YOURSHERWOOD NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2012
Sherwood regeneration begins as Kemble Close bites the dust pages 4 & 5
Telling us what you think
Services for our senior citizens
Consultations on the next regeneration phases pages 6 & 7
pages 14 - 17
Benefits changes loom page 18
welcome... ...to the latest edition of Your Sherwood, the magazine that tells you what is going on in your neighbourhood.
News bites
The last month or so has been particularly busy, the highlight being the start of the demolition work at Kemble Close. Many of you will have attended the demolition event on 21 September – and you can read about it and see photos of the event on pages 4 and 5.
Community Chest award winner announced
We’ve already begun consultation on the next phases of the regeneration project with an event to look at the new Neighbourhood Park and Community Square. We want to keep you involved in the scheme and another consultation event is lined up for 1 December. See page 6 to find out more.
The winner of the latest round of the TN2 Community Chest Awards has just been announced. The two charities in the running for the prize money were:
There is plenty more to read in this edition of Your Sherwood, which I hope you will enjoy. But why not let me know what you would like to read about? Contributions and suggestions are always welcome, so if you have any ideas please let me know by emailing yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk or just give me a call on 01892 501446.
Young and Pregnant (YAP) YAP is a group for anyone under the age of 20 who is pregnant or has a young child. The group is run by Home Start - Little Forest Children’s Centre staff, and enjoys regular visits from midwives, health visitors and sexual health outreach nurses. The sessions provide support and lots of information and advice on health and development for the mum and their baby both before and after birth, including information about labour and parenting. The group also offers informal activities, play sessions for children, and craft and practical skills such as cooking on a budget and money management.
Steve Mandaluff Your Sherwood Editor
TN2 Design Group TN2 Design Group is a club set up to teach practical skills and techniques to save money and time around the house. The club came out of the ‘House to Home’ workshops that take place at TN2. Participants learn how to up-cycle furniture, how to sew and knit, and other arts and crafts. Workshops are held regularly every Tuesday afternoon at the TN2 Centre.
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TN2 Design Group! They will put the money towards purchasing equipment and paying tutors.
TN2 Library opening hours: Tuesday: 9am to 5pm Wednesday: 9am to 5pm Thursday: Closed Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 10am to 2pm
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Reminder !
Fix it, paint it, make it – it’s sew easy!
Time’s running out for parents whose children are in Year 6 The deadline is fast approaching to submit your application for a secondary school for your child. Applications need to be in by 31 October.
If you want to turn your house into a beautiful home, or just want to create something special then the House to Home team can show you how. You can join in their friendly informal weekly workshops at TN2 Community Centre, or simply drop in to pick up advice on how to upcycle furniture, learn to make curtains, sew cushions, stitch a quilt, and more.
For more details about these sessions or the services available from the library call 01892 537639, or visit www.kent.gov.uk/libs
Happy bir Congratulations! Well done! Exam success!
Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions are set to start in the library very soon. These fun sessions for babies and toddlers and their parents are a great way to develop literacy skills in young children.
Does someone have a big birthday coming up? Has someone you know just passed their driving test or an exam? Has there been a new birth? Or have you landed that job you were after? We want to share your celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and successes with others in the community by publishing them on the Sherwood people’s page in Your Sherwood. The next edition of Your Sherwood will be coming out in January, so if you do have something you would like us to include after then please let us know by Wednesday 5 December by emailing yoursherwood@tchg.org.uk.
Happy birthday! Happy
Literacy skills start young
People’s page needs your news
anniversary! Congratulations! Well done!
Demolition day on 21 September was about more than bricks and mortar. It was an opportunity to show our strong community spirit as residents turned out to join in the carnival like atmosphere of the parade to the Kemble Close demolition site from TN2. Stalls, fireworks and a Samba band were enjoyed by all – not to mention the sizzling hog roast!
thday! Happy anniversary! Congratulatio
ns! Well done! Exam success!
Party time procession to Kemble Close
The workshops are held from 11am to 3pm every Tuesday at TN2 Community Centre. Drop in and get creative!
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. . . d l o e h t h t i w Out Last month saw the start of the work to redevelop Sherwood, and many residents were there to witness a historic event in our neighbourhood history and to enjoy the day’s activities.
Friday September 21 was ‘Demolition Day’ – when the first block at Kemble Close was knocked down – and long-term Sherwood resident Jenny Bays was there, complete with hard hat, to help with the demolition! Jenny had been nominated by Sherwood residents to be in the cab helping out with the demolition as our contractors Hill pulled down the first block. And as one of the first residents to move into the flats in Silwood Close back in 1965, Jenny was only too happy to help! More than 500 residents turned up to watch the demolition and enjoy a hog roast and refreshments. There was also the chance to find out more about the next stages of the development and employment opportunities available. Local samba band Bloco Fogo provided some entertainment and we were even blessed with dry weather!
‘It was a great privilege to start the demolition. The biggest thing I had driven before this was a bicycle, so operating the digger was very exciting. It was definitely time for the flats to come down. The plans for the new homes look fantastic and I really can’t wait to see the whole area revitalised. Now it can all begin!’
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‘I often get invited to cut ribbons and open things, but this is the first time I have been invited to knock something down. There isn’t a place in the country that has the community spirit and ability to get something done that Sherwood does.’ Tunbridge Wells MP Greg Clark was also there on Demolition Day to witness events and was impressed by what he saw.
...and in with the new Lakewood is born Following a public vote back in July the new development has been named Lakewood, which means that you will see the Lakewood logo on a regular basis in Sherwood now!
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On the Sherwood regeneration agenda... Consultations with residents The overall plan for the regeneration of Sherwood was approved by Tunbridge Wells Borough Council earlier this year. They also granted detailed planning permission for Phase One which is currently underway. Now, as we prepare detailed planning applications for the next two phases of development at Lakewood, it’s important to find out what residents want from, and think about, the plans for the next stages. We have already held a session for young people to tell us about the plans for the Neighbourhood Park and on 2 November will be holding a session especially to talk about the new homes for older people (see page 17 for more details). On 6 October we held a consultation event to look at how the new Neighbourhood Park and Community Square might work, as well as the next batch of new homes, the shops and the housing for our older people. Feedback from this event is on the next page. The next event will be at TN2 on 1 December to show you how the plans are shaping up following your comments. You can tell us if we are getting it right! The final exhibition before the planning applications are made will be held on Saturday 26 January 2013. During October, the Kent High Weald Partnership also ran a series of workshops with interested residents and other local people and groups on environmental issues. Turn to pages 8 and 9 for more information on these workshops.
Opportunities for local people on the Lakewood regeneration Hill Partnership are working on the Sherwood regeneration programme with REDS10, a Social Enterprise which creates apprenticeship opportunities in construction. From the start of 2013 onwards, REDS10 will be holding workshops in the local area for people interested in these opportunities. In the meantime you can find out more, or send them your CV, by emailing jobs@reds10.com or by calling 0208 545 8800. More details of these workshops will be printed in the next edition of Your Sherwood.
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On the Sherwood regeneration agenda...
Telling us what you think...
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The new homes – you told us they look good and must suit a range of needs. he Neighbourhood Park – there were lots of ideas here, for spaces T for young people and other age groups as well as questions about how the park would feel safe and open and be well-used. The proposal for different ‘zones’ of activity was very popular. he Community Square in front of TN2 – many of you liked the T seating proposed and the more open layout. Some play opportunities for smaller children were requested by a number of people, as well as attractive planting and good lighting at night.
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he new streets – the traditional street layout is proving popular. T A number of people asked about the parking and don’t want to make the problems on Greggs Wood Road any worse.
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ousing for older people – everyone likes the proposals for homes for H older people and the facilities that could be provided like hairdressing. You asked us to consider providing homes for rent and sale.
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he shops – there is an opportunity to move the shops up to face on to T Greggs Wood Road. We will continue to discuss with the retailers what their preferred option is.
Other issues that people raised at the event included the need for good lighting throughout the development, a considered approach to parking, good maintenance for the open spaces and the problem of dog owners not picking up after their dogs. Town & Country and PRP architects will develop the plans based on the many comments we received. We will keep you regularly updated in Your Sherwood. The plans for Phase Two and Phase Three can be viewed by going to the Sherwood Plan website www.sherwoodplan.com and selecting the ‘Top Downloads’ option.
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On the Sherwood regeneration agenda... Taking care of our environment
Forever Protected Sherwood’s Village Green What does the term ‘village green’ mean to you? If you grew up in the countryside, then it might bring to mind a wide open, grassy space with trees to climb, pitches to play cricket on and people gathering freely to enjoy the peace and fresh air. Greens like these are often located at the centre of the community, at the heart of village life. But village greens aren’t just a part of history, or how things used to be. British law makes it possible for communities to claim rights over land that is special to them by turning them into ‘village greens’. This is how Sherwood came to have one of the newest village greens in the country, and how, back in October 2010, thanks to the hard work of the Friends of Sherwood Lake Group and others, the local community was granted access forever to Sherwood Lake.
Deciding on the future of Sherwood Lake and Woods As we approach the second anniversary of Sherwood Lake and Woods becoming a village green, and with big changes happening all around, now is a timely opportunity for the community to decide on the long term future of Sherwood Lake. But this time, rather than focusing on how to take the site into the protection of the local community for their enjoyment, we need to concentrate and decide on how best to look after the lake and the land for both the community and for the wildlife that make their home there. The Kent High Weald Partnership has led a series of community meetings and drop-in events throughout October with one more to come in November. You have already provided plenty of useful feedback, so thank you to all who attended. The events in October and November will shape how Sherwood makes use of, takes care of, and learns from the lake for years to come. The final session will look at the history of Sherwood Lake and how to take care of it in future. It will be held at TN2 on Saturday 10 November from 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Please come along. You can also visit www.khwp.org.uk to find out more.
As of Monday 15 October the Kent High Weald Partnership became the managing agent for Sherwood Lake and Woods. This means that, should you have any issues or concerns regarding Sherwood Lake or the woodland around it, you will need to contact KHWP by calling 01580 212972.
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On the Sherwood regeneration agenda...
Telling us what you think... Just a short time spent talking to people in Sherwood has provided an insight into how important Sherwood Lake and Woodlands are to the local community. For many, the lake and woods are a passion. For others, they are a place of great potential waiting to be rediscovered and explored.
‘We love …’ Feedback from the first community meeting and drop-in session highlighted the love that people have for the wild and natural feeling of the lake and woods. It was clear, as well, that people see the lake and woods as a single, wonderful resource for wildlife, rich with a diversity of interlinked insect and animal life.
‘We hope …’ Feedback also highlighted that the local community is keen to see better use made of the lake and woods for learning. Community activity days and clubs provide a way to get young people involved in taking care of the site. Involving the whole community encourages a shift away from some of the more damaging behaviour that can take place in public woodlands.
‘But we worry …’ Poor water quality in the lake, a pollution incident earlier in the year that is indicative of an ongoing problem, and the negative effects of some anti-social behaviour. All of these issues detract from the beauty and value of Sherwood Lake and Woods. But all of these issues have a potential solution, and the community is determined to see these solutions put into place. To find out more about the future plan for managing Sherwood Lake, visit the Kent High Weald Partnership website – www.khwp.org.uk.
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Residents get a free health check up! Around 100 people got a free health check up last month as part of a ‘Live Well’ Day held at TN2 Community Centre on 20 September. Children enjoyed mixing tasty drinks on the smoothie bike, and parents could get information from stalls run by the NHS, Age Concern and the British Red Cross. They could also hook-up to the interactive health check kiosk for a free check-up, testing body mass, blood pressure, heart rate and hydration, and talk to a health trainer. Allan Reynolds from Water Wellbeing, who were part of the event, said: ‘The day was a chance to engage the general public with a free health check and bring it to their doorstep.’
Our winter health tips With winter just around the corner we have come up with our health tips for the colder months. 1. Eliminate your sleep debt - In winter we sleep more due to the longer nights. It is a great time to catch up on the sleep debt we accumulate in the lighter months, when on average we sleep six-and-a-half hours a night, much less than the seven to nine hours recommended. 2. Drink more milk - You are 80% more likely to get a cold in winter so making sure your immune system is in tip-top condition is important. Try to eat plenty of milk and dairy products such as cheese, yoghurt and fromage frais as they are great sources of protein and vitamins A and B12. 3. Eat more fruit and veg - Winter vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, swede and turnips can be roasted, mashed or made into soup for a comforting winter meal for the whole family. Explore varieties of fruit and veg that you may not normally eat. 4. Try new activities for the whole family - Don’t use the cold winter months as an excuse to stay in and lounge around. Instead, get out with the whole family to try out a new activity, such as ice-skating. Regular exercise helps to control your weight, boost your immune system and is a good way to break the tension that can build if the family is constantly cooped up inside the house. 5. Have a hearty breakfast - Winter is the perfect season for porridge. Eating a warm bowlful on a cold morning isn’t just a delicious way to start your day, it also helps you to boost your intake of starchy foods and fibre, which give you energy and help you to feel fuller for longer.
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And its goodbye from them… The last month has seen the departure of two familiar faces from Sherwood. Dave Comerford, who was the Housing Manager for Sherwood for over five years, has moved on from the area. Dave has been promoted to a new role at Town & Country, and has been replaced by John Sinclair (see page 11).
‘I will miss the great sense of community spirit I regularly encountered in my time in Sherwood’
Brendan McGowan has also moved on. Brendan joined us in November 2010 as the Regeneration Project Manager for Sherwood on a two year contract. He has been heavily involved in a range of Sherwood programmes and initiatives, especially the Sherwood Vision.
‘After two years the time has come for me to leave Town & Country, I wish everyone I have met in Sherwood all the very best for the future’
Thank you to both of them for all of their hard work and I am sure you will join us in wishing them all the very best in the future.
Welcome to
new faces in Sherwood
Sherwood is a welcoming community, so look out for these new faces and let’s do our best to help them feel at home.
Welcome to Town & Country’s new Housing Manager – John Sinclair
Dave Comerford’s new role means Town & Country residents now have a new Housing Manager, John Sinclair. John has been with Town & Country for five years and was previously housing manager for a patch that included Chislehurst, Orpington, Bromley, Maidstone, Gravesend, Paddock Wood and Tonbridge. John started his new role on 1 October.
‘This is an exciting time to be working in Sherwood, just as our multi-million pound scheme to transform the area really starts. I am looking forward to being part of it and to meeting the local residents.’
Welcome to the new temporary Head of Sherwood Park Community Primary School – Elizabeth Maxted Following the retirement of previous head teacher Keith Marden after 25 years service, Sherwood Park Community Primary School has a new Interim Head Teacher. Elizabeth Maxted took on the role in September having previously worked at schools in London. Mrs Maxted, a mother of four and grandmother of six, is from Forest Hill in London and has been teaching for 20 years. She is in her sixth year as a head teacher.
‘The children have been fantastic since I’ve been here – their behaviour has been excellent. I’ve been trying to spend as much time as possible in the classrooms and have observed some great lessons. I am really looking forward to getting on with providing the very best for the children in the coming months.’
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Aiming for brighter futures for our children The Skinners’ Kent Academy With its mission to support young people to recognise their potential, and then to fulfil that potential, Skinners’ Kent Academy is just one of the local secondary schools that Sherwood’s children can aspire to. The Academy has just celebrated its third birthday, and Principal, Sian Carr, explains how things are going from strength to strength: ‘We have achieved so much in so little time it is hard to believe we are only just three years old! We are extremely proud that in the past academic year some students have gone on to study at other Skinners’ company schools including The Judd and, our main sponsor, The Skinners’ School. We are also delighted that many of our students will benefit from the Academy’s brand new sixth form. And this year we are thrilled to welcome a record number of Year 7 students from all our key feeder schools including Pembury, Claremont, St James and Sherwood. The Academy is committed to becoming an integral part of the Tunbridge Wells community. It is very much our ethos to be outward looking and in the last few years we have enjoyed many fruitful local partnerships and projects with a wide range of organisations including AXA PPP, Tunbridge Wells Football Club, the Assembly Halls and Tunbridge Wells Museum and Art Gallery. In early September all 500 students and staff enjoyed the trip of a lifetime to the London Paralympic Games 2012.
Victim of crime? You’re not alone - Victim Support can help Victim Support was set up over 35 years ago and is the oldest and largest national charity across England and Wales for victims of crime, their family, friends or anyone else affected. Each year they offer help to over 1.5million victims and witnesses. Their services include giving emotional support to help victims deal with the fear and distress crime can cause, providing information so that people can find their way around the criminal justice system, and helping with applications for criminal injuries compensation.
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We recently celebrated the handover of our superb new multi-use astroturf all weather pitch. We look forward to some really hard fought matches in hockey, football, tennis and cricket. The foundations have been laid, the structure is in place and in Spring 2013 we will be moving in to our new £21.4 million building. Our stunning Ofsted report with ‘outstanding’ and ‘good’ judgements across the board is affirmation of the journey travelled since the Academy opened in 2009. The new facilities will empower us to build on these foundations and deliver a 21st century education for future generations for many years to come.’
We aim to find and develop everything that is exceptional in each child and let it flourish within a framework of high expectations. We intend to motivate and inspire our students to achieve of their very best, to fly high and to set course on the brightest of futures.
find out more... contact Skinners’ Kent Academy 01892 534377 info@skinnerskentacademy.org.uk www.skinnerskentacademy.org.uk
All volunteers undertake a training programme in readiness to support victims of crime in the community. The support they provide can include home visits or meetings in a pre-arranged venue, and support through the court process including pretrial visits and support on the day, if required. Kent Child Witness volunteers undergo more enhanced training in order to support young victims of crime throughout the entire process, from reporting the crime to the court case, and beyond as required.
find out more... contact Carl Kreffer 01233 618016 carl.kreffer@victimsupport.org.uk
Congratulations to Little Forest Children’s Centre on a good Ofsted report! During the summer Little Forest Children’s Centre was visited by Ofsted – the body who inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people – and was judged as ‘good’ overall. This is the second highest rank the Centre could have achieved with only ‘outstanding’ being better. The inspectors met parents and carers, who told them what the centre meant to them and the difference it has made to their lives, and made a number of positive observations: • Parents appreciate the warm trusting relationships they have with the staff. One of the parents said: ‘Staff see me as a person, not just a mum.’ • All the staff are determined and resourceful in finding ways to get service users the help they need. A great deal of thought was put into making the courses attractive so that parents wanted to attend them. • Parents felt pleased to have a say in the kind of activities they would like to attend. The young parents particularly value the contributions they make to the design of their programme. • The children make good progress in all the sessions because they are planned well and the activities are matched to the child’s needs. • The atmosphere in the centre was very welcoming to everyone, but is particularly so for the young parents who wish to see the midwife.
Don’t miss out on Residents Week! We’ve got lots of fun, games and exotic food planned as part of Town & Country’s annual Residents Week coming up shortly – and it is all completely free, so please come along and join us! From 11am to 4pm on Saturday 27 October at TN2 Centre we are holding an International Day with plenty on offer. You can tantalise your tastebuds with some delicious Caribbean, American and Indian Food, get your face painted, learn circus skills, practice necklace and bead making, get some temporary Henna tattoos and try your hand at some art. There will also be a live band, an open mic session, a storyteller in the library, an opportunity for a family portrait session (first come, first served) and a fun Egyptian Mummy competition with great prizes. Town & Country staff, contractors and partners will also be on hand with information about their services and giveaways. But the best thing about this is that everything is completely free! It promises to be a great day, so don’t miss out! Then on Tuesday 30 October there will be a bug hunt, arts and craft activities and a guided walk at Sherwood Lake from 10am to 1pm. Learn more about the flora and fauna in the lake and woods and enjoy some free craft activities and a free BBQ. Residents Week is your chance to tell us what you think of our services. All events are free and open to all. So don’t miss out – join the fun! A full programme of events is available on the Town & Country website – www.tchg.org.uk. If you would like a Residents Week leaflet please call Steve Allen on 01227 833435.
Parents told the inspectors that they cannot speak highly enough of the staff, but especially the outreach workers and the support they have been given by them, particularly when facing real difficulties in their lives. Ofsted recognised the input from volunteers and parental involvement, saying ‘volunteers have developed many new skills and often work in the centre or community. This has been a pathway into work for some.’
Well done to Little Forest on this fantastic achievement! The full report is available from Little Forest Children’s Centre or on the Ofsted website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.
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Services for our seniors Around one in three households in Sherwood include someone over 60 and, even if you are not one of them yourself, you will have – or will know – neighbours who are extra vulnerable due to their age. For them, growing older presents its own challenges – especially if they are facing increasingly limited mobility or failing sight or hearing. Older people may find it hard or even impossible to do everyday tasks that once were simple, such as opening a bottle or jar, picking something up from the floor or filling and pouring a kettle – things that most of us take for granted. They may also find it hard to keep warm, especially if they are stretched financially, or to prepare a nutricious meal. Going out to socialise or even to shop for food can be a real challenge and, as they get older, many people – especially
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those who live alone or have lost a partner – become socially as well as physically isolated. Many people find it depressing and quite demeaning to be in this position and are reluctant to ask for help. But that doesn’t mean they don’t need help. Sherwood is a community that cares, so even if you are not elderly and vulnerable yourself, give a thought to those who are. Tell them about any of the services outlined here, designed especially for our more senior residents, that you think may help them.
Wellbeing and independence for the elderly – a range of services from Age UK Age UK Tunbridge Wells provides a range of services locally that are aimed at keeping older people independent and well. These include: • Information and advice (including on benefits/money/ housing) • Day Care and Dementia Day Care services • Help within the home (including housework/shopping/ gardening) • Care at home (full care packages/home bathing) • Exercise classes (from chair exercises to joining a local gym) • Advocacy Age UK can visit older people in their own homes to introduce these services, and encourage them to think about their own needs and whether they would benefit from help in any area. This can be especially valuable to older people who may suffer from depression, have a history of falls, have become socially isolated and/or are beginning
Fire prevention – free practical help from Kent Fire and Rescue Service Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is appealing to residents to ensure vulnerable members of the community are safeguarded from the risk of fire. Just three breaths of fire smoke can be life-threatening and sadly it is often older residents, or those with mobility problems, health issues or impaired sight or hearing, who are injured by fire.
not to cope well with life. Often, health and wellbeing deteriorate over a period of time and, left unchecked, issues can spiral out of control – resulting in poor health and even hospital admissions. The service can help identify changes and assist the person to implement them. Age UK’s service is free to anyone aged 55 years or over and living in or around the Borough of Tunbridge Wells. If you know of someone who you think might benefit from an introduction to this service, contact Age UK with the basic details of the person, including their name, address, date of birth and a brief outline of your concerns. They will then contact the individual and offer their service, and update you on any outcomes.
find out more... contact Libby Webb 01892 522591 libby.webb@ageuk.org.uk www.ageuk.org.uk
There is added risk if someone is a smoker, has bundles of newspapers or other flammable clutter about their home, or uses an old or unstable electric, oil or paraffin heater. Heating worries cause extra hazards, with some residents using open fires and portable heaters to dry clothing. If you have an elderly neighbour or member of your household, or know someone who lives alone and is more vulnerable, help them stay safe and independent by encouraging them to contact KFRS for advice. KFRS can arrange a home safety visit that will only take about 30 minutes and will include, if necessary, the fitting of free smoke alarms. Both the visit and equipment they fit are free. KFRS’s dedicated team can also provide specialist equipment for vulnerable residents, including fireproof bedding and smoke alarms for visually and hearing impaired people, as well as other special gadgets such as cooker switches for residents who have become forgetful about turning off the cooker.
find out more... contact KFRS 0800 923 7000 www.3breaths.info
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Prolonging independence at home
Reduce the risk of falls - low cost exercise classes from the Good Neighbour Project For anyone with a fear of falling or unsteady on their feet, the Good Neighbour Project’s Falls Prevention Exercise Classes could help. They are low cost specialist classes delivered by the only qualified Postural Stability Instructor in Tunbridge Wells. The classes are supported by West Kent NHS and are in their fourth year with a new 36-week programme that started on 16 October. The Good Neighbour Project has been supporting older residents of Tunbridge Wells since 2006 offering a variety of services through a team of trained and vetted volunteers. Anyone who feels they would benefit from these classes needs to complete a health questionnaire and assessment prior to starting the course.
find out more... contact the Good Neighbour Project Office 01892 510200
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YOUR SHERWOOD OCTOBER 2012
- support services from the Care Navigator Service Anyone over 50 who needs extra support to remain independent in their own home could benefit from the help the Care Navigator Service offers. A local Care Navigator can meet them, usually in their own home, and offer free impartial advice on a variety of matters including welfare benefits, care service provision, self assessments, housing choices, home maintenance, adaptations and equipment, safety in the home and planning support. The Care Navigators will look into the issues raised and help to find the best way forward, proposing possible options as appropriate. They can also help those using their service to make contact with other professional organisations and agencies who may be able to help with specific problems. The Care Navigator project is delivered by Voluntary Action within Kent, in partnership with Carers First.
find out more... call your local Care Navigator 01892 530330 07834 586097 / 07702 501709 carenavigator@vawk.org.uk
Lifeline for the elderly Town & Country offers a free ‘Lifeline’ alarm service that aims to give elderly residents the reassurance of knowing that, in an emergency, help is at hand if and when it’s needed. The service aims to help residents aged over the age of 60 (or 55 for those who are disabled) to live independently in their own home with the aid of a pushbutton device that automatically summons help day or night. ‘Lifeline’ is the name of the equipment used, and it works alongside a telephone. It’s a simple pendant that can be worn around the neck or the wrist. It has a button on it that, when pressed, automatically dials through to a friendly, vigilant operator who will find out the problem and take care of it by immediately arranging the help needed – including calling the emergency services if necessary, and notifying family members or friends. The battery operated pendant even works out in the garden, as long as you remain within operating range of the base unit that’s connected to your telephone. So
you can move freely around your home, inside and out, and help will always be within reach, at the touch of a button. If you trip or fall, feel unwell, or are frightened by something, just press the pendant and it will raise the alarm at the control centre. They will talk to you to reassure you and to tell you what is happening, and even if you can’t speak, they will know something is wrong and will be able to take action. If you are over 60 (or 55 if you are disabled) the equipment will be installed free of charge, and you will be shown how to use it and encouraged to test it out to gain confidence in using it.
find out more...
FREE advice and information sessions for older residents Town & Country is in the process of setting up community hubs to offer regular advice sessions on a variety of matters including: • • • •
money support debt management benefits advice help and assistance for older residents
find out more... 0845 873 1321 or 01892 501480
0845 873 1321 or 01892 501480
Trip to Simmonds Court On Friday 2 November Town & Country is holding a trip, especially for older residents, to visit the recently opened Simmonds Court in Rusthall – a high quality sheltered scheme for older people. There will be the chance to talk about the new homes that are to be provided for older people in Sherwood as part of the regeneration. If you would like to go on this visit please call Laura Honniball on 01892 501677.
Enjoy a good read - free home service from TN2 Library For those who enjoy the company of a good book but find it difficult to get to the library, the TN2 Community Centre provides a free home library service. Volunteers will meet the resident to find out what they like to read, and deliver books they think they will enjoy to their home at regular intervals.
find out more... contact the Library 01892 537639
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Your money - all change next year It’s all change on the benefits front. 2013 will see the introduction of major changes to the benefits system that will apply to people of working age. Here is a summary of just some of them: 1. Housing Benefit and spare bedrooms In April 2013 the Government will introduce a cut in Housing Benefit payments for people of working age only (someone under 62 years old) who are thought to have a spare bedroom. After this date Housing Benefit will no longer be paid for any additional bedrooms. You will have to make up this amount towards your rent because your benefit will not cover it.
This will not affect you if you are of pensionable age.
The rules will assume couples and single adults need their own bedroom. Where children live in the property full time, two boys or two girls aged under 16 will be assumed to share a bedroom, as will a boy and a girl both aged under 10. No exceptions will be made if you need an extra bedroom due to a disability, for foster children, or for a child who does not live full time in the property.
2. Your benefits From April 2013, the Government will introduce a limit to the total amount of benefits that couples and single people receive based on the average income of a working household. This will be around £500 per week for couples and lone parents and £350 per week for a single person. The Government will add up how much money you get from a range of benefits, including: Housing Benefit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit and Carer’s Allowance.
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YOUR SHERWOOD OCTOBER 2012
If the total comes to more than the maximum amount allowed your Housing Benefit payments will be reduced.
3. Your benefits payments From October 2013 working age people will have the new ‘Universal Credit’ paid monthly directly into a bank account. This means you will need to have a bank account or be a member of a credit union where your Universal Credit can be paid. This will include any Housing Benefit entitlement. For most people this means you will be directly responsible for paying the rent on your property. Pensioners and certain groups of vulnerable tenants will continue to have their housing costs paid straight to their landlord.
Be prepared To help you understand what these changes could mean for you and prepare for them, Town & Country will be holding awareness sessions over the next six months in various locations throughout Kent. Dates and venues of the sessions will be published when they are confirmed. Alternatively, contact our Housing Options Support Team to find out how you could be affected.
find out more... call the Housing Options Support Team 01892 501747
Profile on… Christine Denham especially to children Christine is a familiar face in Sherwood, s the lollipop lady for and the parents of young children – she’ Sherwood Park Community School!
moved with her family Christine was born in Crowborough, but years old. For the last to Tunbridge Wells when she was seven 25 years she has lived in Laurel Way.
? What and where was your best holiday
two My first holiday with my husband and it children on a working farm in Devon – was lovely. What was the last book you read?
zi. ‘An Absolute Scandal’ by Penny Vincen you What three things would you take with
to a desert island?
a box A big book, family photograph album and of matches.
disabled people After a long career caring for elderly and e extra time on her som with Christine retired and found herself in Sherwood she lady pop lolli no hands. Noticing that there was at the start of this went about setting the service up herself year. at the bottom of You can find Christine patrolling the area just after 8am, and Birken Road every weekday morning from then every afternoon at around 3pm!
What is your favourite TV programme?
n or Only
Any quiz show – particularly Countdow Connect. What is your favourite piece of music?
‘Stranger on the Shore’ by Acker Bilk. Where would you most like to live?
nty. Near the sea in Dorset, my favourite cou When are you happiest?
What is the best thing about Sherwood?
The community feeling, everyone works for Sherwood.
together
hildren When I am with my children and grandc for a meal, especially Sunday Lunch. ent? What was your most embarrassing mom
?
ived What’s the best advice you have ever rece And who gave it?
t life is My dad used to say to me ‘Remember tha wrong a great leveller’. So if anyone does you you don’t try to get even, you just wait.
Probably when I was approached to do interview!
this
a child? What did you want to be when you were
I really wanted to be a children’s nanny. f?
rsel What is the trait you most deplore in you
g up for A lack of self-confidence and not stickin myself when I should. rs? What is the trait you most deplore in othe
People who are rude and inconsiderate
to others.
ent? What has been your greatest achievem
e me any Bringing up five children who never gav real problems. ery? What would you do if you won the lott
I’d buy a house for each of my children. What was the first record you bought?
‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ by Simon Garfunkel.
and
OCTOBER 2012 YOUR SHERWOOD
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y r a i d r u o y r o Dates f Regular events Tuesdays 11am to 3pm TN2 Centre
House to Home creative workshops Creative crafts for the home.
A small contribution for materials
Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm TN2 Library
Work Club If you are looking for work why not take advantage of free access to computers and the internet for job searching. The library has books to borrow that can help you in your search for work.
Free
Wednesdays 9.30am to 10.30pm TN2 Centre
Housing Surgery Turn up to discuss any tenancy related issues you may have with your Housing Manager. No appointment necessary.
Free
Thursdays 11.45am to 2pm TN2 Centre
Centre Point Community Cafe (The Drop In) Especially for people with a disability, enjoy lunch in the café at 12noon before joining in the after-lunch activity from 1pm to 2pm.
£1 admission plus cost of lunch
Designed by WriteMessage.co.uk and sandstonecreative.com
Special dates Thur 25 October Camden Centre
Tea Dance Put on your dancing shoes, make new friends and have a great time. The tea dances are run by the charity Voluntary Action Within Kent in partnership with Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.
£2.50 includes refreshments
Sat 27 October
Residents Week starts (see page 13 for details).
FREE
Sat 27 October TN2 Centre 11am to 4pm
International Day A day of food and fun activities, all with an international flavour (see page 13 for details).
FREE
Tues 30 October Meet at TN2 Centre 10am to 1pm
Bug Hunt and Guided Walk to explore Sherwood Lake Learn more about the flora and fauna in the lake and woods and enjoy some free craft activities and a free BBQ.
FREE
Thur 1 November TN2 Centre
Socialize Disco especially for people with a disability, but everyone welcome.
£3.50
Sat 10 November TN2 Centre 1.30pm to 3.30pm
Consultation Day with Kent High Weald Partnership. A chance for you to tell us how the lake and woods should be enjoyed and preserved for future generations, and how the wildlife that live there can be protected.
FREE
Thur 22 November Camden Centre 2.30pm to 5pm
Tea Dance This will have a festive theme, so put your dancing shoes on and look forward to mince pies and all things festive! There will also be a raffle and information from the Tunbridge Wells Over Fifties Forum.
£2.50 includes refreshments
Sat 1 December TN2 Centre 11am to 1pm
Consultation Day with TCHG. See how the plans for the next phases of Sherwood’s regeneration are shaping up following your comments. You can tell us if we are getting it right!
FREE
Wed 5 December 7.15 to 8.45pm
Socialize Disco especially for people with a disability, but everyone welcome.
£3.50
Sat 26 January TN2 Centre
Final Consultation Exhibition
FREE
WWW.SHERWOODPLAN.COM YOUR SHERWOOD is brought to you by the Sherwood Plan partners: Town & Country Housing Group, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council; the agencies leading on key themes – K College, Kent High Weald Partnership, and the Primary Care Trust and the Team Sherwood resident representatives who we thank for their time and enthusiasm.