Westminster Plus #38 - Autumn 2020 - Silver Sunday Special Edition

Westminster PLUS Essential information for Westminster’s older residents

Issue 38 – Autumn 2020

Book now! Try something new on Silver Sunday, 4 October 2020

INSIDE

PLUS

Free Silver Sunday events

Celebrating the Unknown Warrior

Museums and galleries Health and wellbeing

Tips for keeping a healthy heart The importance of flu vaccinations

Dancing and exercise Tours and guides

Welcome

Welcome To our special Silver Sunday edition of Westminster Plus magazine

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

This year, for obvious reasons, things have been slightly different when planning Silver Sunday events. Social distancing and closures to public venues means we’re seeing an increase in the number of online events.

It’s an ideal time to think differently about the day. While socially distanced get-togethers are always nice, it can be equally rewarding to simply pick up the telephone and talk to a friend or relative that you know has been isolating.

tmitchell@westminster.gov.uk

Councillor The Lady Flight

October is also Black History Month, the annual celebration of the history and achievements of our black communities.

The next edition of our sister publication, the Westminster Reporter, contains a full look at the ways we are celebrating our BAME communities this year so do look out for that.

Be sure to visit the Silver Sunday website (silversunday.org.uk) to see what’s been added since this issue went to print, but also think about who you know that would enjoy seeing a friendly face and try reaching out. And please remember, if you are attending any in-person event, make sure to avoid gathering in groups larger than six people.

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 also email us at rsvp@ westminster.gov.uk. But we know that some of our residents are not able to access information online, so you can call us on our adults services line 020 7641 2500.

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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:

Silver Sunday is about bringing people together, old and young, to celebrate our communities

Westminster PLUS Essential information

for Westminster’s older

Book now! Try something

INSIDE

Issue 38 – Autumn 2020

residents

new on Silver Sunday,

Free Silver Sunday events Dancing Museums and exercise and galleries Tours and Health and guides wellbeing

4 October 2020

PLUS

Warrior Celebrating the Unknown heart Tips for keeping a healthy vaccinations The importance of flu

News

Collecting your experiences The Westminster City Archives is documenting the way our lives have been affected over the past few months to show how the lockdown has affected us all. We want to know how your life has changed, how you are adapting to new daily routines, and how living in Westminster currently feels.

You can express your interest via email at archives@westminster.gov.uk

A new way to consult with your GP Patients registered at NHS GP practices in Westminster can now access GP consultations and advice online for routine medical or admin issues. You can fill in a health questionnaire online and send it to your practice. You’ll get a response within two working days. Look for eConsult on your surgery website or ‘Ask Your GP for Advice’ on the NHS app.

Stay up to date on coronavirus Read the latest guidance on staying safe from COVID-19, or on what to do if you develop symptoms, plus full details on the NHS Track and Trace service.

Please visit our updated website westminster.gov.uk/ test-and-trace

Tea Dance delayed One of the highlights of every year is the annual Tea Dance at Grosvenor House Hotel. Unfortunately, due to restrictions surrounding the pandemic, we are sadly having to postpone this year’s event. While we would dearly love to have hosted hundreds of Westminster residents for such an unforgettable occasion, it is felt that given the circumstances, this would simply be impossible to manage in a manner that would be safe for all.

We strongly hope to return with a Tea Dance next year and we will make sure to bring you full details in a future edition.

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Celebrate a Silver Sunday like never before Silver Sunday is taking place on Sunday 4 October this year, and while we expect it to be a little different from previous years due to coronavirus and social distancing restrictions, it is more important than ever This year we are welcoming new ways to take part in Silver Sunday – including socially distanced walks and cycle rides, online performances and ‘virtual’ workshops. We hope it will continue to inspire you to connect with local organisations, have fun and make new friends.

Many events this year are taking place online in order to keep participants safe. While a world of Zooms and Skypes, browsers and links might be off-putting to some, please rest assured that any event using digital technology to take place will provide clear and straightforward advice to make sure you are able to take part.

We also we understand that everyone may not be able to take part in an activity this year, and so we urge everyone to do something kind for their older friends and relatives this October, particularly those who may not have been to get out very much over the last few months. A small act of kindness can make a huge difference – even if it is just sending a card with kind thoughts, or simply popping in for a cup of tea and a chat.

More events are being added all the time so make sure to keep checking the Silver Sunday website for all the latest information: silversunday.org.uk 4

Silver Sunday

Some of this year’s events include: Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace online tour Memories of London online museum tour A ‘Silver Screen Singalong’ led by a professional soprano Outdoor cycling tour of Westminster’s statues Online dementiafriendly concerts Aloud in the Cloud reading groups Workshops to improve your tech know-how A ‘Pie and Mash’ boat trip to Greenwich

Events and activities are donated by businesses, organisations and volunteers across the city and many of them are run by volunteers.

Silver Sunday is a programme by the Sir Simon Milton Foundation, a Westminster-based charity.

New events and activities are being confirmed all the time so do visit silversunday.org.uk for the latest listings.

For more information on the Sir Simon Milton Foundation visit sirsimonmiltonfoundation.com

Registered Charity Number: 1174405

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Pre-Silver Sunday events NOTE: All the information listed here is correct at time of this issue going to print.

Please be sure to check the Silver Sunday website (silversunday.org.uk), or contact the event organisers for precise, up-to-date details prior to booking. All circumstances subject to change. Please ensure that when attending any in-person event, no group size is larger than six people.

Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace

Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace Tuesday 1 October, 11am Online event via Zoom Join an online presentation and discussion, hosted by experts from the Royal Collection Trust, looking at some of the most important paintings in the Royal Collection from the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

30 spaces 012 3456 7890 or sarah.parker@rct.uk 6

Open Age Virtual Dance-A-Thon Friday 2 October, 10am – 4pm Online event via Zoom Grab your dancing shoes and some space at home and join us for a ‘fab-u-lous’ day of dance classes with the very best instructors and fantastic music! Absolutely all abilities and toe-tapping styles are welcome! Open to all boroughs, priority will be given to Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham residents. bookings@openage.org.uk Brought to you by

Aloud in the Cloud – Virtual shared reading group Saturday 3 October, 2pm Online event via Zoom A reading aloud adventure from the comfort of your own home – no need to prepare. Read aloud with the group, comment on the story or just listen! Led by library professionals, this reading for pleasure online social read aloud book group is a unique experience. bit.ly/aloud-cloud Aloud in the Cloud

Silver Sunday

Silver Sunday events Songhaven at Home – Dementia friendly concerts

‘London on the Move’ walking tour with a Westminster Guide

Available any time Online event via website Songhaven at Home is a free, online collection of 30-minute concert films. The repertoire includes well-loved classical melodies as well as songs from the musicals and wellknown popular tunes. songhaven.co.uk

Sunday 4 October, 8 one-hour tours between 10am – 1.15pm Mary Poppins statue, Leicester Square, WC2H Westminster Guides will take small, pre-booked groups on a walking tour through Soho, bringing to life the streets and the stories of the people who lived in this area.

5 spaces per tour 2020-silversunday. eventbrite.co.uk

Age UK and the English Symphony Orchestra Sunday 4 October, 7am – 11.30pm Online event via website Age UK and the ESO are coming together to bring you some beautiful virtual performances to enjoy safely in your own home.

Why not relax with a nice cup of tea accompanied by this delightful music!

0800 008 6077 or admin@ageukhw.org.uk

Museum of London interactive session Sunday 4 October, 10.30 – 11.30am Online events via Zoom Join the relaxed, interactive session which brings together people living with dementia, older people, loved ones and carers over

shared experiences of living or visiting London. memories@ museumoflondon.org.uk

Mini Health Check

Mini Health Check, Activities, and Tea Dance Sunday 4 October, 10.30am – 12 midday Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, Maida Vale, W9 1PD Everyone Health welcomes you to a Mini Health Check and our special Stretch and Strengthening Class.

Complete the session with a simple Tea Dance. julieharris@ everyoneactive.com

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A virtual tour with a Westminster Guide

Al-Hasaniya Moroccan Garden

Sunday 4 October, 11 – 11.45am and 4 – 4.45pm Online event Join a specialist Westminster Guide for an online tour using images of the streets and of the people who lived in Soho.

100 spaces westminsterguides.org.uk

Sunday 4 October, 1pm Base of Trellick Tower, Golborne Road, W10 5PA Al-Hasaniya’s delicious Moroccan home-cooked food will be packaged and delivered in a COVID-safe manner to everyone that registers.

50 spaces 020 8969 2292 or contact@al-hasaniya.org.uk

Garuda Dhara – Chair Pilates, Yoga and Qigong A Statue of Limitations

A Statue of Limitations – Free Cycle Ride Sunday 4 October, 10.30am – 12.30pm approx Wellington Arch Apsley Way, Hyde Park Corner, W1J 7JZ A circular cycle ride around south Westminster with a light-hearted review of some famous and notable personages depicted in Westminster in concrete form with a short commentary.

Contact Philip Benstead on 07949 801 698 or philipbenstead1@gmail.com

Sunday 4 October, Online Silver Swans 12 midday – 1pm ballet class Online event via YouTube The class is blended with Yoga, Sunday 4 October, Pilates and Qi-Gong for a chair 2.30 – 4.30pm based full body work out. This Online event Join a free online one-hour event for anyone. Exercises adult ballet class, suitable are designed for people who for absolute beginners suffer from injuries to their – no previous dance back, neck, shoulder, hip, experience necessary! knee issues or who have difficulty standing or lying 01612 806234 or down for long periods of time. info@janetlomasdance.co.uk 020 8109 3057 or serap27@yahoo.com Garuda Dhara

Silver Swans ballet class

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Silver Sunday

Post-Silver Sunday Listings Time for a Cuppa! with the Museum of London

EveryoneActive presents Tai Chi at The Rec

Monday 5 October, 10.30 – 11.30am Tuesday 6 October, 10 – 11.30am Online event via Zoom Join the Museum of London for Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, a relaxed, interactive session Maida Vale, W9 1PD which brings together people living with dementia, older We will host two 45-minute people, loved ones and carers sessions of Tai Chi and over shared experiences of Chi Gong. If we are unable living or visiting London. to host the event due to COVID-19 implications, memories@ we will move the event museumoflondon.org.uk online and host Tai Chi on the internet.

Healthy Ageing Nutrition and Wellbeing Workshop physicalactivitybookings@ openage.org.uk Monday 5 October, 1 – 2pm Online event via Zoom Pie and Mash at ONEYOU Westminster Greenwich – Boat trip presents a tailored Nutrition along the Thames and Well-being workshop Tuesday 6 October, with hints and tips on what adjustments you should make 10am – 5pm to your diet as you get older, The Abbey Centre, 34 Great advice on cooking for one, and Smith Street, SW1P 3BU ways to keep your brain active. The Abbey Centre is once 20 spaces again taking a ‘Pie and Mash’ trip to Greenwich, taking bit.ly/oneyouwest

a boat from Westminster Pier to Greenwich North.

07818 202935 or caroline.gandy@ theabbeycentre.org.uk

Pie and Mash at Greenwich

Trails of the City 6 and 8 October, 6 – 7pm Online events via Zoom Join qualified, knowledgeable guides on two walks through the city that look at the 60s – the 1660s and the 1960s. admin@ footprintsoflondon.com 9

Discovery with Three Silver Sunday is working with Three Discovery to give you the skills you need to get online.

Their programme of free, interactive workshops will give you a safe space to learn and ask questions about your mobile gadgets! All sessions start from 3 – 4pm and are designed to teach you digital skills to help your everyday life.

This year all workshops are running via the digital meeting app, Zoom. Full support along with clear and detailed instructions for joining a session will be provided when you reserve a place.

Spaces are limited so please book in quick to avoid disappointment. You can book a place at our website – three.co.uk/discovery. Just select ‘Oxford Street’ from the locations offered.

If you have any questions or need any help with booking a place, please do get in touch via the phone on 0800 1300 333 or by emailing discovery@three.co.uk

Do More With Your Smartphone Monday 28 September Feeling ready to do more with your mobile 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.

Introduction to Social Media Tuesday 29 September With so many social networks to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Discover the different 10

options in this introduction to the world of ‘friends’ and ‘followers’ and decide which social networks you’d like to explore further.

Discover WhatsApp Wednesday 30 September WhatsApp is a free way to connect with friends and family anywhere in the world. We’ll get you set up and show you the many ways to stay connected.

From sending messages, photos and videos, to making international calls – you won’t want to live without it.

Discover Mobile Photography Thursday 1 October Want to get the most out of your phone or tablet’s camera? We’ll help you to create amazing photos quickly and easily. We’ll cover all the need-to-know settings and show you the best ways to get that perfect scenic shot or selfie.

Discover Mobile Photography

Discovery with Three

Maximise Phone Storage

Using Google Maps

Discover Email

Friday 2 October Discover how Google can help you get from A to B, with easy to follow directions, using different modes of transport, and how to find useful and interesting places nearby.

Build confidence navigating the world around you, both at home and abroad.

Tuesday 6 October Today, we send more electronic mail than physical post and it’s easy to see why.

Email is quick, convenient and can be managed on your device, on the go. We’ll get you set up with an account and help you get to know your ‘Inbox’ from your ‘Outbox’.

Discover Facebook

Discover Digital Security

Monday 5 October They don’t call it the ‘Social Network’ for nothing.

There’s simply no easier way to keep in touch with friends and family, or even to reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with.

We’ll show you how to post updates, photos and more.

Wednesday 7 October 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 navigate the internet safely, avoid scams, choose strong passwords, and protect your device from viruses.

Thursday 8 October 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 all the things that you want and need.

Discover YouTube

Discover YouTube Friday 9 October YouTube is full of millions of videos and we’ll get you discovering how to find videos you love, subscribe to channels and create playlists to share and enjoy with friends and family.

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Remembering the Unknown Warrior This November marks one hundred years since the journey of the ‘Unknown Warrior’ from Flanders to Westminster Abbey The Unknown Warrior was intended to represent all those individuals who had given their lives in the First World War, but whose bodies were never recovered. The Warrior has since become a powerful symbol of those who have lost their lives in all wars.

During the original internment in 1920, Westminster Abbey’s choir sang nine hymns. These became the first electrical recordings ever sold to the public. Today, only two of these recordings still

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survive. To commemorate the centenary, the council is re-recording the hymns with all nine Military Wives Choir as part of the Unity of Song project. Abide with Me will be released as a single, while the other eight will be available as an album online.

The Military Wives Choirs is a subsidiary of the armed forces charity SSAFA and provides opportunities for any women connected with the military community to join a choir, helping to relieve feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Recycle... it’s easy!

Please only put the following in your mixed recycling: Mixed paper & card

Plastic bottles, pots & trays

Mixed glass bottles & jars

Why is it important to recycle correctly?

Recycling helps reduce pollution, save resources and protect the environment.

How do I get clear recycling bags?

• Order online: westminster.gov.uk/recycling-bags • Ask your porter or caretaker

How do I use the clear recycling bags?

• Live in a house or in a small block of flats?

– Check your collection day and time via: westminster.gov.uk/recycling – Leave your bags in clear view for our crews to collect.

• Live in a block of flats?

– Take your recycling bags to your building’s large black recycling bins.

– Ask your porter or caretaker for details.

Food tins & drink cans

Tetra Paks & cartons

• Live on a housing estate?

– Use your reusable blue recycling bag. Please email estaterecycling@westminster.gov.uk for a bag.

– Empty your mixed recycling from your reusable bag into the communal recycling bins, and keep to use again.

– Ask your housing manager about how to recycle on your estate.

No black bags No garden waste No polystyrene

For further information, visit: westminster.gov.uk/recycling

Keeping your heart healthy and happy Finding ways to keep your body active and your blood pumping smoothly can be tricky when staying at home is the norm. Dr Helen Flaherty of Heart Research UK offers the following advice on maintaining a healthy heart For adults over 65, maintaining physical function, slowing muscle mass decline and keeping bones strong is vitally important. Even small increases in physical activity can have a positive impact. It’s recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity, or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity each week.

You can break these down into daily or twice daily ten-minute sessions.

Moderate exercise can include brisk walking, gentle dancing, gardening or cycling. These will cause your heart to beat 14

faster, you’ll find yourself breathing harder, and you’ll get warmer.

Vigorous exercise includes running, riding a bike fast or on hills, hiking uphill, or more energetic forms of dancing. Following these, you’ll find your heart is beating much more rapidly, your breathing will be much harder than usual, and it will be difficult to have a conversation for a while until your body cools down.

For those not used to regular exercise, one tip is to set an alarm for specific times of the day, prompting you to spend ten minutes being active. You needn’t

worry about costly exercise equipment either – tins of baked beans make for great hand weights!

Keeping your heart healthy and happy

Healthy Eating High-protein foods are great for preventing muscle loss. Good sources include chicken or turkey, canned tuna, eggs and dairy products. If you eat fish, try two portions each week, one of which should be oily such as salmon, sardines or mackerel.

We all know about eating five portions of fruit and veg every day, but this can include fresh, tinned, dried and frozen varieties. Fruit and veg are packed with nutrients and fibre, both of which keep your heart healthy.

Dehydration can occur when you lose more fluid through sweating and urination than you consume. If you can, try to drink six to eight glasses or cups of non-alcoholic fluid every day. Keeping hydrated can reduce your risk of a heart attack, as well as help you maintain your cognitive ability.

You can find lots more exercise tips, health advice and nutritious recipes at heartresearch.org.uk, as well as Westminster-based health advice at active.westminster.gov.uk

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Have you had your free flu vaccine?

Flu season is upon us. Flu can cause severe complications, particularly for at-risk groups, and every year it hospitalises and kills thousands 2020 has been anything but a normal year. There has never been a more crucial time to make sure that you, and those you care for, are protected against serious illnesses such as the flu.

Keep your guard up against flu with the flu vaccine. It’s free for: • people over 65 • those with a long-term health condition • anyone who has been shielding and members of their household • carers • pregnant women, children aged 2 to 3, and children in school years up to and including year 7 Later in the year, the flu vaccine may be given to 50 to 64-year-olds. If you are aged between 50 and 64, please help the NHS vaccinate those most at risk first and wait until you are contacted by your GP. Protect yourself and others with the free flu vaccination.

For more information, visit westminster.gov.uk/flu-jab 16

I’ve had my flu jab. It’s free if you’re 65 or over I have my flu jab because it helps to protect me and the people around me.

And this year, it’s more important than ever.

The NHS will contact you to tell you when and where to get it.

Get your flu vaccination, stay well and protect the NHS.

SUPPORTING YOUR JOURNEY TO SUCCESS • As a way of supporting our communities during this challenging time, we are offering all qualification courses up to Level 2 FREE for all London learners until November 2020*.

• We are here to help learners prepare for employment or retrain for new careers.

• Our programmes are offered in an agile way so that we can learn online and remotely, or meet in a safe environment, as needed.

• Our experts are on hand to offer advice and assist with questions about careers, progression and leisure learning.

• Our higher-level programme offer is still available, and can be funded by advanced learner loans.

• We are committed to support all our learners prepare for employment, learn new skills and combat isolation.

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

• 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 | 219 Lisson Grove, London, NW8 8LW * Subject to Terms & Conditions (does not apply to full cost courses and there may be material or exam fees)