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The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
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THE PENSIONER LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE We’re pleased to be celebrating the launch of our brand-new website which aims to be THE place to go for older people in Brighton & Hove.
the pensioner
Age UK Brighton & Hove’s latest news
Visit www.bhpensioner.co.uk for tons of information, news and support for older people who live and work in the city and surrounding areas. We hope our website will grow to become the voice for our community covering the issues and events which affect the lives of older people. Here are some of the highlights from our new site: •
An extensive What’s On section with a calendar of upcoming events and activities aimed at older people like us
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Our News section promises to bring you vital news about issues affecting you such as health, local government and care services
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The Directory aims to be a vital resource to help you discover organisations, groups and services who specialise in helping the older people in our communities
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The Your Voices section provides a space for your views, opinions, blogs as well as light-hearted and amusing pieces to raise a chuckle on a gloomy day
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If you’ve missed your print version of The Pensioner – don’t worry, they’re all online for you to catch up with on our Latest Issue section. We will still be printing our popular print magazine but we’ll also publish the current issue online too.
Helping older people get out & about
Groups & activities what’s available?
Do you have a story or an event? If you are an organisation providing services and activities for older people and want to be featured in The Pensioner in print and online, please contact us. This especially applies to organisations and groups, large and small, who want to give us their news and information about events. Tell us your views. Do you have views and opinions about our city or how older people are treated? Do you have a story to tell? We’d love to receive contributions from readers. Please visit our new website at www.bhpensioner.co.uk. Let us know what you think about how it looks, how it works for you and what you want us to improve. And keep doing this as the site develops.
Local NPC group is launched
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The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
Editorial Team letter A time of change, but some things stay With the launch of our website and the prospects it offers for innovative services and an enlarged readership, we enter a new and challenging phase in the history of The Pensioner. But some things remain the same – most of all, the name of our magazine. Following the last issue, many of you voted on the questions we posed: “ Do you want to change the name and, if so, which of the alternatives given do you prefer?” And a clear majority told us: “Keep the name!” Many of you did not particularly like the name, but thought that, although far from perfect, it is known and is familiar. Also, no-one has yet come up with an alternative that a significant number of us prefer. Many thanks to those of you who voted and commented – The Pensioner lives on! In this issue, the theme of “change” figures prominently – we have information for you on new groups, projects and initiatives and how to get involved with them. We all feel more like getting out and about and meeting-up with friends, as well as making new ones,
Contents • The Pensioner launches new website.......p1 • Editorial letter................................................p2 • Subscription form / supporter thanks..............p3 • Older People’s Council news.....................p4 • Age UK Brighton & Hove news....................p5 • At Home This Morning..................................... p6 • Healthwatch - an update............................p7 • Helping older people get out and about......p8 • Activity Partners – helping spread a little happiness.............................................p9 • New seafront bus service............................p10 • Social care - the future...................................p10 • Local GP practices and pharmacies win £1.8 million to improve care................p12 • Groups and activities – what’s available?.....p13 • New to Brighton & Hove: the Older LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) People’s Project............................................p14 • Local group of national campaigning body is launched.........................................p15 • New Sing for Better Health group..............p15 • Toy story.........................................................p16
when the weather is good. For many of us, however, there are reasons that make it difficult for us to do this. In this issue, we will be looking at one such barrier – the need (for whatever reason) for assistance with travel – and will feature a number of services that aim to make it easier to get out and about. And we have lots more! We very much hope you enjoy reading this issue and find useful information in its pages. Thank you to Prime Care, our sponsor for this issue
A big thank you goes to our main sponsor for this issue, Prime Care (see their ad on page 16) whose kind support has helped us to publish this magazine.
Are you an advertiser? In the future, we hope to become more sustainable relying on advertising. If you’re an advertiser interested in reaching our growing audience, contact us.
Important - change of contact details Following the arrival of our website at www.bhpensioner.co.uk, we now have a new email address: info@bhpensioner.co.uk. Our previous email (thepensioner@ageuk-bh.org.uk) has been discontinued. We would like to thank our friends at Age UK Brighton & Hove for providing us with this email address for the past year. They will continue to provide our contact point for postal, telephone and in-person enquiries. So the contact details now are: ADDRESS: The Pensioner, c/o Age UK Brighton & Hove, 29-31 Prestonville Road, Brighton, BN1 3TJ. TEL: 01273 720 603 (mention The Pensioner so the Age UK volunteers who answer will understand what your enquiry is about). EMAIL: info@bhpensioner.co.uk WEB: www.bhpensioner.co.uk
To receive the magazine digitally, email us at info@bhpensioner.co.uk and ask to be added to our email list. To subscribe to a posted copy of the printed magazine, please fill in the form on the opposite page.
The opinions in this publication are not necessarily those of The Pensioner or the Editorial Team. Advertisements or promotions should not be seen as a recommendation. Edited and designed by The Pensioner, c/o Age UK Brighton & Hove, 29-31 Prestonville Road, Brighton, BN1 3TJ.
NEW WEBSITE - A BIG “THANK YOU” to our supporters The creation of our new website (see page 1) has been made possible by a grant from the Sir Halley Stewart Trust and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Trust for their support. We also want to say a big thank you to our website sponsors. As a small volunteer-led publication we rely on their support, which has gone a long way in helping to secure our ongoing future: Breeze up to the Downs (see details on page 14 ad) Clearwell Mobility (see details on page 9 ad) Caremark (see details on page 11 ad) East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service (see details on page 12 ad) Prime Care (see details on page 16 ad)
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove 3 3
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Name: ________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________ ______________________________________________ ______________________________________________ Telephone number: _______________________________ Email address: ___________________________________ ______________________________________________ I enclose a cheque for (please tick the appropriate box): o A cheque for £10 o A cheque for £10 plus donation of £______
A huge thank you to subscribers too! Many thanks also to those who responded to the form in the last issue and sent us their subscription cheques in order to receive a posted copy. But especially we want to thank those who kindly also sent a donation – it’s very much appreciated. We also want to extend special thanks to those who took the opportunity to include notes telling us how much they enjoyed reading The Pensioner – we were very touched. We are only sorry that shortage of resources means that we cannot thank you individually, and so please accept our thanks this way!
Please note:
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The £10 covers the cost of producing and posting to you three issues of The Pensioner, plus a small donation to help keep the magazine going. We will do our very best to keep the magazine going and very much intend to do so. However, our financial position is extremely precarious and should we sadly have to cease publication, any outstanding amounts from your subscription will be used to pay the magazine’s debts.
Please post your form to the address on page 2.
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older people’s and related organisations Older People’s Council News Housing strategy for the next decade by Mike Bojczuk – Chair, Older People’s Council, Brighton & Hove Figures show that our city has the highest house prices outside London with average prices now above 40% the national average. A three bedroom family home costs around 12 times the median Brighton household income of £28,000. Rents in the private sector have greatly increased and social housing is also feeling the heat with possible pressure for the bedroom tax to apply to the over 60s. Should older people be concerned? Let’s look at some trends over the past 20 years. The most recent census in 2011 showed that the city had a population of 270,00 living in 121,000 households and was the 6th most densely populated region in the south east.
Census housing figures showed: • • • • •
37% of households were single persons, 33% couples and 25% families 54% were owner occupiers, a decrease since 2001 of 7% 15% was social housing, a decrease since 2001 of 8% 28% was private rent, an increase since 2001 of 40% 25% of households contain a member with long term health problems or disability.
Figures for older people showed: • •
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18% of the population were over 60 (nearly 50,000) and 2% over 85 20,500 households had residents over 65, with 68% owner occupiers, 20% social housing and 9% private rent 2,900 homes in the city are specifically for older people e.g. sheltered housing Around 16,500 of the over 65s were living with a limiting long term illness Around 7,000 of over 65s also had mobility problems.
By 2021, the population of the City is expected to have grown to 290,000. The over 85 age group is expected to increase by 20%.
It is estimated that an extra 18,000 homes are needed by 2017 to accommodate the population increases. We are already an overcrowded city and this will put more pressure on services and our green spaces. Older owner-occupiers may need help with home adaptations, care services or even transfer to a more supportive form of housing. Private rent and social housing tenants may be forced to move as rent increases. Older people need access to a mix of housing types to suit their changing needs and competition for these properties can be intense and stressful. Figures show that 68% of over 60s are home owners and this decreases to around 50% by age 85, with 20% of nursing and care home residents being aged 85 and older. This shows a need for more assisted independent living and more communal and care homes to meet the expected 20% increase of over 85s. The Older People’s Council has raised and will keep raising concerns with the Council about the need for more extra-care homes and retirement homes as more land becomes available. We have made our views clear in consultations with the Council over the draft Housing Strategy. The challenge is to balance the needs of a growing older population within the projected 18,000 new builds. Keep up to date with our work, and register to vote in the OPC elections at our website: www.olderpeoplescouncil.org.
For more info on the OPC, visit the website: www.olderpeoplescouncil.org tel: 01273 296 427 / email: olderpeoplescouncil@brighton-hove.gov.uk
Age UK BRIGHTON & HOVE news Supporting older people living in the city Back in 1965 a group of people got together and formed the Old People’s Welfare Committee in Brighton to help older people living in the city. A separate organisation was set up in Hove around that time too. Since then, hundreds of thousands of older people have benefitted from the work we do, bringing welcome relief to themselves and their families. We are celebrating our work in 2015 with a history exhibition to record the various stages of the charity’s work over the years, and to capture the flavour of what it was like to deliver
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
services to older people from the mid-60s onwards and what it was like to receive help and support. To achieve this, we are asking people of all ages to let us know about their experiences and memories; whether it is direct experience or as a friend or family member of someone else, and also as a volunteer and member of staff of the Brighton or Hove organisations in the past.
If you have a story, or to find out more about the project, contact me, Annette Goddard on 01273 720 603 or email annetteg@ageuk-bh.org.uk. Your contribution will be greatly appreciated.
Fancy a drive in the countryside? Age UK Brighton & Hove provides low cost minibus trips in the beautiful Sussex countryside followed by a pub lunch. Why not join us for a drive through the new South Downs National Park to Arlington and enjoy a tasty home cooked lunch at the Yew Tree? You could come for a day out in Eastbourne and have fish and chips, or a cream tea in the Ashdown Forest. Alternatively, if you fancy something more exotic you could come on a trip to the Wok Inn for some authentic Chinese food, or a lovely curry at the Ganges in Ringmer. These are just a few of the trips that people have enjoyed over the last few months. The minibus is fully accessible, so if you have a disability or a mobility problem you will still be able to get on board. The trips usually have between 6 and 12 passengers which means you’ll be able to enjoy some company as well. Our friendly minibus driver, Chris, is very helpful and has many years’ experience of ensuring everyone on the trip is well looked after and has an enjoyable day out. Don’t just take our word for it. Here is what one of our passengers says: “I enjoy the outings very much as I’m no longer able to drive myself. I get out and see different areas. Chris is a fantastic man and goes well beyond the realms of duty, helping and looking after all of us. He is very caring.”
If you would like to know more about our day trips, or if you’d like to book a place, please call Chris on 07973 867 053. The bus usually picks you up from your home from around 10.30am and brings you back home at around 4.00pm.
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The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
More than just a service
Registration for domestic support (inclusive of gardening if required):
The Help at Home service is one of a range of supportive services offered by Age UK Brighton & Hove helping older people to maintain their independence and wellbeing.
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Help at Home is a well-respected and valuable competitive service that has been established in Brighton for twenty years. We have now expanded and cover from Saltdean through to Southwick, reaching out to almost all areas in and around the city of Brighton & Hove. The Help at Home service is key in providing continual support and peace of mind for extended family living miles away and is a link to the outside world. We aim to provide a safe and personalised service to clients aged 50+, offering practical support with daily household tasks and gardening. Our home helps are selfemployed local people who have been vetted and hold a Disclosure Barring Service certificate (police check). Our home helps carry out domestic chores, such as cleaning, laundry and shopping, but they do not undertake personal care. Our gardeners undertake general maintenance, including mowing, weeding and pruning depending on tools and equipment available. To contact Help at Home, call 01273 765 275 between 9am and 4pm, Tuesday to Friday (answerphone available outside of office hours) or by email: helpathome@ageuk-bh.org.uk.
AT HOME THIS MORNING For seven years, At Home This Morning, a one-hour radio programme made by older people for older people, has been regularly broadcast by Radio Reverb on 97.2 VHF. Each programme consists of four or five items on a very wide variety of topics of interest to older people: reminiscence, arts, health and care issues, older people’s activities etc. Currently it is transmitted on Tuesdays 11am, Thursdays 9am and Sundays 11am; each programme goes out for a fortnight. The programme is created by Grey Matters Productions, which was set up by the Older Peoples Council, the local Age Concern and the Pensioners’ Forum. The inspiration for this came from Bob Gunnell, an OPC councillor. Sadly, Bob died just before Easter in his 88th year, after a brief illness. Bob was born in Brighton and in his early adult years was a community activist in Goldstone Valley. After working for the BBC for a number of years, he was, in 1967, appointed Manager of BBC Radio Brighton.
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Subscription payable to Age UK £26 every quarter (3 months) Recommended hourly rate to cleaner - £8 per hour (minimum 2 hour sessions, weekly or fortnightly).
Registration for gardening-only service: • •
Subscription payable to Age UK - £26 annually Recommended rate of pay to gardener - £10 per hour.
If you require assistance in completing the registration form, we will arrange a home visit. To hear more, tune in to an interview with Debbie & Val (from the Help at Home Team) and Richard from Grey Matters on Radio Reverb, 97.2 FM, on “At Home This Morning”, broadcast on 29 July at 11am; 31 July at 9am; 3 Aug at 8am; 5 Aug at 11am; 7th Aug at 9am; 10 Aug at 8am. You can also listen at their website at www.radioreverb.com.
For other Age UK Brighton & Hove services, contact: Age UK Brighton & Hove, 29-31 Prestonville Road, Brighton, BN1 3TJ. Tel: 01273 720 603.
For long he had been interested in theatre and the arts, and he soon became heavily involved in many local organisations. Bob chaired Grey Matters from its conception until his death and its programmes will always remain as a testament to his enthusiasm.
Bob Gunnell
At Home This Morning is produced by a small committee of dedicated volunteers, who suggest themes for programme items and conduct interviews; we are always looking for more volunteers. If you think you might be interested in joining us, please contact Harry Steer by telephone on 01273 419 723 or see the website at www.greymattersproductions.org.uk. We would welcome your help. See the article above for information about how Age UK Brighton & Hove has used At Home This Morning to promote its Help at Home service.
Healthwatch – an Update
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
ine Magaz h c t w H alth P Issue 14 Issue
Healthwatch is the new independent watchdog for health and social care services in the City. Since our last issue, it has been busy getting across the message about what it can and will do. Its Manager (Operations and Governance), Jane Viner, came to speak to a public meeting of the Older People’s Council on 17 June and spelled out Healthwatch’s powers. For example, it can;
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Enter certain premises and view the health or adult social care services provided Ask for information from commissioners and providers of health and social care services, who must respond within 20 working days Make referrals, reports and recommendations and get a reply within 20 working days.
And Jane spelled out what it will actually do for you: Listen to your views and concerns about local health and social care services Help you make informed choices about the health and social care services you use Use your views to feedback to the organisations involved in providing services and to hold them to account.
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We’ll be reporting in future issues on how Healthwatch is progressing. In the meantime, remember that you can contact them on 01273 234 041; email: office@healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk or visit: www.healthwatchbrightonandhove.co.uk. Helpline: 01273 234 040 (10am-12pm, Monday to Friday). Address: Healthwatch Brighton & Hove, Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3XG.
The Age UK Guaranteed Funeral Plan
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The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
themes & issues
Helping Older People get out and about People become isolated for many different reasons, but with support many could access activities and groups that could make a big difference to their lives. A group of local organisations has come together to work on a four month project looking at how socially isolated individuals can be helped to access activities in their local communities, with volunteer support. The Out and About working group, coordinated by the Fed Centre for Independent Living, includes LifeLines, One Church, the Neighbourhood Care Scheme, Sheltered Housing, Books at Home Service, The Trust for Developing Communities, Age UK Brighton & Hove and Barford Court Residential Home. During the pilot, support was provided for seven isolated individuals to access a range of community activities, from attending concerts, the cinema, tea parties, art groups, singing
The Bluebird Society for the Disabled The Bluebird Society for the Disabled serves the Hove & Portslade community and is run entirely with the aid of volunteers. It relies completely on fund-raising to support its activities, and runs a charity shop at 176 Portland Road, Hove, where we also have our office. We invite members who are disabled to join us at the very moderate subscription of £10 a year, and we have wheelchair facilities in our six people carriers. Established for 50 years, Bluebird arranges trips and outings, as well as providing daytime clubs on Sundays, Mondays and Thursdays to which we transport our members. Our clubs cater for activities such as bingo, and provide refreshments as well. We also offer transport services to hospital, dental and doctor appointments. If you would like to join us or would like further information, you can contact us on 01273 207 664, or call in at our premises at 176 Portland Road, weekday mornings. We are also always on the look-out for volunteers, either as drivers or helpers.
A couple enjoying a LifeLines tea dance
classes, events and cookery courses. Three very socially isolated individuals were referred to the Neighbourhood Care and Time To Talk Befriending schemes. The project will be fully evaluated over the summer. Those involved plan to continue to work in partnership and involve others who are interested in reducing social isolation for our older and disabled communities through the Fed Centre For Independent Living’s Citywide Connect programme. For more information please email traceymaitland@thefedonline.org.uk or ‘phone 01273 296 747. And so what is available to help older people get out and about? Well, a lot! To start with, many groups for older people that provide a range of activities also provide trips out. An example would be the St John’s Centre and Café (see page 13). Below we have collected together information on just some of the facilities that exist in the City:
EASYLINK EasyLink, a door-to-door transport service, is run for Brighton & Hove City Council by Community Transport. It provides accessible, safe and affordable transport to community groups, voluntary sector organisations and individuals with mobility difficulties. EasyLink buses run a range of different trips including shopping trips, lunch clubs and a cinema club service. All buses have a passenger lift or low level floor so they are ideal for people who cannot manage steps or who travel in a wheelchair. Telephone Community Transport on 01273 677 559 to register as a new user. For further information about Community Transport, please visit www.bhct.co.uk
Age UK Brighton & Hove’s Minibus Service Please see page 5 for an article about this special low cost minibus service providing days out.
And, finally, read on the opposite page about “Activity Partners”, a scheme run by CVS Lifelines.
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
Activity Partners – Helping Spread a Little Happiness
Enid, for example, is 90 and joined the scheme 8 months ago. She had suffered a bad fall and had lost the confidence to go out alone but worried she was losing her strength. She now enjoys short walks with her LifeLines volunteer, Denise, with whom she struck up a friendship immediately. “It’s marvellous”, she says. “You don’t feel so caught up on your own. It makes a big difference to me and I don’t have to hold onto the furniture to get around anymore!”.
Being older can be wonderful. Having time to get out to the park or seafront for some sunshine and fresh air, meeting friends for a cuppa or taking part in a social activity are all things that raise our spirits and bring a bit of joy into our lives; and they are such simple things we often take them for granted.
LifeLines volunteers help many more people like Enid get out and about just by offering a helping hand or a bit of moral support. The partnerships work both ways too, offering volunteers new experiences they wouldn’t have otherwise. Activity Partner Andrew, says of his experience. “I’ve enjoyed the company and friendship of a delightful lady. Being with Joy has enabled me to slow down, enjoy the moment and really look and listen to all that is around.” If you are aged 50+ and interested in volunteering with LifeLines, or if you live in East Brighton and would like a volunteer to help you get out, please contact Gwyn at LifeLines on 01273 688 117, email: LifeLines@csv.org.uk or visit www.lifelinesbrightonhove.org.uk
But for those who can’t get out and about, life can feel very limited and isolated. To tackle this problem in East Brighton, CSV LifeLines matches older volunteers who are active themselves with an older person who needs a bit of support to get out.
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9
New seafront bus service A complaint that has often been mentioned by older people when they are talking about transport in our City is the lack of a bus service that runs west from the Palace Pier along the seafront front. So it is great news that the bus company started the Number 10 Seafront Service on 15 June and it will run every day until 13 September. The service starts at Brighton Station and runs down to the Palace Pier and then along the seafront between the Pier and Hove, King Alfred, so you can take in the beautiful beach front. It then goes inland to Hove Town Hall, but returns to the front down Grand Avenue before
SOCIAL CARE - THE FUTURE Social care is expensive – because most of the costs are for labour. In recent months the City Council’s Adult Social Care department has published its Market Position Statement (a horrid phrase apparently dictated by the national Department of Health) in which it sets out how it will continue support for the vulnerable in the coming years. Adult social care faces a 20% cut in its budget due to a reduction in central government funding. Whilst the City Council at present can only provide free care to those with savings (including value of home) below £23,000, the principles discussed will also apply to those of us who purchase their own support. The document sets out seven priorities: 1. Extend preventative care – make greater use of voluntary sector services, get care homes to expand their services, advise clients about activities outside the home; in sum: increase well-being. 2. Carers will continue to work unpaid but they should be assisted by greater use of telecare and by the provision of respite care. 3. Personal Budgets – the concept has been widely used though not so much by older people; payment is made for a package of care of those services or support that are most valued – not what the social worker is expecting to provide.
turning left, back to the Pier and the station. The vintage Routemaster will operate this route on most days, complete with a conductor, subject to availability. The service only runs once an hour during the day, but nevertheless is very welcome and your concessionary bus pass is valid on it. You can collect a timetable at the One Stop Travel Shop in North Street or see it at www.buses.co.uk A Pensioner reader reports that when she and a friend were recently on this service, they were the only passengers – so use it, or lose it!
Peter Lloyd takes a look at the Council’s Market Position Statement on Adult Social Care
4. Community based services – Adult Social Care has been closing many of its Day Centres for older people, retaining those for younger clients e.g. with learning disability; the services provided for older people should be provided within the community. Telecare should be promoted. Older people should be enabled to live independently in their own homes. 5. Housing – older people need housing which will facilitate independence; a third extra care sheltered scheme is underway; sheltered housing enhances social interaction whilst preserving independence. 6. Care homes – over half of Adult Social Care’s budget is currently spent on paying for clients in care homes; in as much as the focus is on independent living, only those care homes which provide nursing care will be favoured. 7. “The provision of good quality care that provides positive outcomes for people using services is a key priority for ASC”. What else could they say! Overall, what does this amount to? Independent living is promoted – it is more satisfying to the older person (and cheaper); but local communities, and this includes care homes and sheltered housing, should seek to provide activities for older people living in their locality; the more active we are, the more will our health be maintained and we will not need the support of public bodies.
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12
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
Local GP practices and pharmacies win £1.8 million to improve care Local GP practices have been awarded £1.8 million to improve access to care for 137,500 local people, as part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge Fund. The 18 pilot practices involved want people to be more in control of their own care, and to be seen by the right person at the right time, in a place which is most suited to them. The practices in the pilot will aim for: •
People to get care and support on the same day they need it. Local practices involved will be increasing the hours they are open from 8am-8pm, 7 days a week
•
People to be seen in a place which is most convenient for them. Practices will work closely with Age UK Brighton & Hove, the Neighbourhood Care Scheme and local pharmacists to build a team that will respond to people’s different needs. People will be able to be seen in their own home, or at their local practice or pharmacy. Age UK Brighton & Hove are recruiting volunteer ‘Care Navigators’
MAKE A BEDTIME CHECK You are more at risk from a fire when asleep. So it’s a good idea to check your home before you go to bed.
who will spend time with people to help understand their needs and the local services available to them •
People who are frail or have complex needs will be able to spend more time with their GPs, as the length of appointment times will be increased.
The practices will work collaboratively with people who use the services to develop the pilot scheme over the next few months, with the new service starting for eight of the pilot practices in September 2014. The pilot scheme is recruiting Members for a Citizens’ Board to help shape the project, so it will reflect the needs of local people. Peter Devlin, leading local GP, says: “This is a great opportunity to make healthcare services better for local people, and to do that we need people willing to help us get it right from the start.” The pilot practices will count on the Citizens’ Board for feedback and for local knowledge of Brighton & Hove’s healthcare services, as well as representing the public’s interest. In return, people will have the chance to find out more about local services and help to shape the way care services will look in the future. For further information about the pilot, or to get involved in the Citizens’ Board, please contact Danny Leach, Project Co-ordinator on 01273 560 284 or email: d.leach@nhs.net.
Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on. Don’t leave the washing machine on. Turn heaters off and put up fireguards. Put candles and cigarettes out properly. Make sure exits are kept clear. For free fire safety advice and where necessary provide and fit free smoke alarms:
Tel: 0800 177 7069 Email: homefire.safetyvisits@esfrs.org Website: www.esfrs.org
13
groups & activities
Groups and activities – what’s available? How do you find out what’s available if you are looking for a new group or activity? There’s a lot out there, and in the future pages of this magazine and on our new website at www.bhpensioner.co.uk we’ll be helping you find what’s right for you.
In the printed magazine, we will from time to time be turning the spotlight on a specific group, facility or activity. In this issue, the spotlight falls on St John’s Centre and Café, who have sent us the information below. Do tell us about your group or activity and we’ll include it if we can in the printed magazine and/or on our website.
Above & top right - members of the St John’s Centre (images courtesy of the St John’s Centre).
The St John’s Centre
Situated in Palmeira Square, Hove, the St John’s Centre & Café for older people is a friendly ‘one stop shop’ for activities, trips, classes and home cooked meals for anyone aged over 50 and living in Brighton & Hove. And it is now open every day, including weekends, from 9.30am to 4.30pm.
There are Club Days on four days a week (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday) – ideal for those wishing to find a ‘home from home’ atmosphere – with activities designed to keep you healthy in body and mind. The experienced centre staff will ensure that your support needs are met and that you have a great day to remember. And given The Pensioner’s theme this time about getting out and about, it’s good to know that the Centre runs trips on every day of the week – from pub lunches and places of interest to shopping trips and mystery tours. The Centre and Café are easy to find – the bus stop at Palmeira Square is very close. The building is easily accessible, with disabled facilities and no steps to contend with. To find out more, call 01273 729 603 and managers Lin Hastings and Tom Curatolo will be happy to help. You can also email them at: olderpeoplesservices.bh@impact-initiatives.org.uk.
Live well with Abbeyfield South Downs Enjoy the ideal balance of privacy, support, security, independence and companionship in our houses in Hove, Heathfield, Eastbourne and St Leonards-on-Sea. You will have your own studio flat with the bonus of daily fresh home-cooked meals prepared for you.
The café is open Monday to Sunday (9.30am until 4pm), serving delicious freshly prepared meals, hot drinks and snacks – there is something to suit all tastes, including special dietary requirements…and it’s great value for money too. The programme of classes (all designed with over 50s in mind) is packed with variety and include art classes, singing, IT, exercise, play-reading, Tai Chi and line dancing! Just drop into a class if you want to try it – there’s no need to book.
Call or email Nolan Taylor on 01435 866539 or nolan.taylor@abbeyfieldsouthdowns.co.uk Learn more at: www.abbeyfield.com/south-downs Head Office: Abbeyfield South Downs, Holdenhurst, 14 Mill Road, Heathfield, TN21 0XD. Registered charity no: 216779, company: 736150, HCA: HO375.
14
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
New to Brighton & Hove: the older LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) people’s project A new project has been funded for three years, to develop activities and identify the needs of older LGBT people in Brighton & Hove. Helen Bashford is the development worker for this project, and is based at Brighton Switchboard, the registered charity providing support services for LGBT people in the city. Helen was involved with setting up the very successful Older and Out group in East Brighton with the Somerset Day Centre and partner projects Lifelines, Mind Out and the Carers Centre. The new project’s aims are to set up activities and services run by and for the older LGBT community. The project will be about making things happen and offering LGBT older people a choice about what services or activities they can go to, or volunteer at, around the City. It will also offer training and support to existing older people’s services in looking at how to make services more LGBT accessible. So far, ideas for the project have included: • an LGBT befriending service • more regular monthly/weekly gatherings in different
parts of the city, like Older and Out where people can meet up socially • information sessions, for example on LGBT care services and on how to pool direct payments for personal care to collectively employ LGBT carers • working to set up an LGBT sheltered housing scheme. There is also a desire to do something creative that is intergenerational, where older and younger people can meet each other, share skills and stories and create something amazing! This might be an arts event or another new service. Helen says she hopes the project can be a resource for all older LGBT people whether they are already involved with existing groups like (GEMS, Lesbian Link, Kenric and Older and Out) or are more socially isolated or housebound. To talk to Helen about any ideas you have, or if you are interested in getting involved, or want to be kept up to date, call 01273 234 009 and leave your contact details or email Helen at helen.bashford@switchboard.org.uk
breeze up to the Downs at Devil’s Dyke, Ditchling Beacon & Stanmer Park by bus. For times, fares, leaflets and walk ideas: www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/breezebuses Phone (01273) 292480 Or visit www.traveline.info to plan any bus or train journey – anywhere! Free travel with a bus pass! 5001
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LOCAL GROUP OF NATIONAL CAMPAIGNING BODY IS LAUNCHED
The magazine for and by the older people of Brighton & Hove
15
On 4 June, in a very picturesque room overlooking Preston Park, the first meeting was held of a Brighton & Hove Group of the National Pensioners’ Convention (NPC). The NPC nationally is a non-party-political body, which campaigns and researches on national issues that affect pensioners. On 17 June, over 1,000 of its members gathered in Blackpool for a three-day Pensioners’ Parliament. The event opened with the launch of the NPC’s Pensioners’ Manifesto for next year’s general election. That Manifesto reflects the concerns expressed during a consultation amongst NPC members to see what the main issues were that they wanted to put before the candidates in the election. Thousands took part in the exercise, and the top five concerns were: • Raising the basic state pension for all above the poverty level of £175 a week, and ensuring existing pensioners are not penalised by the new single-tier state pension • Reintroducing the Retail Price Index (alongside the Consumer Price Index) as one of the measures used when pensions are increased each year • Maintaining universal pensioner benefits (bus pass, winter fuel allowance, free TV licences for the over 75s and free prescriptions) without any means-testing • Creating a National Health and Care Service which is free at the point of use and funded through taxation (merging the NHS and social care) • Introducing a legally binding Dignity Code to improve the quality and standards of care for older people in hospital, care homes or their own home.
Left image: Len Goldman. Right image: Davy Jones (left), Green Party parliamentary candidate for Kemp Town, and Dot Gibson (right), General Secretary of the National Pensioners’ Convention.
The meeting in Preston Park was chaired by Davy Jones, Green Party parliamentary candidate for Kemp Town. Dot Gibson, General Secretary of the NPC, was the speaker and gave a spirited talk on the above, and other, issues. This was followed by a lively debate. Discussion then took place about establishing the new local group, which will campaign on the issues, taking them up with local candidates in the general election. In doing this, it will work with the Older People’s Council for Brighton & Hove, four of whose members were present. Local activist Len Goldman (98 years young this year) was also present. He said afterwards: “This has been a very interesting, informative and valuable meeting, but it has been those things only for the 20 people here. What about all the other older people of Brighton & Hove? We need to get the message out!” If you agree with the NPC’s position and enjoy campaigning, why not join the local group and help get the message out? You could be involved from the beginning and might want to help organise it. For more details, contact Paul Philo at paulphilo@gmail.com. Read more about the NPC at: http://npcuk.org/
new weekly SING FOR BETTER HEALTH GROUP For more than eight years, Sing For Better Health have been successfully running groups in Brighton, Hove and Hangleton for the over 55s and anyone with long-term health problems. We are pleased to report that they have just started a sixth weekly singing group and so the times and locations are now as follows: • • • •
Mondays: 1.45 to 3.15, Patching Lodge, Eastern Rd, Brighton Tuesdays: 10.30 to 11.15, Bevendean (Salvation Army building) Tuesdays: 1.00 to 2.30, St. Richards, Hangleton Thursdays: 11.00 to 12.30, Buckingham Rd (Mental Health group)
• Fridays: 11.30 to 1.00, Elizabeth Court, 65 Wilbury Rd, Hove • Saturdays: 2.00 to 3.30pm, Health & Wellbeing Centre, Western Rd/Upper Market St. Recent research has shown that the benefits of singing include better breathing and posture, fewer GP visits, reduced loneliness, and all over happiness. Why not give it a try? Contact group leader Udita Everett for more information - tel: 01273 556 755 or visit the website at: www.singforbetterhealth.co.uk
Toy story by Simone Hellyer Most of us had one special toy that if we are lucky enough to still own instantly transports us back to our childhood. For me, it’s my rag doll, Sally-Ann. However if your childhood companion got lost along the way, a new project could stir some fond memories. Brighton Toy and Model Museum is using the money it has received from the Heritage Lottery Fund for a playful new project ‘Toys in the Community: Valuing Memories of dolls, teddy bears and construction toys’. If you would like to share your own toy story the museum would like to hear from you. They are collecting memories of dolls, teddy bears and construction toys and are looking for more volunteers. These reminiscences will form part of the project which will be used to create a website, book and touring exhibition visiting local community venues in Brighton & Hove. Museum Manager, Tig Savage said: “We are looking forward to making our collections more accessible to people who may be unable to visit us due to physical, financial or social reasons and to listening to our contributors’ valued memories.”
The touring exhibition will allow people to share their memories as a group as well as handle toys from a variety of time periods. The museum is also looking for volunteers who would like to be involved in interviewing people for the project, which could offer the chance to gain new skills in photography and videoing. There is also a chance to help curate the touring exhibition. The organisers hope that this project will help stir childhood memories whilst forging new links between different members of the community. Anyone in the Brighton & Hove area who is interested in being involved should contact the museum on 01273 749 494 or email memories@brightontoymuseum.co.uk. The museum is located on Trafalgar Street, under Brighton Station.