Talkabout Suffolk - The magazine of the Partnership with Older People in Suffolk - Winter 2011
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Talkabout Suffolk Winter 2011 The magazine of the Partnership with Older People in Suffolk
Contents
We can help to make
your voice heard PAGE 3
for a better quality of life
Telephone chat can
be a lifeline PAGE 4
POPS Service Guide
POPS Office POPS forums lead
Deborah Meekcoms 01284 757 783 to new activities! PAGE 5
pops@ageuksuffolk.org
http://www.onesuffolk.co.uk/POP/
Culture Club & Suffolk Artlink Mobility scooter booklet
Hayley Field 01986 873 955
hayley@suffolkartlink.org.uk is well worth reading PAGE 6
http://www.suffolkartlink.org.uk/
culture-club.htm
Alzheimer’s Society Deputy Mayor
East Suffolk 01473 211 050 tries Tai Chi PAGE 7
Lowestoft & Waveney
01502 514 712
West Suffolk 01284 766 433 Learning to live well with dementia PAGE 8
SCC FIAS Visiting Team FACTSHEET:
01473 581 802 for Digital TV switchover PAGE 9-12
Bangladeshi Befrienders
Shayra (women) Noman (men) Celebrating Home Service
01473 429 740 Golden Girls PAGE 13
shayra.begum@bscentre.org.uk
Age UK Suffolk POPS Services
http:www.ageconcernsuffolk.org.uk Home from Hospital
enquiries@ageuksuffolk.org
Befriending Services to a warm welcome PAGE 14
01787 378 773
Benefits Advice & Helpline
01449 674 222
Village visits project
finds community spirit PAGE 15
Community Links Team
01473 353 057
Domestic Information Line My house: My home: My life responses PAGE 16
08453 300 470
Independence Advisors New project to help
01473 288 048
LGB&T community PAGE 17
Other Age UK Suffolk Services:
01473 359 911
VOICE panel findings
revealed in report PAGE 18
2
Editorial
We can help to make your voice heard
I am writing this in December 2010 at a time when some of you may be getting
concerned about what you are reading in the newspapers: all the changes at
Suffolk County Council and people are wondering how it will affect them and the
services they receive from social services, the fire service, the police and so on;
increases in gas, electric and heating oil coming in at a time when you are keeping
your heating on longer than usual; and the increase in VAT in the New Year which
will add to everyday costs.
I would urge you, at every opportunity, to make your views known on proposed
changes by the councils or the NHS and, especially, how they will affect you and
any frailer friends and neighbours. While we at Age UK Suffolk cannot stop those
Daphne Savage things happening, we do want to help retired people to be heard so that their
experience can influence how changes will happen. I welcome you copying any
comments you make to the various agencies to me or, if you don't want to make your views known directly
to them, just write to me at the address below and we will ensure your opinions are heard, which can be
anonymously if you prefer.
It's also very important to ensure that everyone realises that older people have already created the Prime
Minister's Big Society, including here in Suffolk. Retired people are volunteering in good neighbour
schemes, lunch and social clubs, befriending services, playgroups, sports clubs, community transport,
hospitals - you name it and retired people are volunteering and making it work! They are supporting
other older people, children and young people, their own and other people's families. So when some
people talk about the increasing older population as a burden, I feel we should be shouting “Absolutely
not - the increasing number of retired people is going to be our greatest resource!” This is why we need,
as we age in Suffolk, for our councils and the NHS to ensure that we can keep as well and active and
independent as possible. If you have ideas about that - I'd like to hear those too!
Daphne Savage, Chief Executive of Age UK Suffolk, 14 Hillview Business Park, Old Ipswich Road,
Claydon, Ipswich, IP6 0AJ. Email to daphne.savage@ageuksuffolk.org
Dear Reader,
We seem to be living in a topsy turvy world where it is hard to think about
global warming when you are struggling to stay warm at home.
The Partnership with Older People in Suffolk (POPS) is doing its best to be
your eiderdown in winter and your parasol in summer during difficult times.
We hope that you will find an inner glow through the pages of this magazine.
Do please have a look at our brief questionnaire on the yellow sheet of paper
which you can return to us by FREEPOST. By returning the questionnaire
you will be helping us to help you and you could win a prize hamper into the Gavin Hodge
bargain, delivered to your door!
Kind regards, Gavin
Editor: Gavin Hodge, Age UK Suffolk, 14 Hillview Business Park, Old Ipswich Road, Claydon, IP4
0AJ Tel: 01473 298 686 Email: gavin.hodge@ageuksuffolk.org
Membership Secretary: Malcolm Rogers, (Address as above) Tel: 01473 298 685 Email:
malcolm.rogers@ageuksuffolk.org
If you have changed your address within Suffolk, moved away, or wish to report the death of a
member, please send the information to the Membership Secretary. Applications for new members
should also go to Malcolm please.
We have 13,604 members at present.
3
POPS Services
A chat can be a real lifeline!
A friendly chat over the telephone each week can
really cheer you up if you live alone, and that's the
principle behind the Age UK Suffolk Telephone
Befriending service.
We have a team of volunteers around the county
(more are always welcome!) who are happy to
telephone one or more of our older clients for a weekly
chat. It is a free service because the Telephone
Befriending service covers the cost of each call.
These chats can lead to lasting friendships
between volunteer and client and often also lead to
other needs being met for the older person. Emma Chapman is co-ordinating Telephone
After co-ordinating the Telephone Befriending Befriending
service for several years Loretta Shewring has here at Age UK Suffolk and, despite Loretta being
now left Age UK Suffolk and a new face and voice a hard act to follow, I will do all I can to continue
has taken over the role. Emma Chapman will be a the great work she has been doing.”
familiar voice to people who have called our head Emma would be delighted to hear from you if you
office for the past two and half years because would like to become involved in our Telephone
Emma has been our welcoming receptionist. Befriending service, either as a client or a volunteer.
Emma said: “I am thoroughly enjoying my new role You can reach Emma on 01787 378 773.
Ahoy there all old salts and marines!
Seafarers Link is an award-winning project that is giving retired
Royal Navy sailors, Royal Marines, merchant seamen, trawler
men and their spouses the chance to link up for a FREE chat by
telephone on a regular basis.
Originally launched in Hull by CSV's Retired and Senior Volunteer
Programme (RSVP) the project is now available in Suffolk. The
idea is to link up people with a maritime connection through
telephone friendship groups, giving them the opportunity to
connect with others who share an interest in seafaring so they can
swap stories and make new friends. Funded by the Maritime
Charities Funding Group all calls are FREE to those taking part.
The sea is both a beautiful and perilous working environment that
creates a unique bond between seafarers and their families.
Following retirement many former seafarers report that what they
miss most is the close on-board friendships that are forged when
serving at sea. Seafarers Link provides an easy way to recapture
those friendships.
Community Network – the UK's only telephone charity – uses the latest telephone conferencing
technology to provide this unique service. Each telephone friendship group has up to eight
members who link for up to an hour every two weeks. To ensure the calls are varied, interesting and
enjoyable, Community Network also provides free training in how to conduct a telephone friendship
group to one member of each group.
For further information contact Community Network on 0845 619 9992 or email
enquiries@community-network.org
4
POPS Services
POPS Talkabout forums lead to new activities!
The Partnership with Older People in Suffolk
(POPS) would like to thank all who have attended
our Talkabout forum events held in Sudbury,
Brandon, Woodbridge and Lowestoft during 2010.
We listened closely to what you told us at the
forums and we have been working in partnership
with other organisations to try and instigate
changes based on YOUR recommendations.
In Sudbury we have been working with The Bridge
Project, based in Gainsborough Street, where you
can now access Age UK information. We have met
with SS Leisure and Babergh Sport to discuss
starting new projects in the New Year for people in
later life and we have had correspondence with
Great Cornard Parish Council about the Outdoor
Gym at The Stevenson Centre in Great Cornard.
Meanwhile, at Brandon we have had some great Anita Walkinshaw explains about Falls Prevention
successes! Working in partnership with Keiran
Williams from Anglo Community Leisure and for over 60's to start in the New Year. Alongside the
Michelle Jacobs from Forest Heath DC we accessed activities programme there will be a coffee morning
funding to create a new Tai Chi Class for the over where people will be able to meet new friends and
60's at the Brandon Leisure Centre. It proved so have access to a variety of organisations that will
popular that we now have two classes running! also be involved.
Another key wish for older people in Brandon was We are still compiling information from the
access to the swimming pool at Mildenhall. There Woodbridge Talkabout. Following Anita
was not any suitable transport to take them to the Walkinshaw's fascinating demonstration session
pool at the times when a swimming session was about Falls Prevention and a chair-based exercise
available. Thanks to Keiran's persistence we taster session we had a lot of interest from people
have now received funding to run a subsidised about starting a new chair-based exercise group.
return bus from Brandon, priced to include the We also received some good suggestions about
swim for older people. We are optimistic that this how to get the important Falls Prevention message
will be very popular! out to all older people.
At the time of writing our Lowestoft Talkabout has
We continue to work with Keiran, Michelle and
only just taken place and it was a very well
Nigel Snape, Brandon Leisure Centre manager,
attended and successful event, building on what
and are putting together a programme of activities
we learned from the previous Talkabouts.
We would like to thank all attendees at these
Talkabouts for their recommendations and helping
us to understand what they need. Thanks also to
the organisations which gave their time freely to be
involved at each event and to the enthusiasm of
new partnerships that we are continually forming to
set up projects for people in later life.
If you would like to know more, or you would
like a Talkabout event held at a place near you
then please write to Debbie Meekcoms at Age
UK Suffolk, Saxon House, 7 Hillside Road, Bury
Guests at the Lowestoft Talkabout enjoy chair- St Edmunds, IP32 7EA. Tel 01284 757 783 or
based exercise Email: pops@ageuksuffolk.org
5
Disability News
Choosing and using a mobility scooter
Suffolk Constabulary and them for their support.”
disability charity Optua have Road Policing Inspector Zoe
worked together to produce a Finn said: "Inappropriate use of
new guide to using mobility mobility scooters not only
scooters and powered impacts on the individual user,
wheelchairs safely in Suffolk. but other road users, including
The guide has been put together pedestrians, with the potential
following concerns that some for a higher degree of injury due
users in the county are not aware to the nature of the vehicles
of the safety issues involved in involved. We have dealt with
using scooters and powered incidents involving users taking
wheelchairs. to main roads and dual
Mobility scooters and powered carriageways, failing to comply
Linda Hoggarth (seated centre) with road signs and directions
wheelchairs can provide more
and friends with the new and ending up being injured or
freedom and independence to
Mobility Scooter booklet injuring others in collisions; often
many disabled and older people.
However, there have been some due to excess speed. We are
scooter and powered backing this new booklet and
instances where mobility
wheelchair users who use hope users take on board the
scooters have been used
them irresponsibly, this is still advice so that our roads and
dangerously or thoughtlessly in
concerning as they may be street remain safe places to walk
pedestrianised areas, on
putting their own and other and drive on."
footpaths or on the road.
people's safety at risk. We
The new guide gives advice and have put together this handy The guide is available from
information about the types of guide which we hope will help Optua on 01473 836 777 and
mobility vehicle available, people make the most of their will be distributed to
where they can be used and mobility vehicles and take full shobmobility centres, and
how to use them safely and account of their responsibilities. mobility vehicle retailers
legally whilst out and about. We are very pleased to have throughout Suffolk. It is also
worked in partnership with available to download at
Linda Hoggarth, Chair of
Suffolk Constabulary to www.optua.org.uk
Optua, said: “Although it may
only be a minority of mobility produce this booklet and thank
New Wolsey offers accessible shows
Jack and the Beanstalk
Friday 7th January 2011 @ 7.30pm – Captioned Performance (Sponsored by
The Hearing Care Centre, Ipswich)
Saturday 8th January 2011 @ 2.30pm – BSL Interpreted Performance
Saturday 15th January 2011 @ 2.30pm – Audio Described Performance and
pre-show Touch Tour
A Midsummer Nights Dream
Friday 25th February 2011 @ 7.45pm – Captioned Performance
Guys and Dolls
Friday 8th April 2011 @ 7.45pm – Captioned Performance
Saturday 16th April 2011 @ 2.30pm – Audio Described Performance and pre-show Touch Tour
A Passionate Woman
Thursday 12th May 2011 @ 7.45pm – Captioned Performance
Saturday 14th May 2011 @ 2.30pm – Audio Described Performance and pre-show Touch Tour
6
POPS Services
Deputy Mayor joins in Tai Chi taster
portfolio holder for health and culture, Jeremy
Pembroke, Leader of Suffolk County Council
and other councillors and members of the public
from as far away as Lowestoft. Various
organisations were represented on the day to
promote their services including chair-based
exercise as well as traditional music, dance and
refreshments to promote Bangladeshi culture.
Deputy Mayor of Ipswich David Goldsmith
(centre) joins in Tai Chi taster
Deputy Mayor of Ipswich David
Goldsmith joined in a Tai Chi taster
demonstration at an event
BANGLADESHI
SUPPORT CENTRE celebrating the achievements of the
Bangladeshi Support Group and Befriending
Scheme.
The Befriending Project currently supports 100
people, and an NHS-funded Bangladeshi
Support Group Health Project has benefited
more than a 1000 people in the Ipswich area.
The Bangladeshi Befriending Scheme also
hosted a Health and Wellbeing event at Suffolk
County Council's HQ which was attended by
200 people.
Guests included the Mayor of Ipswich, Jane
Chambers, Rosemary Clarke, county council
Advisor available on debt The Man from
and saving on heating Stowmarket
Suffolk County Council's Financial Inclusion and Advice Service There was a man from
(FIAS) visiting team (previously called the Practice Advice team) has Stowmarket
appointed an older person's debt and fuel poverty adviser working as Who had a car, but couldn't
part of the service. This post has been set up in partnership with park it!
Suffolk PCT, Age UK Suffolk, Ipswich Borough Council and the Town He tried and tried with all
and Bridge project. his might
The adviser, Michael Keeble, can offer a home visit to check your It really was a comical sight
energy consumption and to see if there is any help available to you to
A friend of his, whose name
improve the energy efficiency of your home. This could help you to
was Mike
save money.
Said “if I were you, I'd buy a
He can also offer a debt advice service to anyone in Suffolk aged 50
bike”!
or over.
Reader contribution
To book an appointment please ring FIAS on 01473 581 808.
7
POPS Services
Everyone can help people with dementia
Here in Suffolk we are working to make sure that important, as is reducing harmful behaviour such as
people with dementia get the help and support they smoking and excessive drinking. We want to make
need. For that to happen, we need to make sure that people are aware of the benefits that living
dementia something that people are not a healthy lifestyle can provide, not only for physical
uncomfortable to talk about. The two Primary Care health but for their mental health as well.
Trusts (PCT's) in Suffolk and Suffolk County Over the next few months we'll be asking lots of
Council have been working together as part of their people to give us their advice and ideas on what
Joint Strategy 'Living Well with Dementia', to try they feel would be the best way of communicating
and raise awareness and understanding of these really important messages to communities
dementia. across Suffolk. One thing we do know is that no two
We're focusing on making communities aware of communities are the same, so we won't be treating
the first signs of dementia, so that people know them as such. We want to tailor our approach in
how to respond, bringing help and support those order to achieve the best outcomes for each
around them. This could range from just keeping community. We would therefore welcome
an eye on the people around you to popping round comments from anybody who feels they have
to a neighbour's house for a cup of tea and a chat. something they would like to share. If you'd like to
Just doing something small for somebody with know more, or want to comment, an Advisory
dementia in your community could make the world Reference Group has been established through
of difference for them. We know that one of the which you can participate.
biggest issues for people diagnosed with dementia If you are worried about your memory, or think that
can be loneliness, while keeping active and you or somebody close to you might have
remaining independent are extremely important to dementia there's lots of help and support available
maintaining a good quality of life for people living – the first step is to talk to your doctor.
with dementia. For further information on Living Well with
A common misconception is that dementia is an Dementia please contact John Lambert,
inevitable symptom of ageing. But in reality there Commissioner Adult & Community Services,
are lots of things that you can actively do to reduce Suffolk County Council, Endeavour House,
the risk of developing dementia. Ensuring that you Russell Road, Ipswich IP1 2BX
maintain a healthy and balanced diet, and get a Tel 01473 264 439 or email:
good level of physical exercise is extremely john.lambert@suffolk.gov.uk
Age UK Suffolk provides support
Age UK Suffolk has a range of services for you and your family at a time to suit you. The
people with dementia and their family carers. team worker will be someone you can talk to
These include: who understands dementia and the way it can
l Carers support groups affect people's lives. They are also able to assist
l One to one support for carers
you to access services.
l A specialist team of workers providing adult We also offer specialist day care in Sudbury and
social care services to people under 65 with Bury St Edmunds, which gives people the
dementia and their carers across Suffolk. opportunity to take part in a range of activities or
just sit and relax in a friendly and supportive
We aim to offer information, advice and support
environment with understanding staff.
to help people with dementia and their family
carers to continue to manage their lives If you are interested in any of our dementia
positively. People with dementia and family services for yourself, a friend or a member of
carers can refer themselves to the team. A your family, please call us on 01449 674 266 to
worker from the team will arrange to meet with discuss your needs.
8
FACTSHEET
Health and Wellbeing Factsheet Number 8
Digital Switchover and you….
This factsheet will help you understand what digital switchover
is all about, and how the Switchover Help Scheme for older
people can help you to get through it. Where you see the switchover
switchover symbol (to the right), this indicates there is extra,
more detailed, information available (free) on the subject – just
contact Age UK Suffolk at one of our three Help Centres
mentioned at the end of the factsheet to request the leaflet you
require or telephone Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50.
What is it all about?
The Government wants to change the way all households in the
UK get their television signal. This change is often referred to as
digital switchover. The switchover in the Anglia Region is taking
place between March 2011 and December 2011.
switchover Ask for a copy of your guide to the digital TV
switchover in Anglia TV region
Who is affected by the switchover?
If you have more than five channels already you are probably
already watching digital TV. However, if you are watching
Freeview then you must remember to retune your equipment
at both stages of switchover.
switchover Ask for a copy of the leaflet about re-tuning
your equipment
If you have more than one TV, read on to find out if you are
eligible for the Switchover Help Scheme, which could help you
convert another TV in your home to digital. Once the region is
switched over to only receive digital signals, any television you
have that has not been changed to receive digital signals, will no
longer work.
When exactly will switchover happen for me?
This depends from which transmitter you receive your television
signal. There are two main transmitters for people in Suffolk –
one in Sudbury and one at Tacolneston in Norfolk. Households
receiving their signal from the Sudbury transmitter will be
switching over in July 2011 and those receiving their signal from
Tacolneston will be switching in November 2011. You can find
9
FACTSHEET
out which transmitter you receive signals from by telephoning
Digital UK on 08456 505 050 or looking at their website
www.digitaluk.co.uk. You will need to quote your postcode and
house number to find out.
Do I need to buy a new TV?
No, you don't need to get a new TV as almost any TV can be
converted with a digital box, even black and white televisions.
Most digital boxes connect to a TV using a SCART cable. If
there isn't a socket for the cable on the back of your TV, you will
need to ask for a digital box with an RF-modulator.
Do I need to buy a new Video or DVD recorder?
Your video or DVD recorded will still record and play back, but
most won't be able to record one channel while you're watching
another. You can purchase a digital TV recorder to overcome
this problem.
If you do want to buy a new TV or recorder look for this logo (to
the left). This means the equipment is designed to work through
and after the switchover.
switchover Ask for the leaflet Buying Digital TV
Equipment
Do I need to get a new aerial?
Most rooftop and some set top aerials will continue to work after
switchover. If you have good reception now it is unlikely you will
need to replace your existing aerial.
switchover Ask for the leaflet Is your TV aerial ready for
digital switchover?
If you do need a new aerial or need your existing one repaired,
you should use a Registered Digital Installer (RDI) who is
displaying the digital logo like this one to the left.
To find an RDI near you, call Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or
look at the website www.rdi-lb.tv If you can't find an RDI then
Digital UK recommends you look for an installer with Associate
RDI or CAI Plus status, or ask your local electrical retailer for
advice.
10FACTSHEET
If you live in a flat it is likely that you receive your TV signal via a
communal aerial system. Talk to the person who manages your
property, as the system may need to be upgraded or replaced
for switchover.
switchover
Ask for the leaflet Calling all Tenants
Is any help available with understanding all of this?
Yes! The Switchover Help Scheme is run by the BBC and is
there to help older and disabled people with the switchover to
digital TV.
The Scheme will help those who are eligible to convert one of
their TV sets to digital. They will clearly explain everything to
you and give you an idea of your options.
switchover Ask for the leaflet Switchover Help Scheme.
Or look at www.helpscheme.co.uk
Who is eligible for help with the Switchover Help Scheme?
Help is available for everyone who
· Is aged 75 or over OR
· Has lived in a care home for six months or more OR
· Gets (or could get) Disability Living Allowance, Attendance or
constant Attendance Allowance or Mobility supplement OR
· Is registered blind or partially sighted.
Will I have to pay for the help?
Yes, the standard offer of help from the Switchover Help
Scheme will cost £40.
However, the service will be Free for people who are eligible (as
listed above) and also get:
· Pension Credit OR
· Income Support OR
· Income related Employment and Support allowance OR
· Income based Jobseekers Allowance.
You must have a valid TV licence (free if you are over 75) to get
help.
11FACTSHEET
What kind of help is offered?
The Switchover Help Scheme team will talk over the options
available and supply the following support:
· Help to choose the right equipment to convert one TV to
digital.
· Home delivery, installation and demonstration of equipment.
· A new aerial or dish, where it is necessary to make the
equipment work, and where it is possible to fit one.
· Ongoing help after switchover for up to one year whilst people
are getting used to the equipment.
What do I do now?
If you are eligible for help, the Switchover Help Scheme will start
writing to you between 5 – 7 months before your signal switches
over. This letter will make you aware of the help available to you
and invite you to respond and ask for assistance. If you don't
respond to the first letter, the Switchover Help Scheme will write
to you again offering the help.
If you are eligible for help and live in an area covered by the
Sudbury transmitter, look out for a letter through your door with the
Help Scheme Logo on around January 2011. If you are eligible
and live in an area covered by the Tacolneston transmitter, you are
likely to receive your first letter from the Help Scheme around May
2011. (Look at Pages 1 and 2 of this factsheet to see how to find
out from which transmitter you receive your TV signal).
You must respond to the letter if you want to get help from the
Switchover Help Scheme, so please don't mistake it for junk mail!
The envelope will bear this Help Scheme Logo(to the left).
Want more information?
Contact Age UK Suffolk's local Information Help Desk for copies
of leaflets mentioned in this factsheet:
Ipswich (41a Upper Brook Street) 01473 257 039
Bury St Edmunds (The Risbygate Centre, Risbygate Street)
01284 757 750
Lowestoft (Station Square) 01502 586 308
Or contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 www.digitaluk.co.uk
Factsheet written by Age UK Information Department Nov 2010. With thanks to
Sarah Barrett, Switchover Help Scheme Regional Network Manager – Anglia,
for her help with this factsheet.
12POPS Services
Celebrating 10 years
of friendly assistance
Bouquet for a
Golden Girl
Mrs Elsie Toulson (pictured left) visited the head
office of Age UK Suffolk to help celebrate more
than 10 years of service by Home Service
Assistant Clare Zbrozek (right). Mrs Toulson has “Worth her weight in gold” is the oft-heard
been one of Clare's regular clients since 2002 description of Mairee Banham, pictured (left)
and she was presented with a bouquet to with Age UK Suffolk Services Director Sharron
commemorate her visit to Age UK Suffolk. Cozens. Mairee visited Age UK Suffolk's head
Home Service Assistants provide paid help office to celebrate more than 10 years as a
such as cleaning and shopping for many Suffolk Home Service Assistant in the Lowestoft area.
citizens in later life and lasting friendships often Mairee has helped many clients over the years
develop between clients and their regular and is also a Home Service Visitor who drops in
Assistants. If you would like to know more about to see new clients to help assess their needs.
Age UK Suffolk's Home Service then please Sharron presented Mairee with a long-service
contact the Home ServiceTeam on 01473 357 070. certificate and a bouquet to mark her valuable
contribution to the wellbeing of older people.
Suffolk Sing-Together raises the roof !
Suffolk Artlink worked with community create innovative arts projects for older people.
musician Bridget Cousins to lead singing Feedback from people who took part in 'Sing
workshops for six different community Together':
groups in Waveney over a two-month
“A fun activity I wouldn't normally have done…
period. They reminisced about songs
I thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon…met new
from the past, shared songs from their
people…a lovely social afternoon…great to sing
personal repertoires and were introduced to
with other people…a good feeling and
African songs.
confidence…singing makes you happy.”
The 'Sing Together' afternoon was designed to
To find out more information
bring all of the groups together in a celebratory
about Culture Club please
sing-along afternoon. The 70-strong choir led by
Ring Hayley Field or Gabby Cox
Bridget Cousins and Jaqi Alden joined together in
on 01986 873 955
song and laughter.
E-mail: hayley@suffolkartlink.org.uk
‘Sing Together’ forms part of the Suffolk Artlink's gabby@suffolkartlink.org.uk
Culture Club programme. Culture Club works in Visit www.suffolkartlink.org.uk
partnership with arts and cultural organisations to
13POPS Services
Home from Hospital to a warm welcome
Coming home from hospital knowing that someone will have made
sure that the house is warm and ready, and that shopping can be
done for you is a real comfort.
Someone who can visit for a cup of tea and a chat or to do a little light
cleaning for you makes a real difference as you recover fully.
Returning home from hospital is a time when a recent patient can feel a
little vulnerable, particularly if they live alone, and a friendly Support
Worker or Volunteer visiting to make sure that they are comfortable helps
to ensure that the person will not need to be re-admitted to hospital.
This is the principle behind Age UK Suffolk's free Welcome Home Sue Kennedy manages
Service based at West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds. Welcome Home from Hospital
Sue Kennedy, who manages the Welcome Home Service, explains how the service works: “We have an
office within the hospital. The team consists of myself, a Volunteer Administrative Assistant, three
Support Workers and a team of Visiting Volunteers. All our clients are referred via health care
professionals, occupational therapists or the social care team.
“Our aim is to support people who may feel vulnerable on their return from hospital. We can bridge the
gap for those people who may not have a close relative or friend who can support them during the first few
days after their discharge from hospital. The support we provide can include shopping, light house-work
and laundry. Often as not, a person returning home really needs their confidence boosting. Our team are
very skilled at identifying a persons difficulties and may be able to get in touch with other services and
organisations who could offer longer term support if needed. These services could well be provided by
one of the member organisations in the Partnership with Older People in Suffolk (POPS) or other Age UK
Suffolk Services such as befriending or the Home Service. We can also signpost people to Day Centres,
so they have a regular day out in good company” Said Sue. She added that regular visits are initially
provided for two weeks but can be provided for up to 6 weeks if needed.
The Welcome Home Service is funded by Suffolk County Council's Adult Community Services. The West
Suffolk Hospital provides the office accommodation within the Hospital.
If you would like to know more about the Welcome Home from Hospital Service for West Suffolk
Hospital patients you can reach Sue Kennedy on 01284 712 942 or email: sue.kennedy@wsh.nhs.uk
New Information desk launched at hospital
Ipswich Hospital patients and their relatives, friends or carers might like to note that Age UK Suffolk
has launched a new monthly Information Desk in the Information Centre (South Wing) of the Hospital.
The Information desk will be open on the third Wednesday of the month from 2pm to 4 pm including:
Wednesday 19 January 2011 Wednesday 16 February 2011 Wednesday 16 March 2011
Helen Taylor, Information Manager at Age UK Suffolk, said “We are very pleased to be working with
Ipswich Hospital NHS Trust to offer this information point within the hospital. We hope it will prove
useful both to older patients and their families and friends. Visitors and patients will be able to find us
within the Hospital's Information Centre, which is situated close to the South Ward entrance, just
next to the coffee shop. Our Information Assistant will be able to give a range of information on our
local services for older people, as well as suggesting help available from other sources. Whatever
the issue, we don't want people to wonder whether it's relevant or not, the message is simply –-
come and talk to us.”
Miss Taylor said “I'd also remind readers in the Ipswich area that Age UK Suffolk has a local
information Help Centre situated at the rear of our Charity shop at 41a Upper Brook Street, Ipswich.
Our friendly and well informed staff are available to help callers who can drop in to see us between 9
am and 5 pm, Monday to Friday, or contact us by telephone on 01473 257 039.”
14POPS Services
Village Visits project finds community spirit
Community Links officers at Age UK Suffolk are taking the lead on a
new Village Visits partnership project by joining forces with Optua –
the charity for people with disabilities, Suffolk Family Carers and
Suffolk Mind – the charity for people with mental health issues.
The combined knowledge and resources of four major local
charities are working together with Suffolk communities to find
possible gaps in support services or facilities within a village or
community. In building strong relationships with a community we
hope to deliver community-led responses to bridge those gaps.
We started by taking up a fantastic opportunity to join Wendy
Joy Emeny (right) and Nikki Sadler and her band of loyal volunteers at Shotley's regular ‘Soup-
Riddle lead the chair-based a-Lunch’. This event in Shotley Village Hall allowed us, the Village
exercise taster Visit Partnership, to meet residents in a relaxed, informal and
enjoyable setting.
Our shared aim was to raise awareness of needs and assist in developing local support systems
where possible. Each charity provided a promotional stand for information and guidance to guests,
while our staff mingled with people to discuss issues and queries. We explained what we do, how
we can help and how we each work across Suffolk to support local communities like Shotley.
Before lunch was served we gave everyone the chance to participate in a fun chair-based exercise
taster session, led by Joy Emeny and Nikki Riddle. It was great to see so many of the guests keen
and willing to join in! This type of exercise can help older (and younger) people regain fitness and
reduces the risk of falls. . . as a result of this session 10 Shotley people have asked us to help them
have regular chair-based exercise sessions at the village hall!
We would like to thank Wendy , her helpers and all the guests for making us so welcome at Shotley.
We hope to build on this new relationship and we also hope that other communities who would like a
similar visit will get in touch.
For further information please contact Kristie Burdett, Community Links Manager,
Age UK Suffolk on 01473 359 911 or email to Kristie.burdett@ageuksuffolk.org
Buoyant Bingo sounds like fun!
Buoyant Bingo is a brand new The beauty of swimming is that
game designed to be enjoyed by the buoyancy of water protects
the over 60's, and contribute to a your body from strains by taking
healthy and active lifestyle. away any excess pressure on the
Under a ‘Swimming Sixties’ bones, joints and muscles. So
banner at Deben Swimming there is no harsh pounding or
Pool in Woodbridge, staff have jerks to jolt the system. Swimming
created a form of Bingo that can is a lifelong activity. Deben pool
be played in a swimming pool also has a new range of floatation
through the use of giant bingo equipment available to enable
cards! Every bingo card is a anyone interested in taking part,
community card; therefore you regardless of their swimming test out this brand new game,
never know when you're going to ability. please contact Activities Co-
stumble across a potential An initial 8 week programme will ordinator Christopher Marais at
winner. Buoyant Bingo is fun, start on 1st February 2011 and Deben Swimming Pool
safe and open to anyone willing will cost just £2 a session. So if Woodbridge on 01394 384 763
to get into the pool - no matter you are over the age of 60 and or email to
how well you swim. would like to be one of the first to chrismarais@dcleisure.co.uk.
15POPS Questionnaire
‘MY HOUSE, MY HOME, MY LIFE’
We have learned so much from your responses!
We promised to come back to you about the we can't yet answer:
analysis of the Winter 2010 questionnaire 'My · Why are the older age groups more content with
House, My Home, My Life'. In the Summer 2010 their home and location than the younger age
magazine we gave some interim findings but group?
because of the huge response (1,303 replies) we · Why are there such differences in health
needed help to carry out a more in-depth and concerns depending on where you live?
statistical analysis of your responses. The experts
I have my own theories and I am sure you do as
were found at the University Campus Suffolk
well, but the reality is we do not know! We will,
(UCS) Centre for Applied Research where Dr Will
however, see if we can find funding to do some
Thomas, Senior Research Associate, and his team
further research and if you are interested in
gave their time for free. . .
participating in another project on housing
We were particularly interested in how the concerns then give me a ring and we will get back
responses to the questions about things you would in contact with you if and when the time is right.
change regarding your home were influenced by
Once again a big THANK YOU for filling in the
where you live and your age. The analysis found
questionnaire almost a year ago – and to Will
that:
Thomas and his team at UCS. The information
· People living in rural areas are much more likely you have provided has, and will continue to, ensure
to be concerned about access to amenities and that organisations responsible for providing
where they live. However, they appear to be less services for older people know what you want and
worried about future health issues; maybe what your priorities are.
because if you live in the country you are more Jo Collins, Community Involvement Manager
healthy!? (01473 353 057)
· People living in urban areas are generally
happier with their location, but more concerned
about the size and quality of their home.
· People in the 51-70 yrs age group are most likely
Beware electricity
to want to change their location, whereas the 91+
years group appeared to be most content with pre-payment scam
their location. This might indicate that the
Energy UK are warning people to beware of a
'younger' age group are anticipating a need for
scam in which doorstep criminals offer cut-price
more suitable accommodation as they age?
energy to people with pre-payment meters.
· People living alone generally want to continue to
live in their current location, but anticipate that The fraud, organised by criminal gangs, is
this may be difficult (typically regarding access hitting customers across the country and
to transport and services). Ipswich is featuring as a hotspot.
· People living alone are usually older (45% of 51- To avoid the scam, customers are being urged to
70 year-olds; 56% of 71-80 year-olds; 65% of only buy their electricity meter top-ups from
81-90 year-olds and 70% of 91+ year-olds) official PayPoint and Payzone retailers or the
Post Office. Otherwise the danger is that the
· There was generally little difference in the
customer could end up paying twice: once to the
replies according to which Local Authority
criminal on the doorstep and then again to their
District people live in.
electricity supplier who can detect the fraud.
Many more interesting statistics have come from
this analysis and we will be producing a report If you know anyone illegally selling electricity
which will be sent out to a range of organisations meter top-ups, contact Crimestoppers
and partners so that your views can be taken into anonymously on 0800 555 111.
account when looking at current and future You can also contact Consumer Direct on
housing plans. As you would expect, the research 08454 04 05 06
has also left us with a number of questions which
16POPS Services
Tell us how services are treating YOU in Suffolk
Are you lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender? Do you
know an older person who is?
Age UK Suffolk has just launched an exciting new project
called Opening Doors Suffolk, which wants to hear from
older lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T)
people. Historically, these are very hidden individuals (although probably
about 6% of the population) whose particular needs and opinions are
often not taken into account when services are planned for older people.
Age UK Suffolk is interested in finding out about LGB&T people's experiences of using older people's
services. By services, we mean things like home helps, advice centres, care agencies, advocacy,
bereavement support, hospital wards, care homes, respite care, information providers, luncheon clubs,
day centres, etc. We want to hear about your experiences as well as any views or ideas you have about
how services could better respond to you or meet your needs.
Our Project Worker understands that older gay and lesbian people have lived through the years when
homosexuality was a criminal offence and classified as a mental illness and therefore may have
experienced fear about 'coming out' or have never done so. Although legislation in the last ten years has
finally given LGB people almost equal rights in this country, sadly this does not always change people's
attitudes and there is still a lot of homophobia (fear and hatred of gay people) in our society today.
We also understand that whilst people who are transgendered have historically joined with LGB people in the
fight against prejudice and discrimination, their concerns are not always the same, which is why this is an LGB&T
project. We know that trans people often experience very high levels of prejudice and discrimination.
Given the above, when LGB&T people face some of the problems of ageing - especially when needing care
at home, in a care home, a move to sheltered housing or a stay in hospital - they can be faced with 'coming
out' at a time when they feel frail or ill and least able to cope with possible prejudice or discrimination.
Our project worker, Lois Peachey, would like to hear from you and you can contact her by phone or e-mail
or can write to her at Age UK Suffolk. If you would like to meet her, she will be happy for this to be
somewhere you feel comfortable. Any information you give her will be held in the strictest confidence.
We want to learn from you so that we can improve support and services for older LGB&T people and, we
hope, even start changing attitudes.
For further information please contact Lois at Age UK Suffolk, Claydon address (on page 3), by
phone on 01473 359 911 or her mobile on 07841 460 375 or e-mail lois.peachey@ageuksuffolk.org
Coastal lofts project spells warmer winters
Do you live in Suffolk Coastal District and qualify for free loft insulation* but are unable to go ahead
because you are not able to clear your loft?
If the answer is yes, then Suffolk Coastal District Council (SCDC) may well be able to help.
The council has been funded via the Local Strategic Partnership to carry out a pilot project to clear
lofts ready for insulation, and then install the insulation. Arrangements are made for the removal
and storage of belongings while the insulation is installed and, if necessary, help can be made
available for sorting through belongings before reinstating back into the loft.
As this is a pilot project, applications will be considered from SCDC residents on a ‘first come, first
served’ basis since the budget is limited, so don't miss out on this opportunity to insulate your loft.
* To enquire whether you are eligible for free insulation please call 0800 2321677 or Warm
Front on 0800 072 9004. If you find you are eligible, then please ring Jayne Howlett to register
for this project on 01394 444 506.
17POPS Services
Banham Drive residents scoop top garden award
Residents of Banham Drive in Sudbury had cause for celebration when this
semi-sheltered estate of retirement bungalows scooped the Best Community
Garden award in the Pride of Sudbury competition 2010.
The entry had been compiled and submitted by Joy Dodman who is a Local
Link for Age UK Suffolk and a Banham Drive resident.
“We were so delighted to win the top award at our third attempt,” said Joy
who was invited to collect the prize certificate from Mayor of Sudbury,
Councillor P F Goodchild, on behalf of the residents.
Joy said all the residents entered into the spirit of the competition and she
also praised Simon, the council gardener who regularly tends the estate.
Every year Joy organises a Garden Day event in Banham Drive in addition to
regular coffee mornings which she hosts at her home throughout the year.
Just recently Joy has been recuperating from a major operation and she has
Joy Dodman become a client of the Age UK Suffolk Welcome Home From Hospital project
receives the award run from West Suffolk Hospital at Bury St Edmunds.
from Mayor of
“I think Welcome Home is an excellent service. I was impressed with the
Sudbury Peter
thoroughness of the Assistant when she first came to help me and we went
Goodchild
through the registration paperwork. She will be coming regularly to help me
around the house until I am back on my feet,” said Joy.
See also the article: “Home From Hospital to a Warm Welcome” (p14)
Voice panellists give views on housing
The Voice project has a The report gives a feeling for life as it is today for
panel of older people who older people in Suffolk. There were many positive
have volunteered to be comments but also concerns expressed e.g. “In a
involved and consulted on recent emergency, paramedics were unaware of
important issues which the Green Cross pot in the fridge.”
affect older people. They The 'Pot in the Fridge' or Datalink pot scheme has
are interviewed in their been running for some years. The idea is to
home and a report is complete forms inside the plastic pot giving details
written which is sent to of medicines taken, emergency contacts, next of
people at Suffolk County kin etc. The pot is stored in the fridge, with a sticker
Voice Co-ordinator
Council, the NHS, District on the door to alert emergency services to it being
Claire Rose
Councils, other charities there, vital if you are unable to give the information.
and other interested organisations and individuals. Following the distribution of the Voice report we
The first Voice report across the whole county, 'My found that, while many older people are aware of the
House: My Home: My Life', was issued in August. scheme and have the pots, there was much less
78 people had been interviewed. The panel were awareness workers in the NHS and councils. Pots
asked about their house, its location, running are available for collection only from the Age UK
costs, adaptations, external support and what Suffolk offices in Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St
people were most happy about or what they would Edmunds, price 35p, and also from other agencies
like to change. e.g. Homeshield.
Recommendations were made concerning We are now busy interviewing for our next
sheltered accommodation, transport, Post Offices, consultation, 'Keeping in Touch', about social
access to computers, making emergency services contact. The report will be published in the New
aware of the 'Pot in the Fridge' scheme, static Year. If you are interested in becoming a
mobile home parks and helping people to be aware member of the Voice panel do contact us on
of all the issues when purchasing a property. 01284 757 784.
18POPS Services
Food n Friends guests explore Reminiscence Box
Guests at the Cookpole Café Food n Friends club enjoyed
the opportunity to explore the contents of a Reminiscence
box supplied by the Suffolk Museums Service. The aim is to
stimulate memories and conversation and that was
certainly the case for Cookley and Walpole residents at this
regular monthly drop-in lunch event at Walpole Pavilion.
Perhaps the most popular item in the box was a 1960 issue
of Picturegoer magazine. In addition to talk of Tommy
Steele's marriage plans there were many articles and
pictures of stars including Paul Anka, Robert Wagner,
William Holden, Stuart Witman, Sammy Davis, Eartha Kitt,
Debenham Cross Green Food n Friends Roy Castle and Audrey Hepburn.
guests enjoying their Christmas meal
When we produced a pair of laundry tongs from the days of
washing in a copper one of the guests said “I've still got a pair of them and I use them every week.” Other
items in the box included a 1950 Dandy comic, a 1957 TV Times, an August 1978 Ipswich Town
programme and other items from butter pats to an icecream scoop. Plus a bar of Sunlight soap.
The monthly Cookpole Café, held every fourth Thursday, offers homemade soup and a choice of filled
rolls, then cake and tea or coffee. All items are individually priced so guests choose as much or as little as
they want. It is one of our Food n Friends clubs. Most of our other clubs are held in the host's own home
once a month and guests pay just the cost of refreshments provided at cost – usually £2 to £3.50. It is a
chance for a regular chat, a bite to eat, and to make new friends who live locally.
We are always pleased to hear from people who would like to become a Food n Friends host. Perhaps
you could really make a difference to the lives of older people in the community where you live.
For more information about Food n Friends clubs please contact Community Links Officer
Gavin Hodge on 01473 298 686 or email to gavin.hodge@ageuksuffolk.org.
19Census of Population
Don't forget to fill in the Census form
In the spring, every household in the United Kingdom will be taking
part in a Census of the population. The Census has been held every
10 years since 1801, except for 1941 during World War 2.
A census provides an excellent source of information about the
population in your community and across the county. It enables
central and local government, the Police, the Fire Service, the NHS
and many other organisations to plan housing, education, healthcare
and police and emergency services for years to come.
Why do we need a Census? What do I have to do?
We need a census because a lot has changed in When the questionnaire envelope comes through
the past ten years. We need to know where the the door you'll easily recognise it by the purple
population has increased, where people live and 2011 Census logo. The questionnaire includes
what services they need. The best way to find out is details of how to fill it in and how to get help if you
to count them. need it. You can complete it as soon as you wish
The Census findings will affect the amount of and send it back in the envelope provided. The
support given to local authorities and play a major official date for the Census is 27 March 2011.
part in their ability to provide local services, so it is
crucial that the population estimate is as accurate as If you want to complete the questionnaire
possible. The level of funding for services in Suffolk online, your individual internet code will
will not be as high as it could be if the census return
rate from people in Suffolk is low. It is therefore be on the front of the questionnaire. Don't
important that you complete your census forget that it is a legal requirement
questionnaire and encourage others to do so. to complete the Census.
20You can also read
