Issue 4 l Spring 2010

agenda
Kingston upon Thames

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Your view, your life, your news

INSIDE: PRE-ElECTIoN SPECIAl

Your views Your parliamentary page 6 candidates views page 7

The votes that count...

The over 50s are more likely to vote than any other generation. The estimated turnout for the over 65s is 75%, as compared with just 32% of under 25s. In addition, older voters are increasingly prepared to switch their vote to the party that best addresses their concerns. Most describe themselves as floating voters. As a result, politicians cannot afford to ignore their needs and wishes if they want to win the next election. This fact was acknowledged at the Party conferences last year, with issues affecting older people a hot topic on the agenda, but it remains to be seen if these will be followed through after the election. In this preelection special edition of agenda, we outline the policies we want to see the next government adopt and the key issues at stake locally, as well as talking to the local parliamentary candidates about what they propose to do for you.
Age Concern

is desperately needed to ensure people have the choice to remain living independently.

End discrimination and abuse Bring the ban on age discrimination in the NHS into immediate effect rather than waiting until 2012. Tackle ageism in the workplace and in the media and bring the campaign against elder abuse into the mainstream. Improve public transport Create a more accessible, joined up transport system and better and more reliable door-to-door and community transport through consultation with older people, as set out in the Winter issue of agenda. The withdrawal of Capital Call and the Kingston Enterprise has had a severe impact on older peoples mobility and has increased their sense of exclusion and isolation and needs to be tackled urgently. Safety and security Improve safety and security for older people both inside and outside the home by tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and improving the environment for to reduce the risk of falls and increase accessibility. Adult education Redress the balance to make adult education as much of a priority as youth education and make lifelong learning accessible and affordable for all.

What policies would give you a better life?

Age Concern Kingstons Election Manifesto:

Health and care Increase investment in preventative measures now, thus saving money on treatment and care in the long run. In addition to this, more funding should be put into dementia research. Join up health and social care services to create a fully integrated, accessible service and support the voluntary sector to help people to stay independent and in their own homes for longer.

Society for all ages Create more opportunities for contact and support between the generations in order to strengthen community cohesion and tackle negative perceptions and stereotypes. The balance also needs to be redressed to make older people as much of a priority as the younger generations. Support for voluntary sector Local authorities should more actively support voluntary organisations such as Age Concern Kingston to enable them to support older people and the local community. Retirement age Scrap the default retirement age and replace it with a flexible, phased approach to

retirement. Forced retirement is ageist and leads to a loss of skills and talent. Carers Increase support and benefits for carers of older people and older carers and improve access to treatment for early stage dementia, which severely affects carers. Pensions Increase the state pension and link it to national average earnings. Information and advice Support people to make their own choices by improving access to advice and information. Housing Kingston council housing stock is very old and private housing is expensive. Affordable, quality housing

See page 6 to find out more about the issues that are important to you and to have your say.

Handyperson service launched

At the beginning of March, Age Concern Kingston launched its new handyperson service. This is a low cost, non means-tested scheme and is available to all over 55s in the Borough, whether homeowners, private tenants or council accommodation residents. Under 55s with a disability will also be eligible. The handyperson is able to carry out non-emergency work involving small repairs, minor adaptations and odd jobs. These include, but are not limited to: l minor carpentry work l putting up shelves and curtain rails l fitting a spy hole l changing light bulbs l home safety checks
Age Concern Kingston

Advice team receives award

Age Concern Kingstons Information and Advice Service has been awarded the Community Legal Service Quality Mark Standard for General Help with Casework in Older People following an audit at the end of last year. The General Quality Mark enables members of the public who are in need of a whole range of advice on issues The advice team with the ClS Quality Mark certificate affecting older people to receive a quality assured service. The auditor commented that the advice team clearly knows its community and the needs of its clients very well and is in high demand for its valued and respected service, reflecting the positive public perception of Age Concern Kingston. The quality of the service the advice team provide can be illustrated through the following example of a success they have had recently: Mrs X had been on the point of giving up with her claim for Attendance Allowance after ten months of trying. The team supported and encouraged her to take her claim to the benefits tribunal where not only was she successful, but she was awarded the benefit at the higher rate.
Age Concern Kingston

Handyman Ian Klyne and co-ordinator Heather Bruneau

The cost is 20 for 2 hours, plus the cost of any materials. Clients will be expected to pay on the day. For more information and to book an appointment, please contact the Handyperson Co-ordinator, Heather Bruneau, on 020 8408 8177.

Free personal care at home

A Bill proposing to offer free care at home to those older people who are most in need has been passed by the House of Commons and has had its second reading in the House of Lords, where it now needs to be passed if it is to become law. The measure would apply only to those living at home with critical personal care needs defined as requiring help with four or more activities of daily living, such as washing, visiting the toilet or dressing. The Personal Care at Home Bill was introduced by the Government in November last year and is believed to be the first step towards the creation of a national care service, a uniform, affordable care system for all. The legislation would benefit an estimated 111,000 people who now pay for care privately or are charged by councils. It would cost an estimated 670m a year 420m of which would be funded by the Department of Health with local councils expected to fund the rest. However, doubts have been raised over the numbers of people who would be covered under the proposals and the eligibility criteria that need to be met. There are also concerns about how the Bill will affect older people with lower needs and the impact on local authorities already facing financial difficulties and a lack of resources.

Renew your Freedom Pass NoW!

The London Boroughs Freedom Pass 2008 2010 will expire on 31st March 2010. Those aged over 60 living in a London borough are automatically entitled to the Older Persons Freedom Pass, which will be valid from 2010 2015. They will need to obtain an application form from the Post Office or download it from the Freedom Pass website at www. freedompass.org. Freedom Pass holders will need to obtain a new photograph for the new style Freedom Pass. Previously, people have taken their Freedom Passes to the Post Office and renewed them at the end of March. However, as it may take ten days to Freedom to travel process the application, there is currently a campaign encouraging people to complete their renewals as early as possible. Many people that our advice team are speaking to do not appear to be aware of this campaign and think that they can renew at the last moment. We advise anyone who has not renewed their Freedom Pass to act immediately and get down to the Post Office and fill in the form. We are not sure whether there will be any period of grace with Transport for London for people who do not get their passes renewed in time.
Age Concern

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 First Contact Telephone Helpline: 020 8408 8170 (MonFri 10am12pm) Email: firstcontact@ageconcernkingston.org
Editorial Team: Laura Barker, Anne Bren, Shane Brennan, Janet Evans, Natasha Rosner. agenda email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org You can now view agenda on our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org and follow the links. The views expressed in agenda 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

Kingston u

Age Concern and Help the Aged merge to form new charity
Age Concern England and Help the Aged have merged to form a new charity called Age UK, and will be known by this new name from April. Joining forces will create one voice for older people.

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AgENDA EDIToRIAl

Letters
I feel I have been discriminated against! Once upon a time newspapers used to put coupons (with a table of articles for sale which you fill in with items you want to sell and send back to the paper) on their advert pages. They no longer do this and you either have to email or phone. I phoned and asked them to advertise some items for me. I was told that it would cost me 2.50 per word. If I did it by email, it would be free! There must be lots of older people like me who dont have email (I cant even type!) I was paying for the phone call, so why the discrimination? Your friend, Catherine Evans We wrote to the Informer to complain about the situation and they responded with the following: Although we appreciate that not everyone has a computer in their home or is computer literate, the vast majority of people nowadays at least know someone be it a family member or friend who can give them access to this medium. We are no longer able to provide this FOC service by phone or by coupon and

Please send your comments and feedback to agenda Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org

They need your vote!

On page 7 you can read what some of our parliamentary candidates are saying they will do if elected. Just as important as the general election are the local council elections, which will take place in May. Everyone recognises that Kingston upon Thames, like everywhere else, faces an increasing squeeze on its finances, but short term thinking by the next administration should not dominate how our services are planned and delivered in the future.

therefore suggest that someone places the advert on behalf of your member by visiting www. surreyherald.co.uk/bookanad. Age Concern Kingstons advice team has placed an advert with the Informer on Catherines behalf but we do not feel that their response is particularly satisfactory. It makes the assumption that people know someone who can place an advert online for them, when this may not always be the case, and it also encourages a dependency on others rather than supporting people to be independent.

Firstly, Age Concerns agenda is an excellent idea and very informative. Secondly, could we please have a list of Pensioner Annual allowances published in an easy-to-read format with the title of the allowance and the amount? And finally, thank you for your ongoing work on our behalf. Bernard Meade Thank you for your comments. We will be including a list of pensioner allowances and benefits in the next issue of agenda, as these will change in April.

Challenge
In the coming weeks and months, challenge those who ask for your vote to commit to supporting not only the services for the most needy but, equally importantly, those organisations that help our residents every day to stay independent by providing preventative and support services. Not only are these critical to our well-being, they are also the most likely to go unsupported when local authorities look for savings. Our lead article sets out what we believe should be the priorities in the coming elections. In summary, we want Kingston to be a great place to grow older, to be age friendly, a place in which people thrive as they age, where people live healthier, fuller and happier lives. This election gives you the opportunity to have your say, so make sure you let your potential representatives know what you believe is important. It would be more than helpful if you could add your support to this campaign, as there is no doubt that without a local bus service, life for elderly people in this area will become very difficult indeed. A higher demand for the Diala-Ride service will also follow. Thank you in anticipation of your help. Yours sincerely, Roy Priestley Thank you for your letter. Age Concern Kingston strongly urges Surrey County Council to reconsider these proposals and has written to them voicing its concerns. This is a bus service which many older residents rely on to get around, and its termination will severely reduce their ability to access vital services such as health, shopping and leisure facilities, thus greatly diminishing their quality of life.

Having had an opportunity of reading the winter edition of agenda with the headline Accessible Transport for All, I feel that your attention should be drawn to the proposed withdrawal of the only bus serving the Lovelace area of Surbiton. For several years we have depended entirely upon the 514 bus operating hourly between Hersham and Kingston. Insufficient though it may be, it has at least provided a regular link to shopping and medical facilities. Now, under proposals issued by the Surrey County

Council, this meagre service is to be ithdrawn with effect from 1st September 2010. Many residents have already responded with strong objections. This area of Surbiton, and the adjoining streets of Long Ditton, are occupied by many retired and elderly people who depend almost entirely upon a bus service for their daily needs, and representations have been made to the county Principal Transport Officer. Appeals have also been made to Councillor Bowen-Hitchings representing Surbiton Hill Ward, and to Mr Edward Davey MP.

Advertise here!
Agenda is produced on a quarterly basis and has a circulation of 3,000. It is distributed across the borough to, among other places, care homes, day centres, sheltered accommodation schemes, hospitals, GP surgeries, leisure centres and churches, and is read by older people and their relatives, health and social care professionals, other voluntary organisations and local services. If you would like to advertise in agenda or would like more details, please contact agenda (see page 2).

514 bus may get dropped ISSuE FouR

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AgENDA voluNTEERINg

life as a volunteer
Age Concern Kingston recently carried out a survey to find out what their 140 volunteers thought about volunteering for them. The results where overwhelmingly positive, with all volunteers being satisfied or very satisfied with their experience and believing that it makes a real difference to their lives. Here are some of the comments from the survey: I feel like a proper grown up now with a job! I have learnt a lot of new skills which makes me feel more confident. It has enabled me to meet people from other walks of life, to get to know younger people. Its good to be doing something positive for the community. I think volunteering is a new challenge and I am finding it very rewarding. Many of the volunteers at Age Concern Kingston are older people themselves over half are over the age of 65. Its older volunteers are also generally its longestserving ones, with many joining over 10 years ago and a handful more than 20 years ago, when Age Concern Kingston was Malden and Coombe Older Peoples Welfare Association. Volunteering provides mutual benefits to charities as well as to volunteers themselves. It helps keep people active, improving their mental and physical
Age Concern Kingston Age Concern Kingston

Volunteer profile
Michael Whicher
Michael, 76, is both a volunteer and a member at Raleigh House Day Centre. He has been volunteering since spring 2009. Coming to Raleigh House was one of the best things that happened to me after my wife died. One of the hardest things I found about going out was that it was always couples and I was always on my own. Someone then suggested I come to Age Concern Kingston, and I thought: why not give it a try? As soon as I started, I realised what I had been missing all these years. During my professional career, I worked for part of the civil service as a guard for the Victoria and Albert museum, and I then moved up to a management position. I worked there for 27 years. When I retired in 1996, I received the Imperial Service medal for faithful services to the Queen. Ive always been interested in nature, so when I joined Age Concern Kingston, I noticed the garden had been neglected. I asked if I could do some work, but I went a bit overboard! I managed to supply the kitchen with tomatoes, and people even asked if they were for sale. It then blossomed from there. On Mondays, I organise and run the art class. Art has always been a hobby of mine. I started drawing when I was just four years old. I have also won several awards recently in the Borough for my art work. Being a volunteer and attending Age Concern Kingston has finally given me the chance to express myself. I receive so much support and appreciation for my work from everyone here. I thought I did not have family but I discovered that at Age Concern Kingston, I do.

health and well-being, and volunteers tell us it makes them feel valued and productive. The impact of the recession on the over 50s has been particularly severe, with many people being made redundant before retirement age, or being forced to retire when they would otherwise choose to continue working. Volunteering offers a structure and social network which helps to replicate those previously provided by formal employment and, without which, people may become vulnerable to social isolation and depression. Here are some of the comments from Age Concern Kingstons older

volunteers about their experiences: It helps to structure my retirement. It is good to have the discipline of regular commitments and most importantly it is very rewarding. Volunteering gives me the opportunity to be a useful member of society. It is good to have a commitment after retiring and a great help at times of bereavement one has to cut off from ones own problems to help others with theirs! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for Age Concern Kingston, whatever your age or background, we would like to hear from you. Please refer to page 2 for our contact details. Congratulations to volunteer Ray Cottee, who won a 10 Marks & Spencer in our volunteers survey prize draw!

Fit as a Fiddle!
Do you enjoy getting fit and active? Would you like to help other people do the same? If so, why not become a Fit as a Fiddle volunteer (see page 9 for more information). To find out more, please contact Grace Shorthouse on 020 8942 8256, or email grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

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First Contact l 020 8408 8170

Age Concern Kingston telephone helpline number, open Monday to Friday 10.00 am 12.00 noon

getting the right allowance

Attendance Allowance, sometimes referred to as AA, is a tax-free benefit for people aged 65 or over who have a physical or mental disability which is severe enough to mean they need help with any of the following: l things such as washing, getting in or out of the bath or shower, dressing, eating, getting to and using the toilet, or communicating their needs l supervision to avoid putting themselves or others in substantial danger, for example, needing someone to keep an eye on their medical condition or diet, or because they cannot control the way they behave You do not need to have a carer to qualify for Attendance Allowance. There are two rates of Attendance Allowance, and the one you are eligible for is dependent on how your disability affects you. The lower rate is 47.10 a week and applies if you frequently need help with personal care, you need supervision continually throughout the day or during the night (one or the other), or someone with you when you are on dialysis. The higher rate is 70.35 a week and applies if you need help with personal care, or someone to supervise or watch over you frequently throughout the day as well as during the night. You can claim Attendance Allowance by phoning the Benefit Enquiry Line on 0800 882 200 or downloading the form from www.direct.gov.uk.
Richard Bailey

getting help to claim your Attendance Allowance

Top tips for claiming benefits

There will be changes to benefits in April, which we will feature in the next issue. Meanwhile here are our top tips: 1. Claiming benefits is a right
Make sure you claim all the benefits that you are entitled to.

Changes to state pension

From April this year, changes to the state pension will affect people born on or after April 6 1950. These changes will particularly affect women. For men and women born before April 6 1950, state pension age will remain at 60 for women and 65 for men. However, women born after April 6 1950 will see the state pension age rise gradually from 60 to 65 between 2010 and 2020. Furthermore, the state pension age for men and women will further increase from 65 to 68 years between 2024 and 2046. The good news is that the number of qualifying years needed for a full basic state pension has been reduced to 30 years from 6 April 2010 for both men and women. This will make it easier for people to build up a full basic state pension. If you are over 55 and have ever taken time out of the workforce and you do not have the 30 qualifying years, you should take further advice to boost your income in later life. If you are a carer, and not receiving Carers Allowance then you may need to take action now to make sure you dont miss out on money for your future. From 6 April 2010 a Carers Credit will be introduced, which means that people who care for someone for at least 20 hours a week, who are not eligible for Carers Allowance, will not miss out on building up the number of qualifying years to get the full basic state pension. If you would like to find out more about your state pension age or would like more information, you can apply for a state pension forecast. You can do this online at: www.direct.gov.uk/pensions or by phone on 0845 3000 168.

2. Dont assume you are not entitled

Even if you are a home owner or you have savings, you could still be entitled to benefits. Check with us or use an online benefits calculator.

3. Dont be put off!

Resources are available from the government and independent organisations to guide you through the process.

4. visit a registered advice provider

Make sure you speak to a trained benefits advisor at a registered advice provider, such as Age Concern.

5. Ask for a full benefits check

Even if you are already claiming some benefits, you could be entitled to others.

6. Its good to have support

Many organisations provide a home visiting service to explain the claims process to you and what you can expect.

7. Dont forget the extras

Make sure you are receiving the winter fuel payment, free gas safety inspection from British gas, free bus pass and free eye test.

Free mobile calls for benefit claimants

Calls to contact centres run by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are now free to most mobile phone users. The DWP has agreed to end charges for people calling their 0800 numbers to make benefit claims.

Contact us on the First Contact Advice line number above for more information.

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AgENDA FoCuS

What is important to you?

In January, members of the Monday Forum at Age Concern Kingstons Bradbury Centre discussed the upcoming elections and what issues they want to see tackled by the next government. Here are some of them. Financial issues Tax and pensions were highlighted as one of the main areas of concern by members. They want to see dividend taxation and the basic-rate of taxation of interest for over 65s (payment of tax on pensions) abolished and tax being given back to older people on low incomes. Inheritance tax was also an issue which many felt needed to be addressed. They acknowledged that the situation had improved, especially for older married couples, but that a lot more still needed to be done. Care Many members criticised the fact that people have to sell their property if they need to go into a care home. They also felt it was unfair that people should have to pay for treatment and care in their own homes and that this should be provided free of charge. Most agreed that the issue of care in their own home was a priority for them. Health and prevention Although most members agreed that healthcare in the Kingston area is generally better than average, they commented that in other
Age Concern

parts of the country, the NHS is failing older people. They agreed that there should be more places like the Bradbury Centre, which help keep people active and can help prevent them falling ill and going into hospital, and more focus on prevention rather than cure. Treatment of Alzheimers Many members commented that Alzheimers is not treated as a disease and sufferers are not fully supported. One member commented that NICE (National Institute of Clinical Excellence), the governments medicine watchdog, is withholding the use of drugs by sufferers of early-stage dementia, and that this needs to change. These drugs can delay the development of the disease, as well as providing benefits to carers and bringing savings to the state by enabling sufferers to remain in their own homes for longer. Respect for older people People generally felt that politicians do not listen to their views so they do not feel that they have a voice. Most said that they have more faith in local politicians than in politicians in general, although they feel that most MPs dont have a great deal of power because they are expected to tow the party line. Retirement age Most members agreed that the default retirement

Members of the Monday Forum at the Bradbury Centre discussing the upcoming elections age should be scrapped but acknowledged that employers may be reticent about this as insurance companies may not cover them if they employ over 65s. Adult education Many members commented on the withdrawal of concessions for adult education and the focus on vocational courses and those for the unemployed, resulting in a lack of stimulation for older people. One member praised Age Concern Kingstons Active Living programme but said that the government and council needed to subsidise classes more to make them more affordable for older people. over-emphasis on young people Connected with the lack of funding for adult education is what many members felt was an exaggerated focus on young peoples education and well-being. They highlighted the need to redress the balance in favour of other generations. One member commented on the provision of playgrounds for older people in other countries and areas of the UK and suggested that they should be introduced in Kingston too. What issues would you like to see tackled by the next government? Write to us and have your say! See page 2 for contact details.

What I would like from the new government: a 78-year-old gives her views
I would like the government to offer better help for the elderly who are unable to continue living in their own homes; this is a constant threat on the horizon for anyone who wishes to make some provision for their future, and greater clarity and support would be welcome. From the local council, I would suggest a better and more frequent bus service, taking in more areas, so that older people can use buses without having to walk distances to catch them or wait a long time for them to arrive. I also feel very strongly that the provision of adult education classes should be increased, not cut. It may be only flower arranging for old ladies to some but to me and many, many others, it is an absolutely vital link to activities of all kinds which keep us interested, active, both intellectually and physically, and which must influence for the better our mental health and happiness. I would much prefer to be doing something satisfying, social and creative than being stuck in front of the telly!

Do you think the retirement age should be scrapped?

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Age Concern Kingston

AgENDA INTERvIEW

What can they do for you?

We wrote to all the local parliamentary candidates for the three main parties asking about their proposals for older people. Here is a summary of the replies from those who responded (you can find the full version on our website www.ageconcernkingston.org).

Ed Davey
liberal Democrat MP for Kingston and Surbiton From campaigning on Post Offices to helping individual pensioners with everything from pension credit to housing to local health services, I have championed issues I believe local older people care about. I believe the Liberal Democrat policies restoring the link between the annual increase in the pension and earnings, scrapping the unfair council tax, reducing energy costs and protecting the NHS help older people more than those put forward by other parties. There are a host of local opportunities for older people which I back and want to see continue. On transport, I am currently leading a campaign to save the 514 bus service and Id like to see more investment in community transport from Transport for London. I am a strong supporter of Age Concern Kingston, and have always been keen to see them properly resourced, and involved closely in local projects, be those run by the council, the NHS or others. By involving them in projects early on, some of their objectives and work can be jointly or even fully funded by other agencies.

Helen Whately
Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Kingston and Surbiton If Conservatives are elected to Council, Ill work closely with them on improving care for older people at home, helping people to continue to live independently for as long as possible. Central to this strategy will be working closely with organisations like Age Concern, who already do such good work. Theres no reason for the state to take over when non-state organisations have the expertise already. I think Age Concern does fantastic work locally and deserves support from the community as well as from the council and Government. Nationally, if the Conservatives win Id be working with David Cameron and his team to make sure we benefit locally from policies to help older people, such as helping councils freeze council tax. Well protect the Winter Fuel Payment and help reduce energy bills through a new entitlement for every household to be fitted with 6,500 of energy efficiency improvements. My party is committed to restoring our pensions systems and vastly simplifying the tax and benefits system.

Eleanor Tunnicliffe
labour Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston Older members of our communities have spent their lives helping and supporting us. Its right that we should do all we can to give them the security they need to enjoy their later years. Thats why Labour has already introduced winter fuel payments of 250 for the over 60s and 400 for the over 80s this year; brought in the Freedom Pass for the over 60s; given those over 75 a free TV licence; and paid for free swimming for the over 60s in Richmond and Kingston. But Labour will go further if it wins the next election. Our key pledge for older people is the introduction of a National Care Service. The thinking behind the scheme is that older people should be helped to stay safely in their own homes as long as possible as that is where most want to be. Some people already get free care, and the National Care Service will protect their savings from future charges. Others will get free care for the first time paid for by 420 million from central government.

Susan Kramer
liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston I believe that older people and their carers should be far more in control of the services they receive which is why the move to personal budgets is progressing fast locally. I have visited some excellent residential care homes where the residents are involved at every stage of the decision making process. I want to use my position to make sure that this positive culture is offered in many more care homes locally. Furthermore, I am very concerned about the safety of older people both in their homes and whilst out in the local area. Much work has been done working with the local councils, safer neighbourhood teams and community to tackle crime, but keeping crime low is a key priority for me. I am particularly concerned that Age Concern Kingston is resourced to help older people make the best use of their personal budget and to assist them in accessing all their rights, services and benefits. The work of Age Concern actually saves the Government money as it allows older people to live more independently.

Zac goldsmith
Conservative Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Richmond Park and North Kingston I believe a civilised nation is one that not only looks after its elderly population, but which values their contribution to society. Locally, we want to do more to enable elderly people to receive care in the home. We will actively support existing organisations like Age Concern and others to avoid duplicating their valuable work, and we will identify sites for community hubs that will provide a variety of services for the elderly, including recreational activities and day care. Crucially, we will end the grotesque situation where 45,000 older people are forced to sell their homes each year to pay for residential care at the end of their lives. People reaching retirement will have the option to pay a one-off joining fee that we estimate will be around 8,000, in return for a guarantee that absolutely all fees for permanent residential care would be waived for life. Finances permitting, Id like to see the Local Authority make more use of Age Concern Kingston as it is uniquely placed to deliver important services.
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DIARY DATES Upcoming activities and events in Kingston upon Thames

Age Concern training and events
Safeguarding Adult Awareness half day sessions
Wednesday 24 March 2010 10.00am 1.00pm Raleigh House Wednesday 19 May 2010 10.00am 1.00pm Raleigh House Wednesday 14 July 2010 10.00am 1.00pm Raleigh House To give people who work or volunteer in care the confidence to be able to recognise an adult who may be vulnerable to being abused, and how to respond to this kind of situation. Anyone wishing to attend please call Sharon Fleming on 020 8408 8179.

Entertainment and the Arts

The Rose Theatre
24-26 High Street, Kingston KT1 1HL Tel: 020 8417 5430 Free Jazz lunchtimes first Tuesday of every month, 1.15pm Jazz Futures Sunday 25 April, 2.00pm Free annual jazz festival Judi Dench in A Midsummer Nights Dream Tuesday 9 February Saturday 20 March, 2.00pm (Saturdays and Wed 3, Fri 5, Thurs 18 March) and 7.30pm Edward Fox An Evening with Anthony Trollope Sunday 21 March, 7.30pm The Comedy Store Last Sunday of the month until 27 June, 7.30pm ockhams Razor present The Mill Monday 22 March Tuesday 23 March, 7.30pm Royal Philharmonic orchestra - great Classical Favourites Saturday 27 March, 7.30pm

Age Concern lunch clubs

The Fountain Court lunch club The Charles lesser lunch club Tuesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) Wednesdays (12.00pm 2.00pm) Fountain Court, New Malden Charles Lesser House, Chessington For information call 020 8942 8256

Whats on in Kingston
Royal Borough of Kingston Council Meetings
If you would like to see democracy in action why not come along to one of the councils meetings? Check the RBK website under meeting dates calendar for details of dates and venues. Website: www.kingston.gov.uk/meetingdates Email: democratic.services@rbk.kingston.gov.uk Tel: 020 8547 5021

All Saints Parish Church

Market Place, Kingston Handels Messiah Kingston Choral Societys 60th Anniversary Concert Saturday 27 March, 7.30pm

St John the Evangelist Church

Springfield Road, Kingston Mozart Mass in C Trinity Kingston orpheus Choir Saturday 27 March, 7.30pm

local Council Elections

Thursday 6 May

Kingston Pensioners Forum

Monday 8 March, 2.00 pm Energy Efficiency Talk by Giles Read of CEN (Creative Environment Network), a joint scheme with Kingston Primary Care Trust and the Royal Borough of Kingston Monday 19 April, 2.00 pm Working with Older People: Trying to Make a Difference Talk by Ann MacFarlane Meetings are usually held on the second Monday of every month. For more information call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.

Kingston Museum
Fairfield Road Tel: 020 8547 6460 Email: kingston.museum@rbk.kingston.gov.uk Silk, Squalor and Scandal Hogarths london 23 January to 10 April Kingston Camera Club Exhibition 24 April to 8 May

Kingston university of the Third Age

Kingston u3A is launching a brand new orchestra for all levels and abilities United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston Thursday 25 March, 9.30am 12.30pm. Cost 10 For further details call 020 8974 5453 or email lizbartlett@brightnet.co.uk For details of other U3A courses and events, call 020 8399 0163 or see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk

The Amy Woodgate Dementia Caf

Nigel Fisher Way, Chessington
(next to the Merritt Medical Centre) The Amy Woodgate Dementia Caf is a meeting place where new and current carers can talk to friends and professionals and enjoy refreshments and activities throughout the year. More importantly, it is a place where carers can chat and get support from each other. The next caf group will be: Wednesday 31 March

Stanley Picker gallery

Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Kingston University, Knights Park Tel: 020 8417 4074 Email: picker@kingston.ac.uk louDER THAN BoMBS: Art, Action & Activism 9 February to 27 March

other Events
Berrylands March Police Street Briefings
Saturday 27 March, 3.00pm 4.00pm Alexandra Drive (Triangle), Berrylands, Surbiton

old london Road Easter Egg-stravaganza

For more information, please call the Amy Woodgate Caf on 07535 964435. Saturday 3 April, 11.00am 4.00pm. Old London Road, Kingston Kingston First Tel: 020 8547 1221

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Health and well-being

and everything in between, all our nutritional needs change as we demonstrating healthy, economical age, but the link between a good ways of cooking nutritious, delicious diet and staying healthy remains. meals. Two courses ran in Autumn In fact, we need a better diet as we 2009, and another four courses are get older. Although our calorie requirements decrease slightly because planned for Spring and Summer 2010. The first course of the year started in we are less active, our need for certain mid-February. nutrients stays the same It wasnt as hard as I Our friendly trained or may even increase. thought to cook from cooks, Kellie and Dawn, Many of us prefer to buy scratch, use less ingredients guide participants ready meals than to and still get a good taste, through the course, cook for ourselves, and it doesnt take too long. talking through each especially if we live sessions theme whilst alone, because it is seen helping prepare the food. to be cheaper, easier and less wasteful. The participants cook a variety of There is also a much greater choice of different meals which they then sit foods now than there used to be and down to enjoy in sociable groups. Each many of us may be unfamiliar with person receives recipes and handouts certain foods, preferring to stick to the and information is exchanged about traditional meat and two veg. healthy eating. In order to tackle some of these Cooking problems are shared and issues, Age Concern Kingston has been solutions suggested, such as the running free Cook and Eat courses at challenges of shopping and cooking for its two day centres, the Bradbury and one; how to limit the use of salt, fat, Raleigh House, funded by NHS Kingston. The courses run for six weeks, and processed foods and simple alternatives to pre-prepared meals. with a two hour session each week, New recipes are tested out, discussed covering breakfast, lunch and dinner,
Age Concern Kingston

Cook and Eat!

Happy chefs at work!

and adapted to suit I use less fat and am on completion of the course. So whether you want to individual tastes. The tasty monitoring portion learn to cook more recipes include: ham and size and salt intake. healthily, how to cook leek pasta; salmon parcels; on a budget, lose a bit of lentil soup; mushroom weight, or just want to get more risotto; fruit smoothies; sweet and confident in the kitchen, why not join sour chicken and egg fried rice; us? All are welcome! curried chicken pasta and many more. Many people have tried and enjoyed foods they have never tasted For more information and to book a or cooked before and the majority of place on a free Cook and Eat course, participants have started to make please contact Grace Shorthouse on changes to their diets. 020 8942 8256. All participants receive a certificate

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking it makes something we can all do. twice as effective! It uses poles to give the upper body muscles a work out as well as the legs, and to propel the walker along this means you work harder than usual yet the support given by the poles makes it feel easier! It is beneficial to people of all abilities and ages, those new to exercise or who want to lose weight and those receiving remedial therapy. A free six week Nordic Walking programme is currently being run in the Borough thanks to a grant from Play Sport London. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Bushy Park and the company of others whilst being expertly instructed and supervised. Poles are provided so all you need to bring is footwear and clothing suitable for all weather conditions. Although the courses have already started, you may still be able to enrol please contact Kingston Adult Education on 020 8547 6700 or email adult.education@rbk.kingston.gov.uk. Should you require further information about the course or if you wish to enrol in paying classes after the end of the course, please contact Beverley Boon, the Nordic Walking instructor, on 07903 356092.

Stride your way to health!

Fit as a Fiddle!
Age Concern Kingston upon Thames has been awarded a grant from Fit as a Fiddle, a major new programme funded by the Big Lottery Fund and delivered by Age Concern, to run a project which helps older people lose weight and get fit and healthy. Each six week programme will include free weekly healthy lifestyles workshops, regular supervised activity, and the support of trained volunteers to help you stick at it! The first six week programme will start this summer, so to find out more and book your place, please contact Grace Shorthouse on 020 8942 8256 or email grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

venue: Pheasantry Welcome Centre, Bushy Park, Hampton Court Road, Richmond upon Thames, TW12 2EJ

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The Bradbury
The Bradbury Centre offers a wide range of activities and events for the over 50s in a friendly, lively and welcoming environment. It is located 10 minutes away from Kingston town centre and works on a drop-in basis. There is also a cafe offering a range of drinks, snacks and homemade cakes. In the first week of February, the Bradbury Centre hosted a touring exhibition from the Spring opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm. Lesbian and Gay News Media Archive For more information please contact: (LAGNA) Heritage Lottery funded project: Bradbury, 37b grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA 1967 and All That. The exhibition was Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org secured by the Kingston LGBT Centre Manager: Wendy Reid (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) Forum in partnership with Kingston Council and NHS Kingston. It was on display in different parts of the Borough Date Time Event throughout February, which was Tuesday 9 March 10.45 3.30 Kew Gardens Trip LGBT history month. The exhibition, using archives from Thursday 18 March the Hall-Carpenter Archives of Thursday 15 April 1.00 2.00 RNID Clinic lesbian and gay activism and press cuttings from Thursday 20 May the collection of the Lesbian and Gay Newsmedia Archive, puts Thursday 22 April 1.30 3.30 Life in the UK Quiz the campaign for law reform in its historical context, charts the progress of reform proposals through parliament and illustrates Friday 30 April TBC Final Performance Devising in the Community FREE the impact the change in law had on the gay rights movement. Tuesday 4 May 1.30 Rah Rah Theatre Sing-a-long Age Concern Kingston is proud to be an all-inclusive organisation which welcomes people from all backgrounds, regardless of sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability or gender. Age Concern Kingston would like to thank the following companies for kindly donating items to the Bradbury Centre over the Christmas period for fundraising: If you missed the exhibition, or if youre interested in finding out Wilkinsons, McDonalds Kingston, Marks and Spencer Kingston, 99p Store Kingston, more about the history of the gay rights movement, visit Sainsburys Kingston, Lidl Kingston, Boots Kingston, The Edinburgh Woollen Mill Kingston, www.lagna.org.uk/exhibitions/1967-and-all-that Global Conference Management

1967 and All That

upcoming outings and events at The Bradbury

WEEKlY ACTIvITIES
MONDAY
10.30 11.30 Hypnotherapy** Beginners computer courses (4 weeks)* The Monday Forum (topical discussion) The Bradbury weekly walk 1.00 2.00 Gentle exercise to music: all levels welcome* 1.30 4.00 Podiatry** 2.00 4.00 Scrabble 3.30 4.30 Yoga*

TUESDAY
10.30 11.30 Line dancing* 2.00 4.00 Bridge

WEDNESDAY
10.30 11.30 Weekly discussion group 11.15 12.15 Bradbury bathers (swimming group) 2.00 3.30 Art class* Chess 2.30 3.30 French conversation

THURSDAY
10.00 1.30 Massage treatments** 12.00 1.00 Bereavement Support Group (first Thursday of the month) 1.30 2.30 Spanish classes (from 25 March) 2.00 4.00
Patchwork group

FRIDAY
10.30 11.30 Bradbury book club (first Friday of the month) 10.30 12.00 Art* 10.00 3.30 Massage treatments** 2.00 3.00 Tai Chi all levels welcome*

* 4 per session (members can choose to pay in advance for a block of 4 sessions for 12.00). Classes are to be taken consecutively as per the class register. **Please phone or drop-in to the centre for treatment prices. Booking in advance is required. Some activities are at full capacity. Please phone the office for further enquiries. About the centre: To come to the Bradbury Centre, you must be over 50 and able to come to the centre independently; able to mobilise independently (walking aids can be accommodated provided you are independent); able to use toilet facilities independently or without prompting; able to control the effects of any medical condition as well as manage any medication and be wholly responsible for it and be able to demonstrate an adequate level of awareness. Please note, we cannot offer one-to-one supervision or personal care.

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Raleigh House Centre

The Raleigh House Day Centre is a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking friendship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day or half day. Members who attend for a full day will be provided with a hot meal. Minibus 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. If youre not sure whether the centre is for you or not, why not come for a free taster day? Hello, my name is John and I have been a member of Raleigh Day Centre for 18 months. Before attending the centre, my life was really awful: I was completely isolated with nothing to do, I had nowhere to go and didnt care about my appearance and was neglecting my personal hygiene. I was alone so I thought why do I need to bother about such things? I was staying at home by myself and had no social network. The only people who would contact me were relatives asking me for money; I helped them out but found myself in financial difficulty. I met some people at my late brothers funeral who have since become friends of mine; they looked after me and put me in touch with Graham, who later became my carer and helped me to get my life back on track. Graham told me about Raleigh House Day Centre, which is run by Age Concern Kingston - they are fantastic and I love going to the centre. It has become my life; I attend four days a week and take part in a range of activities. I now have a social network, having made many friends, and the staff are so helpful. I eat very well too the food at the centre is excellent. I really love it here, it has completely transformed my life. Over the Christmas period, we had fabulous food and different entertainers came every day of the week. I can honestly say this was the best Christmas I have ever had.

For more information, please contact: Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org Centre Manager: Cathy Weight

Wanted: Hairdresser and Manicurist

Raleigh House is looking for a self-employed hairdresser on Fridays and a self-employed manicurist. For more details contact the Day Centre Manager.

upcoming outings and events at Raleigh House

Date Wednesday 17 March Time TBC TBC TBC TBC Event St Patricks Day celebrations Pub Lunch Pub Lunch St Georges Day celebrations

Free computer classes

Free one-to-one computer lessons have just started for members and volunteers on Wednesdays between 10.00am and 12.00pm. Please call or see a member of staff to book a class.

Tuesday 20 April Thursday 22 April Friday 23 April

WEEKlY ACTIvITIES
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY
9.30 11.15 REFRESHMENTS 11.00 12.00
Skittles/snooker Gentle exercises New 2 you sale Quiz and word games Poetry Tai Chi

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

11.00 12.00
Scrabble Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises New 2 you sale Quiz and word games Art/craft Computer lessons

11.00 12.00
Card making Skittles/snooker Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Carpet boules Computer lessons Reminiscence time 12.00 luNCH

11.00 12.00
Sing-a-long with Dennis Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Darts and snooker Book reading Art/craft

11.00 12.00
Snooker Skittles/quoits Gentle exercises Quiz and word games Computer fun Art/craft Scrabble

1.15 Bingo Skittles/snooker Book reading

1.15 Bingo Scrabble Book reading

1.15 Bingo Book club Crossword/board game

1.15 Bingo Quiz and word games Book club

1.15 Bingo Book reading Quiz and word games

2.00 REFRESHMENTS

2.30 ANSWERS To QuIZ

About the centre: There is a daily charge that covers transport; a two course cooked meal, tea and coffee as well as most activities. To come to the Raleigh House day centre, you must be over 60, able to mobilise independently (walking aids can be accommodated provided you are independent); able to use toilet facilities independently or with prompting; able to control the effects of any medical condition as well as manage any medication and be wholly responsible for it and be able to demonstrate an adequate level of awareness. Please note, we cannot offer one-to-one supervision or personal care.
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Kingston upon Thames

We need your support!

As an independent local charity, founded and run by local people with local interests at heart, Age Concern Kingston upon Thames is always in need of support from the community to help us continue the positive work we do, especially with the heightened challenges we are facing as a result of the recession. Here are two of the many ways in which you can support us:

Making a Donation every penny counts

It doesnt matter how little or how often, every gift, large or small, helps ensure that the people of Kingston upon Thames have greater opportunities to lead happy, healthy and positive later lives. If you are able to support us, we would be very grateful. You can make a one-off donation or give regularly by standing order. Contact us to find out more.

leaving a gift in your Will

This is a great way of ensuring our work continues at Raleigh House, Bradbury and in the community
Age Concern Kingston has been working for older people in the local community for over 60 years. The work we do today is built upon the generosity of those who have given in the past. Leaving a gift to Age Concern Kingston in your Will is a positive and special way to make a difference to future generations. It is easy to make a Will and important too. A Will is the only way to make sure you leave your money and property to the people or causes you care about. If you would like to benefit Age Concern Kingston or another charity, you need to make that clear in your Will. Leaving a legacy is a tax efficient way to support us as your estate will pay no Inheritance Tax or Capital Gains Tax on the value of your gift. To make sure that we receive the legacy you leave us, please ensure that your solicitor or Will drafter includes our full name and Charity Number in your will Age Concern Kingston Upon Thames, Charity Number 299988. Above all, do ensure that you receive independent, professional advice when making your Will.

These are only some of the ways you can help. To find out more about these or other ways to help local older people, contact us or visit our website. T 020 8942 8256
Charity Number 299988

E admin@ageconcernkingston.org

www.ageconcernkingston.org