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Funded by advertising Free to our readers
agematters Issue 41
Summer 2016
Top Ten things to do in Hertfordshire this summer Information and Advice At a place near you
100 not out! Birthday celebrations at The Clitheroe
Dementia - Don’t face it alone Introducing a new support group
Men In Sheds A look behind the shed door
Our Visiting Scheme Support when and where you really need it
For Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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In this issue 5
Welcome
7
Age Concern Stevenage
8
Age Concern Bishop’s Stortford
9
Sanctuary Dementia Support
11
Tesco Volunteers
14-15
Information and Advice
16-17
Top Ten things to do in Hertfordshire
18
10 to 3 Clubs
19
Party time at the Clitheroe
20
Men in Sheds
21
Healthwise
22
World’s Biggest Tea Party World
23
The Taming of the Garden
24
InTouch
25
Visiting Scheme
26
Leaving Hospital
27-29
Volunteering news and opportunities
All enquiries to: Carolyn Clarke Head of Administration Email: Head.admin@ageukherts.org.uk Distribution: Lee Regis Tel: 01707 323272 Designed by: Michael Harrison Email: harrison01924@gmail.com Printed by: Precision Colour Printing Tel: 01952 585585 Web: www.pcpltd.net
Where to get your copy of agematters You can get your copy of agematters from your local library, GP surgery, Age UK Shop, local Age Concern group, Age UK Hertfordshire 10 to 3 clubs and day centres, other Age UK Hertfordshire schemes, Wiltshire Farm Foods and selected outlets including some residential and sheltered housing schemes and local clubs or online at: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire An electronic copy of agematters is now available on Issuu in an easy to read format. Go to www.issuu.com You can also download the Issuu App so you can read agematters on your tablet or mobile phone.
Age UK Hertfordshire Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 Email: info@ageukherts.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire Head Office Tel: 01707 323272 Registered charity number 1116662 The inclusion of an insert or advertisement feature in agematters does not imply endorsement by Age UK Hertfordshire of any product or service advertised.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Welcome from the Chief Executive Welcome to our summer issue of Agematters. We hope you enjoy reading the many interesting articles we have for you in this issue – we are particularly pleased to include articles written by other organisations such as Sanctuary and Age Concern Stevenage. We continue to feature articles highlighting our services including the health and wellbeing centres and the broad range of activities available.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
If you are thinking of joining one of the groups or getting involved in the activities you will receive a very warm welcome - joining in is a great way to make new friends and improve your health and wellbeing. To find out more call our Information and Advice line on 0300 345 3446 the team will be happy to help you. On behalf of everyone at Age UK Hertfordshire we wish you a wonderful summer. Jan Gough Chief Executive
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Age Concern Stevenage Independence Week in Stevenage Age Concern Stevenage is one of the longest running charities in Stevenage. We have loyal volunteers and always welcome more. So what do we do? Our aim is to help Older People in our community (which actually means anyone over 50!) in many different ways. We run regular monthly surgeries with Age UK Hertfordshire’s Information and Advice Service and can also offer free 20 minute solicitor appointments. We have an abundance of helpful leaflets on a broad range of subjects at our Information Centre on the Ground Floor of Swingate House opposite the taxi rank. We have a very popular footcare service running with Lorna Scardifield Registered Foot Health Practitioner. We also hold a coffee and cake social morning on the 1st Tuesday of each month. You can drop in to the centre to book a Britannia coach trip, replace your hearing aid batteries, purchase a radar key (a key that opens accessible toilets), pick up local information and so much more. Each year we hold many special events such as Lend A Hand Day, Free Electric Blanket testing day, our annual Carol Service.
Do you find it difficult to get about? Age Concern Stevenage operate the local Shopmobility service. You can hire a mobility scooter or wheelchair from us either daily or weekly.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
Sam, the Vice Chair at Age Concern Stevenage. Our footcare practioner, Lorna with Bill Pilgrim, Ken Moore, our Chairman is pictured on the mobility scooter.
We are keen to share with everyone just how easy the scooters are to use so we are celebrating Independence Week on the 4th of July where you will be able to try the scooters for free around the town centre - we will accompany you for that extra bit of support if you so wish. We are passionate about helping those more isolated in the community and are keen to show just how easy and life changing a mobility scooter could be. We look forward to making a difference and thank all those involved with our charity for their continued support. Finally, we would like to invite you to our AGM on the 12th of July to share more about the work we do. For further information about the AGM or any of the ways we may be able to help you please call us on 01438 314164 or pop in to our Information Centre, Ground Floor, Swingate House (CAB Taxi rank entrance) located between the bus station and Tesco. We are open Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri 9:30 – 3pm and 9:30- 1:30 pm on Thursdays.
Tel. 01438 314164
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Always a Warm Welcome at The New Apton Centre, Bishops Stortford The New Apton Centre is located in the heart of Bishop’s Stortford and is run by Age Concern Bishop’s Stortford who are a friend of Age UK Hertfordshire. The centre provides a warm, safe and friendly environment for older people in Bishop’s Stortford and the surrounding areas to socialise, enjoy a hot meal and take part in activities. Dianne Sutherland is the manager at The New Apton Centre and she is supported by a board of trustees and a team of dedicated, hardworking volunteers. The New Apton Centre offers a warm welcome to everyone and is open four days each week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 10.00am to 3.00pm. The centre offers a range of flexible activities; Centre members can book in for individual sessions, or book whole days at the centre to take part in a range of activities. Regular activities at the New Apton Centre include: • Art • Needlework & crafts • Chair based exercises • Board games • Quizzes • Bingo • Film Experience • Computer training • Musical, singalong sessions • Visits to local places of interest and the local arts centre A hairdresser visits the centre every Monday from 12 to 3pm, and there is a very popular Chiropody service on either Tuesday or Thursday each week. Appointments can be booked by calling the centre on 01279 504748.
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©creative commons Shari's Berries via Flickr
Advice and guidance is provided by an Age UK Hertfordshire representative who visits the centre on the third Monday of every month to offer information and advice on all matters pertaining to older people including benefit entitlement, housing options, Lasting Power of Attorney, paying for care and accessing support services. Hot and cold lunches are served every day at The New Apton Centre, along with hot drinks and snacks in the morning and afternoon. You can make your own way to the centre or you can book a space on the mini-bus service to and from the centre each morning and afternoon. Please call us on 01279 504 748 to book a place on the minibus. The New Apton Centre is a great venue to meet people, make new friends and be supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. Come along and enjoy the fun! We are always looking for volunteers to help out at the New Apton Centre and to also drive our minibus.
If you are interested in volunteering, please call: 01279 504748 or email: agecobs@waitrose.com
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Free Dementia support group at local care home After attending the first session, which took place in April, Helen Miller from the local community said: “Support groups like this are very important as they both help people with dementia to live well whilst supporting their loved ones.”
Combating isolation for carers and for those living with dementia - Theresa Chibanda – Sanctuary Care A Sanctuary Care home in Hatfield is hosting a regular free event to support people in the community affected by dementia. A monthly support group will take place at Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home in Tamblin Way, where the team will be offering support and advice for those caring for a loved one living with dementia, as well as anyone who has been personally affected by dementia. The support sessions, which will run between 6pm and 7pm on the first Thursday of every month, will give carers in the community the opportunity to meet and share their experiences with fellow carers, as well as find out more about the help available to them.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
The Sanctuary Care home’s deputy manager Theresa Chibanda added: “Supporting anyone living with dementia can sometimes be very isolating and many people put themselves and their families under immense pressure to try and be the perfect support network for their loved one, but it doesn’t have to be that way as there are many services out there to help people in need. Our team here at Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home want to show people that help and advice is readily available on your doorstep. “I would really encourage anyone to come along to our sessions – they are very relaxed and it’s just a great way to support one another and to realise you’re not alone in your journey, as well as meet our residents and make new friends”. Helen added: “The session was very inspiring, it definitely helps combat isolation for carers and for those living with dementia – I would recommend them to anyone as they are really helpful”. The group is organised on a drop in basis and anyone is welcome to attend. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be available.
The address for those wishing to attend is Hatfield Residential and Nursing Home, Tamblin Way, Hatfield, AL10 9AX. Telephone: 01707 255270
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Douglas Tilbe House 10-3 Club By June Lee, Project Lead Douglas Tilbe House in Welwyn Garden City is the location for a successful and popular 10-3 club for those in later life. Club members can engage in a variety of activities such as: Seated exercise: Whatever your level of enthusiasm, from gentle exercise through to seated zumba with lively music and instruments. Scrabble, dominoes, cards, and other board games. One client even brings in his own shove ha’penny board to play with friends. Karaoke! We thoroughly enjoy a karaoke sing-along! It’s great stimulation for the brain as well as putting smiles on faces. Arts and crafts activities such as painting and card making. We also have a monthly entertainment day. These are great fun, starting with a quiz, then lunch followed by an entertainer and a raffle. On these special days we are often joined by guests from other Age UK Hertfordshire clubs and local sheltered housing groups. And that’s not all! We also have the following facilities on-site:
•
Charity Shop
•
Hairdresser
•
Hearing-aid service (every other month)
•
Chiropodist (once a month)
•
Legal advice from a Solicitor (once a month)
•
Information and Advice surgeries (help with areas such as accessing benefits and local services, housing options and IT training)
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
Credit Age UK Hertfordshire
Jacqueline and Doreen - building friendships and having fun Jacqueline and Doreen* both recently became Douglas Tilbe House 10-3 club members. Both had similar challenges with difficulties due to dementia and short term memory loss. In the beginning it was important for us to provide extra reassurance and support to them, particularly around getting to and from the club on the right days. However we are delighted that both have now settled in really well and are comfortable with the new routines. Since they were introduced, Jacqueline and Doreen have struck up a fantastic friendship, enjoying new levels of social interaction and importantly seeing an improvement in their memory. They have become close friends and take care of each other, especially when it comes to getting on and off the bus safely. They also chat regularly on the phone between club days. When Jacqueline and Doreen first joined Douglas Tilbe House, they were only attending one day a week. However, they were enjoying themselves so much and finding such benefits from the support they receive they now come along twice a week. We are proud to have been able to make such a difference and delighted that both Jacqueline and Doreen’s families have been in touch with high praise for the service Age UK Hertfordshire have provided.
To find out more about the Club call June Lee on: 07508 867534
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Age UK Charity Shops Age UK has 15 charity shops in Hertfordshire offering a wide and ever changing range of goods at very reasonable prices The shops don’t just offer donated goods, they sell brand new products including gifts, thermals, homeware, food and many more great items all at fantastically low prices too. No Age UK shop is the same and you are bound to find something of interest.
Supporting people in later life Age UK shops are all about supporting people in later life, both through the services and products they provide, and the funds they raise to support Age UK’s work at a national and international level.
Free Information and Advice in every Age UK shop Each Age UK shop is stocked with a green hub that is the outlet for all Age UK’s leaflets giving you and your family much needed free information and advice. You can find information on health and wellbeing, money and home and care. Age UK shops also have leaflets advertising our products including home and travel insurance and stairlifts.
Your local Age UK Shops quality goods at bargain prices
Telephone Numbers
128 Shenley Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1EF
020 8381 5210
83 Turners Hill, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire EN8 9BD
01992 622360
6 Harding Parade, Harpenden, Hertfordshire AL5 4SW
01582 767021
14 Bridge Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire HP1 1BF
01442 268711
8 Market Street, Hertford, Hertfordshire SG14 1BD
01992 553311
1 Sun Street, Hitchin, Hertfordshire SG5 1AE
01462 452082
98 High Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8HD
01992 443510
26 East Cheap, Letchworth, Hertfordshire SG6 3DA
01462 484812
110 Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1AE
01707 656904
171 High Street, Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire WD3 1AY
01923 711726
15 Church Lane, Royston, Hertfordshire SG8 9LG
01763 242893
46 Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire CM21 9AN
01279 600959
26 High Street, Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 9BY
01920 463051
233 St Albans Road, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 5BQ
01923 235883
16 Howardsgate, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire AL8 6BQ
01707 375619
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Information and Advice at our Community Surgeries Alternate 2nd Wednesdays and Thursdays of every month. • Stevenage, Age Concern 1st and last Wednesday of the month • St Albans, Age Concern - Last Wednesday of the month • South Oxhey, Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre - 2nd Thursday of the month • Watford Age UK Hertfordshire, Exchange Road, - 3rd Tuesday of the month
by Amanda Shearn, Information and Advice Team Leader As part of the Age UK Hertfordshire Information and Advice (I&A) service we offer community surgeries at seven different locations across the county. These surgeries offer opportunities for people to drop in and talk face to face with one of our trained Information and Advice team about issues such as benefit entitlements, housing options, Lasting Power of Attorney, paying for care and accessing support services. You will find the surgeries here: • Bishops Stortford, The Apton Centre - 3rd Monday of every month. • Hatfield, Friendship House - Alternate 3rd Tuesdays and Thursdays of every month. • Welwyn Garden City, Douglas Tilbe House -
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Each surgery runs from 10am 12noon with 20 minute copyright©Age UK appointments. The surgeries have been very successful in reaching people across the county with over 550 people attending a surgery in the last six months . Often appointments will lead to further support such as assistance with applying for benefits, information about housing options, setting up Lasting Powers of Attorney or basic IT training. I&A Coordinator Jana Kycinova told us about her experiences at the Stevenage community surgery: “Many people drop in for benefit checks; some are close to retirement and are worried about how they will be able to manage without the income from employment, whilst others are enquiries from relatives looking for ways to improve the life of their loved ones. The majority of our visitors come to the community surgeries because they are struggling financially. By taking a little bit of time we are able to put their minds at rest and often help them to make positive changes to their lives.”
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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anxiety. I believe our help and support has really made a big difference for her”. Being an Information and Advice advisor can be a very rewarding and worthwhile job as Jana’s personal and moving summary tells us. “I would like to tell you what being an advisor means to me. So much of it is about understanding the individual needs behind each name on an appointment sheet. People come to us because they have worries and hope we can help them. It can be difficult to ask for help and it is important that I take time to really understand what matters to them. It’s very rewarding when, as the appointment progresses I start to see people relax, smile or even make a joke and I can provide information and advice on services available to them. Sometimes even the smallest things can make such a difference. I hope that my visitors feel they have met someone who cares and is willing to help. It’s an extremely rewarding job”.
copyright©Age UK
“Mrs Jones* visited us recently looking for advice on how to manage her finances as she was struggling to make ends meet. We discussed her situation, income and health to see if she had any entitlements that she was not currently in receipt of. I made sure that I understood all of her difficulties and listened to her to find out what troubled her the most. Mrs Jones explained that she was feeling lonely and was struggling to cope with modern living. I gave her information about all of the services offered through Age UK Hertfordshire as well as other local services such as clubs in her area and provided details of companies which organise day trips. I also arranged for one of our IT support volunteers to give her some IT lessons to be able to use and understand her phone.
For more information or to meet an advisor at a community surgery please contact the Information and Advice line on 0300 345 3446. Lines are open Monday -Friday 8am-5pm and Saturday 8am – 12 noon.
We discovered that she would be able to apply for Attendance Allowance which she was subsequently awarded at the highest rate. This award has really improved her financial situation, by more than £4000 per year, and has helped to reduce her * Name changed
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Top 10 things to do in Hertfordshire this Summer By Carolyn Clarke – Age UK Hertfordshire 2. Mill Green Mill and Museum – a restored 18th century working flour mill set in an attractive riverside setting in Welwyn Garden City. The mill is powered by water to produce flour and demonstrate historic milling practices (subject to demand for flour and weather conditions). On milling days (Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sunday afternoons), you can see the watermill in action and find out from the miller about this ancient craft. There are three higgledy-piggledy exhibition rooms packed with colourful displays of local art and exhibitions about our fascinating history. Admission: Adults £3.50 For more information: www.welhat.gov.uk/millgreenmuseum
Credit Anne Wornor
We are so lucky to live in a county as diverse and beautiful as Hertfordshire. So this summer why not get out and about and see one of these gems tucked away on our own door step, and as an added bonus, many of these attractions are free! 1. Verulamium Park and St Albans Abbey –100 acres of beautiful parkland close to the city centre. The Park is named after the Roman City of Verulamium on which it stands. The City walls and outline of the London Gate can still be seen. Verulamium Museum displays hundreds of remarkable objects that have been excavated from the ground. St Albans Abbey is an imposing former Norman Abbey Church overlooking Verulamium Park. There are many interesting features including a series of 12-13th century wall paintings. Admission: Free. For more information: www.stalbanscathedral.org
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Lavender Farm, Hitchin – Barbara Asboth
3. Hitchin Lavender is a lavender farm with around 25 miles of lavender rows which you can walk through and pick your own fresh flowers from. As well as the fields of lavender they also grow sunflowers and have a wildflower area. Inside the 17th century barn at the heart of the farm a range of lunches, home made cakes and of course a large variety of lavender plants are on offer. In 2016 Hitchin Lavender will be open to the public between 2nd of May and 18th September. Admission: Adults £4.50 (picking included) 4. Ashridge Estate comprises ancient trees, rolling chalk downlands and lush meadows set in 5,000 acres of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. You will also find the Bridgewater Monument here. The estate is managed by the National
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Trust who say that the best way to explore is on foot or by bike. Miles of footpaths and bridleways give you plenty of space to explore, and if you drop into the visitor centre they’ll be happy to share their favourite routes with you. They also have mobility scooters if you aren't able to explore under your own steam. Admission: Free. For more information: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ashridge-estate
For 2015 the council were so overwhelmed at the quantity and quality of acts that they decided to add an Acoustic Garden stage to the event, set in the Castle Moat Garden and designed to be a mellow relaxing area with a folk inspired feel. Yoga massages and meditation are offered for those who want to chill out and listen to something softer than the main Rock Stage. Admission: Free. For: more information: www.hertford musicfestival.co.uk/rock-at-the-castle.php
5. Natural History Museum at Tring was built in 1889, previously The Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum, bequeathed to the nation on his death in 1937. The chances are if it's furry, hairy, scaly, slimy, spiny, weird, wild or wonderful then it's here. This is the largest collection of stuffed/mounted amphibians, birds, fish, insects, mammals and reptiles in the UK . Admission: Free. Tel: 020 7942 6171. For more information: www.nhm.ac.uk/tring
Knot Garden Hatfield House – ukgardenphotos
8. Hatfield House Royal history-soaked mansion with links to Henry VIII; includes the Old Palace and beautiful grounds. Admission: £10-16 (concessions available) For more information www.hatfield-house.co.uk or Tel:01707 287010
Rickmansworth Aquadrome - Lynda Bullock
6. The Aquadrome, Rickmansworth. This Green Flag award winning attraction covers 41 hectares and is home to a wide variety of facilities from wooded walks, lakes, play areas, a cafe and lush green open spaces. As a Local Nature Reserve it is also home to a variety of wildlife and plants and with its diverse habitats is an ideal place for walks and picnics. There is plenty of free parking available, including bays for disabled drivers and improvements have been made to the network of paths around the reserve so wheelchair users can get around easily. Admission: Free. For more information: www.threerivers.gov.uk/egcl-page/rickmansworthaquadrome 7. Rock at The Castle. Hertford's annual rock festival takes places in the grounds of Hertford Castle on the first Sunday of August. The free music festival is organised by the town council and sees thousands of visitors return year on year to see both local acts on those from further afield.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
9. de Havilland Aircraft Museum - prides itself on being Britain’s first aviation collection housing restored WW2 military and civil aircraft and engines. The core of the collection is the unique Mosquito prototype, the only original WW2 prototype in the world. On display there are a variety of de Havilland aircraft, aero-engines, propellers, missiles, rockets and memorabilia. The Centre provides a unique ‘hands-on’ experience for all the family. Admission: £10 (concessions available). For more information: www.dehavillandmuseum.co.uk 10. Aldenham Country Park is a beautiful place for wildlife, rare breed animals, outdoor fitness, woodland experiences, mixed farming, nature walks and more. Enjoy 100 acres of parkland adjacent to a 60 acre lake. Pooh Bear's 100 Aker Wood is also free to visit. Admission: Free. Parking fees: £3.50 per day. For more information: www.AldenhamCountryPark.co.uk We hope you enjoy this eclectic selection of some of our finest places, but we’re sure there are many other hidden gems! Why not drop us a line to tell us about your favourites?
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A day in the life of a 10-3 Club Team Leader Exercising, quizzing and lunches with Helen Grant Hello! My name is Helen. I’m the Team Leader for our 10-3 and Asian Clubs in North Hertfordshire and I want to tell you a little bit about what I do here at Age UK Hertfordshire. Before joining in July 2015 I had worked as a home carer but most recently had worked in the welfare and employment sector. I was very keen to get back to working with older people and was really pleased when I was offered the Team Leader role. We have ten 10-3 Clubs and four Asian Clubs around the County which are great places for older people to meet like minded people, make friends and enjoy a range of activities. The Club Supervisors, Staff and Volunteers make sure the clubs run smoothly, but it’s up to me to make sure that our clubs are meeting the highest standards and that members are happy with the service they receive. This includes ensuring that lunches are of a good standard and that the activities we run with our members are enjoyable and beneficial. So that I can understand what our members really want from us, I like to spend as much time as possible at individual clubs speaking to Members, Staff and Volunteers about their experiences and gathering any suggestions they may have. I love to get involved too, and really enjoy taking part in and running activities such as exercise sessions and quizzes and going along to some of our regular outings. Most recently I joined our Hitchin 10-3 club on a trip out for lunch which was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
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Helen Grant 10-3 Team Leader - Active Ageing team
Even though I’ve only been here a short time, I already have lots of good memories; the most recent being a part of the fantastic ‘World’s Biggest Tea Party’ event in Borehamwood which included members from our 10-3 and Asian Clubs. The atmosphere was one I will never forget – along with the scones and jam! I thoroughly enjoy my job and am proud to work for an organisation that makes such a difference to those in later life. Our 10-3 and Asian Clubs are such an important service and it’s great to know that I am instrumental in enabling all our members to receive the service and care they deserve.
East Herts and Broxbourne Telephone: 01992 747956 North Herts and Welwyn Hatfield Telephone: 01462 420911
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Party Celebrations at the Clitheroe Kerry James The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre in South Oxhey was the setting for a special party recently when we were delighted to be the hosts for the celebration of Annie’s 100th Birthday . Annie had been a regular member at the Centre until recently and although we don’t see her as often now, Annie was determined to celebrate her 100th birthday with her friends. On the big day, Annie’s son arranged to bring her along to the centre where her friends were waiting for an afternoon of food, fun and games. We started off with a game of pass the parcel followed by a special “Annie Quiz”. Everyone enjoyed a lovely buffet with party food ending with jelly and ice cream and of course a large slice of cake - as pictured. Annie was presented with flowers and cards and was thrilled with her day. The lunch club at Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing centre is open everyday and always runs a varied programme of events including entertainment, arts and crafts, quizzes and games. We also offer drop-in sessions with something for everyone, including, Tai chi, exercise, coffee mornings and entertainment afternoons. We regularly have group outings for the day.
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
Happy Birthday Annie! If you would like to come along and meet our friendly group or try out any of the activities mentioned, please call us on 01923 256360 to find out how to get involved. If transport is difficult for you please contact us to see how we can help.
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Men in Sheds Kerry James Our “Men In Sheds” Club takes place at The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre every Monday and Thursday from 10am-12noon. In our “shed” we focus on table top hobbies and interests and you will receive a warm welcome and good companionship as we explore old and new skills or hobbies. Our “shedders” are currently enjoying a range of crafts including model engineering and plastic kit assembly, oil/watercolour painting and pencil sketching. We have even been showing off our carpentry skills making small wood projects such as bird boxes. As we head into summer, Men in Sheds will also be undertaking exciting new projects at the centre, such as photography making it an even nicer place to be.
Men in Sheds
The “Shedders” will also continue to maintain our lovely planted tubs and will be making hanging baskets, as well as potting a variety of shrubs and flowers to make the garden area attractive to bees and other wildlife – as well as us of course! Other service users at the centre will also get the chance to spend time picking fruit and helping in the garden.
We will be building some bookshelves for our library, enabling the Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre to provide a fantastic new and valuable service holding a range of large print books as well as a selection of DVDs and CDs.
So if you’re looking for something fun to do in your spare time, if you have green fingers or would like to try new hobbies or to pick up old ones why not come along to the centre where a warm welcome awaits you (and some tea and cake!)
We will also be opening our garden area and creating a calm and relaxing space; somewhere to reflect and enjoy a refreshing drink after working in the garden. Our “Shedders” have chosen a variety of fruit, vegetables and herbs, to grow this year. So hopefully with the right weather we can look forward to a fruitful harvest that can be shared out at the centre!
The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing centre is at Clitheroe Gardens, South Oxhey, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD19 6RP Tel: 01923 256360
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Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Healthwise – A Volunteer’s Perspective ‘Helping older people keep happy and healthy in later life’ by Adam Thapar Healthwise is a countywide initiative that is easily accessible to individuals aged 50+ living in Hertfordshire. Healthwise aims to support and empower older people to retain their independence through interactive activities such as gentle seated exercises, healthy eating as well as fun and friendship (quizzes and games). We also explore internet and online services with group members. Each Healthwise course runs for 10 weeks and in each session, we enable older people to contribute and develop meaningful relationships, combating feelings of loneliness. Our holistic Healthwise sessions have also been shown to positively help those with mental health conditions. Linda Wood, a long standing volunteer and previous client of Healthwise, gives us her account of Healthwise: “For a client of Healthwise, it is a fantastic hour out of their day. Activities include; fun chair exercises to music (that is my era too, so a sing-along sometimes goes with it!), tasty and informative food sampling, finishing with fun games and quizzes (which can be highly competitive!). As a volunteer, I see people enjoying themselves and taking part without being ‘put on the spot’, building friendships and most importantly, always lots of laughter and smiles. The 10 weeks go by so quickly and we always seem to leave people wanting more, which is a good result! We try our best to help them continue with the exercises after the 10 weeks are up”
Healthwise clients enjoying balloon games
Linda tells us about the positive impact of Healthwise on someone she has worked with recently: “I visited Dawn* who had recently been widowed. Sadly she was feeling quite lonely and had lost confidence – she didn’t want to do anything or go anywhere. I supported Dawn to go to her first Healthwise group and I saw the changes that took place over the 10 week course. Over time Dawn gradually started mixing well with the rest of the group and her confidence grew and grew throughout the Healthwise sessions. Dawn became interested in other Age UK Hertfordshire groups and so, once the Healthwise course had ended I arranged for her to visit a 10-3 club and she loves it! Healthwise understands that people matter - the group sessions are so beneficial and Healthwise is a great hour a week that everyone needs. There are many in the same position as Dawn that just need some encouragement to ‘open that door’.”
If you would like more information about Healthwise, or to find our about groups in your area, please call 0300 345 3446 *Name changed
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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World’s Biggest Tea Party World Record Attempt By Aoife O’Driscoll On 16 March we teamed up with Quantum Care and many volunteers from Camelot to host the World’s Biggest Tea Party. This was our joint effort to make a global Guinness World Record Attempt at having the most guests sit down to a cream tea together. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with dancing, chatting and plenty of tea and scones. We hosted older guests from all over Hertfordshire, who enjoyed a delicious spread co-ordinated by the National Association of Care Catering as part of Nutrition and Hydration Week. Just before our official attempt began at 2.30pm, Maria Ball, Chief Executive for Quantum Care and Trustee for Age Uk Hertfordshire, greeted the considerable crowd and spoke a few words about the World Record Attempt, and why we were doing it. “A lot of older people in our community are lonely” Maria explained. She spoke of our mutual desire to end loneliness in Hertfordshire, and talked about Quantum Care’s ‘No More Lonely Herts’ campaign. This campaign aims to identify lonely older people in Hertfordshire who would like to be invited to a series of events across the county. Our tea party was a fantastic, social opportunity for guests to meet new people and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea. Alongside Quantum Care, Age UK Hertfordshire wants to provide plenty of opportunities like this for the many older people in Hertfordshire who might be lonely. After Maria’s speech, guests tucked into their scones and tea while adjudicators noted the official world record attempt. In total 172 guests sat down to tea together! When everyone had had their fill, many made a beeline for the dance floor. Couples, friends, family members and carers all shimmied and swayed to the live music provided by The James Goff Band who played classic after classic. It was wonderful to see so many of our
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Councillor Farida Turner, 2nd from left with guests
L-R Amy Blake, Information and Advice Team Leader, Helen Grant Active Ageing Team Leader and Adam Thapar, Healthwise Team Leader
Penny Butler, Age UK Hertfordshire Trustee with Maria Ball, Chief Executive of Quantum Care and Age Uk Hertfordshire Trustee.
guests having such a great time. The band’s cover of Alabama’s song ‘Hey! Baby’ drew the biggest crowd to the dance floor, and even those who weren’t dancing were laughing or singing along. It was a fun, fabulous afternoon filled with music, dancing and chatting, and with the launch of ‘No More Lonely Herts’ we look forward to seeing many more social events just like it.
If you would like to find out more about the services offered by Age UK Hertfordshire Tel: 0300 345 3446 Email: info@ageukherts.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire For more information about Quantum Care Tel: 01707 393293 www.quantumcare.co.uk
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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The Taming of the Garden Every little helps! By Carolyn Clarke
branches at Hatfield, Cheshunt and the Head office in Welwyn Garden City arrived equipped with spades, pressure washers, trowels and fence paint. They got stuck straight in and quickly made a real difference to the site. Enjoying a well-earned cup of tea at the end of the day, the team were tired but satisfied with a job well done, and the garden looked refreshed and welcoming.
Many of us will know that feeling when our gardens have got just a bit too wild and the garden at Douglas Tilbe House in Welwyn Garden City, the site of our Health and Wellbeing centre, is no exception to that!
June Lee, the Project Lead at Douglas Tilbe Health and Wellbeing Centre told us “it’s so lovely to see the garden and pond looking at their best again and to see our members able to enjoy the lovely surroundings. We really appreciate the support from the Tesco staff and are looking forward to seeing another Tesco team later in the year when they’re coming to help out at one of our regular entertainment days” Many thanks Tesco!!
The thought of trying to wrestle a garden back into shape at that stage can be quite daunting, so we were delighted when our local Tesco branch got in touch to offer a team of volunteers to help us get it back in good order. The garden provides a lovely outdoor space for our 10-3 club members, staff, volunteers and other users of the centre alike to enjoy the sunshine (or at least the fresh air) and to admire the pond, wildlife, flowers and other plants. When in good shape it’s a lovely space, with an established mature pond, lovely waterlilies and irises and vibrant planters providing a lovely splash of colour. We were lucky that it was a bright day in April when a large team of volunteers from Tesco’s
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
To find out more about the activities at Douglas Tilbe House please contact June Lee on 07508 867534
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InTouch support By Trudie Harrington InTouch is here to provide telephone support to people over the age of 50 years. Our mission is ‘to promote the wellbeing of all older people and to help make later life a fulfilling and enjoyable experience’. We understand that whilst getting older can be liberating and rewarding it can present challenges such as health issues, decreased mobility or a change in circumstances, for example losing a loved one.
What happens when someone calls InTouch? Our team will take time to listen to your concerns and give you the opportunity to express your feelings. We may be able to suggest other services that can provide practical support if this is what you need. Whilst we may not always be able to solve the problem we will give you support to work through your thoughts and feelings and help you to build confidence.
Brenda’s story: Brenda* is 95 years old and lives alone. She has good friends locally but her family live further afield. Brenda called InTouch to talk about support with her housework and garden. We discussed practical support options and Brenda agreed to talk to our Information and Advice Team to see if there were additional benefits available that could help with the potential costs of these.
The InTouch Team. From L-R Debra, Trudie and Jane
Pension Credit which means that she no longer has to pay Council Tax and also benefits from free NHS dental care, a Warm Homes Discount and a free fridge freezer. Brenda is now able to pay for a gardener, a cleaner and assistance with shopping. She also enjoys home visits from her hairdresser and chiropodist. Happily, Brenda received a clear test result from the hospital. She told us ‘I cannot express how much your calls have meant to me through this time and thank you enough for what you have helped me receive financially. When I hear you at the end of the phone your voice is music to my ears.’
Brenda also spoke of her concerns about impending test results as she had found a lump in her breast. During our calls she felt able to speaking freely about her health fears and what the future may hold.
We are so pleased that as a result of talking to our InTouch service Brenda can now live more independently with increased confidence in her own home.
Our Information and Advice team were able to help Brenda to receive Attendance Allowance more than £2800 per year. She now also receives
Tel: 01992 629358 or 01992 634964 *Name changed
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Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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A friend in need is a friend in deed! “Most of all, I have got my sense of humour back” When Pauline* was referred to Age UK Hertfordshire, she was recovering from the impact of a brain tumour. She was not able to drive, could no longer get out and about and was not able to go on the shopping trips that she loved. Pauline was feeling increasingly cut off and isolated from friends and fun.
It is lovely to see her after all these years and to have a friend to talk to and also to hear her news too”.
Visiting Scheme Coordinator Glenda Elder visited Pauline at home to tell her more about the Visiting Scheme and it soon became apparent that she welcomed the idea of a volunteer visitor to help break the loneliness and isolation brought about by her circumstances. Pauline told Glenda that she had a real interest in people having spent many years working in a hospital as a Ward Clerk.
Over the course of the visits Pauline has made great progress and is really building up her confidence again. She now goes out on the bus and has also taken advantage of free computer lessons to get her I.T. skills up to date. Sylvia has found Pauline’s progress inspirational and rewarding. She told us “Pauline is doing really well. I enjoy visiting her”.
Glenda took all this information away to try to match Pauline with a volunteer visitor who might have similar interests and attitudes. Happily, local volunteer Sylvia Crawley had recently become available to visit. Sylvia was well known to Glenda as she has been working with Age UK Hertfordshire for an impressive 15 years. As a hospital occupational therapist, Glenda thought that she and Pauline might get on well together.
Pauline has been delighted with the Visiting Scheme. “It has really helped me. Most of all, I have got my sense of humour back. Thank You”.
Imagine the surprise when Pauline and Sylvia first met to discover that they knew each other and had previously worked together at Barnet General Hospital. They hit it off instantly and have now been meeting regularly for several months. Pauline says “Having Sylvia visit has made such a difference to me. I am really grateful.
North Herts and Stevenage Tel: 01462 446095 Watford and Three Rivers Tel: 01923 256361 Welwyn Hatfield Tel: 01707 375814 East Herts and Broxbourne Tel: 01992 631989 St Albans, Harpenden and Hertsmere Tel: 01727 859583 *Name changed
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Leaving Hospital? We can help with practical and emotional support by Ana de Campos-Incerti
I love being part of Age UK Hertfordshire as it is a charity that understands how to reach individuals who need support. The opportunities it creates and the environment it fosters for individuals, volunteers and staff, really connects all of us to want to work together as a strong team for the common good. It’s all about how we listen and then offer the practical help required whilst building and maintaining strong relationships.
Margaret’s story Margaret* is 88 year old and lives alone in her own home. She really enjoys her garden and takes great pride in her gardening skills. For some time Margaret had been having some breathing difficulties and had lost confidence as tasks such as shopping or going to the bank had became too difficult. copyrightŠAge UK
The Hospital Discharge Scheme at Watford General Hospital and St Albans City Hospital provides support which aims to reduce the likelihood of hospital readmission. We do this by working closely with health and social care professionals to ensure that older people are provided with the support they need settling back at home after receiving hospital treatment. The Scheme provides three to six weeks of practical and emotional support. This support could involve shopping for essential items, helping people to attend follow up medical appointments and referring onto support from other services such as Community Meals for those who are unable to cook. We often find that our clients find it useful to also be put in touch with other Age UK Hertfordshire services, such as our 10-3 clubs, befriending, the Information and Advice Service or other support services like Help in the Home which provides help with domestic tasks.
However, Age UK Hertfordshire's Hospital Discharge Scheme at Watford General Hospital then became involved. Our short term support, specifically tailored to suit Margaret's needs, enabled her to access longer-term services such as Befriending, Shopping, Transport and information about benefit entitlements. As a result, Margaret has been able to regain the confidence to enjoy past activities and stay in control of her decisions. This has helped to prevent her from feeling isolated and given her the support she needs at a time when she needed it the most.
St Albans City Hospital Tel: 01727 850811 Watford General Hospital Tel: 01923 436649 *Name changed
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Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Volunteer Roles in Focus – Digital Media Volunteer Aoife O’Driscoll While studying for my post graduate certificate in Digital Media I was lucky enough to find a unique volunteer role as a Digital Media Volunteer at Age UK Hertfordshire's head office. So far my time as a digital media volunteer has been full of eclectic experiences, and I feel I've been afforded a rare insight behind the scenes of all the good work Age UK Hertfordshire does for the community. The broad nature of my volunteer role could have me working on almost anything that we communicate digitally to the Hertfordshire community. I've spent time assisting on our agematters magazine, where I proofread articles and compile useful images. I've also defined the head office policy on professional use of social media. My role has even seen me reporting at the huge event where, in partnership with Quantum Care, we attempted to break the world record for the biggest tea party. Most recently, I've been researching the over-65 population of Hertfordshire to help us understand more about our Age UK Hertfordshire clients now and in the future. As I spend more and more time at head office I see just how relevant my studies are to my role at Age UK Hertfordshire. Older generations are increasingly knowledgeable and even passionate about new technology. Digital Media – services like Skype - can be such a useful tool for connecting with older generations both in our community and further afield, and could potentially bring us that bit closer to ending loneliness. As an added perk, every skill or theory I'm taught in college can be put into practise immediately so that I learn even more at head office from applying my skills. I'm so grateful to have the opportunity to
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
volunteer my developing skill set to Age UK Hertfordshire and would highly recommend volunteering to students who want to prepare for the workplace whilst giving back to a wonderful community. I continue to enjoy my time at Age UK Hertfordshire, and look forward to each week and the new experiences it brings.
If you have a little time to share with us, get in touch! Tel: 01707 386060 Email: volunteering@ageukherts.org.uk Visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/ volunteer-for-us/
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Volunteer Roles in Focus – Activities Assistant Jenny Burrows
After a while I also started working in the charity shop, as they were always busy and needed extra help. I have now worked there for three years and enjoy seeing the regular customers and listening to their weekly stories. I always go home feeling very happy knowing that I might have helped brighten their day with my companionship. While working in the charity shop at Douglas Tilbe House, I also had the opportunity of taking the European Driving Computer Course at college. Passing this course then gave me the additional skills needed to apply to work as a volunteer at the Age UK Head Office where I worked for a while in the Admin Department at Head Office.
Hello, my name is Jenny and I have been a volunteer with Age UK Hertfordshire for over three years. After recovering from a long illness I needed to regain my confidence and a friend recommended applying to Douglas Tilbe House day centre as a volunteer. I had a little experience working in a care home as a volunteer activities assistant before this but was looking for a new challenge. When I first started volunteering at the day centre I was very nervous but the staff there ensured I was not left on my own and gradually my confidence grew. I was made very welcome and, because of my previous experience, I was asked if I would like to help out with the card making group. I really enjoyed working in this area – helping the clients choose their materials and assisting with making their cards. It was great fun and very satisfying producing personal cards which were, in our opinion, often much better than anything you could buy in a shop!
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The role at Head Office gave me more confidence working with others in an office environment and the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities giving me the hands-on experience I need to add to my CV and hopefully obtain a permanent job in the future. Volunteering can be difficult at times but also very beneficial. When you are volunteering in two completely different areas you get to meet a wide variety of different people, both young and old, and the more challenges I have faced, the better person I feel I have become. Volunteering in my opinion has given me the chance to help make a difference to people’s lives and share lots of memories with them.
To find out more about volunteering with us: Tel: 01707 386060 Email: volunteering@ageukherts.org.uk Visit: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire/ volunteer-for-us/
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
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Join our team of volunteers helping local older people To find out more and to apply online visit the ‘Volunteer for us’ pages on our website www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire Alternatively: Email volunteering@ageukherts.org.uk or Tel: 01707 386060 Find us on Facebook
Home and Hospital Support Scheme Volunteers Provide short term, practical and emotional support to an older person in their home (not personal care) 1-2 hours or more a week Weekdays and/or weekends Urgently needed in North Herts, Stevenage, Welwyn Hatfield, East Herts, Broxbourne and surrounding areas.
Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre in South Oxhey needs Driver Assistants Approx 6 hours a week Weekdays Ideally based in Abbots Langley/Garston area
Day Centre Volunteers 4-5 hours a week weekdays If you would like to help our members with dementia, why not volunteer at Chalmers Court Day Centre, Rickmansworth
10 to 3 Club Volunteers Urgently needed 4-5 hours each week between 10am to 3pm To help deliver our programme of activities at the following clubs: Ware and Letchworth Great Offley, Baldock, Codicote, Hitchin, Cheshunt Royston, Whitwell
Age UK Hertfordshire Follow us on Twitter
Information and Advice, Benefits Outreach and Telephone Advice Volunteers Help older people access the information, advice and support they need In all parts of the county Flexible weekday hours available
Hospital Discharge Scheme Volunteers Provide short term, practical and emotional support to an older person in their home (not personal care) 1-2 hours or more per week Daytime weekdays Urgently required in St Albans, Watford and Three Rivers
Do you speak Punjabi? If so we need volunteers at our friendly and vibrant
@AgeUKHerts
Healthwise Volunteers Would you like to assist our coordinators in helping groups of older people participate in fun and enjoyable free sessions, helping older people maintain their independence and enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle? 2 – 6 hours per week Countywide
Do you live in Welwyn Garden City? Would you like to volunteer on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday? Help older people socialise at Douglas Tilbe House Health and Wellbeing Centre Assist with activities at this friendly and welcoming club. We also require
Kitchen Volunteers
on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10.30am-2pm To serve lunches and help with kitchen tasks
Asian 10 to 3 Clubs in Hitchin on Tuesdays from 9.30am – 3.30pm and Letchworth on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10am – 3pm
Visiting Scheme Volunteers Approx 1-2 hours a week on a regular basis Countywide You can make a huge difference to the lives of lonely older people by simply popping in for a chat
Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446
Admin Volunteers We are looking for friendly people to help staff our reception, answer calls, help with data entry and office admin. Website and Social media roles also available. At our Head Office 0.5 to 3 days per week Welwyn Garden City or 1-2 hours or more per week with our locally based services Countywide
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Say hello to Hertfordshire’s newest, most friendly mobility specialist
Open Mon - Sat 9,00am - 5pm • Tel: 01992 44 38 44
www.lifeswonderful.co.uk