Advantage magazine autumn 2015 issue 44

Advantage

Photo: Brian Hartley

Age Scotland’s magazine: autumn 2015, issue 44

Walking Football p11 New Early Stage Dementia Team p10 Will you be a Silver Line Friend? p9

Luminate 2015 jumps into action

Advantage is the Age Scotland magazine that provides information, inspiration and ideas to empower Scotland’s older people, their friends, families and carers.

p4

News

p7

Calendar

p9

Silver Line

p 10 Inform p 12 Men’s Sheds p17

Mental Health

p 18 Luminate p 22 FUNdraising p 26 Going Local p 30 Clubs Corner p 31 Soap Box If you have news, events or issues that you would like Advantage to cover, please get in touch. We would also welcome ideas on how we might improve the magazine.

Advantage is part funded by a grant from the Scottish Government. Age Scotland aims to ensure information is accurate at time of production and cannot be held liable for any errors or omissions.

Email:

advantage@agescotland.org.uk

Telephone: 0333 323 2400 Write to:

Advantage, Age Scotland Causewayside House 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR

Age Scotland, part of the Age Network, is an independent charity dedicated to improving the later lives of everyone on the ageing journey, within a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in Scotland. Registration Number: 153343 Charity Number SC010100. Registered Office: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

ISSN 1747-4515

Foreword

foreword

e ecutiv x E f e i h C Brian Sloan, Hi Everyone, Another year has gone and we have the excitement of another packed Luminate Festival. The festival really does go from strength to strength and you can read about this year’s fantastic events on page 18.

In the news section you can read about some of the events we’ve had over the last few months. Our fundraising team has done an amazing job putting together the brilliant Silver Shindig, corralling the team of 23 abseilers who went off the Forth Rail Bridge and finally the Walking Football Festival.

Along with these events, our Community Development team has done a brilliant job in supporting the Community Grants Programme.

These grants have gone to help our member groups across Scotland have a fantastic number of summer outings. You can read more on page 14.

I’m also delighted to introduce to you our two newest members of the Community Development team on page 12. Tim and Ian are going to be supporting and enabling new and exisiting Men’s Sheds across Scotland to help bring this fantastic initiative to all parts of the country.

Speaking of introductions, on page 10 you can meet our new Early Stage Dementia project team. They’re going to be developing dementia awareness training and looking at healthy living choices that can help reduce the risk of developing dementia.

Our training opportunities are also developing with our Planning for Later Life courses. These courses are designed to help those who are seeking to finish work, work part-time or take a new path. Whatever your choice in retirement, it’s important that you don’t leave it to the last moment to decide; it’s your life, choose the best option for you and your family.

Finally, as usual we’ve got a full range of information and advice that we think will help with a range of issues. We’ve got brand new leaflets on mental health which you can read more about on page 16. We’ve also got our regular update on Silver Line Scotland, an article about a fantastic group in St Andrews and upcoming events.

I hope you enjoy the magazine, and look forward to seeing you at one of our events in the near future!

As always, we’d love to know what you think about Advantage. If you have any projects, stories or campaigns you’d like us to help showcase, you can get in touch with the team by either writing to us at 160 Causewayside, Edinburgh, EH9 1PR, or emailing advantage@agescotland.org.uk.

Bye for now,

Brian Sloan

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news

A head for heights!

On Sunday 7th June, 23 volunteers lined up to go over the edge, literally, for Age Scotland. Our volunteers were among hundreds who took part in a charity abseil off the Forth Road Bridge. The event was organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, who looked after all the abseilers and did a fantastic job giving just the right amount of encouragement to help everyone over last minute jitters.

We are pleased to report to you that our volunteers helped Age Scotland to raise £7,300 to help us combat loneliness and isolation across Scotland.

You can see a video from the day by visiting: www.youtube.com/user/AgeScotland.

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abseilers otland Age Sc

taking the

plunge

This event was so much fun that we can’t wait for the 2016! If you’re interested in signing up then get in touch with our fundraising team by emailing fundraising@agescotland.org.uk.

Sign up for e-news at www.agescotland.org.uk

news

Scott W ilso

n, forme

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sh allani 1 FM, comp astic C t n a f e h ered the Silve r Shindig before the night was danced away to t

New funding to develop dementia awareness training Age Scotland has been funded by the Life Changes Trust to develop our Early Stage Dementia Project, supporting the charity to develop dementia awareness training for our member groups.

The Project will ensure our factsheets and website are suitable for people with dementia, their carers and relatives. These will be updated on a regular basis, so visit our website for more information.

Healthy living has a vital role both in reducing the risk of developing dementia and in delaying its onset, so our Project will encourage people to make positive lifestyle changes and to seek an early diagnosis. See page 10 for further details.

What a shindig!

We were delighted to host the glamorous and glitzy Silver Shindig at The Hub in Edinburgh on 22 May 2015.

The night included a Champagne reception, four course dinner, charity auction and live music - it turned out to be one glamorous event.

Many thanks to Solicitors for Older People Scotland, Caesar and Howie, McCarthy & Stone and GMP for sponsoring the event, to all those who donated prizes and most importantly to all those who attended.

Thanks to their support, we raised over £17,000!

The next Silver Shindig will be held on Friday 11 November 2016. Tickets are £79 for individuals and a table of 10 is £750. However, we can offer an exclusive offer to Advantage readers. Book before the end of November and you either buy an individual ticket for £65 or a table for £600! If you’re interested in attending then do get in touch with us at fundraising@agescotland.org.uk.

Follow us on www.twitter.com/agescotland

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news Age Scotland’s policy team update

Save the Date!

16th March 2016 – Age Scotland’s National Conference Age Scotland’s National Conference will be held on Wednesday 16th March 2016 in Perth Concert Hall.

All members are warmly invited to participate in this event. Our conference theme is Quality of Life.

We have started planning for the event and later this autumn we will send all members the full programme with details of timings, speakers and activities and a booking form to reserve your place.

More than 300 members, partners and staff took part in our first National Conference in November 2014. Highlights of this event included the opportunity to meet up with member groups from other parts of the country, the presentations by our fantastic speakers, discussions on well being and later life, and the range of information stalls.

We look forward to bringing members together again in 2016 for Age Scotland’s second National Conference.

Contact:

Tel: 0333 323 2400 NationalConference2016@agescotland.org.uk

Na

a nce - P nfere o C l tiona

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ul Adam,

In June, Healthcare Improvement Scotland published revised Standards of Care for Older People in Hospitals. Age Scotland were involved in the project group which produced them.

Older people told us that their main concerns about the quality of their hospital experiences was less about the treatment they received, and more about how they felt they were treated in a broader sense.

So the first three standards are entirely new and relate to patient-centred care.

The first standard specifies that older people have the right to state “what matters to” them – their needs and preferences, and which other people they want to be involved in their care. Hospitals then need to record these and, so far as possible, comply with them.

The second relates to dignity and privacy. Staff must be respectful of older people, especially around language, tone of voice, sensitive conversations, examinations, and daily living activities such as washing, dressing and toileting.

The third confirms that older people have a right to be involved in decisions about their treatment, even if they have limited mental capacity or communication difficulties. Support to address these problems should either be facilitated or provided.

The new standards can be found online at http://j.mp/HospStdsOP.

Liz Lochhead, Jim Leishman, Brian Sloan

Email your events to advantage@agescotland.org.uk

calendar October 2015 1 Luminate, Scotland’s Creative Ageing Festival begins!

Events across the country Now in its fourth year, the festival will feature hundreds of creative events from the Scottish Borders to Shetland, reaching people of all ages and different communities nationwide.

The programme includes theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literary events, crafts and media activities, and also features some online activities that you can enjoy at home. www.luminatescotland.org 10 / 11 Glasgow / Edinburgh 5km Big Fun Run 10th: Glasgow, Bellahouston Park - www.bigfunrun.com/glasgow 11th: Edinburgh, Holyrood Park - www.bigfunrun.com/edinburgh Take part in either Fun Run and help raise funds for Age Scotland.

For more information on how to do so email: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk

November 2015 1 Edinburgh Men’s 10km Lawnmarket, The Royal Mile - www.mens10k.com/edinburgh Calling all men! Now’s the time to take control of your health and take the first steps to becoming a healthier version of you. You can do that and also help to raise money for Age Scotland.

For more information on how to do so email: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk 27 Nominations close for the Age Scotland Awards Age Scotland’s awards help to raise awareness of the amazing people and organisations who go the extra mile to support older people along with rewarding some amazing older people for their huge contribution to society.

For more information see page 21.

Email your events to advantage@agescotland.org.uk

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advert

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Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90

inform

When you need a friend…

Silver Line Scotland is the only free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Why volunteers are so important to The Silver Line Volunteers are vital to The Silver Line’s ability to achieve our aim of reducing loneliness and improving the lives of older people. They are our link to communities and older people across the UK, as well as providing our organisation with invaluable skills and capacity to help us make a difference. We hope that many of our Helpline callers will volunteer to become Silver Line Friends.

Silver Line Friends

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It is not a counselling service and Silver Line Friends will never meet or know the address of the people they speak to.

Please note for this role you will need • Access to the internet

Silver Line Friends are volunteers in Scotland and across the UK, who enjoy offering friendship to older people.

Our next volunteer intake for our Silver Line Friend roles will be in September 2015 We have had an incredible response to our June intake for Silver Line Friends and we will be working with this group of volunteers to get them ready for friendship over the next couple of months.

Although our volunteer numbers are growing, we still need more of you to help ensure we can offer friendship to older people who have requested a friend.

Register your interest at www.thesilverline.org.uk.

What is a Silver Line Friend?

Silver Line Friends offer a befriending service, calling or writing to an older person once a week to check they are ok and to have a chat. We match older people to like-minded volunteers. All calls are free and managed using our ‘virtual call centre’ website.

• A landline telephone • A commitment of around one hour per week.

David’s Story David from Edinburgh is one of our Volunteer Silver Line Friends who, from the comfort of home, spends about 30 minutes a week chatting to an older person on the phone. We spoke to him about his experience.

After retiring he was looking for a volunteering opportunity and saw Esther Rantzen talking about The Silver Line on TV. One phone call and a quick training course and he was matched up with his Silver Line Friend. David talked about his initial concerns about calling someone he’d never met but to his surprise, it was really simple. David said it was easy to get started and got even easier with every call. The one thing David wanted to press upon anyone thinking about volunteering is that “it’s easy and it’s fun!”.

Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90

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inform

Meet our new Early Stage Dementia team Age Scotland has been awarded more than half a million pounds over three years for an exciting project on Early Stage Dementia, funded by the Life Changes Trust. With an estimated 86,000 people in Scotland currently living with dementia – a number set to double in the next 25 years – the funding provides an invaluable opportunity for us to contribute to this vital area.

The Life Changes Trust was established by the Big Lottery Fund as an independent charity in 2013, to manage an endowment of £25 million over 10 years for projects to support people affected by dementia.

Age Scotland’s project will allow the charity to develop dementia awareness training for our staff, member groups, volunteers and partners. Our Project team will be consulting with member groups from September to November to find out what issues they want addressed and we will roll out our training

Innes MacLeod: Information ng Officer, s: Traini e m a nJ en: Team Leader & Policy Officer Gwe g McCrack e r ) G , R r e fic (L ce O f A d vi d n a

programme shortly afterwards. We aim to train over 300 member groups during the Project, so to register your interest, email ESDTeam@agescotland.org.uk.

The funding will also allow Age Scotland to enhance our suite of information and advice resources, ensuring they are suitable for people with dementia, their carers and relatives. We’ll also advance the public understanding of healthy living, both in reducing the risk of developing dementia but also in delaying its onset. Our activities and policy positions in these areas will also be directed by our findings from the consultation sessions with members.

By encouraging individuals to seek early diagnosis, promoting interventions and improving society’s perceptions, the Project Team will support older people to live well with dementia for as long as possible and to make the most of their lives.

Brian Sloan, Chief Executive of Age Scotland said, “Age Scotland is passionate about promoting health and well-being for later life in Scotland. We are incredibly grateful to The Life Changes Trust for their support and funding. This is a unique opportunity to inform older people living with early-stage dementia”.

Anna Buchanan, Director of the dementia programme at the Life Changes Trust said “This project will bring significant benefit to thousands of older people in Scotland who may one day live with dementia or be a carer. It provides a very real opportunity to demonstrate that dementia is everyone’s business and that awareness and early intervention is something everyone should be aware of. We are extremely pleased to be working with Age Scotland to achieve these goals.”

10 Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90

inform

Walking Football Festival Age Scotland celebrated the success of Scotland’s first Walking Football Festival held back in June.

The festival was delivered in partnership with the Scottish Professional Football League Trust, Paths for All, SAMH and Spartans Football Academy.

15 teams from all across Scotland came to take part with the winners Hibernian FFIT taking the Yvonne Coull Memorial shield after a thrilling final against Glasgow Life FC.

Brian Sloan, Age Scotland Chief Executive, commented “The Walking Football Festival has been a fantastic success and it’s great that so many people have come to take part from right across Scotland. Walking Football is a brilliant way to keep active in later life and we’re delighted by how the sport has taken off”.

As part of the day each player wore a pedometer and managed to walk a total of 838,000 steps equal to approximately 400 miles!

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inform

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L-R: David Dickson (Macmerry Men’s She d), Alex Ne il MSP, B (Age Scotland Chief Executive), El rian Slo iot Stark (S an TRiVE Ch ief Exec utive)

Meet our new team working on supporting new Men’s Sheds In Summer’s issue of Advantage we reported that two new Community Development Officers, Tim Green and Ian McVicar, were joining the Age Scotland team to help support and enable the Men’s Sheds movement in Scotland. This was brought about thanks to funds from the Robertson Trust and the Scottish Government.

The latter was announced by the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Communities and Pensioners’ Rights, Alex Neil MSP, on a visit to Macmerry Men’s Shed in East Lothian.

Macmerry is a great example of a well-established shed that is showing the benefits to the men who attend. When we visited with Mr Neil MSP it was great to hear the men’s stories about what they’ve been making and what it means in going along to

Me

ou Wee C f the o s r mbe

the shed. While existing skills can be burnished or new ones learned, the shed has had a really positive effect on health and wellbeing.

Tim and Ian are now in post and have been getting out and about meeting with shedders. However, they are not starting fresh, they are able to build on the excellent work done, over the last three years, by our Community Development Team. Both are enjoying hitting the road and visiting existing sheds to learn from shedders, their supporters and networks. This knowledge and experience can be shared with those in the process of setting up new sheds. The Officers can also enable and support sheds to access sources of funding including the Age Scotland Community Grants Programme.

Shed with leaders of Clackmannan Council (far le nty Men’s ft).

12 To find out about donating regularly call 0800 833 0200

inform

Ian McVicar

Tim Green Tim’s first visit was to the Wee County Men’s Shed in Clackmannanshire where he was highly impressed by a dynamic group of men with a wide range of skills and experience. These Shedders have shown great patience, vision and tenacity in moving from meetings in a community centre to getting the keys to their new premises.

Tim’s patch is the East of Scotland and he can be contacted in the following ways: Tim Green Community Development Officer (Men’s Sheds) Address: PO Box 29245, Dunfermline, KY12 2EH Mobile: 07718 882 151 Direct Dial: 01383 882 151 Email: Tim.Green@agescotland.org.uk

I’m really pleased and excited to have joined the Age Scotland Team. I’ve been involved with Sheds since 2007 having had a progressive Aussie line manager when working for the NHS. The whole concept of Sheds hits so many targets: both for the guys, and those bodies looking at education, lifelong learning, health and happiness. I’ve been visiting several Sheds recently and although they are all very diverse, they have so much in common: they are not about being served or having things done for them, they are about ordinary people standing shoulder to shoulder and working together. The message we’d like to get out there is that we are here to support and enable: if you think we can help in any way, just get in touch, my contact details are below. I look forward to hearing from you.

Ian’s is covering the West of Scotland and he can be contacted in the following ways: Ian McVicar Community Development Officer (Men’s Sheds) Address: PO Box 9275, Campbeltown, PA28 6AF Mobile: 07808 024 801 Direct Dial: 0131 668 4248 ext 471 Email: Ian.McVicar@agescotland.org.uk

Download factsheets: www.agescotland.org.uk/publications 13

inform

Wish you were here

A member group from C oldstream o n

Age Scotland Member Groups’ Summer Outings

This summer some 40 Age Scotland member groups shared a £10,000 grant pot designed to assist groups with the costs of organising a Summer Outing.

Grants awarded ranged from £150 to £500 to help with the costs of coach hire, food or entrance fees to attractions. Many member groups have sent us postcards telling us about their day out and we’ve been delighted to receive them.

mpany and cially o c e h t d e y jo I en one espe y r e v e f o s s e scenery.” friendlin e h t g in e e s d n, an on the bus ru There’s no doubt the outings are enormously appreciated by groups especially by older members who don’t have their own transport and can’t easily get out and about to visit other parts of Scotland under their own steam. For some people the summer outing is their annual holiday and the fact that the days out happen is all credit to the groups’ organising committees who put great care, time and effort into ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable time away.

their sum

mer ou ting t o Per th

Though not every group enjoyed sunshine on their day out it’s clear a little rain did not dampen members’ spirits. For most groups being in the company of other people for a whole day, getting better acquainted with other group members, making new friends, the laughter, the chat and the banter on the bus and over a meal out together was the highlight of their day.

Groups travelled to various places of interest.

Falkirk’s magnificent new visitor attraction - the Kelpies - was a hit for some; one group took a distillery tour; another attended a theatre performance; a great many others enjoyed visits to garden centres or a spot of shopping in the scenic towns of Fife, Perthshire, Stirlingshire and Dumfries and Galloway; and the Cairdean Og Allt Nan Gall members in Lewis highly recommend taking a tour of Captain Scott’s Discovery in Dundee.

We’re glad everyone had such a good summer outing experience.

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14 Find our factsheets: www.agescotland.org.uk/publications

inform Age Scotland Member Groups

Top 10 tips for organising a Summer Outing: 1

Always consult the whole group on the trip don’t make it just a committee decision

2

Try to organise outings that include everyone

3

Consider people’s capabilities and how far they may have to walk

4

Careful forward planning is essential to make sure that venues are suitable for your group.

Vet venues beforehand for issues of access, quality of food and service and toilet facilities

5

Make provisional bookings early you can finalise numbers nearer the time

6

Try something totally different

7

Make sure everyone has their medication with them

8

Ensure the bus platform step is appropriate

9

Make sure you have enough helpers – every committee member should have a job

10

Listen to comments & feedback from your members.

And the last piece of advice comes from Coldstream Over 50s – “Relax and Enjoy”.

Festive Celebration Grants Age Scotland is now accepting applications from member groups for a Festive Celebration grant.

Please note priority will be given to members who have not previously or recently received an Age Scotland grant and who most need some financial support to make their celebration happen.

The closing date for applications for a Festive Celebration grant is 30th September 2015.

inform inform

inspire inspire

Following its success in 2012 and 2013, Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival is back for its third programme of creative activities this October.

comes Walking Football

to the Highlands

from ICT’s Craig a presentation First up we had referee and partnership would be the days Age Scotland in Masterton, who Football. To start All and On the 7th of June, rules of Walking SAMH, Paths for who set out the match from with the SPFL Trust, we had a display Scotland’s first rs of off the football, ll Club, will host with 3 membe along the to up Spartans Footba Team run nity Devine ICT’s Commu ll Festival. In the Shinnie, Daniel t new Walking Footba A-squad, Graeme working to suppor sides the was for the been aim have the s. Whilst festival, we Scotland and and, Marley Watkin how it was to be done, the ll groups all across Walking Footba show the Festival. and the to take part in professionals to ones in their place is the encouraging them in the country plays put the young that was teams older running of newest bit One of the ed with a is a collaboration passion overflow Highlands and we say, slightly first group in the and a few, shall Thistle’s (ICT) caught by the ref ss Caledonian ges! between Inverne d. Launched over-eager challen and Age Scotlan Team our nity how much the Commu Searle from nt though was April, we sent Will and even What was importa on the 30th of the squad. by all the new players s Team to meet session was enjoyed two new knees Communication ss was the despite having Willie Brown, who nity Centre in Inverne for the first in the last few The Hilton Commu time from a heart attack and as kick off and recovering ance in goals with launch ched the perform for ic approa ds venue fantast months, gave a l group in the Highlan Walking Footbal organisers from g saves! with First blisterin up. fill some to Football Festival so the hall starts ian Thistle’s from the Walking Inverness Caledon We’ll report back rs of squad. wanting to know Age Scotland and age but if you’re but soon, the membe could in the next Advant to the back Community team that we Football, head for at least 10 so more about Walking an interview with SPLF Trust We were hoping rewarded with have 5s and luckily were pages where we out by Willie have a game of our website Winter, or visit in ages but topped Chairman, Bob 11! Players ranged ootball old! bit.ly/WalkingF Brown at 78 years

nd call 0800 833 rly to Age Scotla

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Readers’ Survey What keeps you turning the pages of Advantage and what’s make you put it down? Have you a craving for cooking ideas, hankering for Su Doku or yearning for travel tips? Have you ever thought ‘I wish there was more of this or that’ – well tell us and we’ll try and include your ideas.

At Age Scotland, we are always looking for ways to ensure we are doing our best to represent Scotland’s older people and Advantage magazine is no different.

Last year, Luminate included 400 events, taking place from the Scottish Borders to Shetland, and the 2014 festival will once again packed with performances, events and creative activities run by communities and arts organisations all over Scotland. to help with The programme be entitled includes theatre, dance, music, visual on. You may also and costs, reducti ts, healthprojects that offer the artspaymen and community month for chance mortgage interest d reported a busy to grants. celebrate creativity, share stories and explore what Silver Line Scotlan enquiries cy energy efficien ageing means number of benefit you are to all of us,if with credit March with the many events designed savings homes. Many callers for care eligible about be a to appeal across or have encouraging You could the e and are generations, overtaking those savings people you have some it difficult to manag to and your 65 or over andof all to enjoy creative are simply finding activities pension al entitlement together. the basic state about any addition pension aboveOn 5 October,limits. to keep track seeking advice Reform it’s hard n certain events will be taking place across the UK income is betwee benefits. With Welfare s and if you have never mentally that as part of Silverphysica llyaorprogramme Sunday, to benefit celebrates over, are of the changes where to start. then youand offers older people anddaily If you are 65 and communities difficult to know with theirliving a need help a tax claimed it can be ce. It isaround disabled and variety of free activities.

Allowan Museums benefit for older nce the UK have tested Attenda and is a meansalsofor marked the occasionso income may be eligible Credit: Pension Credit creating Age Friendly is not means tested by can two parts to Pension may be apply Museums Day and free benefit and t. You several people. There are You events at Glasgow Museums into accoun and savings credit. sion thattaken savings are not are also part of or supervi guarantee credit Luminate ing on your are taking part. The with personal care or both depend to be Burrell Collection, if you need help Kelvingrove able to claim either actually have Art Gallery and Museum, but you do not safe you how tances. remain St Mungo to Museum circums the Glasgow Museums Resource the money can use and element you must help; you receive getting theCentre are all offering the guarantee rate youintergenerational practical, rates and the To be eligible for to claim, which are two that wish. Thereactivities qualifying age will bring their collections to life. . have reached the age for women the help you need. depends on ed the state pension go unclaim In Perth, Horsecross is the same as benefits be hosting April 2015 is 62 a Creative Ageing of pounds ofwill lly rising but at phone call Day on 13 October Each year billions less than A simple This age is gradua at Perth Concert Hall, with ‘pick . If you have income couple nt to seek advice.

4 70 80 90 and mix’ so it’s importa sessions d 0800from years and 6 months in everything Scotlan playwriting and £230.85 as a or Line Silver person at can have painting to musicdoand to an adviser £151.20 as a single rest. IfAyou . These rates are thedance. brilliant opportunity to andofwe can you may be eligible try lots is all it takes new thingsthat would be helpful per week then at once! a disability. Savings details to hand a carer or have you . your income higher if you are we can still give call as generating income d If that you’re a off dancer, or would counte put like be to be, there are lots of don’t but if notopportunities over £10,000 will to give it a try during Luminate, with no a passport to other general advice. element is also previous experience required. Scottish Ballet in The guarantee and council tax Glasgow g housing benefit and Dance Base in Edinburgh are each offering benefits includin 17 workshops for older dancers. They will also be teaming up with Generation Arts and Dance House Glasgow for day-long programme of performances and workshops at the Howden Park Centre in Livingston, West Lothian.

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Part of this year’s touring programme of performances is Company Chordelia’s Dance Derby Derby, a fast-paced, energetic production that takes you to Depression-era America and the dance marathons that were the reality shows of their day. Accompanied by a live, six-piece jazz ensemble performing a soundtrack of original songs and choreography drawn from the popular dances of the 1930s, this show is sure to inspire you to get your dancing shoes on. The company are also presenting workshops, designed especially for Luminate audiences, to help you do just that.

Another production touring nationwide as part of the festival is Uninvited Guests’ Love Letters Straight From Your Heart Heart. This unique piece of theatre is somewhere between a wedding reception, a wake and radio dedication show. Actors and audiences speak of their own and others’ loves – long lost or current lovers, mums, dads, absent friends – and dedicate a song to them. These dedications become the soundtrack for the show, so no performance will ever be quite the same.

As well as accepting dedications by email, the company will be holding workshops with invited older people as part of Luminate’s Outreach programme, encouraging them to share stories and music that will become part of their local performance. Outreach events take the festival into into care homes, sheltered

22 For news and views visit www.agescotlan

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housing and local groups, complementing the public Number 6: Music Saved My Life, a documentary programme and connecting older people, whatever short in which 109-year-old pianist and holocaust their circumstances, with the arts and creativity. survivor Alice Herz Sommer shares her views on how Also on tour in the north of Scotland is Let Me to live a long and happy life.

Stay Stay, a tender and unique story of the impact of Alzheimer’s Love is Strange tells the story of Ben and George who on family relations, told with compassion and a streak tie the knot after 39 years together, but are forced of wicked humour. Julie McNamara has recorded her to live separately with friends when Ben is fired.

Their mother, Shirley McNamara, Queen of the Mersey’s story echoes that of Leo McCarey’s 1937 masterpiece songs and stories, and filmed and photographed her in Make Way For Tomorrow, in which an older couple in all her glory over many years. The show weaves these Depression-era America are forced to move in with images, stories and songs into a celebration of life and separate grown children when banks claim their home. love, seen through her mother’s eyes, showing that For the first time, Luminate will also be screening Alzheimer’s need not always be tragic or a withdrawal a film in partnership with the Scottish Mental Health from life, but can also be a shedding of all care and a Arts and Film Festival: the UK premiere of Alive gleeful approach to the world.

Inside, which won the 2014 Sundance Film Festival This year’s Luminate film programme takes the festival Audience Award for US documentary and follows the length and breadth of Scotland with diverse and Dan Cohen from the charity Music & Memory as he memorable stories of getting older. Each screening demonstrates music’s incredible power to combat will be prefaced by a short animation created by memory loss and restore a sense of self. older people in West Lothian, working with professional This is just a taste of what’s on offer during Luminate animators, as part of Luminate’s Outreach Programme. this October. Browse the printed brochure that Advanced Style is a documentary featuring seven accompanies this edition of Advantage and you’re unique New York women, whose style and spirit sure to find an event that tempts you. The programme have guided their approach to ageing. In many and more information about the festival are also venues, the film is screened alongside The Lady in available online at www.luminatescotland.org. nd.org

Follow us on www.twitter.com/agescotland

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With this magazine, you should’ve had a copy of our annual survey (if you didn’t, give us a call and we’ll send you a copy) and we’d love to hear from you! Just fill in the survey, pop it in an envelope and return it to us free of charge at this address: Freepost RSBS-KECH-GBBC Age Scotland 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR.

15

inform

Approaching retirement?

Not sure what to do?

Talk to us about Pension Wise – a free and impartial government service providing guidance and information on the new pension freedoms.

www.pensionwise.gov.uk For an appointment call: 0808 800 9060

Branding: (c) Crown Copyright 2015.

Illustrations: (c) Kerry Hyndman 2015.

All rights reserved.

16 To donate regularly to Age call 0800 0200 The Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Scotland Bureaux - Citizens Advice Scotland833 (Scottish charity number SC016637)

inform ty A Guide to Mental Capaci

3/8/15

6:58 am

Page 26

A Guide to Mental Capacity

Keeping well and who can help Mental Health and Wellbeing in later life

3/8/15

6:12 am

Page 2

Worried about someone's mental health?

Mental Health and Wellbeing in later life

LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH

Thanks to funding from the Scottish Government Age Scotland has just produced a range of new leaflets about mental health and older people.

Issues commonly raised included:

We had identified that there was a gap in general information about mental health and older people and we were also aware that the stigma of mental health can be felt very strongly by older people whose friends or relatives have had difficulties with mental health problems and treatment in the past or who were made to feel ashamed because they were unwell.

• Confusion around the language and terminology used to describe mental health

Age Scotland’s health information writer Karyn Davie worked with our Community Development team to consult with a wide range of older people and support services to find out what information people would like Age Scotland to create. The groups we consulted included people around the age of 65, people over 70, carers and people who had experienced mental health problems for many years.

There was a general difference between the attitudes and awareness of people aged around 65 (who had a good awareness of mental health problems and treatments and were confident to discuss issues) and those of older people (who were more likely to feel that mental health problems were “weakness”, embarrassing and stigmatizing).

• Lack of awareness of the links between physical health and mental health

• Fear about the consequences of seeking help, including concerns about side-effects of medication We also sought the opinions of people who had lived with mental health problems for some time as we needed to identify what they would want people generally to understand about mental health.

Our Silver Line Scotland advisers also identified the need for a lay-person’s guide to mental incapacity in Scotland, and we have produced a new resource with the assistance of the Public Guardian in Scotland and the mental Welfare Commission for Scotland As a result of these consultations Age Scotland has produced new Mental Health and Wellbeing information leaflets looking at • What you can do you if you are worried about someone’s mental health • A guide for carers • Keeping Well and who can help • A guide to Mental Capacity in Scotland.

Free copies from publications@agescotland.org.uk or Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90.

17

inspire

DISCOVER YOUR CREATIVE SIDE WITH LUMINATE THIS OCTOBER! Luminate, Scotland’s creative ageing festival, once again takes place throughout October. Now in its fourth year, the festival features hundreds of creative events from the Scottish Borders to Shetland, reaching people of all ages and different communities. Luminate celebrates creativity, shares stories of ageing and explores what it means to all of us that our society is ageing. The programme includes theatre, dance, music, visual arts, literary events, crafts and media activities, and also features some online activities that you can enjoy at home.

THEATRE If you enjoy live performing arts, Luminate has plenty of interesting shows on offer in many parts of the country. Broth by Donna Rutherford explores the experience of older people in Scotland through the tradition of soup making, using individual stories to highlight the changes in people’s lives, families and communities.

Luminate is also thrilled to present Descent by Linda Duncan McLaughlin in association with A Play, A Pie and A Pint and the Traverse Theatre. This play explores one couple’s love and struggle with dementia, and the courage and the acceptance they’re bringing to the fight.

DANCE For dance lovers, Luminate has numerous opportunities for you to enjoy some fantastic performances, or to put on your dancing shoes and dance! Scotland’s remarkable older dance groups – PRIME from Dance Base and the Scottish Ballet Elders Company – will tour for the first time as part

Hip Hop-eration film will be showing across the cou

ntry

of Luminate. At their Edinburgh performance they are delighted to be joined by The GOLD Company from Canberra, Australia, and elsewhere in Scotland (Aberdeen, Glasgow and Inverness) they will be joined by local older people’s groups. Eastgate Theatre in Peebles offers free classes to people over 60, while the Intergenerational Dance Party invites everyone to a big dance party for all ages in Glasgow.

MUSIC Don’t miss the Tayside Silver Strummers, part of the University of the Third Age who will present two unforgettable massed ukuleles performances in Perth and Dundee. Music of Memories is a concert performance of stories, poems and music created by younger and older people in Glasgow working with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.

PHOTOGRAPHY Earlier in 2015 Luminate invited people to take part in the first Luminate Challenge, and photographers of all ages and experience across Scotland have sent us a photographic portrait of someone from a different generation. A pop up exhibition of some of the submitted images will tour the country, and will also feature portraits created by photographic artist Robin Gillanders as inspiration for the Challenge participants.

18 Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90

inspire

Intergen erational D ance Party (pho

to: Julia Baue r) Broth (photo: Tommy Ga-Ken Wan)

n) -Brow Harvey x e l A : o hot Rambert (p

LITERATURE & SPOKEN WORD

TRY SOMETHING NEW

Our annual Poetry Slam takes up a new home this year at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh, and we look forward to once again crowning the Luminate Slam Champion.

Luminate is all about exploring what ageing means and discovering your creative side, so why not try something new or attend an event that might inspire or surprise you? You can join us in Greenock for All or Nothing Aerial Dance Theatre’s new performance created with, and performed by, older dancers from Inverclyde. You can take a walk along the High Street in Inverkeithing and pop into some of the shops to see Rosie Gibson’s thought-provoking artworks, inspired by the “nuggets of wisdom” of local older people. Or if you fancy a new dance experience, you could attend a dance workshop to the music of the Rolling Stones with Rambert, one of Britain’s flagship contemporary dance companies!

In Dumfries you can hear Scottish author Sue Peebles talking about ageing, caring and loving, and German poet Michael Krüger will share his writing on themes of ageing at the Goethe-Institut in Glasgow.

FILM This year’s film tour brings some exciting titles to a cinema near you. An engaging documentary, Hip Hop-eration, introduces a group of older people from New Zealand preparing for the biggest dance competition of their lives - the World Hip Hop Dance Championships in Las Vegas. In many venues, this film will be screened along with a short documentary Directed by Tweedie, examining the relationship between children and their grandparents.

The Lunchbox is an international production telling the story of two strangers whose paths cross accidently in bustling Mumbai, India – it’s a simple but beautiful story about issues of growing older and finding your way in modern life.

ONLINE If you’d prefer to watch Luminate events at home, you will be able to see some of our exhibitions and performances online. For more information, see our website at www.luminatescotland.org.

This is just a little taste of what’s on offer this October; we hope you will find something you will like. For events in your area, see the printed brochure that accompanies this edition of Advantage.

The programme and more information about the festival are also available online at www.luminatescotland.org.

19

inspire

Life-long Learning

group photo OUiS ASDA

“Learning is a crucial part of how we live our lives, no matter how old we are” says Lucy Macleod, Depute Director (Students) at The Open University in Scotland.

And this is no mere assertion – the numbers back up her words. In 2013/14, ten per cent of the Open University’s 14,647 undergraduate students in Scotland were aged 55 or over. Lucy goes on: “The Open University’s model of flexible, supported distance-learning makes it uniquely accessible for people of all ages. From short, free informal courses to degrees, learning is an option for everyone, regardless of their age or previous educational experience.”

At one end of the spectrum OpenLearn, the Open University’s website dedicated to free learning, is home to more than 800 courses; at the other, accredited modules can lead to more than forty different honours degrees. From art history to volcanology, there’s something for everyone, whether it’s leisure learning, research or the practical application of knowledge and expertise in the ‘real world’.

For example, The OU in Scotland recently partnered with national retailer Asda to help raise awareness and understanding of dementia. Staff from Asda stores all over Scotland were trained using material from the university’s popular course on this subject,

Simon Weller

to identify and understand symptoms of dementia to enable them provide a better service to customers, make their stores more dementia-friendly and helping people with dementia live more independent lives.

The project has been so successful that it recently won the ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Local Community’ award at the Herald Higher Education Awards.

What these courses and learning materials have in common is flexibility. OU courses are designed so that the student is in control of how and when they learn, which makes them ideal for learners of any age.

At this year’s degree ceremony in Edinburgh, the oldest graduate was 79 years old – and in recent years that’s been as high as 86. Simon Weller, 75, was one of those receiving his degree: “The Open University appealed to me because you can go on doing your modules from home; you don’t need to travel somewhere else. But it has opened things up for me, enabled me to explore things more.”

If you’re concerned about money or you’ve been out of education for a long time, don’t worry! Experienced advisers can help you plan your learning and, if your individual income is less than £25,000 per year, you may be eligible for a Part-Time Fee Grant.

Visit www.open.ac.uk/scotland for more information or call the team on 0300 303 5303.

20 Get fit and FUNdraise for Age Scotland: call 0800 833 0200

inspire

Big Knit m

iniature w o

oly hats

Big Knit makes a big return Age Scotland is calling on nimble-fingered knitters across the country to get creative and knit little hats for Age Scotland and innocent’s Big Knit and help older people keep warm and well in winter.

Now in its 12th year, The Big Knit returns and budding knitters across the country are being called upon to knit miniature woolly hats to adorn innocent smoothie bottles, which will be sold in stores nationwide from February 2016. For each be-hatted smoothie sold, innocent will donate 25p to help Age Scotland fund national and local winter projects.

Each winter, one older person dies needlessly every eight minutes because of the cold. With over a decade of support from knitters up and down the country, The Big Knit has raised vital funds to support local and national winter projects to help older people keep warm and well in winter.

Last year alone, more than 40,000 hats were lovingly created, with designs including a bird cage, fruit, soldiers, peas in a pod, a bee’s nest, a crown and fishermen with their catch.

For more information on The Big Knit contact Age Scotland on 0333 323 2400 or email fundraising@agescotland.org.uk.

st ard la ear Aw Y e h t f o e er Andy MacDowall, 82, wins Volunt

year

Nominations open for This Year’s Awards Nominations are open for this year’s awards which celebrate the groups and individuals who have made a significant contribution to the lives of older people in Scotland.

The Awards ceremony will be held at our Conference in Perth Concert Hall on the 16th March 2016.

Nominations are now open for the following awards: • Jess Barrow Award for Campaigning / Influencing • Patrick Brookes Partnership Award • Service for Older People Award • Member Group of the Year Award • Volunteer of the Year • Employer of the Year Award The nomination closing date is Friday 27th November 2015 and winners will be notified by Christmas.

Winners receive a trophy and certificate, as well as professional photographs to keep. Invitations to the awards ceremony will go out closer to the event.

We look forward to receiving your nominations.

You can download a copy of the nomination form online at www.agescotland.org.uk/awards.

For further information call 0333 323 2400 or email awards@agescotland.org.uk.

21

Get Involved

A

ve face! on a bra g n i t t u p seilers nd ab a l t o ge Sc

FUN... draising

In the last edition of Advantage we introduced you to our Events and Community Fundraiser, Amy Telford. Here is a little run down of just some of the things she and the Fundraising team have been up to since then.

Marvellous Member Groups The Fundraising team are always on hand to provide support and materials to groups who wish to fundraise on a 50/50 basis. Occasionally member groups choose to fundraise solely for Age Scotland too!

Either way, we very much appreciate any support offered, as it helps us to continue our vital work.

Age Scotland Fundraisers, Amy and Alison, attended a fundraising event organised by member group, Old Farm Court, a sheltered housing complex in Edinburgh. The group has received some support from Age Scotland in the past, through our area Community Development Officer and our small grants programme. They very kindly offered to organise a Soup and Sandwich event in aid of Age

Amy with members at Old Farm Court

Scotland. This was so thoughtful of them, especially when they fundraise for their own activities too.

Amy and Alison had a lovely time chatting to residents. It was clear that the social events there are incredibly important in tackling isolation and loneliness. It was also lovely to hear one of the social committee saying: “...one of the older residents doesn’t usually join in our social activities, but they have chosen to attend today and they are really enjoying themselves. It’s great to see.”

As well as everyone having a lovely time, Old Farm Court raised a fantastic £247.47 for Age Scotland. Many thanks to them for the support.

Amy also attended a coffee morning organised by member group, Grangemouth Community Care.

They have received support from Age Scotland in the past and decided that they wanted to give something back. They raised a wonderful £324.40, which is greatly appreciated. Thanks also go to Talbot House in Grangemouth for hosting the event.

In August the annual Falkirk Charities Day took place and member group, Carron Connect (who run the SOFIA Project) kindly held a stall there for us.

22 New fb page: www.facebook.com/agescotlandfundraising

Get Involved

The team from Scottis h

Widows

Grangemouth Community Care

They raised funds for both their own cause and Age Scotland, by selling their beautifully knitted goods and running a Guess the Teddy Bear’s Birthday competition. A huge thanks to the ladies and also to our friends at Falkirk Delivers for organising the day.

Our very own Superheroes We were delighted to be involved in the annual Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Forth Bridge Abseil on 7 June. 23 participants abseiled off the Forth Rail Bridge for Age Scotland, raising over £7,300. The team included staff, a volunteer and several supporters. Our friends at Solicitors for Older People Scotland, for example, entered three brave souls to take on the challenge. They raised a massive £2,051 between them!

Lots of other charities took part too and we are told that the oldest abseiler was aged 87. A huge thanks to all of our abseilers and to everyone who sponsored them. We cannot wait for next year’s event! Keep your eyes peeled for details, or why not get in touch to register your interest?

Fabulous Fundraisers We are very lucky to have received support from a team at Scottish Widows in Edinburgh this year. As well as supporting Age Scotland through fundraising

activities, from Easter stalls to office quizzes, two teams recently descended on our Morningside and Nicolson Street shops in Edinburgh, donating goods and volunteering their time for the day. They also held a public collection outside the shops, with support from our Fundraising team. As you can see from the photos, it looks like they all had great fun too!

The team have raised over £4,000 so far, so a huge thanks to them for all their hard work and commitment to our cause.

Do you know of any companies who might be interested in supporting Age Scotland as their charity of the year? We would love to hear from you.

Get involved!

If you have any queries about fundraising for Age Scotland, perhaps on a 50/50 basis to boost funds for your group, please do get in touch with the Fundraising team for information, materials and support: Email: fundraising@agescotland.org.uk Tel: 0333 323 2400

fundraising & events now on twitter: @agescotevents 23

Delivering your Electricity Join our Priority Services Register for peace of mind.

If you fall into any of these categories, or know someone who does, call us or register online. Once you’re on the Priority Services Register, we will: • Contact you if we know of a problem in your area • Keep you informed with regular updates

Delivering your Electricity SP Energy Networks and Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution, which is part of SSEPD, look after the networks that deliver electricity to homes and businesses across Scotland. It’s our job to ensure that when you flick a switch, the lights come on.

• SP Energy Networks covers Central and Southern Scotland.

• Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution covers the North of Scotland, the Highlands and most of the Scottish Islands.

Our electricity networks are extremely reliable but sometimes your supply may be interrupted due to circumstances beyond our control.

Power cuts can happen for all sorts of reasons: trees bringing down lines, storms, road works, copper theft, vandalism and wildlife.

In the event of a power cut, our teams of engineers and support staff work around the clock to restore power as quickly as possible.

Your electricity supplier – the company that sends your electricity bills – will not be able to restore your power since they don’t deal with the physical distribution network. That’s our job, so we’re the ones to call.

The sooner we know about your loss of power, the quicker we can respond. You can call us anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Priority Services

• Work with external agencies that may be able to assist • For extra security we can agree a password with you, should we need to visit your home • The services we provide are free of charge.

If you have any specific requirements and feel you may need extra help during a power cut, please contact us and we’ll do our best to help.

Our leaflets are available in Braille or Large Print.

We appreciate that for some of our customers, disruption to their electricity supply can be particularly distressing and difficult.

That’s why we offer these customers extra help and priority treatment during a power cut. You can join our Priority Services Register if you: • Depend on electricity for home and medical care, e.g. a kidney dialysis machine • Have a chronic illness or short term medical condition, e.g. you are recovering from a major operation • Have a disability • Have special communication needs • Are aged over 60

inform

Areas Covered

SCOTTISH HYDRO ELECTRIC POWER DISTRIBUTION SP ENERGY NETWORKS

SP Energy Networks

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution

To Report a Power Cut

To Report a Power Cut

From a Landline 0800 092 9290

From a Landline 0800 294 3259

From a Mobile 0330 1010 222

From a Mobile 0345 072 1900 (lo call) From a Text Phone 0800 316 5457

To Register for Priority Services

To Register for Priority Services

Call us 0330 1010 444

Call us 0800 294 3259

Go online

Go online

www.spenergynetworks.co.uk/priorityservices

www.ssepd.co.uk/priorityservices

To Follow us on Social Networks

To Follow us on Social Networks

@spenergynetwork

@hydroPD

www.facebook.com/SPEnergyNetworks

www.facebook.com/hydroPD

25

going local

niors Centre Castlemilk Se nts’ at the e m o M ‘Senior

Renfrewshire Seniors Forum and their partners again excelled themselves hosting SOOPIR Day in Paisley’s Lagoon Centre at the start of May. Funded by Age Scotland and Renfrewshire Council the day was a refreshing mix of entertainment, opportunities and information for Renfrewshire’s older citizens.

Over 140 older people were entertained by H-Arts, Buddy Beat, Young at Heart tap dancers, Zumba Gold, enjoying a leisurely lunch with an impromptu singalong! Participants were also able to pick up advice on topics ranging from fitness and social activities to where to go if you need your smoke alarm replaced.

Plans are now in place to bring the ever popular Glasgow Senior Citizens Orchestra to the Lagoon on Friday 23rd October 2015. To find out more or purchase a ticket call Sally Logan on 0141 618 6055.

Celebration was the theme for two of the stories from the Glasgow area in the last couple of months. In May the Nan McKay Hall took over the exhibition space at Scotland Street School Museum to celebrate over 30 years of providing a wide range of classes for older people in the Pollokshields area.

Your local Age Scotland team To get in touch with your local Age Scotland team contact: Elizabeth Brown: 0141 420 4002 / email: Elizabeth.brown@agescotland.org.uk

news from t he

Nicola Sturgeon M SP

having a cu p

pa at the

west

Nan Mc Kay Ha ll

Among the stalls were those showcasing the skills of quilt makers, painters and hat makers. Students from Hutcheson Academy were on hand to assist with the exhibition and local MSP and First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, opened the event. Older members of the committee at Nan McKay were very pleased with how the day went “It was great seeing all the things we do together in one place, I think visitors were surprised at how much goes on at the Hall” In June Castlemilk Seniors Centre celebrated the lives of 30 of its 500+ members with a ‘then and now’ photographic exhibition, called Senior Moments, in collaboration with Glasgow Caledonian University. Members wrote a short commentary on their photos for the exhibition which was also viewed by local primary school children. One child commented “I thought it was fun looking at local people from the past”. One of the Seniors remarked “it was fabulous – loads of memories came flooding back reading about everybody’s past” Other comments included “first class” and “wonderful”.

Senior Moments will transfer to the Scotland Street School Museum for the month of October as part of the Luminate Festival.

There was an intergenerational element to the Active Seniors annual Day in the Park in Glasgow’s Victoria Park at the start of June with the local IG choir performing to the visitors.

More than 30 organisations took stalls to provide information to the hundreds of older people who attended the event.

26 For news and views visit www.agescotland.wordpress.com

going local news fro m the sou th

Day out

to Perth

Sharing happiness from our South Members who received monies from Age Scotland Summer Outing Grant Programme Heather and Morag, Community Development Officers were pleased to have member groups in the South region benefit from the new Summer Outing Grants Programme. In particular, Irongray Senior Citizens in Dumfries and Galloway who took a bus load of members and friends on a scenic day trip to Portpatrick. After having a wee pop in and out of the shops and stroll around the harbour they set off again along the coastal route back to Kirkcudbright where they enjoyed a meal with chat and laughter.

One member highlighted that it was a nice welcome change to enjoy a meal with friends, instead of eating alone at home.

57 members and friends from Ochiltree Old Peoples Welfare, East Ayrshire went for a day trip across to Biggar and Peebles. There they enjoyed a couple of hours browsing the shops and lovely scenic Borders Town before setting off down to Moffat where a delicious High Tea was served. A great trip with members enjoying a sing song on the bus which brought back happy memories for some. When the members arrived back in Ochiltree there were 57 happy smiling faces.

One of our newest groups from Coldstream in the Scottish Borders took a coach full of members and friends to Perth. There they explored the lovely scenic town and enjoyed browsing the shops while the sun shone down on them. Members returned

OIR Ayr turns 30 Age Scotland’s pop-up shop at

home relaxed and refreshed from a good day out with lots of chatter and laughter.

Our Summer Outing and Festive Grants Programme can offer a small contribution towards these events to help our member groups to enjoy outings and events at an affordable cost to all.

OIR Ayr turns 30!

Opportunities in Retirement (OIR) Ayr recently celebrated 30 years of being a hub for the over 50s in Ayr and surrounding areas. The group took over the Town Hall in Ayr showcasing some of the work that its 80 groups provide for their members. Alongside this, Community Development Officer Heather Baillie and Age Scotland Enterprises Insurance Manager Colin Darcy had an Information Stand providing publications on topics that affect older people. Also on the day our Ayr Age Scotland Charity Shop came along and had a pop-up shop, the day was great for the staff and volunteers as it allowed them to meet older people and make connections that they wouldn’t normally have the opportunity to do.

Your local Age Scotland team To get in touch contact Helen Simpson (Edinburgh): 0131 668 8061 / helen.simpson@agescotland.org.uk Liz Brown(Glasgow): 0141 420 4002 / elizabeth.brown@agescotland.org.uk

27

going local

Natter Knit and

news from t he

Promoting Elderberries

Following the success of Inverness Caledonian Thistle Walking Football Club, Carol is happy to report that Ross County are launching their own club at Dingwall this month. The group is open to everyone whatever your ability so come along and have a go. Walking Football is a great activity, but let’s not forget the social side of things - the tea and chat is every bit as important, so even if you don’t want to take part, come along for the blether! For more information contact Ross County Community Department on 01349 860862.

Age Scotland Grants for equipment have proved particularly popular recently. They have enabled: • Portlethen Young at Heart group purchase two new wheelchairs to help members access this much loved and vital service • Transition Town Forres to provide sewing machines for their fast growing Sewing Class.

Started in 2008 as an environmental charity with an aim of making Forres a more sustainable and resilient place with increased wellbeing for the people living there, this organisation has established many projects for all ages working together.

Your local team To get in touch with your local Age Scotland team contact Christine Anderson: PO Box 5754, Inverness IV1 9BR / 01463 713160 / Christine.anderson@agescotland.org.uk

north

Guess the Herb Crop

• Stornoway Old People’s Welfare to continue their excellent catering which was placed in jeopardy when their oven gave up the ghost. The swiftly purchased replacement oven ensures that the Lewis Retirement Centre Team continue to produce delicious fare and support all the groups that meet there.

• Engaging with Activity to buy appropriate chairs for clients attending Brora Village Hub in East Sutherland. Existing chairs were very low and uncomfortable: the group can now take a wellearned break, after all their activities, on some lovely, new, comfortable seats. www.engagingwithactivity.com.

Creating enjoyable social opportunities is an aspiration of many member groups. Some successfully attract folk along with just the promise of a good cuppa and a blether, while others find that activities are key to involving more people.

At Shopper-aide’s event in Campbeltown in May, they show-cased their new venture, the Elderberries Club, which meets twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The wide array of activities on offer includes knit and natter, crafts, memory books, puzzles, games etc. We caught up with some Old Pals’ Network men there too and tried their “Guess the Herb” challenge. Elderberries Club members recently shared their enthusiasm by holding a promotion event in a local supermarket foyer. For more information, contact Shopper-Aide on 01586 551600 or visit their facebook page www.facebook.com/shopperaidecampbeltown.

28 Join us on www.facebook.com/agescotland

going local

news fro m the eas t

Marco B iagi MSP m

eets olde r people in Cupar

May Canalympics, a great Xcite event back in

Congratulations to Laura Dunkel who returned from Arran in May as Laura Pearson. She is busy working with Xcite Ageing Well who are holding a Silver Sunday event in Whitburn on Sunday 20th September. Planning is well underway for this event, which aims to provide a space for local older people to come together to enjoy a cup of tea, a blether and an afternoon of entertainment. David Urquhart Travel have kindly sponsored the event.

For more information or to book a place, phone 01506 237870.

Laura was invited to the Eid Festival in the City Chambers, Edinburgh, following grant support for the Pakistan Society Advice and Information Service’s 50+ Lunch Club. For eight years, they have been providing a range of services to isolated older people, including information and advice on housing, education, health, social welfare, consumer advice and immigration; an immigration surgery every fortnight and cultural programmes for the benefit of the minority ethnic communities living in the south side of Edinburgh. To find out more about the Pakistan Society call 0131 662 9446.

Meanwhile, in Cupar, Development Officer Douglas Macnaughtan organised a visit from Marco Biagi - Minister for Local Government and Community Empowerment. This was part of a summer visit to Cupar by the Scottish Government.

Mr Biagi was keen to hear the views of local older people as part of the national discussion around creating a fairer Scotland.

The older people of Cupar were delighted to spend an hour with the Minister, making their opinions very well known. Mr Biagi was delighted with their contribution to the debate.

Carole Anderson is delighted to report on the success of the Age Concern Polmont Strawberry Afternoon Tea. This was the brain child of President Betty Glen, who was looking for something to bring the members together over the summer holidays. The committee, with support from friends who volunteered to help out, organised the event.

Plates, cake stands and the (very!) best china were borrowed from family, friends and supportive local businesses: all the baking was donated. The committee was absolutely delighted with the response and the group has made over £400 from the event. Betty said “It’s not easy for some of our members to make their own arrangements to meet up when there’s nothing organised during the summer, so we thought that having a special tea would help break up the summer and give them a wee boost”.

Your local Age Scotland team To get in touch contact Helen Simpson: Causewayside House, 160 Causewayside Edinburgh EH9 1PR / 0131 668 8061 / helen.simpson@agescotland.org.uk

Legacy gifts to Age Scotland: info on 0333 323 2400 29

Clubs’ Corner

Haydays Fife

tivities on offer at Haydays Fife he many ac Some of t

Visit the town hall in St Andrews on a Tuesday and you’re likely to find the hive of activity that is Haydays Fife. Haydays runs a variety of educational, active and creative classes for local over 50’s.

Size shouldn’t be the only marker of success but with 170 members, Haydays must be doing something right. As soon you walk in to the Town Hall there are signs of multiple activities going on at the same time. From upstairs comes the sound of a dance class and on the ground floor there’s a busy stained-glass window making class in progress.

Through in to the café and teas and coffees are being served whilst lunch is being prepared.

Along with the activities to be heard there was also an art class and afternoon activities of linocut art, bridge and new age kurling. If there’s one thing that sums up Haydays, they definitely keep their members busy!

The

ife cho ays F d y a H

The Clubs Corner feature is supposed to shine a light on member groups to show what’s happening in your area, however, this month is different. Haydays is one part of the country where in reality we would like to see a group just like it in every part of the country. As Age Scotland staff travel around the country speaking to older people, we regularly hear the complaint that people want better services and activities in their area. Well Haydays is a great example of how a committed group of people can get together to provide something better. It’s hard work, but speak to the committee members or anyone taking part in the activities and you can see it’s worth it. There are many reasons why Haydays is a success but their motto fully sums it up – “You don’t stop playing when you get old, you get old when you stop playing.”

For more inspiration about setting something up in your area or to read more about Haydays Fife, visit their website www.haydaysfife.co.uk.

voice ir in full

30 Join us on www.facebook.com/agescotland

soap box

R

The “

WORD”

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU DON’T HAVE A 9-5 How will you spend the extra 40 hours per week that not working will free up for you?

Will you have enough income and savings to cover your expenses and enjoy later life?

How prepared are you for the change that exiting full time employment will bring to your daily routine, structure and relationships?

For many the thought of giving up the 40 hour per week job seems, on the face of it, a great opportunity to relax from the stress of work.

However, for many the stress of work gives way to the stress of what to do with all this free time.

The best thing to do is to not see this as a problem but just another step in life’s journey and Age Scotland is here to help.

Our Planning for Later Life Workshops are designed to give you that headspace to think about what you will do once you move on from your full-time job. Whether you want to work more flexibly, part-time or give up work altogether, these workshops are a great way to start planning.

Our workshops cover a whole range of issues that many people never consider before they retire.

Financial Content • Savings and Investments including taxation • Legal matters including Wills, Power of Attorney, Cost of Care • Pensions - what does the new legislation mean for you?

• Managing your outgoings

Health and Wellbeing Content • Managing yourself through the transition / change • Maintaining and creating new relationships • Managing your health including eating, exercise and social interaction • Keeping busy including part-time working, volunteering, further education, local activities

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Find out more Visit our website to see when the next course is being held.

Alternatively, to speak to our Planning for Later Life team contact Stacey Kitzinger at stacey.kitzinger@agescotland.org.uk or 0333 323 2400.

Our courses are delivered by people who have gone through the process of moving on from full time employment. We know that this is the best way to help make the courses resonate by delivering practical real life experiences. If you think you would like to give volunteering a try then get in touch with our Planning for Later Life team.

Call Silver Line Scotland on 0800 4 70 80 90 31

WILLS • POWERS OF ATTORNEY • LIVING WILLS • GUARDIANSHIPS AFTER A DEATH • TRUSTS • EQUITY RELEASE • LEGAL AID

looking after generations We spend our lives looking after our family, but the time will come when we’re unable to do so. We specialise in Legal Aid, Wills, Trusts, Powers Of Attorney, Care Costs, Equity Release and many more legal services.

Over 50’s should plan ahead and save loved ones money and stress in the worst of times.

CALL 0800 152 2037

www.solicitorsforolderpeoplescotland.co.uk All our members are regulated by The Law Society of Scotland