Westminster Plus September 2013

Westminster PLUS Essential information for Westminster’s older residents

Issue 20 – September 2013

Silver Sunday Special • 6th October 2013 There are 50 free activities just for you on Silver Sunday, what will you choose to do?

INSIDE WIN free Tea Dance tickets

PLUS Discounts and offers with Westminster City Save Autumn events and activities

Welcome and news Welcome to our Silver Sunday special edition of Westminster Plus, packed with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 65 plus.

Next month we welcome the return of Silver Sunday, our national day for older people.

On Sunday 6th October there will be 50 free activities and events across the city to help you meet people and try new things. With activities ranging from tours of Parliament and BBC Broadcasting House which usually cost £14 and £11.25 each, a cabaret show at St. James Theatre, to iPad training and tea parties. The day also introduces you to the many community groups and council services which are on offer to you throughout the year. Carers can also get involved and some events will be exclusively for carers of any age. If you know an older neighbour or someone who

struggles to go out alone please take them along to an event. Find out what’s on and how to sign up to the free events on pages 6-11.

Thousands of people are providing vital support to help people with a long term illness or disability to remain living in their homes. Find out what support is available to carers on page 12.

Don’t forget there is still time to apply for tickets to our annual Tea Dance on 8th December. Tickets are running out fast, so apply now and don’t miss out on this glittering event. Find out how to win tickets on page 5.

“Silver Sunday is a day not just to celebrate Silver Surfers great contribution to their communities, but a special day for the young at heart everywhere.” Sir Terry Wogan 2

Cllr Christabel Flight Westminster Older People’s Champion

Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP cllrflight21@btinternet.com

Councillor Rachael Robathan

Cabinet Member for Adults Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP rrobathan@westminster.gov.uk On the cover: Last years Silver Sunday photography workshop.

Welcome and news

A new library for Marylebone Marylebone library has moved to a temporary location of Macintosh House, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW, a 15 minute walk from the old Marylebone library. In 2015 Marylebone will be getting a new, state-of-the-art library on Luxborough Street, subject to planning permission.

Beware of phone scams To avoid becoming a target of phone scams do not give out your PIN number over the phone or send your bank card to someone if they ask you to when they call you. You can reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

Home library service If mobility or health issues make it difficult for you to get to a library, we will come to you.

Our Home Library Service will visit your home every few weeks to bring you books, information and library materials.

To find out more or start using the Home Library Service, call 020 7641 5405.

Free sight test

You can get free health advice at your local library. Find out more by calling 020 7641 8969 or visit www.westminster. gov.uk/libraries.

People over 60 are eligible for a free NHS sight test every two years, and annually if you are over 70.

If the test shows that you need glasses, you may also be eligible for help with the cost of them.

Nominate your active hero If you know of an outstanding sports or physical activity club, coach, volunteer or facility in Westminster make sure you nominate them for an Active Westminster Award by 4th October 2013.

Visit www.westminster. gov.uk/activeawards or call 020 7641 3922 to request a nomination form.

Contact your local optician to book your free test.

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CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service

Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163

Our Services We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or companionship.

In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.

Get in touch Call our professional team on

0207 976 6163

or email us at westminster@bluebirdcare.co.uk

www.bluebirdcare.co.uk /westminster

WIN! Tea Dance tickets Our annual Tea Dance is on Sunday 8th December.

Enter the prize draw to win free tickets.

When: Sunday 8th

December, 2-4.30pm

Tickets for this year’s Tea Dance are going fast. With only a few weeks left to apply make sure you are in the draw to win a much sought after free ticket to an afternoon of live music, dancing and delicious tea and cakes.

With music from the Red Stripe Band and the Three Belles providing cabaret there will be plenty to get your feet tapping.

Bring a friend or come alone, the Tea Dance is a wonderful way to meet new people.

We will also be joined by special guest Esther Rantzen.

Venue: Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, 86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN

“I had a great time, I especially enjoyed dancing my feet off!”

Janet Sproule, Tea Dance 2012.

Please remember: • Please include your name and address, including your full postcode on your application.

• Let us know if you are applying for one or two tickets.

• You must be 65 or over and a Westminster resident to attend, as must your guest if you are applying for two tickets. Please include the name and address of your guest, and a ticket will be sent to them directly.

• If we receive more applications than tickets, winners will be picked at random. We will only contact you if you win a ticket.

All winners will be contacted by 19th October when they will receive their ticket in the post.

• We cannot guarantee a seat for people who arrive early.

How to apply Visit: www.westminster. gov.uk/teadance Write to: Tea Dance, Communications, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. The deadline for entries is 30th September.

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FREE! What are you doing?

Make the most of the free and fun activities on offer just for you this Silver Sunday on 6th October.

This year sees 50 FREE activities happening throughout Westminster open to anyone aged 65 or over and their carers.

Silver Sunday gives you the chance to get out of the house, try new things and meet new people. With over 2400 places available there is something for everyone, from film screenings and chocolate tasting, to guided walks and tours of Lord’s cricket ground.

This year some Silver Sunday events in Westminster are also open people in Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea.

You can also attend some of their events. For a full list of events across London visit www.silversunday.org.uk 6

“I will be going to the Octavia’s afternoon tea and live performances” Kay O’Connell, 83, from Pimlico

Silver Sunday activities

All events are free and are on 6th October unless stated otherwise.

Some activities require booking.

Theatre walking tour

20 places available per walk.

Details of where to meet will be given on booking.

Tour of Parliament

30 places available, two people per booking max.

walkingtours@ solttma.co.uk

Key:

b

wheelchair access b

booking required

Walks and tours

Tour and tea at Lord’s

Captain’s tour of HQS Wellington 2-3.30pm

Victoria Embankment, Temple Stairs, WC2R 2PN 079 8497 6950 hpo@ thewellingtontrust. com

Also open to carers of any age

1-6pm Tours at 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

20 places available on each tour.

Lord’s Cricket Ground, NW8 8QN 020 7616 8521 b

jonnie@bowlofchalk. net

5-6pm

b

Friday 4th October, 12.45pm 20 places available, please arrive 20 minutes early.

Book by 18th September.

Houses of Parliament, Cromwell Green entrance, SW1A 0AA 020 7219 6155 b

Tour of BBC Broadcasting House

Tour 1: 10.15am Tour 2: 10.30am 25 places available per tour.

BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, W1A 1AA 020 7641 7810 b

London Strollers Time: 1.30pm

Take a walk around Regent’s Park via Regent’s Canal.

Meet outside Regent’s Park tube station 079 3938 4753

b

Guided walk

Walk 1: 10.30am1.30pm, walk 2: 2.30-5.30pm Around the West End and the City, meeting place given on booking

WIN! Tea at The Ritz for two Enjoy afternoon tea for two at The Ritz on Silver Sunday.

To enter email westminsterplus@westminster.gov. uk or write to Silver Sunday, Communications, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. 7

Silver Sunday activities

Learning

Discover your neighbourhood 1-4pm

An afternoon of activities including walks and photography sessions.

Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR 020 8762 3082

I.T support sessions

Nine places available.

National Gallery talk and draw

Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU

The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN

2-4pm

12midday-1.30pm Places limited to 15.

Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT 020 7976 6354

9am-4pm

Community Fibre, Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4DG 07813 449225

8

020 7747 2502 b

b

Courtauld Gallery Guided tour 30 places available.

Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 0RN 020 7848 2705

Health MOT

10.30am-3.30pm Dental Department, Central London Community Health NHS Trust, 2nd Floor, Soho Centre for Health, 1 Frith Street, W1D 3QS 020 8962 4659

education@ courtauld.ac.uk b

iPad training 1-2.30pm

Silver Surfer I.T sessions

20 places available.

020 7641 4490

2-3pm

Creative writing class

10.30am-12.30pm

St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD 020 7641 1300 stjohnswoodlibrary@ westminster.gov.uk b

Tea tasting and jewellery making 11am-3pm

50 places available.

Bluebird Care, St. Gabriel’s Halls, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AA. 020 7976 6163 b

Get active

St. Anne’s Church tea dance 3-5pm

50 places available

St Anne’s Church Community Hall, 55 Dean Street, W1D 6AF 020 7439 4303 b

Latin ballroom dancing 2-4pm

Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road W2 5EZ 020 7121 0642

Belly dancing

11am-12midday Places limited to 15 Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT 020 7976 6354

Silver Sunday activities

English National Ballet workshop Carers exclusive

11am-12midday, and 12.30-1.30pm 30 places per workshop.

Markova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ES 020 7581 1245 b

Free spa

Also open to carers of any age

Three hour session between 4-10pm.

Last entry 7pm.

Porchester Spa, Porchester Road, W2 5HS. 020 7792 2919

Adult swimming lessons

Class 1: 10-10.30am, class 2: 10.4511.15am 8 places per class Porchester Centre, Queensway, W2 5HS 020 7792 2919 b

Beginners yoga classes 2-2.55pm and 3-3.55pm

15 spaces per session.

Iyengar Yoga Institute Maida Vale, 223a Randolph Avenue, W9 1NL 020 7624 3080

Free swimming and spa All day

Marshall Street Leisure Centre, 15 Marshall Street, W1F 7EL. 020 7871 7222

Badminton and tennis 8-11am

b

Fun and fitness session 10am

40 places available.

Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD 077 2141 9518 info@silverfit.org.uk

Cycle tour

10.30am-12midday Please bring your own road worthy bike.

Churchill Community Hub, Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL

8 people per booking.

Indoor football 4-5pm

St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5AW 020 7641 3642

Dr Bike session 10.30am-4pm

Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD. 078 4167 8664

Little Venice Sports Centre, 10 Crompton Street, W2 1ND. b

020 7641 5111

Active Jubilee Class 1: 10.3011.30am Class 2: 3-4pm

david@ cycleconfident.com

Squash 3-7pm

Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR 020 8960 9629 b

A gentle introduction to exercise.

35 places available per class Jubilee Hall Trust, 30 The Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 8BE 020 7836 4007

020 7828 1500

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Silver Sunday activities

Short tennis, bowls and badminton

Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ

St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5AW

Chocolate tasting

Saturday 5th October 1-3pm

020 7641 3642

Yogalates 4-5pm

Entertainment

3-4pm

10 places available.

Rococo Chocolates, 3 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW.

20 places available.

020 7245 0993

Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ

events@ rococochocolates. com

020 7121 0642

Free use of Seymour Leisure Centre 8am-8pm

Classes available Saturday and Sunday.

Health suite; Saturday women only, Sunday men only. b

Booking recommended for table tennis, badminton and classes.

10

020 7723 8019

b

Quartet film screening and tea party 2.20-5pm

Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ 020 8964 1900

Song for Marion screening 20 places available.

Afternoon tea and entertainment

Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT

Octavia Leonora House, 49 Lanark Road, W9 1AP.

2-4pm

020 7976 6354 b

2-5pm

Transport support available.

020 8354 5681 b

Silver Sunday breakfast

Places limited to 20.

Cabaret at St. James Theatre

Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT

St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA

10-11am

020 7976 6354

Royal Albert Hall concert

Friday 4th October, 3pm Tickets ÂŁ5 and must be booked by a charity or community group 020 7959 0541 b

1.30-2.45pm

Quote Silver Sunday when booking.

0844 264 2140 boxoffice@ stjamestheatre.co.uk b

Music workshop

Saturday 5th October 9.30-12.30pm Westminster Music Library, Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD 020 7641 6200 b

Silver Sunday activities

Singing in the Rain Film screening 2-5pm

30 places available, film subject to change.

The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU

In the case of heavy rain the will be cancelled.

info@fulhamgood neighbours.org

caroline.richardson@ theabbeycentre.org.uk

Nearest tube: West Brompton/Earl’s Court

V&A exhibition talk and visit Talk 1: 11am and talk 2: 1pm Places are limited

Seminar Room 3, Sackler Centre for Arts Education, Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL Nearest tube: South Kensington V&A bookings office, 020 7942 2211

Nearest tube: Earl’s Court 020 7385 8850

020 7227 0655

Events you can attend outside of Westminster

40 spaces available.

2-3.15pm

Brompton Cemetery, Old Brompton Road, SW10 9UG.

b

b

Guided tour of Brompton Cemetery

020 7376, 5756

Art exhibition

Friday 4th October, 6-8pm. Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, 11am-4pm.

Second Half Centre, St. Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Exmoor Street, W10 6DZ Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove 020 8962 5500 b

Silver club launch and lunch

Tuesday 1st October, 12midday-2pm The Hollywood Arms, 45 Hollywood Road, London SW10 9HX.

b

Read with children Tuesday 8th October, 2-3pm The Tudor Rose Community Centre, Shottendane Road, SW6 5PG 40 spaces available.

Ballroom dancing 1st October, 2pm-4pm

Masbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR 20 places available.

Nearest tube: Kensington/Shepherd’s Bush 020 7605 0800 martha@upg.org.uk

Time of Your Life Fair

Friday 11th October, 11.30am–4pm Grand Hall, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX Nearest tube: Kensington High Street

Nearest tube: Parsons Green 020 8870 1476 enquiries@ doorsteplibrary.org. uk b

For a full list of events across London visit www. silversunday. org.uk If you need support getting to an event we have a limited number of volunteers who can help. Please call 020 7641 7810.

Silver Sunday is part of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation

020 8960 8137

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Caring for the carers Around 12,500 local residents are unpaid carers for their partner, family or friend but only 2,000 are receiving support.

If you look after someone you love, you may not even realise you’re a carer and entitled to support. But there are lots of services to help you such as support groups, social activities and respite breaks.

Ruth Quintyne from Queen’s Park looks after her son, Floyd, 49. She says: “I’ve cared for my son since he was born. He is autistic and has a poor memory so needs moderate care.

“I do get some time to myself and there’s always something for me to do. I go to lots of groups: yoga, pilates, therapy, sewing class - at the moment we’re making a quilt. I have hip problems so enjoy my hip massages.

“Practical support such as financial advice helps me to manage the family budget and first aid training gives me confidence that I can cope in 12

“Being a carer can sometimes be isolating so going online helps me to keep in touch with people. “ Ruth Quintyne (pictured)

Caring for carers

an emergency. I used to go to a mental health group where I could discuss my problems and get emotional support.

Other carers are the only people who understand what we go through so it helps to talk to them.

services out there to help you and Carers Network Westminster who we fund to provide services to carers in the borough, can recommend them depending on your situation. Any carer should get in touch.”

“There’s also training on injury prevention and advice on benefits and any other problems you may have. It’s especially important with all the changes to benefits at the moment and has helped me to cope with them.

The council and NHS fund Carers Network Westminster to deliver services for carers including the Carers’ Break Scheme. To find out more call Adult Social Care on 020 7641 2500 or Central North West London on 020 8960 3033 or visit www.westminster. gov.uk/carers.

“Each year I receive £300 for a holiday or to buy something that helps me, through the Carers’ Break Scheme. Last year I bought a laptop so I can shop online and send and receive emails. Being a carer can sometimes be isolating so it helps me to keep in touch with people. I’m just getting used to it so I’m not on Twitter or Facebook yet but this time next year, you never know!

It’s also common for longterm carers to suffer from physical and mental health problems so it’s important to make sure you get the health support you need. There are

Did you work at top secret RAF Defford during the war?

If so, Defford Airfield Heritage Group want to hear your story for their new museum. Please call 01386 852059 or email shaw@springlea1. freeserve.co.uk

Carers support • An assessment to see how you can be supported • Information and advice about health, housing, benefits, finance, education, training, employment and leisure opportunities • Counselling sessions • Support groups • Respite care for the person you look after.

• A personal budget may be available to some people.

Time for Me offer activities for unpaid carers over the age of 50.

There are trips to galleries, markets, boat trips, musical events and much more. Call 020 8964 1900 and mention Time for Me. It is funded by the NHS through an agreement with the council and run by Open Age.

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Offers and discounts Get a free Westminster City Save card for great discounts on local attractions and council services. Apply for yours today.

Apply now

All offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions.

Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/citysave for more details.

If you already have a ResCard you can visit your local leisure centre or library to fill in an application form and exchange your ResCard.

You will then be issued with a new Westminster City Save card on the spot.

Westminster libraries Free computer training.

Conway Hall – 1/3 off Conway Hall’s activities and events.

Call: 020 7641 6200

Call: 020 7405 1818

Terms: You must be a member of Westminster libraries, some classes need to be booked in advance and are subject to availability.

Terms: Offer only applicable to Conway Hall’s own activities and events not available to events run by third parties.

If you don’t have a ResCard visit www.westminster.gov. uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 and a Westminster City Save card will be sent to you in the post.

Florence Nightingale Museum 20% off entry for up to six people Call: 020 7620 0374 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW

Fe Hair and Beauty 20% off hair and beauty treatments Call: 020 7402 4442 Terms: For new clients only.

Print voucher and show Westminster City Save card.

22 Kendal Street, W2 2AW

14

25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL

Discounts at Embankment Cafe 15% off all day breakfast or cake and a drink for £3.50.

Call: 020 7930 1471 Terms: Subject to availability, not to be used with other offers.

Free services and discounts for Westminster residents

Offers and discounts

Elegant touch 20% off when you spend over £25 on flowers

Café in the Courtyard Free tea or coffee when you buy a pastry

Call: 020 7243 2955

Call: 020 7766 1100

Terms: Offer subject to availability and only available on spend over £25

Terms: Offer available between 10am and 11am. Café open until 31st October.

Whiteleys Shopping Centre, W2 4YQ

St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ.

CuisineCard - 50% off Visit: www.cuisinecard.co.uk Terms: Must be over 18. Not to be used with other offers.

Get free swimming at any of the five council pools with a Concession Card.

Visit your local council leisure centre to apply.

Porter’s English Restaurant 20% off the a la carte menu

Thai River 20% off your food bill

Call: 020 7836 6466

Call: 020 7402 7519

Terms: Maximum table of six and only available for the a la carte menu.

Terms: Offer available to one Westminster City Save card holder and family, present your card to waiting staff before sitting.

17 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH

18 Chilworth Street, W2 6LL

The Sea Shell resturant (As requested by you) 20% of restaurant and takeaway of traditional fish and chips Call 020 7224 9000 Terms: Offer valid MondayWednesday only, present your card to waiting staff before sitting.

For a full list of Westminster City Save offers pick up our brochure at your local library or leisure centre in September.

Leisure centre membership Disability and carers discount at council gyms just £19.95 a month.

Call: 020 7641 2012 or call your local leisure centre Terms: Proof of eligibility required when joining. Offer excludes Porchester Spa.

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Autumn activities

Booking is required for some activities.

Please call ahead to check details.

There are over 180 free and low - cost activities at our Community Hubs each week, as well as daily activities at our leisure centres.

South Westminster Churchill Community Hub Tel: 020 7976 6354 Nearest tube: Pimlico/Victoria Introduction to pilates Fridays, 11am-12 midday Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: £1 Creative writing Mondays, 2-4pm Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: £2

West Westminster Queen’s Park and Harrow Road Community Hub Tel: 020 7266 2776 Nearest tube: Queen’s Park Chair yoga Thursdays, 3.30-4.30pm Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX. Cost: £1 Singing for all Thursdays, 10am-12 midday Ernest Harriss House, 61 Elgin Avenue, W9 2BX. Cost: £2

There are 2400 places available at events across Westminster on Silver Sunday, find out more on page 6.

Activities at Community Hubs are provided on behalf of the council by Open Age and Notting Hill Housing. To find your local hub visit www.westminster.gov.uk/communityhub 16

Autumn activities

North Westminster Westbourne Community Hub Tel: 020 8964 1900 Nearest tube: Westbourne Park Play reading Mondays, 1-2pm Warwick Community Hall, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG. Cost: £1 Improve your English Fridays, 11am-12.30pm Brunel mini-hub, Brunel Estate Office, W2 5UX. Cost: £2

Beginner’s iPad Training Thursdays, 1.30-3pm Amberley Clubroom, Amberley Estate, W9 2JZ. (booking essential) Cost: £1.50

Church Street and Regent’s Park (Penfold Community Hub) Tel: 020 8762 3082 Nearest tube: Edgware Road/Marylebone

St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD. Cost: Free Movement and music class Wednesdays, 11.30am12.30pm Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR. Cost: £1

Over 50’s coffee morning Last Wednesday of each month, 10.30am

Active Lifestyle Leisure discounts Swim free and receive great discounts on leisure activities at your local council leisure centre.

Apply for a concession card, free for anyone over 60, at your local centre.

To find your nearest visit www.westminster.gov.uk/ leisurecentres or call 020 7641 2012.

Brazilian dance Mondays, 1-2pm Booking required.

Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR. Yoga Thursdays, 7.30pm Booking required.

Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD.

Silver Fit fitness and fun sessions 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 9.30am Hyde Park, Will to Win Café, South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH. Cost: £1 for members Call 07721 419 518 or visit www.silverfit.org.uk For more information call the sports team on 020 7641 2012.

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Overcoming loneliness A free phone club is helping people who are unable leave their homes to stay connected and make new friends.

Nigel Darcy, 69, from St. John’s Wood has a health condition which means he’s housebound. To help him stay in touch with other people, he joined the council’s phone club run by Open Age that helps older people socialise from the comfort of their home.

“I was excited about joining the phone club as I don’t have many visitors. I don’t have the chance to speak to other people on topics or things I see on television and was feeling isolated.

“Someone from Open Age came to see me to talk through how the club works.

They showed me how to join the telephone conversation just by dialling a number.

“Everyone is enthusiastic and they all enjoy talking about themselves as do I. We discuss news stories, 18

programmes on television and books. We talk about news in our neighbourhoods and we take part in a quiz.

“It’s great fun and lovely to hear other people’s voices, I feel part of what is happening in society. People I meet through the phone club are my age or a bit older so it is great to reminisce and talk about things we can all relate to. My favourite discussion we have had was talking about the Olympics.

It was very exciting, I felt I was taking part in what other people get to see.

For more information or to join contact Open Age on 020 8964 1900. If you would like to get out more but have difficulty using public transport the Community Transport Service can help. To find out if you are eligible call 020 7289 0176.

Talking about things from my week helps with my memory and keeps my brain active.

“It is an invaluable service and I would recommend it to others who are housebound or maybe lonely. I have been able to meet new people and make lasting friendships.”

“I felt I was taking part in what other people get to see.”

Nigel Darcy

Join us for an afternoon of songs, music and entertainment as the Music Hall comes to town

Overcoming Loneliness

On 13th January 2014 join us and the English National Opera for an afternoon of songs, live music and performances.

Taking place in the London Coliseum, be treated to some of the best Music Hall performers in town, with stars from The Players Theatre and The Sylvia Young School performing.

When: 13th January 2014, 2-4pm Where: London Coliseum, St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross, WC2N 4ES For your chance to claim free tickets please visit www.westminster.gov.uk/musichall or write to Music Hall, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. You can claim a maximum of four tickets per person.

This event is also open to carers of any age. Please let us know if you require a space for a wheelchair.

19

Keeping active Walking is a great way to keep active and healthy and is something most people can do.

Joining your local walking group is not only a free way to get healthy and enjoy the wonderful parks and streets of Westminster, it can also be a social activity.

Since joining the Walking to Fitness group at her local Community Hub, Julia Abidi, 63, from Little Venice, has found walking with others helps her have fun whilst keeping active.

“Walking is a great way to wake up and it’s nice to have something to do, it gives me a routine to my week.

“I like to be with other people, so when my doctor told me I needed to start walking more to help with my sciatica I decided to join a walking group. Our group walks every Monday morning around Westbourne, Queen’s Park and Harrow Road.

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“I like to be with other people. It’s good for my health” Julia Abidi (far right)

Keeping Active

“We often go to Paddington Recreation Ground to use the outdoor equipment and walk around the park. I always enjoy it as it’s nice to see people. We have a chat and a laugh. Everyone has something to say and I’ve met different people.

“I have now been walking almost every week for two years. Since then I have joined more clubs and I have something on most days.

Now I am retired I need to have interests and activities each day to get me out of the house. It is great to wake up and have something to do.

“Now I do tai chi, yoga, over 50’s aqua aerobics and dance through Open Age. I really enjoy being part of the groups as I like to be with other people. It’s good for my health and my mental health.”

Why not try a 10 minute walk three times a day?

Most people already walk as part of their day and every little bit of walking counts.

You can build it up gradually to achieve the recommended 30 minutes a day to keep healthy, manage your weight and prevent long-term conditions like heart disease and diabetes.

To find out more about organised walks in Westminster call 020 7563 6217 or visit www.walkingforhealth. org.uk

There are 56 parks, gardens and open spaces in Westminster.

Become a walk leader Help others keep active and meet new people by volunteering as a walk leader. To register or for more information contact Central London Community healthercare on 020 7563 6213 or email hp.group@clch.nhs.uk

Free walking groups in Westminster Mondays, 9.15am Walking to Fitness.

Meet outside Edward Wilson School, Bourne Terrace, W2 5TL. Call: 020 8964 1900 Tuesdays, 11am Walking group and nature walks. Meet at Churchill Gardens Hub, Churchill Gardens Estate, SW1V 3AL. Call: 020 8964 1900 Tuesdays, 9.30am Meet at The Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL. Call: 020 8825 1067 Wednesdays, 1.30-2.30pm Healthy hearts walks. Meet at Clarence Gate, Baker Street entrance, Regent’s Park.

Call: 020 7935 2458 Thursdays, 10.30am History walks. Meet at Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX. Call: 020 8964 1900

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Keep warm and well Being prepared for the colder months will help you keep healthy and ensure your home is warm when winter arrives.

Preventing falls As you get older, it is easier to fall and hurt yourself. When it’s cold it can be even more difficult to keep your balance so it’s important to wear shoes with a good grip and use a walking aid such as a walking stick. Keep an alarm or mobile phone with you around the house or when you go out. If the weather is particularly icy it is best to avoid going out unless it’s really necessary.

For more advice call Westminster Falls Prevention Service on 020 7641 400.

Cold weather payments If you receive the State Pension you will automatically receive Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300, to help pay your heating bills. If you also receive Pension Credit you will usually get Cold Weather Payments.

You will receive the payments automatically and you don’t need to apply. If you own your home and receive certain benefits you may qualify for a Decent Homes Grant which can go towards improving your heating or insulation in your home.

For more information call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515.

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Get your flu jab Every year from October, the flu jab is available free on the NHS for anyone over 65. As new vaccines are produced each year it’s important that you have the it jab every year.

You should be invited to get your free flu jab by your GP surgery. If not, contact your GP to arrange an appointment.

Health advice

Get your health checked If you are aged 40-74 and do not have an existing health condition, you can ask your GP for a free NHS Heath Check.

Regular health checks can help identify potential health problems at an earlier stage and provide you with the information and support to prevent initial health or diet concerns becoming a problem. At your health check your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol will

be tested, you weight will be taken and you will have a blood test to check for diabetes. If there are any areas of your health or diet that need to be improved you will be signposted to the necessary support and advice.

To book your free health check contact your GP to make an appointment or call Rain Trust on 020 8964 2727 to make an appointment with a health trainer.

Get a free health MOT on Silver Sunday Sunday 6th October, 10.30am-3.30pm, Dental Department, Central London Community Health NHS Trust, 2nd Floor, Soho Centre for Health, 1 Frith Street, W1D 3QS. 020 8962 4659.

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Your recycling guide Contact us

Your mixed recycling collection is weekly Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Order your free recycling bags or container from your housing manager or caretaker, or contact us.

Put all your recyclable items together into your recycling bag or container.

Leave it out on your recycling collection day or put it in your nearest mixed recycling bin which may be in your building.

You can recycle:

Tip: Flatten your cardboard boxes and add to your mixed recycling

• to order free recycling bags or a container • to find your rubbish and recycling collection days and times • to find your nearest on-street micro recycling centre Visit: westminster.gov. uk/recycling Call: 020 7641 2000 Email: recycling@ westminster.gov.uk If you have a housing manager or caretaker please ask them for details of your rubbish and recycling services.