Westminster PLUS Essential information for Westminster’s older residents
Issue 19 – June 2013
INSIDE Carer Awards Nominate a carer
Keeping active and healthy
Easy ways to keep active
Westminster City Save Amazing offers and discounts
PLUS Summer events and festivals Volunteering opportunities
Welcome and news Welcome to the summer edition of Westminster Plus, packed with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 65 plus. Now summer is here it’s the perfect time to get outdoors. Whether it’s enjoying your local park, doing some gardening or walking to the shops, the good weather helps us all keep more active. Find out what you can do to get your recommended 30 active minutes a day on page 16. From June to August you can enjoy the Paddington Festival which has been set up by members of the local community. The festival is packed with shows, workshops and activities from talented groups in the area, see page 3 to find out more. This month we are proud to launch our first ever Carers Awards. We want to recognise and thank the
thousands of people in Westminster who look after someone with an illness or disability. Help us show our appreciation by nominating someone you know for an award. Caring for someone can be challenging so we also want to highlight the support which is available for carers from the council and other agencies. Turn to page 6 for more details and to nominate. After an exciting summer you can look forward to the annual Tea Dance as it returns to the Grosvenor Hotel on 8th December. Find out how to win tickets to this glittering event on page 5. We hope you have an enjoyable summer.
If you are 65 or over and would like to receive Westminster Plus magazine, please call 020 7641 3111. 2
Councillor The Lady Flight Westminster Older People’s Champion
Cabinet Support, 17th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP cllrflight21@btinternet.com
Councillor Rachael Robathan
Cabinet Member for Adults Cabinet Support, 17th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP rrobathan@westminster.gov.uk On the cover: Mr and Mrs Loucaides who receive direct payments
Welcome and news
Active Guide Pick up the latest Active Guide at your local library or leisure centre to find out what sports and fitness activities are on offer. From gym classes to swimming, to clubs and parks find something that suits you and keep active. View it online at www.westminster.gov.uk/sport
£5 tickets for Friendship Matinee at the Royal Albert Hall See the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘The very best of John Barry’, at a special matinee show on Friday 4th October at 3pm as part of the new ‘Friendship Matinee’ at the Royal Albert Hall. The show features the late film composer’s famous scores including music from James Bond, Dances with Wolves, Out of Africa and Zulu. This offer is open to charitable, community and volunteer organisations. If your organisation is interested please contact friendship@royalalbert hall.com or call 020 7959 0541 for further information.
Getting rid of your sofa? You can have up to 10 large items collected from your home by the council for £20. This includes wardrobes, fridges, sofas and mattresses. To arrange for the items to be collected call the recycling team on 020 7641 2000.
West End LIVE On 22nd and 23rd June watch the West End’s top musicals as they perform live in Trafalgar Square. The spectacular free event features music, performance and cultural activities and no tickets are required. To see the full details and schedule of acts visit www.westendlive.co.uk or just turn up on the day.
Paddington Festival Running through the summer, the festival features dance, comedy, music and much more to bring the community together and showcase local talent. To view the schedule of events visit www. paddingtonfestival.co.uk, or call 020 7286 2722 or 020 7641 2230. 3
Care as individual as your loved one At Forrester Court care home in Paddington we’re dedicated to providing your loved one with 24 hour expert care and support that can be personalised to their individual needs. We deliver the best in residential, nursing and respite care, plus specialist care for those living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. We help our residents to stay active and independent, involving them in all aspects of home life. To find out how we can help, call
0333 434 3029 careuk.com/forrester-court ADVERTISEMENT
Remaining independent Returning home after a period in hospital can be difficult but help is available through Westminster’s Reablement Service. Mrs Ingeborg Unia, 101, of St. John’s Wood has lived in Westminster for many years. She spent two weeks in hospital in January and was offered the Reablement Service for six weeks after she returned home to help her back to health and remain living independently. 4
Mrs Ingeborg Unia
“I had three carers visit every day – in the morning, lunchtime and evening. I was weak and they were very helpful. “They helped me get ready in the morning, prepared my meals, did the washing-up and gave me my tablets. They also helped me get ready for bed. I also had a physiotherapist who gave me exercises to help me get moving again. It was a good service and I think it helps you get better quicker.”
The Reablement Team, part of the Community Independence Service, provides planned, short-term, intensive services at times when you might need extra support to remain living independently in your own home. To find out more call 020 7641 6278.
WIN! Tea Dance tickets Our annual Tea Dance is on Sunday 8th December. Enter the prize draw to win free tickets. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, dancing and delicious afternoon tea as the Tea Dance returns to Grosvenor House in December. Dust off your dancing shoes and make new friends while you spend the afternoon socialising at one of Westminster’s best hotels.
Please remember: • Please include your name and address including your full postcode on your application. • Let us know if you are applying for one or two tickets. • You must be 65 or over and a Westminster resident to attend. • If you apply for two tickets, your guest must also be over 65 and a Westminster resident. Please include their name and address and a ticket will be sent to them directly. • If we receive more applications than tickets, winners will be picked at
Due to the popularity of the event, and to give everyone a chance to attend, tickets will be allocated in a prize draw.
When: Sunday 8th December from 2-4.30pm Where: Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, 86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN
How to apply Visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/teadance Write to: Tea Dance, Communications, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP. The deadline for entries is 30th September. Late entries will not be entered into the prize draw. random. No additional tickets will be available other than those allocated in the prize draw. No correspondence will be entered into. • We will only contact you if you win a ticket. All winners will be contacted by 31st October when they will receive their ticket in the post. • We cannot guarantee a seat for people who arrive early. Entrance to the Great Room will be at 2pm and not before. If you arrive early you must accept that you will need to stand.
“I always look forward to it, we like a dance.” Ester Roith (pictured with John Simmons) 5
Carer Awards
Nominate by 5th August
Launched this month the Carer Awards recognise the dedication of people who care for someone with a long term illness or disability. Elizabeth Huss, 82, cares for her husband Donald, 79, after he had a stroke last year. Through both Elizabeth’s care and support from the council the couple are continuing to live independently in their home in Marble Arch. “I have been caring for my husband full time for around a year. It is quite a lot of work but the council helps us by providing three carers who visit throughout the day to help my husband.
Elizabeth with her husband Donald 6
“It can be quite difficult physically and emotionally so it’s nice to be recognised for the work we do through the carer awards.”
Carers Awards
“I give him his medication, prepare his meals and cups of tea. Every couple of hours we go for a walk around the flat to keep Donald mobile. “It can be quite difficult physically and emotionally so it’s nice to be recognised for the work we do through the carers awards.” Roy Stallard, 67, volunteers as a befriender, providing emotional support and care for Alice who is in her nineties. “Alice has a carer who does the shopping and laundry, so my visits are devoted to her. We gossip and share a pot of tea. Most important of all we take walks. These walks are often the only time Alice can leave her flat. “I help her to shop, sort out problems in the estate office, or to read letters that are too small for her to be able to read herself. I am there to help, listen, and sort out problems.” Respite breaks are available for Westminster carers. Find out more by calling 020 7434 0670
Do you have a friend, neighbour or family member who is looking after someone with a long term illness or disability?
Nominate them for a Carer Award. Help us thank people like Elizabeth and Roy who are helping people live independently by providing support as a carer.
Categories • Unpaid carer • Young carer • Befriender • Voluntary or community carer
Get support If you are looking after a relative or friend who has a disability, illness, or mental health condition, we can help you to find support to make your life easier. To find out what support is available to you call Adults Services on 020 7641 2500.
Nominate at www.westminster. gov.uk/carers or request a nomination form by calling 020 7641 3922.
Carers Network Westminster provide support, information and breaks. Visit www. carers-network.co.uk or call 020 8960 3033. Time for Me with Open Age has time for you. Come along for free activities, fun and support. Call 020 8964 1900. 7
Choosing your own care With direct payments you can choose the care and support that’s right for you. Mr Phedias Loucaides, 85, lives near Oxford Circus. Phedias manages direct payments for his wife Maroulla, 88. “We have been receiving direct payments for five years. We spend the money on having someone visit twice a week to help us around the home.” “It is quite difficult for me as my wife is not very well and I have to look after her. Choosing to spend the money on what we need help with most means I have more time to do my own things. It also means I can spend more time with my wife.” “I was introduced to direct payments by Age Concern, and they sent someone round to see my wife to talk about the support she needed. Then the council visited and decided she was eligible for direct payments. It allows us to choose what we spend the money on.” 8
“It allows us to choose what to spend the money on.” Mr Phedias Loucaides with his wife Maroulla
Choosing your own care
What are direct payments? Direct payments are a way of getting the support you need. Instead of getting services provided by the council, you will be given the money directly. You can choose how you spend it, as long as it meets the needs that the council has identified in your assessment. You don’t have to manage the payments yourself you can appoint a family member or friend, or the council to do this on your behalf.
How do I get direct payments? You will be assessed to identify what support you need from social services. A financial assessment will also be done to work out if you have to make a contribution, around half of people have to pay something towards their care. This is based on your income and savings and is done in the same way as if you were receiving services provided by the council. To get an assessment or for more information contact the Care Management Team on 020 7641 1175.
Improving our care homes We are making some changes to improve our care homes, and provide more extra care homes – independent flats with access to 24 hour care. The care homes which will be affected by the changes are Athlone House, Garside House, Butterworth Centre, Westmead and Carlton Dene. We are now developing detailed plans on the proposed changes and will consult with care home residents and their next of kin before any changes happen to get their views. We will also appoint a new care provider in these care homes who will begin providing care in 2014. For more information visit www.westminster. gov.uk/specialisthousing call Lisa Cavanagh on 020 7641 2631 or email opspecialisthousing@ westminster.gov.uk 9
Offers and discounts With a Westminster City Save card you get great discounts on local attractions and council services.
Apply now If you already have a ResCard you can visit your local leisure centre or library to fill in an application form and exchange your ResCard. You will then be issued with a new Westminster City Save card on the spot. If you weren’t part of the ResCard scheme but you would like to sign up for a free Westminster City Save card visit www.westminster.gov. uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 and a card will be sent to you in the post.
All offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/citysave for more details. Wimbledon Tennis Museum 20% off entry.
The Massala Hut 50% off menu.
Call: 020 8944 1066.
Call: 020 7387 6699 or email info@massalahut.co.uk
Terms: Available for up to six people. Does not apply to museum and tour combination tickets. Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AE
St Martin-in-the-Fields 10% off afternoon tea and candlelit concerts. Call: 020 7766 1100 Terms: Not available in December. Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ
The Guards Museum Two for one adult tickets. Call: 020 7414 3428 Terms: Applies only to full price adult tickets. Wellington Barracks, SW1E 6HQ
Terms: Service charges excluded, drinks are excluded, subject to availability. 161-163 Drummond Street, NW1 2PB
Porchester Spa 45% off. Call: 020 7792 2919 Queensway, W2 5HS
The Runway Salon 50% off a hair or beauty treatment. Call: 020 7828 0235 or visit www.the-runway.co.uk Terms: Only available to new clients, not accepted with gift vouchers and subject to availability. 11-13 Horseferry Road, SW1P 2AH
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Free services and discounts for Westminster residents
Offers and discounts
Asia House Tea Room 10% discount.
Clifton Nurseries 10% off shrubs.
Call: 020 7307 5454.
Call: 020 7289 6851
Terms: Card must be shown when paying the bill
Terms: Subject to availability.
Mackwoods Tea Rooms, Asia House, 63 New Cavendish Street, W1G 7LP
Spruce up your garden with shrubs from one of London’s oldest horticultural centres. 5A Clifton Villas, W9 2PH.
Regents Park Open Air Theatre Best available tickets for £22.50. Call 0844 826 4242. Terms: Available Monday-Friday and Saturday matinees. Must be purchased in person no more than two days in advance. Max two tickets per City Save member. Regents Park, NW1 4NU
Hellenic Centre Concessionary rate on language courses. Call: 020 7487 5060 16-18 Paddington Street, W1U 5AS
Leonidas Chocolates 20% off. Call: 020 7222 7337 4 Strutton Ground, SW1P 2HP
Westminster Walking Tours £3 off (£5 instead of £8). Email: info@ westminsterguides.org.uk Three tours to choose from every week – Tarts and Tiaras tour of Mayfair, Wednesdays at 11am, meet outside the Stratton Street exit of Green Park tube; Streets to the Stars tour of Theatreland, Saturdays at 11am, meet outside the exit of Covent Garden station in James Street; and
Exclusive Clubs and Posh Shops tour of St. James’s, Saturdays at 2pm, meet outside Green Park tube station, Green Park exit Terms: Show your card on arrival at the walk. One tour per person.
A brochure with a full list of all the Westminster City Save offers will be available in your local library or leisure centre later this summer.
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Summer activities
Booking is required for some activities. Please call ahead to check details.
There are over 180 free and low cost activities each week at our Community Hubs as well as daily activities at our leisure centres. South Westminster Churchill Community Hub Tel: 020 7976 6354 Nearest tube: Pimlico/Victoria Weekly walking group Tuesdays, 11am-1pm Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: Free Line Dancing Wednesdays, 4.15-5.15pm Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: ÂŁ1 Save the date: Silver Sunday 6th October. Details in next issue 12
West Westminster Queen’s Park and Harrow Road Community Hub Tel: 020 7266 2776 Nearest tube: Westbourne Park Knitting and social Wednesdays in August, 10am-12midday Portgate Hall, 19 Portgate Close, W9 3DL (off Ashmore Road). Cost: Free 50+ Social Wednesday 14th, 21st and 28th August, 2-4pm Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX. Cost: Free
Events at Community Hubs are provided on behalf of the council by Open Age and Notting Hill Housing. To find your local Hub visit westminster.gov.uk/communityhub
Spring activities
North Westminster Westbourne Community Hub Tel: 020 8964 1900 Nearest tube: Westbourne Park Hear! Here! Tuesdays, 2-4pm until 23rd July. A social and supportive group for people with hearing loss with a lip reading tutor. Amberly Clubroom, Amberley Estate, Shirland Road, W9 2JZ. Cost: Free T’ai Chi Mondays, 11am-12midday Warwick Community Hall, 300 Harrow Rd, W2 5HG. Cost: £1
Church Street and Regents Park (Penfold Community Hub) Tel: 020 8762 3082 Nearest tube: Edgware Road/Marylebone Special events for carers 60 Penfold Street Tuesday 25th June, 1.30-3.30pm – Arts and crafts Thursday 11th July, 10am-12midday – Grow your own vegetables. Cost: Free, booking is recommended for both, call 020 8960 3033.
Open Age 20th Anniversary Celebrations Open Age are celebrating 20 years of championing an active life for older people. There will be celebratory activities across the city including a 1920’s Flapper Party at Porchester Hall. For details of this and other summer events call 020 8964 1900.
Active Lifestyle Visit your local leisure centre to join in low cost activities to keep active. Booking is recommended. Aqua workout 50+ Mondays, 11am-12midday Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR. Booking required, non -swimmers welcome. 50+ morning Aerobics, table tennis, gym and short bowls. Wednesdays, 9am-1pm Moberly Sports Centre, Kilburn Lane, W10 4AH. Lawn Bowls Thursdays, 2-4pm Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD. Cost: £2.30 Saturday social shape up Saturdays, 1-3pm St. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Rudolph Road, NW6 5AW. Cost: £2 For more information call the Sports team on 020 7641 2012. 13
Keeping active Being active has huge health benefits, from helping you manage your weight, to keeping your muscles strong and your heart fit. Peter Johnston, 78, from Pimlico has seen his health improve since his GP recommended him to the Westminster Exercise Referral Scheme. “I started going to the gym classes before Christmas and at the end of the 12 weeks I had lost nearly a stone and I was thrilled to bits! “I joined the scheme as I’d put on a bit of weight and was feeling lethargic. My doctor was worried about me so she arranged for me to go to an exercise class at the Queen Mother Sports Centre. “I did two classes a week which included rowing, the treadmill, cycling and weights. I did them with the other ‘oldies’ which meant I wasn’t doing it on my own, we motivated each other. Our instructor Daniel was 14
excellent, he set us up on each of the machines and kept an eye on us. It was a comfort having someone there making sure we were doing it correctly. The instructors are marvelous and adapted the exercises to your ability. “At home I also watched my diet, I just wanted a healthier lifestyle and I now feel more ‘with it’. “I am carrying on my exercise, I really enjoy it. I am thrilled with what the classes have done for me and chuffed that I have been able to keep the weight off.” Daniel Blackmore, Peter’s instructor said “I’m really pleased with Peter’s progress. He has lost a great deal of weight, reduced his blood pressure and resting heart rate and genuinely seems full of life and energy”.
Keeping active
“I am thrilled with what the classes have done for me and chuffed that I have been able to keep the weight off.” Peter (pictured below)
Making small changes to keep active There are lots of ways to keep healthy through physical activity not just exercise, it can be anything that makes you feel warm and slightly out of breath. Most people find small changes are easier to keep up with than exercise regimes. Small changes to your everyday life can help build up to the recommend 30 active minutes a day. It could be gardening, taking the stairs, walking to the shops or getting off the bus one stop earlier. It doesn’t matter what you do to be active, it all counts. For more information about how you can keep active call the Health Improvement Team on 020 7563 6217 or visit www.nhs.uk/ change4life 15
Preventing falls Regain your independence and confidence after a fall with Steady and Stable classes. Getting your confidence back after a fall can take time. Open Age’s Steady and Stable classes provide exercises to help people who have experienced a fall or feel unsure on their feet build their strength and confidence. Helen, 83, has been attending the class at Penfold Hub for two months and says: “I enjoy the class because the teacher tells us which muscle is benefitting. This class has helped me become more active and confident”. Beryl who attends the Portgate Hall classes says: “For people who have
problems walking and with balance the classes are an enjoyable way to exercise. I have much more energy and feel much better in myself. I also enjoy the social aspect.” Steady and Stable classes improve balance, muscle strength and stamina through exercises and stretches. There are five free classes across Westminster. For more information or to find your nearest class contact Deryn Bath at Open Age on 020 8964 1900 or visit www.openage.org.uk.
Preventing falls at home Making a few simple changes around the house can reduce the risk of having a fall. Using non-slip rugs or mats, wearing fitted slippers and keeping rooms well lit can make a big difference in helping to prevent accidents. 16
“I have much more energy and feel much better in myself.”
Looking after your feet also helps you keep mobile. Drop in for a foot check up, exercise and diet tips: Friday 21st June, 10am-3pm Church Street Market, NW8 8EX Call 020 7641 3960.
Volunteering Help keep your body and mind active whilst giving something back to your local community. Anne Mallinson, 82, was a Councillor for Hyde Park ward for 32 years and Lord Mayor of Westminster. She now volunteers as Chairman of Age Concern Westminster.
as it continues to grow. We are in the process of merging with Age Concern UK and I am using my skills and experience from my working life to help make this happen.”
“Volunteering has brought me into contact with some really interesting people. It has widened my horizons and it is really stimulating.
“We are always looking for more volunteers to help in our shops. We also have several
“I love the variety of my role with Age Concern Westminster. Whether it’s finding new locations to open one of our charity shops, or helping with contracts, I enjoy helping to find new opportunities for the charity
hundred volunteers who visit those who are housebound and that too is very rewarding work. There are lots of opportunities out there. “Volunteering is fun and I would recommend it. I will continue to volunteer as long as my legs will carry me!”
If you are interesting in volunteering with Age Concern Westminster visit www.acwestminster. org.uk/volunteering or call 020 3004 5612.
“I will continue to volunteer as long as my legs will carry me!” Anne Mallinson (second left) 17
Staying connected Find out how using the internet can help you keep in touch with family and friends. Self confessed computer enthusiast Kaz Klaczynski, 71, of Fitzrovia Court Community Supported Housing has been helping fellow residents get online. “The free internet at Fitzrovia Court was one of the things that attracted me to live here 10 years ago. But when I arrived the shared computer was not set up. Since then I have got the computer set up in the communal lounge, and helped people learn how to use it. I also wanted people to be able to get it in their flats. “There are 30 flats at Fitzrovia Court, and now half the residents have internet access in their homes. I installed the cables myself free of charge, and many Get free internet access at Westminster Libraries 18
people were so grateful they donated money to the Fitzrovia Court Residents Fund. With this money, as well as grant funding I am applying for, I hope to be able to install wireless so everyone can access the internet.
Kaz Klaczynski
“Residents use the internet to search, send emails and Skype to speak to their families, which is much cheaper than over the phone.” “I started off teaching people how to use computers and now people come in to run classes.”
If you would like to get online, drop in to an information session. Tuesdays, 10am-12midday, Marylebone Information Service. Wednesdays, 2pm-4pm, St John’s Wood Library. Thursdays, 10am-12midday, Pimlico Library. Call the libraries service for more details on 020 7641 6200.
We’re listening Taking your comments on board to improve our services. This spring we visited groups across Westminster to speak to you about our Adult Social Care services. We are now working on using your feedback to ensure you receive the best possible services.
One thing you told us was that you want us to be clearer about what services we charge for. We agree it’s important to be upfront about our charges and this is something we aim to improve.
What services does the council provide for older people? Free
Charging for care services
• Freedom Pass • Handyperson service
There are some services which are charged for depending on your income and savings. You will be assessed by the Adult Social Care team to identify how much you will pay towards the services, such as home care, direct payments, community alarms and home meals.
(including materials up to £50)
• Advice and information sessions about subjects including health and benefits • Volunteering opportunities • Libraries (some services are charged)
• Tea Dance and Silver Sunday
Low cost or discounted • Community Hubs • Leisure Centres
To find out more about our Adult Social Care services, visit www.westminster. gov.uk/adultservices or call 020 7641 2500.
Dementia – Know the signs Spotting dementia in the early stages is important to help prepare for the future. The most common symptoms associated with dementia are forgetfulness, disorientation and problems with planning and managing daily tasks. As these symptoms can signal other health issues it’s important to see your GP to get the correct diagnosis and support.
Westminster Memory Café The Memory Café provides support for people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and their families. The monthly café provides advice, social opportunities, information on managing symptoms and links to local services. To find out more or to get support for someone with dementia call Westminster Dementia Adviser Service on 0370 192 4265 or 07540 502 379. 19
CARE VISITS AT HOME Good Old Fashioned Service
Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163
Our Services We offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or companionship. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.
Get in touch Call our professional team on
0207 976 6163
or email us at westminster@bluebirdcare.co.uk
www.bluebirdcare.co.uk /westminster