What's on Guide

n o s ’ t a h W d r a w r u o y in Over 50 and looking for something to do?

Get stuck in...

Let’s get started...

Beauchief and Greenhill ward is brimming with activities and opportunities for people of all ages. We’ve explored the area and unearthed some hidden gems, a few surprises, and found out more about the groups and projects you love. There’s not a toolkit big enough to house all the brilliant things going on in your community! So, we’ve picked a few to whet your appetite (and included some useful pointers on where you can find out more).

Taking part Joining or participating in an Age Better in Sheffield project will empower you to take care of yourself and your community. Got a brilliant idea for a new project in the area? Or are you after a companion to boost your confidence using public transport? Keep reading to find out about Age Better projects (there’s 8 to choose from!), and other local activities to get involved in.

Volunteering Age Better in Sheffield projects simply couldn’t exist without the time, talents and generosity of our lovely volunteer team.

Volunteers all receive the training and support they need, and they choose how many hours they’d like to work, and when.

Got skills you’re itching to share? Or looking to learn something new?

We’ve got lots of opportunities available, as most of our Age Better projects need volunteers. You’ll be making a big difference to the lives of people aged 50 and over, and doing something brilliant for yourself, too.

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Interested? We’re looking for volunteers of all ages and would love to hear from you! Just get in touch with Age Better in Sheffield.

Be a holidaymaker in your hometown Try new things, get inspired, and start exploring! Let us know what you’ve learned to love about Beauchief and Greenhill ward. It could be a new activity, a cafe you’ve never visited, or being able to hop on the bus to visit a friend. Send us a postcard with what you’ve learned, and your travel tips for the area! Or, surprise a neighbour – send them a postcard to invite them round for a cup of tea (and dry your dishes with pride with your souvenir Beauchief and Greenhill ward tea towel!)

Whether you’re an avid tweeter, or prefer good old pen and paper, there’s lots of ways to contact us. Get in touch with Age Better...

-To get involved, as a participant or a volunteer, in any of the Age Better projects in this guide.

-To find out more about any Age Better projects or support.

-To tell us your thoughts on the Age Better Neighbourhood toolkit. @Age BetterSheff Age Better in Sheffield www.agebettersheff.co.uk Email: toolkit@syha.co.uk Call: 0114 2900 250 Send us a Beauchief and Greenhill ward postcard: Age Better in Sheffield, 43-47 Wellington Street, Sheffield, S1 4HF

High Fives Start Up group at The Abbey, Beauchief

Age Better #1 Start Up

Get plotting

What’s missing in your community? Start Up funds and supports projects that benefit those aged 50+.

Got an idea for something that is sustainable, in demand, and would reduce loneliness and isolation? Get in touch by calling 0114 2900 250 or emailing toolkit@syha.co.uk! Start Up can help you out with funding, legal and practical support, and getting the message out about your exciting new venture! here, but now we meet every week! She’s a very good listener, and has helped me to be calmer in working things out, rather than getting myself in all in a tizz.” – Olivia

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“It’s a great way to make new friends after you’ve retired. I’m busy with seeing my kids, going running, volunteering and more.... but make sure to come along to High Fives!” - Rory, Start Up group member High Fives social group meets every Wednesday in Beauchief.

To find out more about High Fives, call Derek on 0114 3270715

Age Better #2 Access Ambassadors We know that transport and access issues are one of the main causes of isolation – a problem that isn’t made easier living in a beautifully hilly city like ours.

Whether you want to build your confidence to visit areas of Sheffield, or increase your knowledge on using public transport, Access Ambassadors will work with you to get whatever you need to get out and about.

Like the look of an activity or event in this toolkit, but not sure how you’d get there? Get in touch with an Access Ambassador by calling 0114 2900 250 or emailing toolkit@syha.co.uk!

Vera out and about in Greenhill

Age Better #3 Peer Mentors

Meet Pat and Olivia

There are many life events, particularly as we get older, which can lead to us becoming isolated or lonely.

Are you facing a significant life event such as moving to a new home, taking that long awaited retirement, or the death of a partner? Just like Olivia, you could get in touch with a Peer Mentor – then, you can work together to make sure you’ve got the right things in place.

“I must admit that the first time meeting Pat was the most terrifying day of my life… but once I met her, she made me feel so comfortable.

Before I started meeting Pat I never went out anywhere, but now we

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meet every week! She’s a very good listener, and has helped me to be calmer in working things out, rather than getting myself all in a tizz.” – Olivia, participant

“My message aa messagefor foranyone anyonethinking thinkingofofbecoming becoming Peer Mentor for both Peer Mentorwould wouldbe bethat thatit’s it’sempowering empowerinparties.” parties... ...it takes time to do the training and then to be matched, but eventually your role will be fulfilling in both obvious and subtle ways.

It makes me feel valued and happy.” - Pat, Peer Mentor Call 0114 2900 250 or email toolkit@syha.co.uk to get involved.

Age Better #4 Wellbeing Practitioners Sometimes having someone to speak to can really lift a weight off your shoulders.

Aged 50+ and not feeling your best? Wellbeing Practitioners are professional counsellors from Sheffield Mind, and will work with you to find out why you are feeling lonely, and support you with practical ways to build your confidence. This free service can be provided in your own home, or wherever you feel most comfortable.

“I had recently retired, and I was struggling. I felt lonely and I had lost my sense of purpose – work had been my life! I was a bit sceptical about meeting with a Wellbeing Practitioner, but I am so glad I did.

I quickly learned that I had skills that could be used in a voluntary capacity, and felt that I had more to offer the world, that I had value, and had regained my sense of identity. After 12 weeks I became a volunteer, and now I have a new circle of friends and a new purpose in life.” - Participant’s story

Age Better #5 Proud to Ask

Be a local hero

Gardener in Greenhill? Bus driver in Batemoor?

Joiner in Jordanthorpe?

Do you come into contact with older people as part of your job? We want you to be Proud to Ask that people are okay.y We need you to raise awareness of the issue of loneliness and isolation, and to refer people to Age Better in Sheffield. As part of your job, you might come into contact with people that are lonely and not known to any support services. So, if you get involved in Proud to Ask, you’ll be making a huge difference to older people in your community. We’ll give you all the training and support you need to spot someone that’s isolated, and what you can say or do to support them.

Get in touch on toolkit@syha.co.uk or call 0114 2900 250.ek! She’s a

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Age Better #6 Skills Swap Skills Swap links together people of different ages to spend some time together and to learn new skills. It’s a brilliant opportunity to prove that we all have something valuable to offer, and to create positive links between communities and generations.

Skills Swap is open to anyone, of any age. Get in touch by calling 0114 2900 250 or email toolkit@syha.co.uk if you’d like to get involved!

“I applied for Skills Swap for many reasons! I thought I’d enjoy it, that it would help with my job prospects, and that it could lead to other opportunities.

I have a passion for photography, and so does Bill – the older person I swap skills with.

Like me, Bill does photography as a hobby, and also the odd wedding for friends and family. I have learned loads, as he has taught me about photography techniques he uses. His wife also gets involved in our conversations, and I sometimes help her with her iPad and her mobile phone. I feel really appreciated when I go and see Bill, and we have good chats about both our hobbies and life in general.”

- J.J, Skills Swap participant

J.J swapping skills

Age Better #7

Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund invests in exciting ideas - never seen before in Sheffield - which try out new ways of reducing isolation and loneliness. To find out more about any of the five Innovation Fund projects, contact toolkit@syha.co.uk or call 0114 2900 250.

1. GoodGym Group runs are organised by GoodGym to do manual labour for community organisations and missions for vulnerable people. They also run to make social visits to isolated older people, who they refer to as their ‘coaches’ because they motivate them to keep going.

Want to get involved? Great – we’ve recently launched in Sheffield, and always welcome new members. You can run in a pack to work on a community project, do one-off missions to help vulnerable people, or commit to visit someone every week.

“It’s a rare opportunity to get to know someone you would never normally meet and see the area you live in from a totally different perspective.” Melanie, GoodGym runner

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2. The Alzheimer’s Society 50-64 Project This project supports people (aged 50–64) who have diagnosis of early onset dementia and their carers, using a programme of activities, events and peer support .

You can do everything from having a chat with fellow carers over a pint, to making new friends and getting creative with art classes.

Everyone involved in the project is encouraged to share their thoughts on events and activities that interest and inspire them.

3. Carers’ Circles delivered by Sheffield Mencap This project supports anyone aged 50+, who cares for someone with a learning disability, to extend their social networks and to improve their health and wellbeing.

If you’re an older carer, we can work with you to create and develop individualised plans of support to improve wellbeing and confidence.

4. Khala’s Place with Age UK Sheffield We’re creating a local, safe and inviting place where older Muslim women can meet, share experiences, learn new skills and contribute to the local community.

Want to get involved? We need local, female, community language speaking volunteers, who will help older women attend social events and excursions, and to fulfil daily commitments.

5. Living Streets Bringing together people of all ages to think about the benefits that walking brings, and ensure that all our streets are fit for walking.

We need older people to help evaluate the quality of local streets and spaces, and to have their say on how their streets are designed, managed and maintained.

an a O d ct th pl iv er ac it es ies to go ...

Welcome to the Terminus Café A legend in Lowedges, the Terminus Café is a welcoming hub in Beauchief and Greenhill ward. You can do everything from picking up a bargain at the second hand shop, to getting involved in the wealth of activities on offer. And you can get a good cup of tea and delicious food while you’re at it!

The café is a great place to meet new people, and to find out more about what’s going on in the area. It couldn’t run without its wonderful volunteers - if you’d like to join the team, please get in touch to find out more.

Call the café on 0114 237 5504 or email managertti@btconnect.com

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OPEN

Wedne sday to Frida y 10am–4 pm

“We first came here as volunteers, and we absolutely love it. I tell people to come along – everyone’s always welcome at the Terminus Café!”

– Patrick, Volunteer and Customer

“Everyone’s friendly here, I travel across Sheffield for the lovely people, good food and drink, and the wonderful second hand shop!”

– Betty, Customer Visit us: The Terminus Cafe, 232 Lowedges Road, Sheffield , S8 7JB The Terminus Initiative

Coming up in Beauchief and Greenhill ward...

Biscuit Club

By Reach South Sheffield Become a member of the ‘Biscuit Club’, and receive information about what’s going on in your community! You can go along to local groups with an Age Better Champion or Peer Mentor, if you’d like some company or support.

To find out more about Biscuit Club, call Julie on 0114 2657093 PALS GROUP Easter Party Monday 17th April, 1.00pm-4.00pm Cost - £1.00 and please bring an Easter Egg to donate!

At the Sheffield Transport Sports Club, Meadowhead, S8 7RH To book, call Bob on 0114 237 4130

Both at Greenhill Methodist Church, School Lane Greenhill, S8 7RL Cost - £2.00 To book, call Suzanne on 0114 237 8363 Beauchief Baptist Church M-eating Place Get to know other people in your ward over a delicious three course meal.

10th April, 8th May, 5th June, 12.45pm Cost – £3.00 Beauchief Bloomers A local WI group that, in their monthly meetings, explore activities ranging from Zumba to flower arranging (and everything in between!) And, for those with a sweet tooth, the next meeting (on Monday 10th April) features a talk from Howard Middleton from the Great British Bake Off. New people are very welcome, and can join the WI (subscriptions apply) or attend as a visitor (fees apply).

The Meeting Place presents ‘Revival Dance, Rock n Roll’ (with a dance teacher!)

Friday 23rd June, 2.00pm-4.00pm The Meeting Place presents ‘Lets have a giggle!’ Laughter Yoga Friday 14th July, 2.00pm-4.00pm

Get in touch beauchiefwi@gmail.com or on Facebook (Beauchief Bloomers WI) for more details.

Easter Gala at Batemoor and Jordanthorpe Community Centre With activities for all ages, what better way to spend Good Friday?

14th April, 12.00pm-4.00pm

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u o y d e e n e W

Age Better #8

Age Better Champions

Are you aged 50+ and can empower others to thrive in Beauchief and Greenhill ward? Age Better Champions work with people aged over 50 in groups or in one-to-one sessions; together, they explore simple everyday activities designed to boost wellbeing and reduce isolation.

Age Better Champion Colin organises a Chairobics class in Gleadless on Thursday mornings. He says “don’t be fooled by the fact you’re sitting down – it’s a proper workout! I started volunteering after retiring, and co-ordinating Chairobics is great. It keeps us all active.”

Sound right up your street? Call 0114 2900 250 or email toolkit@syha.co.uk. We’d love to have you on board.

Wild at Heart - be wild, whatever your age.

With the Peak District on our doorstep, parks and green spaces aplenty, and Spring fast approaching… there are some great opportunities to get outside in Sheffield! Whether you’re naturally green-fingered or itching to refine your nature photography skills, Wild at Heart in Lowedges has various classes and courses for those aged 50+ to get stuck in to. They’re a lovely opportunity to discover some of Sheffield’s hidden gems, meet new people, and develop new skills or spend more time doing what you love.

“Thank you for the hedgehog boxes. I go down to the garden every day to check the food.” - Mavis “So nice to do something practical and take my mind off things for a while, and get a sense of achievement” – a participant after their first Wild at Heart session!

10th April and 15th May, 10.30am-12.00pm Contact Jenny King for more information. Call 0114 263 4335 or email wildatheart@wildsheffield.com

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Heeley Swim Bus Fancy a dip? The swim bus can pick you up from Lowedges, Batemoor, Jordanthorpe or Greenhill. You’ll get to swim at Heeley pool for an hour, and taken home for a well-deserved rest.

Cost - £4.00 Mondays 10.00-11.15am (pick-ups start at 9.30am) Wednesdays and Fridays 1.00-2.15pm (pick-ups start at 12.30pm) For information and to book contact Kim on 0114 2398946 or email kim.hinchliffe@gvfc.org.uk Communicake

by Drink Wise Age Well Interested in chatting and eating cake?

Sometimes ill health, moving to a new place, or getting older can make meeting new people and communicating that little harder for us. If you’re over 50 and you feel this way too, this friendly group are here to help support you in ‘Communicaking’ (that’s communicating and eating cake… for free!)

Thursdays 10.30am-11.30am Greenhill Library 158 Hemper Lane, Sheffield S8 7FE Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Café A relaxed meeting place for people who have dementia, their carers, and their families. Whether you’re worried about your memory, or want to support a friend or relative, all are very welcome.

10.00am-12.00pm First Thursday of the month.

White Willows Extra Care Scheme Dyche Road, Jordanthorpe, S8 8DR Greenhill Methodist Church Don your dancing shoes…

Tea Dances: 21st April, 5th May, 19th May From the silver screen to School Lane…

Film Screenings: A Street Cat Named Bob - 28th April Learn something new…

Bare Legs Brian on Motor Neurone Disease - 12th May The Work of the Leprosy Mission 26th May All cost £2.00 (including afternoon tea) and take place from 2.00-4.00pm.

Greenhill Methodist Church School Lane, Sheffield S8 7RL

What’s on Online!

Our Favourite Places www.ourfaveplaces.co.uk A lovely cultural guide to our fair city.

Sheffield Directory www.sheffielddirectory.org.uk Local activities, organisations and services at your fingertips!

Now you know what’s on, how do you get started?

Getting started can be the hardest part… a short walk to a local group can sometimes feel like the biggest steps you’ve ever had to take. It could be that you’re not sure where you’re going, that you aren’t convinced you’ll enjoy what’s on offer, or you feel intimidated attending by yourself.

Top tips - The first time you go, let the group know you’ll be coming along.

Then you’ll have a friendly face looking out for you when you arrive.

- Take a friend or family member with you – the more, the merrier!

- Get in touch with Age Better, and we can discuss what support is available to get you there.

Staying active, learning new things and connecting with our community is integral to alleviating and preventing feelings of loneliness. With so much on offer, Beauchief and Greenhill ward is a place we can be proud to grow older in.

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This is Janet’s story...

Janet regularly attends the Community Lunch group on Wednesdays, on Lowedges Road. The group cooks meals that are inexpensive, easy to make, and always contain some of your 5-a-day… and then everyone enjoys eating their handiwork together!

“I found it a bit frightening to grow older in Greenhill – I felt very alone, and didn’t have much confidence. But it’s changed my life, coming here. I’ve made friends, and learned some new ways of cooking and trying different recipes.”

The Community Lunch group has chosen this delicious recipe to share with Beauchief and Greenhill ward! Why not cook this for yourself and a friend, family member, or neighbour? Please send us a picture if you do!

Method

Courgette, potato & cheddar soup Serves 8 Ingredients -500g potato, unpeeled and roughly chopped -2 vegetable stock cubes -1kg courgettes, roughly chopped -1 bunch spring onions, sliced (save 1 for serving, if eating straight away) -100g extra-mature cheddar, grated, plus a little extra to serve -good grating of fresh nutmeg, plus a little extra to serve

Put the potatoes in a large pan with just enough water to cover them and crumble in the stock cubes. Bring to the boil, then cover and cook for 5 mins.

Add the courgettes, put the lid back on and cook for 5 mins more. Throw in the spring onions, cover and cook for a final 5 minutes.

Take off the heat, then stir in the cheese and season with the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Whizz to a thick soup, adding more hot water until you get the consistency you like. Serve with extra grated cheddar, spring onions and nutmeg or pepper. Or cool and freeze in freezer bags for up to 3 months.

To book for Community Lunch, call Pam on 0114 237 8724

One more thing...

Age Better is working with the renowned theatre company Cardboard Citizens to create a new piece of theatre. The production will be based on real life stories in Sheffield, including local people of all ages.

We need volunteers and performers to play a key role in this exciting project. Get in touch with Hannah (email h.hunt@syha.co.uk or call 0114 2900 330) to find out more.

Age Better in Sheffield projects #1 Start Up (delivered by Ignite Imaginations) www.igniteimaginations.org.uk #2 Access Ambassadors (delivered by SYHA) www.syha.co.uk #3 Peer Mentors (delivered by Sheffield Cubed) www.sheffieldcubed.co.uk #4 Wellbeing Practitioners (delivered by Sheffield Mind) www.sheffieldmind.co.uk #5 Proud to Ask (delivered by SYHA) www.syha.co.uk #6 Skills Swap (delivered by Royal Voluntary Service) www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk #7 Innovation Fund (delivered by SYHA) www.syha.co.uk #8 Age Better Champions (delivered by Sheffield Cubed) www.sheffieldcubed.co.uk Design by Jonathan Wilkinson Copy by Hannah Hunt, Hannah Thornton, and Beauchief and Greenhill ward residents Photography by Jonathan Wilkinson, Hannah Hunt, Hannah Thornton and Harry Plowden Thank you: Pam, Carla, Julie, Zoe, Dorothy, Colin, Janet, Barbara, Margaret, Sam, Mark, Sarah, Peter, Carol, James, Sharon, Patrick, Florence, Corrine, Vera, Joyce, Carmel, Kirk, Betty, Greg, Pat, Olivia, Tara, Justine‌. And everyone else who contributed to the development of the toolkit.