Making A Difference!: Free!
Making A Difference!: Free!
Making A Difference!: Free!
FREE!
INSIDE:
Making a difference!
22nd November 2011 proved to be a very special day for staff and volunteers at Age Concern Kingston as they won the 2011 Guardian Public Services Award for Service Delivery: Care of Older People. The Fit as a Fiddle (FAAF) project, funded by the Big Lottery, beat stiff competition from hundreds of local and national organisations. The panel of judges chose Age Concern Kingston FAAF because of its demonstration of good practice and promotion of community cohesion.
Motivation
Since its set up in April 2010, the project has supported 350 people over the age of 50 who wanted to lose weight and keep fit. No wonder the judges were impressed 75% of participants lost weight and now eat more healthily and 86% have more active lifestyles, leading to improved balance, strength and posture. One woman reflected, When you get old you dont think you can do things, so you dont try; its given me confidence, I now know I can do anything. FAAF has provided the inspiration, motivation and self-esteem that many participants had given up on.
l Successfully targeted hard to reach groups l Worked with individuals with mental health challenges l 75% of participants lost weight and now eat more healthily l 86% of participants lead more active lifestyles l A potential reduction in fall-related accidents and obesity-related health conditions l For every 1 invested, a 3.50 social return on investment
Champions further supported FAAF by engaging with people from minority groups and those living in deprived circumstances. Care and consideration was taken to tailor activities to meet the needs of different cultures and last April the programme was adapted to work with people with mental health challenges.
Success
The success of the project rests largely upon Grace Shorthouse, FAAF project coordinator and local champions who led activities, publicised the programme and ensured the activities continued after the initial six weeks.
Savings
The project showed that supporting people to make informed lifestyle choices can lead to better quality of life and a reduced strain on public services. The Big Lottery commissioned an independent evaluation of the project.
Their study found that demand on the NHS for fall-related incidents (for which Kingstons record is worse than the national average) and obesity-related health problems would potentially be reduced. It is estimated that there could be as much as 29,100 per annum of avoided falls treatment costs and a total value benefit for obesity-related health problems estimated at 1,530. Researchers used a recognised measurement known as Social Return on Investment (SROI) to evaluate the social value of the programme, concluding that the approximate social return on investment generated by FAAF is 3.50 for every 1 invested.
If you would like further information about Fit as a Fiddle please contact Grace Shorthouse on 020 8942 8256, email grace@ageconcernkingston.org
Ken Livingstone I am proud that one of the first acts of my political career was to help introduce the Freedom Pass. Ever since, I have been committed to delivering, extending and protecting it. Thats true again in 2012. Not only will my Fare Deal plan to cut fares by 7% save the average Londoner 1,000 over the next four years, it will also make the cost of delivering the Freedom Pass cheaper for local councils facing tough decisions. As Mayor I introduced Safer Neighbourhood teams into every community across the capital. But Boris Johnson has cut police numbers by 1,700, as incidents of violent crimes have risen. Every Londoner has the right to feel safe in their home and their street, and thats why Im committed to restoring Boris Johnsons cuts to police numbers. I care passionately about London and will always put Londoners first.
Boris Johnson As Mayor of London, I have focused on making London safer and better. I am putting 1,000 more police on our streets and one million more patrols annually. This has cut crime by 10% and London is the safest it has been for 10 years. 697 police have been placed on Londons transport network and alcohol banned on our tubes and buses. I have secured 22bn to make our transport more reliable. Ken Livingstones policy of raising taxes especially hurts pensioners who are on fixed incomes. In contrast I have frozen City Halls council tax and am cutting it this year. I extended the Freedom Pass to 24 hours, making travel more convenient for older commuters. I have also tackled rising fuel bills by introducing the RE: NEW scheme to make your houses more efficient.
Brian Paddick This May, Londoners arent just electing a Mayor; theyre electing the head of the Capitals policing, the most important elected police chief in the country. As a Former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Met Police, with over 30 years of experience in the police, Im the perfect candidate. Crime is the number one issue for Londoners. After last summers riots, and a rise in robbery and burglary, Im not surprised. Im passionate about improving the relationship between police and communities. I look forward to letting Londoners know how I plan to change the face of policing and restore that trust and confidence weve lost in the way in which they respond and operate. I want to use this opportunity to repeat my promise that the London Liberal Democrats would ensure the continuation of the Freedom Pass.
In April an information booklet will be sent to every Londoner, this will include information on all candidates and how to fill in ballot papers. If you would like to receive the booklet in large print, audio format or Braille contact London Elects at info@londonelects.org.uk / 020 7983 4444.
How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8942 8256 Email: admin@ageconcernkingston.org Website: www.ageconcernkingston.org
Editorial Team: Tom Bell, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Debbie Cottrell. agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org You can view agenda news on our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org and follow the links. The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, email: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Park Communications Ltd, telephone: 020 70556500. Printed on 100% recycled paper
In the summer edition of agenda news, as well as the Jubilee and European football celebrations, well be looking forward to the main event of the century so far the 2012 London Olympics. Locally, theres a lot happening. The main event for Kingston is the Cycle Road Race which hits town on 28th and 29th July; there is also the Cycle Time Trial on 1st August. As well as these events there will be many local activities for the community, involving all ages, and we encourage readers to get involved. Age Concern Kingston will be participating in some joint fundraising activities, including a Guinness World Record attempt! If you are interested in joining us then get in touch. The summer edition will be out in early June.
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Feedback
Why should I do voluntary work? This was a question I asked many times before I joined Age Concern Kingston. This is the story of how I became a volunteer and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. In 2009, along with thousands of others, I found myself unemployed. After the initial shock, upset and anger, I realised I would have to sign on at the Job Centre. Being in my fifties, I knew my search for employment was not going to be easy, but at the time I did not anticipate just how hard it would be. As the weeks turned into months, interviews did not materialise and no offers of work came my way. My selfesteem, confidence, and mood became extremely low and all I could think about was the skills I had built up over the years going to waste. I felt totally abandoned, useless and worthless. Reaction After some months I had to attend a group session at the Job Centre. It was suggested that voluntary work can sometimes lead to permanent employment and also looks good on a CV. My reaction to this was: I dont want to volunteer I want paid work, so I took no action. On one of many days, sitting at home browsing websites in search of work, I came across I enjoyed most, and which to me was most important, was meeting and greeting the centre users, having a chat with them and helping them out if necessary. I began looking forward to my Monday morning my mood and confidence began to lift, my self-esteem started to return. I began to feel normal and not so isolated and I was also learning. Confidence After 21 months without paid employment, I successfully applied for a position as a Receptionist/Appointments Clerk. I was over the moon, Christine Davies at Raleigh House however, a big part of me will miss doing my voluntary work. Age Concern Kingston. Volunteering for me has only First looking at job vacancies, been a good experience. It has I noticed a section on given me back my self-esteem volunteering. I noted the and confidence. I also learned telephone number, but even a lot. Ive met different people then it took a time before I and the most important thing rang. When I eventually called, is that members and staff I was at rock bottom. I went appreciate the help you give. along and had a chat with a I also believe that working for lady who dealt with volunteers Age Concern helped me get who told me they needed the paid job due to the someone to handle the cash rescue it provided when and general admin duties in I was very down. Raleigh day centre. Pointing So, if you are thinking about out that I was looking for paid volunteering, dont just sit work and that I had no there, go and do it! Who experience of some of the knows what you might gain duties involved, I was taken on. from it? I found the staff very friendly, I know I will go back to helpful and the place had a volunteering one day. happy feel about it. The thing Christine Davies
AGENDA EDITORIAL
Award-winner
Many of our lead stories have quite rightly covered the crisis in the economy, especially its effects on care and health services. This is our 12th edition and it is refreshing to lead with the positive news of Age Concern Kingston achieving a tremendous accolade in winning the Guardian Award. Clearly this is good grounds to blow our own trumpet, but the truth is we achieve nothing on our own. It is a fantastic example of what can be done when partnerships work. Indeed, valuing people, their interests and their involvement is the key to success. We would like to thank everyone involved for making Fit as a Fiddle an award-winner.
We are grateful to Christine for her feedback. The full version of her article can be found on our website. Please send your letters and feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
Winners of the Guardian Public Services Award for Care of Older People 2011
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AGENDA INTERvIEW
Siobhan Clarke is a nurse professional with extensive experience in the NHS. She joined NHS Kingston Primary Care Trust (PCT) in September 2007 from Hillingdon PCT, where she was Director of Provider Services and Chief Nurse.
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Pension Credit
Minimum Guarantee Single Person Minimum Guarantee Couple 142.70 217.90
Attendance Allowance
Lower rate Higher rate 51.85 77.45
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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons are also available for members and non-members. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Cathy Weight
The Bradbury
The Bradbury is a drop in centre for the over 50s. With a lively, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, Bradbury offers a wide range of activities, from tai chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches (including a roast lunch on a Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. In the summer you can eat al fresco as we have a pleasant patio garden. The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Coordinator: Lucy Webster
It was excellent, I didnt want it to end, and I hope they will be back again soon. Bradbury member
If a laugh a day keeps the doctor away, then members of the Bradbury Active Age Centre will be in the doctors good books after Silver Comedy came to visit in January. The group were crying with laughter as they impersonated Sir Winston Churchill and Queen Elizabeth II and in stitches during the murder mystery finale, as Silver Comedy trio, George, Carlton and Kate tried to work out who killed the onion seller tickled to death by a feather boa! Silver Comedy works with organisations and groups, providing specialist comedy trainers and comedians to engage and entertain older people and mixed age groups. Their skilled trainers enable people to make their own fun, including supporting improvisation, sketch writing and live performances. For more information about Silver Comedy, feel free to contact George Badderly: email george@silvercomedy.co.uk or tel 0752 515 4616.
Get involved with the Queens Diamond Jubilee and London 2012 Olympics this summer with Age Concern Kingston. Raleigh House and the Bradbury Centre will be hosting a variety of themed activities to coincide with the nations two major events. Many readers will remember the Coronation and the last
London games in 1948. Were you there? Send us your memories and stories, or have your say on this years events and feature in the summer edition of agenda news. Write to us at agenda news, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org.
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DIARY DATES
Age Concern training and events
Raleigh Saturday Club
A service for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am 2.00pm at Raleigh House. Next dates: 10th March, 14th April, 12th May, 9th June, 14th July. 3 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact Raleigh House on 020 8942 8256/020 8949 4244 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.
Mobility Club
For people using mobility scooters or wheelchairs. Second Wednesday of the month, 3.00pm 4.30pm at Raleigh House. Contact Cathy on 020 8942 8256/020 8949 4244 or email cathy@ageconcernkingston.org for more information or if you would like to attend.
Lunch Clubs
In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court The Charles Lesser Lunch Club Lunch Club Tuesdays Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, New Malden Charles Lesser House, Chessington For more information call 020 8942 8256.
volunteering opportunities
What is Lend a Hand?
Lend a Hand is a voluntary service for older carers of another older person nearing the end of their life. Volunteers meet weekly with carers on a one-to-one basis to support them in accessing the information, advice and support they need. This might include information on benefits, money matters and practical help, providing links with local solicitors and support services including counselling and bereavement support. Carers of people at the end of their lives say they just want a listening ear, someone to be there for them in person, someone to share the emotion and practical burden of their situation. One carer said: There are so many difficult choices to make as a carer, what helped me the most was knowing there was someone to support me throughout.
Whats on in Kingston
Kingston Pensioners Forum
Second Monday of the month at Richard Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston. For more info call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.
u3A Kingston
First Monday of the month, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.
Dont go hungry
Age Concern Kingston has joined other local organisations as a distributor for the newly launched Kingston Foodbank, providing food boxes for people and families in crisis. Age Concern Kingston will hold the food boxes in order to respond swiftly to any request we receive from an older Borough resident in difficulties. Food boxes will be delivered as soon as possible to the persons home. For more information please contact us on 020 8942 8256.
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age concern
Kingston upon Thames