Westminster Plus #41 Winter 2022

Westminster PLUS Essential information for Westminster’s older residents

INSIDE Get active for less Discounts and benefits available for Westminster residents with ActiveWestminster

PLUS Finding love on the number 52 Meet the couple celebrating milestone birthdays and special anniversaries Meet a Health Champion Ann Marie explains the important help provided by our community health champions

Issue 41 – Winter 2022

Welcome

Welcome Welcome to the latest edition of Westminster Plus magazine, bringing you news, events and activities from across Westminster As we approach the two-year anniversary of the start of the pandemic, for some of us life is starting to resemble ‘normal’. But we know for some the future feels uncertain and we hope everyone is adjusting to the new normal in their everyday lives. The vaccine rollout has been running for just over a year with great success. If you are yet to receive your vaccination, it isn’t too late to protect yourself and your family and for some, the second booster will be available shortly.

In May, we will wish a fond farewell to Councillor The Lady Flight, after 16 years as a Councillor in Westminster. “It has been a huge privilege to be the Older People’s Champion and be able to organise such well-received events in our community,” she says. As Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr Flight has pioneered many great events for residents including the Tea Dance, which is now in its 15th year and (COVID-19 allowing) will be hosting a special Jubilee Tea Dance this summer. Cllr Flight has been organising the fantastic Silver Sunday during the last 11 years and even though she is stepping down, her presence will remain and she will be on board to give us a helping hand with future Silver Sunday celebrations later on this year.

Councillor Tim Mitchell Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health

tmitchell@westminster.gov.uk

Councillor The Lady Flight Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health with responsibility for older people

cflight@westminster.gov.uk Cabinet Support, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP On the cover: See page 4 for how you can get great discounts at your local leisure centre

Westminster PLUS

Issue 41 – Winter 2022

Essential information

residents

Get active for less available Discounts and benefits for Westminster residents with ActiveWestminster

PLUS

Finding love on the number Meet the couple celebrating milestone birthdays and special anniversaries

52

Meet a Health Champion Ann Marie explains the by our important help provided community health champions

If you would like help to access our services, you can find lots of information on our website at westminster.gov.uk/adult-services. You can call our Adults Services line on 020 7641 1444 or email us at westminsterplus@westminster.gov.uk 2

for Westminster’s older

INSIDE

News

Stay safe with COVID-19 vaccinations

Helping with the cost of living We know that many residents are worried about the rising cost of living this year, including with energy bills.

COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the virus.

If you are yet to have your first, second or booster jabs, it’s not too late. Vaccines are available seven days a week in Westminster at various locations including pharmacies, vaccination centres and on the vaccine bus.

If you have family and friends coming to visit, it’s a good idea to ask them to take a rapid lateral flow test before they arrive, just to be on the safe side.

Find out where to get your vaccine in Westminster at westminster.gov.uk/vaccinations. Alternatively, you can call the NHS on 119 to book an appointment.

We want to provide as much support as possible and have a range of practical advice that can help.

Visit westminster. gov.uk/help-andsupport-risingenergy-costs for advice and support.

Food waste recycling trial In 2019 we ran a food waste recycling trial across parts of the city. We are pleased to announce that this year we will be expanding this to all households in Westminster. Our thanks to all the residents currently using the trial service – to date we have recycled more than 645 tonnes of food waste.

To receive our monthly Environment News e-newsletter, covering the ways we are creating a greener and cleaner City for All, sign up at westminster.gov.uk/newsletters 3

Get active for less with ActiveWestminster Whatever your age or ability, with an ActiveWestminster card you can lead a happy, active life for less The ActiveWestminster card is free for all residents, providing fantastic discounts and benefits for all who live in Westminster.

Activities available include: swimming, seated pilates, yoga, flex and stretch and lots more.

Find out more by visiting our website at active.westminster.gov.uk/card or email active@westminster.gov.uk

4

Benefits of having a card Residents over 60 can enjoy: • Free casual swim • 40% off activities • Fitness membership for £20

active.westmin

ster.gov.uk

Westminster libraries Our libraries are a hive of activity with everything from reading groups to IT lessons, learning a new language to meeting your local police officer Staff recommended reads Our staff are on hand to recommend books and have shared some of their recent favourite reads with us: The Nickel Boys,

by Colson Whitehead Abandoned by his parents but kept on the straight and narrow by his grandmother, Elwood is about to enrol in the local black college. But for a black boy in the Jim Crow American South of the early 1960s, one innocent mistake could be enough to destroy his future. This Pulitzer Prize-winning novel from the author of The Underground Railroad explores a strand of American history that shaped an era.

“A worthy read and well written.”

–Michaela from Church Street library.

See what’s on offer at your library 020 7361 3993 libraries@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/libraries

Big Sister, Little Sister, Red Sister by Jung Chang This biography of sisters Meiling, Ailing and Qingling Song offers a glimpse into the tumultuous political events of 20th century China.

“I enjoy getting my history from reading biographies and I recommend this book not just as a biography but as a good history read too.” – Marion from Chelsea Library.

Free weekly IT help sessions Do you need help ordering tickets online, sending pictures by email or applying for a Freedom Pass?

St John’s Wood library: Wednesdays, 2 – 5pm This library is wheelchair-accessible via automatic doors and a inclined ramp.

020 7641 6200 Maida Vale library: Wednesdays, 2 – 5pm 07973 697 441 5

Volunteering is a work of heart Health Champions making a difference to health and wellbeing The Health Champions network is all about responding to and addressing the health issues that affect us all. Whether that’s COVID-19, access to health services or mental health and wellbeing.

Ann Marie has been a Westminster Health Champion since the network began back in spring 2019.

Having long been involved in her local community around Marylebone, becoming a Health Champion was a role that proved of interest. Seeing the impact that COVID-19 was having, Ann Marie wondered if she had something to offer.

Like many other Health Champions across Westminster, Ann Marie acts as a go-between with the local community, their GPs, pharmacists and the council. By attending weekly meetings online and sharing feedback from her neighbours, she discusses the COVID-19 vaccination programme, passes on information and encourages those yet to receive their vaccinations by talking through their concerns.

6

Ann Marie

“It’s very rewarding to understand what people are feeling, thinking or finding difficult and to offer a practical solution”

Westminster Health Champion

She also shares the latest government COVID-19 guidance and keeps an eye on the availability of COVID-19 rapid lateral flow test kits in her area.

Most recently, she’s been working to remove the barriers some face in accessing their NHS records or attending GP appointments online. Anxieties caused by the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and overcoming feelings of depression or anxiety can be daunting for many who are now hoping to return to a more ‘normal’ life.

“I’ve tried to be like a giant spider in a way,” she says with a laugh. “I really enjoy speaking to so many different people in our diverse local community. We share information, make new friends, and it’s very rewarding to understand what people are feeling, thinking or finding particularly difficult and to try to offer a practical solution.” As a result, along with two other members of the Marylebone Association, she helped set up a scheme to support residents in her area during lockdown.

By passing on concerns that residents have with the council, and local GPs, Ann Marie hopes that she and other Champions can provide a valuable link, sharing what’s happening on the ground and helping to shape policy as a result.

Ann Marie feels that we all have skills and can help in so many ways, however small, during this time. “You too could play your part by becoming a Health Champion, so why not join us? It’s very informal, won’t take up much of your time, and by contributing valuable feedback to GPs, the council and our local MPs, you too will be able to make a difference.”

For more information and to join Ann Marie and the network of Health Champions, visit westminster.gov.uk/health-champions, contact James at jquayle@westminster.gov.uk or call 07929 666363 7

Finding love on the number 52 bus For most people, getting a single celebratory card from HM The Queen would be enough of a life achievement But behind Jack and Rose Fisher, both 101 years old this year, sits a shelf full of royal correspondence, along with plenty of other mementos of their 69 years of marriage.

Rose recalls: “My mother got us all, four boys and three girls, upstairs and the water came up to the ceiling on the floor below.”

When Rose reached her centenary milestone in February 2021, she admits to being “overwhelmed by the many flower bouquets I received from friends and neighbours!” Jack, too, found his special day the focus of celebration, being discharged from hospital to the sound of cheers and applause from the NHS staff just days before his 100th birthday.

Born in Vincent Street in 1921, Rose is one of seven siblings and has lived in Westminster her whole life. Special birthdays run in the family. Her sister, now living in Buckinghamshire, is 103!

She’s seen a lot during her life, good and bad. She recalls the moment in 1928 when the Thames burst its banks and her childhood home flooded as a particularly strong memory.

8

Rose and Jack

The two hit it off and although it took Jack several years before he could convince Rose to hop on the back of his beloved motorbike for a spin

Finding love on the number 52 bus

During the war, Rose worked at a factory that made Mosquito aircraft, and after the war she took a career on the buses as a conductress. “I loved every second of that job,” she says, not least as it was here she met her husband-to-be Jack.

A native of Camberwell, Jack saw much of war-time Europe from the driver’s seat of a tank. Repurposing those skills once the fighting ended, he swapped a tank seat for a bus driver’s cabin and in 1947 found himself commanding the number 52 bus route with Rose collecting the fares in the back.

The two hit it off and although it took Jack several years before he could convince Rose to hop on the back of his beloved motorbike for a spin, once she did the rest was history. Wedding bells followed and, after a motorbiking honeymoon in Devon, they’ve gone on to celebrate nearly 70 years of marriage.

Two children and a lifetime later, Jack and Rose are still living in Westminster and enjoy reminiscing about their days on the buses together and how Westminster has changed over the last seven decades.

Jack recalls visiting his daughter in California and how interested people were that they lived in Westminster, Jack laughs as he explains someone asked him ‘You live in Westminster, do you know the Queen?’

If you have a Westminster story, we would love to hear it, get in touch by emailing westminsterplus@westminster.gov.uk or write to us at Westminster Plus, 17th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP

9

1,000 dementiafriendly homes There are 3,000 people who live with dementia in Westminster To help those people who are in the early stages to live independently, we have converted 1,000 properties to have dementia-friendly features.

Measures include clear signage, taps clearly marked hot and cold, plain flooring fitted throughout, increased lighting, dark surface colours on countertops and a clear contrast of colours elsewhere in the home.

As well as the 1,000 dementia-friendly properties, Westminster City Council also has a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient 84-bed

dementia-friendly care home in Maida Vale called Beachcroft House.

Cllr David Harvey, Westminster City Council Cabinet Member for Housing Services, said: “People who have dementia in the early stages are capable of living their own life, in their own way, but they may need some help.

Bathroom features Plain flooring, increased lighting, a level access shower, grip rails, a warden alarm to call for help if needed.

Getting older is not simple and it’s not easy, but for those who have dementia, we hope these mindful adjustments in 1,000 of our properties will make life easier.”

Find out more about how support for people who live with dementia at westminster.gov.uk/dementia-support

10

Kitchen adjustments Plain colour on countertops (no speckles), plug sockets and handles on cupboards at an accessible height.

Living space Contrast of colour, plain flooring and increased lighting.

Your new food waste recycling service The food waste recycling service is expanding across Westminster during 2022.

You will soon receive your roll of liners, kitchen bin and outdoor food waste bin.

Why are we doing this?

Wasting less Food waste generates harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Using this service will help reduce waste and tackle climate change.

Renewable energy Your food waste will be used to create renewable energy generating electricity to power the national grid and heat for homes.

For further information: foodwaste@westminster.gov.uk www.westminster.gov.uk/food-waste-recycling www.westminster.gov.uk/climate-action-plan

Biofertiliser Food waste will also be transformed into a biofertiliser, which will be used on farmland to grow more food.

What’s on

For a full list of events, visit westminster. gov.uk/events

As the days get a little longer and start to feel warmer, there are plenty of activities to enjoy in Westminster and across London Mingling Mondays

Talking Tables

Fitness at Your Pace

Mondays, 12 – 3pm The Abby Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU The Abbey Monday Lectures and Social Club has a packed itinerary full of activities and is a great place to socialise and enjoy inspiring talks on a variety of topics.

Guests pay £1 per week and enjoy a talk, raffle and refreshments (or trip).

Wednesdays, 12 – 3pm The Abby Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU There will be free tea, coffee and board games available.

Also offering a variety of activities each week as well as information and advice from skilled volunteers – learning IT skills, gardening, crafts, bingo, massages, jewellery making and more!

Booking is required.

σ 020 7222 0303 / 07818 202 935 / caroline.gandy@ theabbeycentre.org.uk

σ 020 7222 0303 / 07818 202 935 / caroline.gandy@ theabbeycentre.org.uk

Mondays, 11.30am – 12.30pm The Abby Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU This gentle exercise class involves all components of fitness in a designed, safe and effective exercise plan. It includes mobility and flexibility with the use of some equipment like exercise bands and hand weights. Participants are advised to wear suitable shoes and loose comfortable clothing.

Talking Tables

£2 per session. This is for Abbey Centre members aged 50+.

Booking is required. σ 020 7227 0642 / george.wallis@ theabbeycentre.org.uk

12

What’s on

La Maison Du Chat

Dancing Fridays

Dancing Fridays Fridays, 11am – 12pm Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL Start your Friday mornings with some groovy moves.

Come along and join us for a fun time with professional instructors and refreshments afterwards.

• 25 February • 4 March • 11 March • 18 March • 25 March σ 07903 255384 / souad.abdellaoui@ ageukwestminster. org.uk

iTea Party Marylebone Library

iTea Party at Marylebone Library Thursday 10 and 24 March, 1.30 – 3.30pm fortnightly 9 – 11 New Cavendish Street, W1G 9UQ We are returning to our face-to-face iTea Party at Marylebone library.

If you need one-to-one support with your digital device, please join us. σ 07903 255384 / souad.abdellaoui@ ageukwestminster. org.uk

Every day 9am – 6pm 55 Moreton Street, Pimlico, SW1V 2NY Home to around 10 adorable rescue cats; each with their own perfect purrsonalities, but that’s not all. The menu also has something for everyone, with tempting veggie, vegan and gluten-free options.

Walk-ins are always welcome, but booking is recommended for brunch or afternoon tea. σ lamaisonduchat.co.uk

Get exploring, get adventurous Weekly, throughout the year Open Age runs a fantastic weekly trips programme throughout the year.

Destinations include museums, galleries and places of interest across London and beyond. σ 020 4516 9978

13

City Save offers

westminster.gov.uk/ westminster-city-save

Westminster City Save is a membership scheme for Westminster residents. It’s free to join and offers you local discounts and savings

Low impact aerobics for over 50s

Low impact aerobics for over 50s Wednesdays, 11am – midday Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX Easy paced aerobics class for a full body workout for strengthening and to aid flexibility and mobility from Open Age. The first class is free to Westminster residents over 50 (normal price £1).

How to claim Attend the class and quote Westminster City Save offer when tutor asks for payment. σ 020 7266 2776 14

Discounted admission to Westminster Abbey

15% off your bill at Tuttons, Covent Garden

Every day from 9am – 3.30pm Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean’s Yard, SW1P 3PA Discounted entry of £7 to the Abbey for Westminster City Save card holders, usually £24. Includes free entry for one child (0-17) plus free entry to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries, usually £5 per adult.

Offer available Sunday to Friday 11 – 12 Russell Street, Covent Garden, WC2B 5HZ Enjoy a delightful menu focusing on seasonal dishes at one of the most famous and long standing restaurants in Covent Garden.

How to claim Offer is available in person, on the day only. Online booking is not available with this offer. Simply present your Westminster City Save card and proof of address on entry.

How to claim Present your Westminster City Save card before you ask for your bill. σ 0844 731 2550 / tuttons.com

σ 020 7222 5152 Discounted admission to Westminster Abbey

15% off your bill at Tuttons

City Save Offers

Rippon Cheese discount 26 Upper Tachbrook Street, Pimlico, SW1V 1SW Monday – Friday, 8am – 5.30pm and Saturdays, 8.30am – 5pm Rippon Cheese is offering Westminster City Save members 10% off all products in their Pimlico store. You will be spoilt for choice with up to 500 European cheeses, from Great Britain and France.

How to claim Present your Westminster City Save card when making your purchase in store. σ 020 7931 0628

Magazine subscriptions Receive 5% off at magazine.co.uk a leading subscriptions website with savings up to 80% off RRP. Huge variety of magazine subscription offers and magazine gift subscriptions for every interest or hobby.

How to claim Visit magazine.co.uk and enter discount code STAFF5 at checkout. σ 020 7608 6509

The Fine Cheese Co discount 17 Motcomb Street, Belgravia, SWIX 8LB Every day 9am – 5pm The Fine Cheese Co is offering Westminster City Save members 10% of all products in their Belgravia store, and when you dine ‘À Table’.

How to claim Present your Westminster City Save card when making your purchase in store or dining À Table. σ finecheeseshops. co.uk / 01225 617953

Two for one Brit Movie walking tours Locations and dates vary Visit TV and movie locations featured in your favourite TV and film productions.

Advance booking required.

Discounted bouquets at Appleyard London

Discounted bouquets at Appleyard London* Receive 25% off all bouquets at Appleyard London, a luxury flower boutique born out of a passion for floral design.

How to claim Order online at and enter discount code AWEST25 at the checkout. σ customerservices@ appleyardlondon. com / 0843 886 9422 / appleyardflowers.com *Terms and conditions apply

Don’t have a Westminster City Save card?

How to claim Present your Westminster City Save card. Book online using code 2FOR1.

Register for one at westminster.gov.uk/ westminster-citysave/register

σ 0844 2471 007 / britmovietours.com

Call 0343 178 2743 (Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 6pm) 15

Discovery with Three Three Discovery provides free workshops to customers and community groups, workshops cover a range of topics from the basics of getting online and staying connected with friends and family, to getting creative with apps.

Our workshops aim to empower people of all ages and abilities to learn digital skills in bitesize chunks, and at a pace comfortable to them. Workshops are available to attend in person at one of our London sites or online via Zoom.

16

Get started with your Smartphone

Do more with your Smartphone

There’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the world of smartphones. We’ll take you through the basics and show you how to make calls, send texts, add contacts, and get to grips with your settings, leaving you to enjoy your device.

Feeling ready to do more with your device? Learn about some of the built-in apps, discover some key settings and personalise your setup. We’ll also get you online and exploring the internet.

To book onto a session please go to three.co.uk/ discovery and click on any of the sites mentioned, you will then be directed to a booking page where you can click book now on the workshop you would like to attend. Fill in the details required and confirmation email will be sent to you.

If you have any difficulties, please call us on 0800 1300 333 to speak to a Discovery Partner.

Discover Android Did you know Android is made by Google? Discover all the little features and special touches which make your Android device unique.

Together, we’ll explore some key Google Apps, the benefits of a Google account and share top Android tech tips.

Discovery with Three

Maximise Phone Storage

Discover Online Shopping

It’s amazing how quickly your phone can fill up with photos, apps and files.

Learn how to master the storage on your device and get better acquainted with the mysterious cloud.

We’ll make sure you have enough room for the things that you want and need.

Become online shopper savvy! Discover shopping apps to make your life easier and take advantage of next day deliveries.

Together we’ll explore online payment, where to shop and discuss app security.

Discover Apple

Discover Digital Security

Loving your Apple device?

We’ll show you how to use it to its full potential and highlight the features that set Apple apart. From iOS to iCloud, we’ll explain the lingo and explore the device, so that you leave feeling confident to explore iAnything.

Ever felt hesitant to authorise a software update? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.

Staying safe online is more important than ever, so we’ll show you how to browse safely, avoid scams, choose strong passwords, and protect your device from viruses.

Digital Wellbeing and Mindfulness

Discover Apps

Stay Organised

There are over two million apps out there, so which will you choose to bring your device to life? From games and entertainment to apps that make everyday activities easier – we’ll have you searching, sharing and downloading the best apps on offer.

It may not be glamorous, but some of us just can’t function without a list, a diary, or a reminder for that vital appointment. We’ll show you the apps on your phone that’ll get you out of bed in the morning and keep you on track for the rest of the day.

Need to switch off from time to time? Join us and explore how your device can help you to be more mindful in this noisy, crazy and busy digital world. We’ll discover apps and settings that help you relax, gain focus and improve sleep.

Discover Email Today, we send more electronic mail than post and it’s easy to see why.

Email is quick, convenient and can be managed on your device, on the go.

We’ll help you find your way around your inbox, outbox and more.

17

Your council services General Contact Details 20 7641 7000 0 responsewcc@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk

Adult Social Care

020 7641 1444 or 020 7641 1175 adultsocialcare@westminster.gov.uk peoplefirstinfo.org.uk

Animal Welfare warden@westminster.gov.uk a westminster.gov.uk/animal-welfare

Anti-Social Behaviour

0800 358 3783 (freephone) housing.enquiries@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/housing

Archives 020 7641 6200 archives@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/archives

18

Benefits 0800 072 0042 (freephone) westminster.benefits@secure.capita.co.uk westminster.gov.uk/benefits

Births, Deaths and Marriages 020 7641 7500 registeroffice@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/birth-and-deathcertificates-marriages-and-citizenship

Cemeteries 20 8567 0913 0 parks@westminster.gov.uk

Health & Wellbeing 020 7641 7000 westminster.gov.uk/healthand-social-care

Housing Services 0800 358 3783 (freephone) housing.enquiries@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/housing

Your council services

Leisure Centres ctive@westminster.gov.uk a active.westminster.gov.uk

Libraries 020 7361 3993 or 020 7641 6200 libraries@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/libraries

Parking 020 7823 4567 parkingservices@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/parking

Street Markets 020 7641 8549 or 020 7641 7010 streettradinglicensing@westminster. gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/markets

Westminster Adult Education Service 020 7297 7297 info@waes.co.uk waes.ac.uk

Westminster Connects 020 7641 1222 westminster.gov.uk/westminster-connects

Pest Control 0800 358 0514 (freephone) pestcontrol@westminster.gov.uk westminster.gov.uk/pest-control

Recycling/Rubbish 020 7641 2000 westminster.gov.uk/recycling

Report It westminster.gov.uk/report-it

19

SKILLS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE • Learn English, maths or digital skills in a supportive adult learning environment.

• Many of our courses are free* for lower-income earners. Contact us for more details.

• We have many courses that give you the skills you need for a new career.

Ask us for details or visit our website for more information.

• Our experts are on hand to offer advice and answer any questions about careers, opportunities and next steps.

• Some of our higher level programmes are also funded this year – talk to our advisors for more details.

• We are committed to support our learners prepare for employment, learn new skills and ensure a brighter future.

ENROL NOW • Visit our website to have a look at our full offer and complete our online application.

• Or you can phone or email us and we will help with any questions you have.

• We are here to help and support you.

www.waes.ac.uk

info@waes.ac.uk | 020 7297 7297