaughterworkedwithKathleen'sGPto createacareplananditwasdecidedthatwithsupportfromamonthlyvisitfromJennifer,Jimwould continuetocareforKathleenandreassessinthefuture
In June 2022 whilst working in the garden Jim tripped and fell awkwardly - it wasn't a big fall but enough to aggravate an old knee injury and Jim found himself in Derriford hospital. After investigations it was decided to replace the knee - a straight forward procedure but there were concerns about how he’d cope at home alone with his reduced mobility Jim was transferred to the newShortTermCareCentrerunbyLivewellSouthwestandhousedatAgeUKPlymouth,herehehad his own room and daily physiotherapy. With the support of the staff there he enjoyed being able to make himself meals in one of the guest kitchens and felt more independent than his time on a hospitalward
By the end of Jim's first week at the Centre he’d found himself at Age UK Plymouth's weekly Sticky Bun Morning for Veterans, taking part in a weekly, gentle chair exercise class and was feeling more like himself after a haircut He met with a Discharge Coordinator from Age UK Plymouth, they chattedaboutJim'slifeathome.AsJimwasstillunabletodrive,hisdischargepackagewasdesigned asamixofsupportfromtheteamwithcleaning,laundry,assistedtripstothesupermarketandsome gardenclearance
Jim was also visited by a member of the Information and Advice team from Age UK Plymouth He didn’t realise that he was entitled to any financial support so the team also helped him apply for a bluebadgeandattendanceallowance.Withtheallowancehereceivedhewasabletokeepreceiving some support around the house from the Help at Home team, after his discharge package finished. He mentioned to the Information and Advice team that he still hadn’t got round to thinking about Kathleen's Power of Attorney, he was relieved when they are able to help point him in the right direction
Kathleen had been staying in Bristol with Jennifer and her partner but as they started returning to work she was keen to come home. The Discharge team put Jim in touch with the Day Centre's Manager to see if it would be a good fit for Kathleen. Jim wasn’t sure, Kathleen struggled with anythingoutofroutineandthishadbeenworsesincebeingawayfromhome
After meeting with Jim and Kathleen, the Day Centre's Manager recommended that Kathleen join "Forget Me Nots" - a once a week set of sessions with friendly and engaging support workers at the Day Centre in Mount Gould. Kathleen really enjoyed the music, dancing and creative activities - Jim hadalwayssaidshewas"acraftyone",makingcostumesanddressingupoutfitsforJennifer Atthe end of the course Kathleen was more comfortable away from Jim and keen to carry on, she started attendingtheDementiaDayCentreinPlymstocktwiceaweek.
Knowing that Kathleen looks forward to her "club", Jim is grateful for the respite and continues to recuperate,heevensignedupfortheweeklyVeteransWalkingFootballandenjoystakingKathleen totheVeteransBrunchtwiceamonth He’sconsideringvolunteeringasadriverforthecharityinthe future With the support Jim found at Age UK Plymouth he feels more secure in his and Kathleen’s future, knowing that they have the support to help them continue living independently, in their hometogether.
£2.9 million in entitlements secured for Plymouth residents last year
5,500 acute bed days saved in STCC's 12 months
enjoyable
sessions were
482 people attended free Dementia Awareness Training
2.8 years average time to be diagnosed with Vascular Dementia
56%
of STCC guests discharged requiring minimal or no care
"We learned so much. The
interesting,
and moving."
"I had the best care advice I could have ever needed. Polite, caring, interested in my needs, you have been amazing. Thank you for all your help, you are all very special people."
Scott College student, Faith, volunteers at the Day Centre and decided to raise funds to support the charity.
After hosting a raffle and a bake sale Faith has raised an AMAZING £200! Thank you from everyone at Age UK Plymouth
Thank you to Luke Pollard, MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport and Johnny Mercer, MP for Moor View, who both took the time to visit our Mount Gould Centre and chat to clients, staff and visitors
Volunteers from Age UK Plymouth joined supporters and contributors volunteering for organsiations city wide at a Celebration Evening hosted by the National Marine Aquarium.
Congratulations to our nominees and a heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers that attended representing charities from across the community
A panel from the National Marine Aquarium also selected an overall Volunteer of the Year and we are delighted to announce the winner was our very own IT Trainer, Pete!
Terry turns 99 on Christmas Eve, last year was tough after a fall left her with a broken hip. Terry has suffered the losses of her husband and her son. She can go a week without speaking to anyone or hearing another person’s voice.
DEMENTIADAY
CENTRE
☎ P£
Threehours:£30Allday:£55
✉ Dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
ADULTDAYCENTRE
☎ M£
Threehours:£23Allday:£35
✉Daycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
WALKINGFOOTBALL
☎ F£2
EveryMonday,14:00-15:00
✉MichaelTruelove@ageukplymouthorguk
DEMENTIADAYCENTRE
☎ P£
Threehours:£30Allday:£55
✉Dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
COMPUTERTRAINING
☎ MFREE
EveryTuesday,timedappointments
✉Community@ageukplymouthorguk
FORGETMENOTS
☎ M£26
EveryTuesday,10:00-14:00
✉TracyWalker@ageukplymouthorguk
VETERANSSTICKYBUN MORNINGM£2
EveryTuesday,10:00-12:00
✉Michael.Truelove@ageukplymouth.org.uk
NHSHEALTHCHECKS ☎ MFREE
2ndTuesdayofeachmonth, byappointment ☎ 01752437177
VETERANS BRUNCH CLUB ☎ £5
DEMENTIADAYCENTRE
☎ P£
Threehours:£30Allday:£55
✉Dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
ADULTDAYCENTRE
☎ M£
Threehours:£23Allday:£35
✉Daycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
SUPPORTFORCARERS
☎ MFREE
1stWednesdayofeachmonth, 10:00-11:30 ✉Caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouthorguk
INFORMATIONAND
ADVICEDROPINCLINIC
MFREE
EveryWednesday,10:00-15:00
✉Advice@ageukplymouthorguk
DEMENTIADAYCENTRE
☎ P£
Threehours:£30Allday:£55
✉Dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
ADULTDAYCENTRE
☎ M£
Threehours:£23Allday:£35
✉Daycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
EXIMDANCE
☎ M £21FOR6WEEKS
Thursdaysfrom8thJune, 09:30-10:30 ✉Community@ageukplymouthorguk
CIRCUITS
☎ M £30FOR6WEEKS
Thursdaysfrom22ndJune, 10:30-11:30
✉Community@ageukplymouthorguk
DEMENTIADAY CENTRE
☎ P£
Threehours:£30Allday:£55
✉ Dementiadaycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
ADULTDAYCENTRE
☎ M£
Threehours:£23Allday:£35
✉Daycentre@ageukplymouthorguk
SUPPORTFOR CARERS
☎ PFREE
1stFridayofeachmonth, 10:00-11:30 ✉ Caringforcarers@improvinglivesplymouthorguk
COMMUNITYCUPPA
M£2
EveryFriday,10:30-12:00
✉Community@ageukplymouth.org.uk
JOLLYELDERS
☎ H£5
EveryFriday,13:00-15:00
✉Activeliving@ageukplymouthorguk
2nd Saturday and last Sunday of each month, 10:00 - 12:00 M
✉ Michael.Truelove@ageukplymouth.org.uk
A traditional breakfast including tea, coffee, toast and good company
DEMENTIA AWARENESS TRAINING ☎ FREE
Various days and times available M
✉ Tammy.Walker@ageukplymouth.org.uk
Increase your awareness of living with dementia, we have one hour sessions or all day training available
REGI-MENTAL WELLBEING ☎ FREE
Various days and times available M
✉ Georgina.Edwards@ageukplymouth.org.uk
Counselling and wellbeing support for Veterans over the age of 50 living and working in the city of Plymouth
PLYMSTOCK CAR BOOT SALES
Sunday 9th July and Sunday 6th Aug
STEP OUT FOR AGE UK PLYMOUTH - WALKING HALF MARATHON
Sunday 1st October, join our accessible and family friendly fundraising walk
☎ Book Ahead
01752 256020 or enquiries@ageukplymouth.org.uk
£ Funded places available
M The William & Patricia Venton Centre, Astor Drive, Mount Gould, PL4 9RD
P The William Venton Centre, Memory Lane, Plymstock, PL9 9GH
F Harpers Football Centre (Formally Goals) Outland Road, Plymouth, PL2 3DE
H Manadon Sports & Community Hub, St Peters Road, Manadon, PL5 3JG
C Central Park Community Hub, Mayflower Drive, PL2 3DG
5O5O
SUNDAY 1st OCTOBER
COYPOOL TO CLEARBROOK
£20 ENTRY
All entrants will get a Step Out technical t-shirt and finishers medals
ACCESSIBLE & FAMILY FRIENDLY
This walk along the first stage of National Cycle Route 27 is traffic-free.
Half price entry for under 12s.
"STEPOUT"to70580
todonate£5
www.ageuk.org.uk/plymouth Findoutmore:Fundraising@ageukplymouth.org.uk
