Ageing Well Magazine 2018

IN BEXLEY

AGEING WELL HEADING left

2018

Free Ageing Well event 20 October

Information on local groups, services and events in Bexley Could you #doitforbexley?

Tr u s t e d b y B e x l e y r e s i d e n t s

1 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 1

24/09/2018 14:22:28

A specialist physiotherapy service in your home or care home.

On 27/28 October, Bexleyheath Town Centre is proud to play host to Bexley’s annual Poppy Appeal launch event.

Bexleyheath BID sponsor this fantastic event with organisers orchestrating a Military Gurkha band (Saturday only), retired Service vehicles, uniformed service personnel and cadets.

This year’s event will be themed to commemorate 100 years of RAF and the end of WWI.

ü Highly experienced community physiotherapists ü Fully insured ü DBS checked ü HCPC registered ü Cover Bexley, Greenwich, Bromley, Lewisham and Kent.

Further information about our services are on our website www.jlinks.co.uk.

Speak directly with us: Joanna Ward on 07951 025208 or Jayne Steadman on 07903 866590

Previous launch weekends has seen Bexleyheath raise in excess of £10,000 for the Royal British Legion, with this year expected to be the biggest and best yet.

We can help with: • Recovery after a fall • Recovering mobility following injury, illness or a stay in hospital • Rehabilitation after joint replacement surgery We have neurophysiotherapists who can help with: • Stroke • Multiple sclerosis • Parkinson’s disease • Head/Brain injuries • Dizziness and balance problems

The two week appeal will follow finishing with a Remembrance service on 11 November at Bexleyheath War Memorial.

Unlock a house of history and Secrets.

Delve into the past of this historic house and discover its full and varied stories or enjoy the award winning gardens which are beautiful throughout the seasons.

Hall Place is a great place to relax, learn or simply meet up and spend time with friends and family.

Visit www.hallplace.org.uk or call 01322 526574 for full information and details of our current exhibitions and events programme.

Tr u s t e d b y B e x l e y r e s i d e n t s

2 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 2

24/09/2018 14:22:35

Contents 4

9

Community lottery

Welcome to the first ‘Ageing Well in Bexley’ magazine that has been produced to coincide with our free ‘Ageing Well’ event on 20 October from 11am to 4pm at the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath.

Never too late to learn

In this magazine you’ll find a wealth of useful information from a range of local organisations, voluntary and community groups, many of which will also be at the event.

10 Ageing Well event 14 15 Happening in Bexley

16 Library services

Our brilliant borough truly is one of the best places to love and enjoy later life. There is a huge support network in Bexley, as well as lots of events, activities and volunteering opportunities from which older residents can benefit.

Our Ageing Well strategy focuses on the areas that we know are of concern to older residents.

These include tackling loneliness, enjoying life at home and keeping active and healthy. Our event and this magazine brings together information under these key headings so that you can find out more about what’s on offer locally.

I hope that you will find this magazine useful and that you will come along to the ‘Ageing Well’ event to help make it just as popular as it was last year. I look forward to seeing you there.

Cllr Brad Smith, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services

Our Ageing Well Strategy If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777, quoting reference: 602063/09.18 London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7AT • Phone: 020 8303 7777 Website: www.bexley.gov.uk • Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk • Editorial: Bexley Communications Team. Designed and produced by: Bexley Graphics.

London Borough of Bexley does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers

We engaged with local people and organisations to develop Bexley’s Ageing Well strategy. The strategy illustrates practical examples of how we are working with our partners and community groups to break down some of the barriers which many older people face.

Find out more about the strategy at www.bexley.gov.uk/ageingwell

3 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 3

24/09/2018 14:22:46

nEWS

Everyone’s a winner Be in with a chance of scooping a £25,000 jackpot and help local good causes with the new Bexley Community Lottery.

Tickets are available online for just £1, with 60p from every ticket going to local charities and good causes.

Players can choose which good cause will benefit from 50p of their £1, while 10p goes to a new Community Fund. Of the balance, 20p goes to

prizes and 20p for administration of the lottery and VAT. None of the money collected goes to the Council.

Players have a 50 to 1 chance of winning one of the prizes, which range from three extra tickets to the £25,000 jackpot.

To buy your tickets visit www.bexleycommunitylottery.co.uk

Free NHS health check Contact your GP and book your free health check today if you are aged between 40 to 74 and • Have never had a stroke • Have not been identified as having heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease • Are not on medication for blood pressure or cholesterol problems • Have not had a health check in the last five years This programme is designed to reduce the risk of stroke, kidney disease, heart disease, Type 2 Diabetes and dementia. It only takes about 30 minutes and will help you find ways to lower your risk of developing these conditions sooner rather than later.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check

Freedom Pass eligibility check If you have a Freedom Pass you may have received a letter from London Councils asking you to provide evidence that you’re still eligible for the scheme, especially if you’ve recently moved home.

You’ll need to send proof that you still live in a London borough, such as Bexley, and your existing pass will continue to work as normal. Proof can be uploaded online or returned with your completed form by post.

If you have any queries, please contact the Freedom Pass team on 0300 330 1433 or email review@freedompass.org

4 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 4

24/09/2018 14:22:50

news

#doitforbexley Our #doitforbexley initiative is all about the many people of all ages across the borough who help themselves and others to enjoy a better life.

Keith said: “I really wanted to give something back to my local community, but also get into the outdoors after being stuck behind a desk for so long.

It may be in big and small ways, taking a few minutes or hours, or a day a week. It may be on your own, by helping a local voluntary group or charity, supporting your local shops or taking part in community events.

“Volunteering has helped me to learn new skills, meet new people and lead a healthier and happier life.”

Keith Langley is a Lesnes Abbey Volunteer. He has been volunteering for the past year having retired from 45 years of office work.

If you know people who regularly #doitforbexley please write to us at the address below, or share the details on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Write to: Do it for Bexley, London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, Bexleyheath DA6 7AB or email strongercommunities@bexley.gov.uk

New walking app Be Blue Badge aware BexleyWalks is a new free mobile phone app designed to help residents and visitors find out more about some of Bexley’s hidden treasures. It provides guided walks that include maps, interesting facts and images. It currently has three routes which take around an hour to complete - ‘Bexley Village’, ‘Bygone Bexleyheath’ and ‘Erith Riverside’ - with more coming soon.

Blue Badge holders and anyone driving on their behalf should be aware of the scheme’s rules. Badge misuse is a criminal offence which could lead to confiscation of the badge, prosecution, and a fine of up to £1,000.

Blue Badge holders must never allow friends or relatives to use the badge to run an errand or go shopping on their behalf. Nor should the badge holder wait in the car – this could prevent another badge holder from using the space.

The badge should only be displayed if the badge holder is travelling in the vehicle as a driver or passenger, or when parking to pick up or drop off the badge holder.

For more information, handy hints and tips visit www.bexley.gov.uk/ bebluebadgeaware

Download BexleyWalks for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Erith Pier - one of the places that feature on the new walking app

5 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 5

24/09/2018 14:22:54

Tackling loneliness

Crossroads Care in Bexley Are you an adult carer or older person that needs some practical and emotional support to help you maintain your independence, keep fit and healthy and find out what is going on in your community?

This includes -

Crossroads Care South East London is a regulated and registered not for profit charity delivering a range of personal and non-personal care services to adult carers and older people across the London Boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham.

l Older carers (65+) service to support with information and advice on a range of issues

Its focus is to support carers and older people’s physical, social and mental health and well-being, to help them maintain a good quality of life.

l Prevention and Early Intervention services l Regulated care (personal care) services l Supported living services

l Carers support group l One-to-one volunteer befriending service l Group activity befriending services l Memory café for adult carers and people living with memory loss/dementia

To find out more about Crossroads Care services please call 01322 336086 or visit www.crossroadscaresoutheast london.org.uk or follow XroadsCareSEL on Twitter.

You can also email info@ccsel.org for general carer enquiries or l.munns@ ccsel.org for befriending enquiries.

Connecting you and your community There are many non-medical issues that can make people feel stressed, isolated or unwell.

Community Connect supports local people to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with activities, support and services in the community.

We can connect you to volunteering or social opportunities, outdoor activities or even help you to find support groups in your local area.

How we can support you On the phone or face to face we’ll: 1. Talk through problems you are having 2. Discover what’s key to your wellbeing 3. Help you access support, activities or services 4. Support you to make best use of them

Ask your GP or contact us 01322 524 682 communityconnect@bvsc.co.uk communityconnectbexley.co.uk BVSC is registered Charity No. 279880.

Company limited by Guarantee No. 1501746.

A BVSC led project in partnership with Mind.

Supported by NHS Bexley Clinical Commissioning Group and the London Borough of Bexley.

BVSC Bexley Voluntary Service Council

Supported by:

in Bexley

6 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 6

24/09/2018 14:22:58

Being healthy and Active

Your independent health and social care champion Healthwatch Bexley is a local independent health and social care champion. Our role is to make sure that health and social care services in Bexley reflect the needs of the local population.

As an independent statutory body, people can share their experiences with Healthwatch Bexley in confidence and anonymously. We listen to your opinions and experiences of local health and social care services and feedback your views to commissioners and service providers.

We can also help you to find the information you need about local services or raise a concern or make a complaint about a service.

Whether you are looking for information, have concerns about local services or would like to volunteer Healthwatch Bexley wants to hear from you.

Call 020 8304 9344 or email info@healthwatchbexley.co.uk For more information visit www.healthwatchbexley.co.uk or follow @HWBexley on Twitter.

Free stop smoking support Trying to quit smoking without any treatment or support is extremely hard – which is why so many people remain addicted. Smokers do not generally age well: one in two smokers will be affected by chronic health problems or dying prematurely.

If you’re registered with a Bexley GP and would like to finally stub out smoking from your life, speak to Bexley’s awarding-winning Stop Smoking team.

See the team at the Ageing Well event for a free Carbon Monoxide screening and information on how to access its free treatment and support programme!

See page 10

Bexley’s Stop Smoking service has the highest success rate in London. The team can make you an appointment to attend one of the borough’s 16 local clinics held throughout the week.

Join the thousands of local people who have quit smoking with help from the team and add years to your life.

Allotment spaces are healthy places Want to grow your own fresh fruit and vegetables? Looking for a new hobby that keeps you fit and active in the fresh air? Then why not consider becoming an allotment holder this year?

Allotment gardening can have a great social side as well – where better to talk about the weather and listen to the birds and bees?

For more information visit www.bexley.gov.uk/allotments or call 020 8303 7777 and ask for ‘allotments’.

50% off

#

Your first year’s allotment rent

Call 020 3045 4300 and quote AW18 Offer valid on all new allotment tenancy agreements set up before Friday 30 November 2018

7 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 7

24/09/2018 14:23:02

Being Healthy and ACtive

Stay well this winter Bexley residents aged 65+ are urged to get a free flu jab to help them stay well this winter. Even if you’ve had the flu jab before, it’s important to get it again because the type of virus in circulation changes every year - and so does the vaccine.

Flu occurs yearly and is a highly infectious virus, with symptoms that come on very quickly. A bad bout of flu can be much worse than a heavy cold. The most common symptoms are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles and extreme tiredness.

Human immune defences weaken with age, putting older people at greater risk of serious complications.

Healthy individuals usually recover within two to seven days, but for some, the virus can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability or even death.

Speak to your pharmacist or Bexley GP now about getting vaccinated.

For more information about the flu jab, please visit www.nhs.uk

Footcare Age UK Bexley offers nail cutting services at the following sites: Belvedere Wellbeing Centre Sidcup Day Centre Thamesmead Lakeside Medical Centre Please contact us for further information and to book an appointment To find out more please contact us:

020 8300 0883 information@ageukbexley.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/bexley

Registered charity number 1088399

8 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 8

24/09/2018 14:23:09

Planning for the future

Learning not lonely Did you know that one of the UK’s leading charities for retired and semi-retired people has released new research that shows learning together can help combat loneliness and is good for your health and wellbeing?

Have you heard of the University of the Third Age (U3A)? It’s a cooperative movement of people in the third stage of their lives who come together – in individual U3As around the UK - to continue their educational, social and creative interests in a sociable environment.

And there’s a U3A in Bexley! It currently has over 55 interest groups covering a wide variety of activities, including everything from art appreciation, gardening, local history and Photoshop to crafts and jazz.

U3A Bexley Chairman, Sandra Goulding said: “This is just a taster of the groups on offer.

If you fancy learning something that is not currently covered, there’s lots of support to help you get together with some like-minded U3A members and start your own group! We also have monthly meetings in Bexleyheath Broadway – always with interesting speakers.”

To join costs just £12 a year. To find out more please email dandare49@hotmail.com or visit www.u3a.org.uk

Support for carers Did you know that there are around 23,522 people in Bexley who provide unpaid care for a husband, wife, parent, son, daughter, sibling or other family member, or a friend who is sick or disabled? Quite a large proportion are older people themselves, or are caring for an older person.

Many do not think of themselves as carers.

They are just getting on with it: doing what they have to do, because if they didn’t do it, who would?

It is too easy to spend all your time and energy on the person you are caring for and forget about your own needs. Many carers end up with their own health problems because of the stress of caring.

If you are a carer, it is really important that you look after yourself and make sure that you get support too.

Carers’ Support Bexley is a charity set up by and for Bexley Carers that can provide you with support should you need it.

Call 020 8302 8011 or email info@carerssupport.org to find out what support is available or visit www.carerssupport.org

9 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 9

24/09/2018 14:23:16

Don’t miss Bexley’s Ageing Well event!

Bexley is hosting its second Ageing Well event in October for local older residents, their families and carers to find out more about the wide range of support, opportunities and activities in the borough.

Over 30 partner organisations will be on hand to showcase the work they do and how they can support older people to keep happy, healthy and active, as well as getting involved in their local community.

For your d iary Saturd ay 20

Octobe r o 4pm

11am t

Civic O ffices 2 Watl ing Stre et Bexley heath DA6 7A T Free en try and parking

Get free information and advice from: l Health Watch Bexley l Bexley Staying Put l Bexley’s Stop Smoking team l BVSC, Evergreen l Volunteer Centre l Medvivo l Community Connect l Carer’s Support l Bexley Civic Society l Sunrise Senior Living l Friends of Red House l Crossroads Senior Living l London Fire Brigade – Bexley l Kemnal Park (Cemetery & Memorial Gardens) l SAAFA Armed Forces Charity l Mind in Bexley, Women’s Institute l Alzheimer’s Society l Contact the Elderly l Library Services l Bexley’s Sexual Health Service l Hall Place & Gardens Join in fun activities l Local Studies and Archives l Neighbourhood Watch including: l Learning & Enterprise College Bexley Yoga, singing, ballroom dancing, l Bexley Federation – Bexley Health Neighbourhood Care CIC Nordic walking demo, Fit for l Pier Road Project l The University of the Third Age Life session, and Oomph (seated l Jlinks Physiotherapy l Bexley’s Sport and Leisure chair activities). l Parkwood Leisure team l Bexley CCG l YOG l Bexley Telecare Team... And many more!

10 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 10

24/09/2018 14:23:16

Community Support

Do you want to make a difference to someone in your community?

Compassionate Neighbours is free, community-led support for anyone who is lonely or at risk of isolation, or nearing the end of life through age or illness.

Friends against scams Bexley Council Trading Standards team is supporting the ‘Friends Against Scams’ campaign, a national initiative, that aims to protect and prevent people from becoming victims of scams.

Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice are proud to be recruiting Compassionate Neighbours throughout the borough of Bexley to spend an hour a week with someone local, based on their shared likes, interests and experiences. We will support you in developing your skills and confidence, as well as offering ongoing support. We are creating a network of groups throughout the borough of Bexley, making a difference to peoples’ lives and building communities.

We are looking for new Compassionate Neighbours and are accepting referrals for people who might benefit from meeting someone in their community. You can learn more on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/CNGreenBex, or by getting in touch with the team by email at CN@gbch.org.uk

Anyone can become a ‘Friend Against Scams’, all you need to do is complete a short online training session that shows different types of scams and gives tips on how to spot a scam and support anyone who becomes a victim to one.

Find out more at www.friendsagainstscams.org.uk

Bexley Pensioners Forum Bexley Pensioners Forum is a non-political organisation that aims to promote the welfare and interests of pensioners in the borough.

The Forum produces a quarterly newsletter and holds regular meetings at which concerns can be raised, discussed and policies developed.

The Forum also make representations to the Council, MP, MEPs, health Authorities and the Greater London Authority.

Annual single membership costs just £8 and £12 for couples to cover the annual cost of printing and posting.

For more information call 01322 527097 or email terrym14@hotmail.co.uk

Evergreen Care Bexley

Evergreen Care Bexley is a registered charity that aims to serve older vulnerable adults in our community by improving their circumstances through advocacy, friendship and practical support. It launched its first service in January 2014 and today provides a wide range of services including home support, a trusted trades programme, a clean team and Lifeline24 service as well as befriending, well-being and gardening services.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the support Evergreen Care Bexley provides, please call 01322 431765 or visit www.evergreencarebexley.org for more information.

11 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 11

24/09/2018 14:23:19

Enjoying life at home

Keeping safe from fire Every year in London, people die or are seriously injured as a result of a fire in their homes. To reduce the risk of fires starting, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) carries out home fire safety visits (HFSV) to educate people in their own homes about-: Prevention – Find where fire risks in the home lie and provide advice on how to reduce or eliminate them.

Detection - You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you don’t have working smoke alarms. LFB will identify your needs and select, site and install appropriate smoke alarms, including alarms specially designed for deaf and hard of hearing people.

Escape - Provide a personalised escape plan, tailored to a resident’s ability and to the circumstances of their environment.

LFB strongly recommend a HFSV for anyone who smokes, has reduced mobility or is prone to falls, dementia, has no smoke alarm, is in receipt of care or uses devices such as airflow mattresses, therapeutic oxygen, emollient creams or incontinence products, all of which can contribute to the spread and intensity of a fire.

To request a HFSV please visit www.london-fire.gov.uk/safety/ the-home/book-a-home-fire-safety-visit or call 0800 028 4428

Helping you to stay at home Bexley Staying Put is a service provided by the Council, offering help and advice on home repairs, improvement and adaptations for residents aged 60+ or anyone registered as disabled who is under 60.

You can arrange a home visit with one of our advisors to discuss any home improvements or repairs you need and the best way to fund these. Our advisors can also help you with applying for local authority grants and loans, as well as discuss your options should your home become no longer suitable for you, including helping you to move.

Staying Put has an approved list of vetted and reputable contractors who can provide free estimates for work. We also have a team of handypersons who can carry out small repairs and adaptations for a competitive fee.

For more information on all our services please call the Council on 020 8303 7777 and ask for ‘Bexley Staying Put’ or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/services/housing/staying-put

Alzheimer’s Society Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia.

We offer practical information, can provide advice and support on a wide range of topics, and can help you find support in your local area.

Our National Dementia Helpline provides advice, information and emotional support to people living with dementia and their families in times of need, seven days a week.

Talking Point is our online community where anyone who is affected by dementia can receive valuable support from others. It’s free, open day or night, and can be accessed online.

We produce a wide range of publications and factsheets designed to support and inform anyone affected by dementia.

We can help you find support services for people with dementia and carers in your local area.

Call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support

12 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 12

24/09/2018 14:23:23

Community Support

Support for former service personnel The Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) has been helping former service personnel for over 125 years. Last year, SSAFA helped more than 50,000 ex-service men, women and their families.

Its caseworkers are trained to visit, befriend and search for funds to support those who have served our country and are now facing problems.

Whilst SSAFA’s work with wounded servicemen often hits the headlines, in Bexley SSAFA are often helping older people and those who are frail.

Anyone who has given at least one day’s service is entitled to a lifetime of support from SSAFA, including past and current members of all our Armed Forces, the Reserve Forces and National Service and to widows and widowers.

SSAFA are also a registered adoption agency, provide holidays

for children with extra needs and has its own confidential support line.

It also provides first class training to anyone wishing to volunteer.

For more information contact the Bexley Branch on 020 8 639 0495 or email LondonSE. Branch@ssafa.org.uk

Looking out for each other with Neighbourhood Watch Neighbourhood Watch isn’t just about reducing burglary figures – it’s about creating communities that care. It brings local people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives.

The activity of Watch members can foster a new community spirit and a belief in the community’s ability to tackle problems. At the same time, you feel secure, knowing your neighbours are keeping an eye on your neighbourhood.

If you’re retired or have some spare time, why not consider becoming a volunteer Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator? Taking as little or as much time as you want, joining can help you to get to know the residents

in your area and help more vulnerable residents to feel a part of the community again. You’ll pass on any information about suspicious activity in Bexley and will also become familiar with crime prevention ideas, helping you to keep your home and belongings safe.

You will receive support from Neighbourhood Watch, weekly Crime Reports by Ward and seasonal newsletters keeping you informed of current crime trends, as well as other local issues and events in Bexley.

For more information call 020 8284 5537 or email bexwatch-office@btconnect.com

13 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 13

24/09/2018 14:23:25

Happening in Bexley Take a look at some of the activities going on around the borough. Your quarterly Bexley magazine has more detailed information on upcoming events. It is available free in your local library or online at www.bexley.gov.uk/bexleymagazine Or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events

Bexley libraries Coffee mornings Upper Belvedere Library - Monday 10am to12 noon North Heath Library - Monday 10am to 12 noon Erith Library - Tuesday 10.30am to 11.30am Central Library - Tuesday and Wednesday 10.30am to11.30am

Bexley Local Studies and Archives Centre Based in Central Library, Townley Road, Bexley Local Studies and Archives Centre have a range of events, activities, talks and walks that take place throughout the year across the borough.

Find out more by calling 020 3045 3369 or email archives@bexley.gov.uk or visit www.bexley.gov.uk/archives

Crayford Library - Friday 10.30am to12.30pm Thamesmead Library - Friday 10.30am to 11.30am Dementia and carers’ groups People living with early onset dementia and their carers are welcome to drop-in to take part in reminiscence themed activities and a variety of games and quizzes over a cup of tea or coffee. You can also get information about local support and advice services.

Bexley Community Café The Bexley Community Café runs every Thursday morning from 9:30am to 1pm at St John The Evangelist Bexley Church Hall, Parkhill Road, Bexley, DA5 1HX. The cafe is open to the whole community, and is not focussing on any one group. Visit www.facebook.com/bexleycommunitycafe for more information

Sidcup Library - 2nd Friday of every month, 2pm to 4pm Central Library - 3rd Friday of every month, 10.30am to 12 noon

Bexley parks fun runs

Welling Library - Every Thursday, 2pm to 3pm

Bexley parkrun is a free weekly 5km event for runners of all ages and standards. Every Saturday at 9am at Danson Park or Foots Cray Meadows.

Find out more at www.parkrun.org.uk/bexley

Crayford Library - 4th Wednesday of every month , 2pm to 3.30pm There are a number of reading groups, reading groups for the visually impaired, chess and games clubs, knitting and sewing groups and much more available at all libraries in Bexley.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries to keep up to date with library events and news

Bowls In Bexley we have a number of top class bowls clubs and all of them are always keen to welcome new players of any level or age. Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/sports using the ‘Get Active in Bexley’ or call 020 8303 7777 and asking for Sports Development.

Walking for health Walking for Health is a network of 600 health walk schemes across England, with regular short walks each week. Anyone can turn up and join in – it’s free, fun and friendly. For more information email leisure@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 3045 4881.

14 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 14

24/09/2018 14:23:31

HEADING RIGHT

Our local theatres Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre Crayford www.thegwt.org.uk or call 01322 526390 Playhouse Theatre, Erith www.playhouse.org.uk or call 01322 350345 Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath Call 020 8298 1269 Book online at www.edwardalderton.org or call 0333 666 3366 Rose Theatre, Burnt Oak Lane, Sidcup, DA15 9DF More information or book online at www.bruford.ac.uk or call 020 8308 2616

Age UK Bexley Zumba Gold Every Monday – 11am to 2pm Northumberland Heath Wellbeing Centre, DA8 1HW Light dance movements to music. You can meet new people, stay healthy and have fun.

Call 020 8300 0883.

Men in Sheds Every Friday – 1pm to 4pm Men’s Sheds are a place to peruse practical interests at leisure, to practice skills and enjoy making and mending. Find out more about the community spaces for men to make things, make friends and stay active.

Befriending Cafés A Befriending Café is for people aged 50+, where you can meet new people and take part in activities as a group. Take part in away days, movie mornings, games, lunches out and crafts.

Crayford Library – Friday 10.30am to 12.30pm Welling Library – Wednesday 10am to 12 noon Tai Chi Every Tuesday – 9.30am to 10.30am Northumberland Heath Wellbeing Centre, DA8 1HW For people aged 50+. This Chinese martial art uses slow movement which helps you keep fit while improving the mind and body.

Call 020 8300 0883, email information@ ageukbexley.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org. uk/bexley

Inspiring women’s group The Women’s Institute (WI) is the largest voluntary women’s organisation in the UK. In Bexley, there is a friendly group of ladies of different ages and backgrounds meeting monthly in Bexleyheath. Meetings consist of a talk, demonstration, an activity or some entertainment. This is followed by a short break when members can enjoy some time to socialise.

Find details of the Bexleyheath group or find your nearest group here www.thewi.org.uk or call 020 7371 9300

Learning & Enterprise College Bexley Learning & Enterprise College Bexley (LECB) is passionate about improving lifelong learning and skills development for residents allowing them to live fulfilled and independent lives.

We offer one day tasters through to accredited professional qualifications, one to one sessions during the daytime, twilight, evenings and Saturdays.

Visit www.lecb.ac.uk call 020 3045 5176 or email enquiries@lecb.ac.uk

Discounted leisure membership To complement our ‘Being Healthy and Active’ ambition in our Ageing Well strategy, the Council is working with Parkwood Leisure to offer membership and activities for older people at all three of the borough’s leisure centres.

Crook Log, Erith and Sidcup leisure centres, all offer cheaper membership to people aged over 60.

Find out more and explore what’s on offer by visiting www.leisurecentre.com and searching for your local centre.

Saturday 1 December at 7.30pm

A ‘Christmas Celebration’ Charity concert A fundraising concert of festive music with seasonal favourites and traditional carols performed by Greenwich Concert Band and Christchurch Choir featuring special guest vocalist Shane Hampsheir.

Interval mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets £10 (children £5) from Linda at Christ Church on 07540 814043 or Jacky on 07885 7645788 or davandjacky29@dsl.pipex.com Christ Church, Broadway Bexleyheath, DA6 7BT

15 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 15

24/09/2018 14:23:34

Bexley Libraries

Books and magazines to download – free!

Did you know that you can download free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines from Bexley Libraries?

It’s really easy to get started – all you need is an email address, your library card number and four-digit PIN. You can browse our great selection of eBooks and eAudiobooks at https://bexley.overdrive.com/ You can borrow four titles at a time and can read them in your browser while connected to the internet or download them to your smartphone, tablet or PC to read offline.

We also have over 50 free magazine titles to choose from. You can download as many as you like and either read them in your browser or download them to read offline. You can browse the full collection at www.rbdigital.com/bexley/service/magazines/landing

Make new friends at your local library

Whatever your intere sts, there is sure to be an activ ity for you in Bexley Libraries.

Activities include Coffee mornings, ga mes clubs – have fun with scrab ble, chess, board games and jig saw puzzles, crafts and reading groups.

To find out more ask at your local Bexley library email libraries.els@bexley.gov.uk call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Library Services or visit our website – www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

16 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 16

24/09/2018 14:23:36

Get advice

The Citizens Advice consumer service 03454 04 05 06 can provide advice and pass details on to Trading Standards.

Report

Scams or suspected scams to Action Fraud: 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk

Talk

To a friend, neighbour or relative about any scams you become aware of.

#scamaware

Mausolea plots and vaults in Erith, and vaults in Hillview and Sidcup Cemeteries The Memorial Terrace at Erith Cemetery offers mausoleum graves in a unique and tranquil setting overlooking adjoining parkland. All plots are available for immediate use or purchase in advance of need. These beautiful plots are fully memorialised with a large black or grey granite tablet for inscription.

Also available a new range of stunning black granite below ground vaults, path side location in both Erith Old and Erith New side.

Hillview Cemetery (Welling), offers fully memorialised burial vaults with decorative stonework and marble.

The burial vaults are available for immediate use or purchase in advance of need.

Images are for illustration purposes only

Please contact the Cemeteries Office on 020 3045 3691 for further information

Tr u s t e d b y B e x l e y r e s i d e n t s

17 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 17

24/09/2018 14:23:41

18 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 18

24/09/2018 14:23:42

Useful local contacts

Volunteering in local parks Bexley Tourist Information Centre 020 8303 7777 email touristinformation@ bexley.gov.uk

Births, deaths and marriages 03000 415252 registerofficebexley@ kent.gov.uk Council Tax & Housing Benefits 0345 302 2317

Citizens Advice Bureaux 01322 517150

Emergency Out of Hours Service - 020 8303 7777 / 020 8303 7171

Bexley Voluntary Service Council 01322 524682

Home Library Service 020 3045 4565

Bexley Active Retirement Club – 020 303 9675

Housing advice 020 3045 3400

Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum 01322 527097

Temporary Accommodation 020 3045 3155/ 020 3045 3156 Parking Services 020 3045 3000 Adults Social Services Residential care 020 3045 4900

Bexley Civic Society 020 8302 2443 Bexley Historical Society 020 8309 5884 Carers Support Bexley 020 8302 8011 Contact the Elderly 020 8303 7423

Friends of Danson Park - 07596 657763 friendsofdansonpark@gmail.com Friends of Foots Cray Meadows07858 762530 - ffcm06@gmail.com Friends of the Shuttle - friends.of.the.shuttle@gmail.com Lesnes Abbey Conservation Volunteers – www.lacv.btck.co.uk Lesnes Abbey Gardening Group lesnesabbey@bexley.gov.uk

How do I? Contact the police when it is not an emergency on 101 or 0300 123 1212 Report a gas leak - 0800 111 999 Get health advice and reassurance call 111 or visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Report a leak or burst pipe to Thames Water 0800 714 614 (24 hour leakline) Your quarterly Bexley magazine has more detailed contact information on the many local groups and organisations.

It is available free in your local library or online at www.bexley.gov.uk/bexleymagazine or call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Communications for a copy.

Plan for your last journey first, then enjoy the rest of your life.

11 Month Instalment Plan available for Pre-Purchase NO Out of Borough Charges

Burial Plots from

£2,100

Choose your own resting place With the passing of time London is losing more and more of its green spaces to meet the demand of housing its ever growing population.

However, at some point in the future this growing population will be in need of burial and memorial spaces for their loved ones.

As cemeteries around London become increasingly full it becomes more difficult for families to ‘plan ahead’. The London Boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich, Lewisham and Bromley are no different from the other local authorities. The choice of buying a grave or a memorial in advance within those Boroughs is limited. However, private cemeteries and memorial gardens are a breath of fresh air. At private cemeteries and memorial gardens like Kemnal Park not only can you purchase a grave or cremated remains memorial when you are in need you can pre-purchase your choice of burial plot or memorial options by planning ahead.

These burial and memorial options can be pre purchased for a range

of lease periods. Some options like Private Gardens, Gated Gardens, Mausoleums, Cremated Remains Gardens etc. are available to purchase with a lease for the ‘life of the park’. These burial options are not only a solution for your future, but the future of your generations to come.

Pre-planning your ultimate resting place is not only a wise way to manage your assets, it also protects your family from the burden of heavy funeral bills at an emotionally challenging time. While it is hard to find a pre-purchase burial or memorial option within Greater London, Kemnal Park not only provides various pre-purchase options, but also offers a payment plan to help families to pay for their chosen pre-purchase option over a set period.

If you are thinking, ‘but I don’t live within the London Borough of Bromley!’, you’ll be relieved to know that no matter where you live in the UK, there is no cross borough charge at Kemnal Park.

For more information please contact us quoting: AW2018 0208 300 9790

www.kemnalpark.org

/kemnalpark

friends@kemnalpark.org

19 606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 19

24/09/2018 14:23:42

Steps to Health is Bexley’s Exercise Referral programme which provides a safe, supervised and enjoyable introduction to physical activity within a controlled environment.

The programme can help you if you have -

The programme gives patients who are not regularly active or who have health problems the opportunity to improve their health and well-being, regardless of age, ability or experience.

Type 1 Diabetes

Obesity

Type 2 Diabetes

Cancer

Otho / Musc.Skeletal

Osteoporosis

Stable Angina

Arthritis

Depression / Anxiety

Fibromyalgia

Pulmonary Disease

Hypertension

Post MI / Cardio Surgery

CVA

Parkinson’s Disease

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Multiply Sclerosis

Find out more about the Steps to Health programme and how to get started call 020 3887 3360 or email bexley.S2H@lexleisure.org.uk Crook Log Leisure Centre Brampton Road, Bexleyheath, DA7 4HH

Erith Leisure Centre Avenue Road, Erith, DA8 3AT

Tr u s t e d b y B e x l e y r e s i d e n t s

Working in partnership

606967 A4 Ageing Well Newsletter - New.indd 20

Sidcup Leisure Centre Hurst Road, Sidcup, DA15 9AE

leisurecentre.com 24/09/2018 14:23:44