Autumn / Winter 2015 Issue 48

BOPF Newsletter The voice of Bristol’s over 55s

Bristol Older People’s Forum CIO Registered Charity number 1162616 Non party-political BOPF has a membership of 2844

Financial Appeal 2015

Dear Member,

Once a year we appeal to our members for a contribution to help us deliver our core services such as newsletters, to strengthen the voice of older people in Bristol. While Forum membership is free, if you feel you can contribute to our work we would really value your donations as our Council grant funding has decreased while postage and other costs have soared.

Producing and sending out one issue of the newsletter costs around £3,000, which is our target for this year’s appeal. We simply ask you to donate what you can afford, with a guideline of £10 – we understand some may not be able to afford that much; while others may be able to afford more. Don’t worry if you are not able to donate anything, you will remain on our membership mailing list and continue to receive our newsletter, at no charge, 3 times a year as always.

You can simply donate by CHEQUE made payable to “Bristol Older People’s Forum CIO” and pop it in the post to the FREEPOST address below, including your Gift Aid form (please cut out from P20) if you wish — OR you can pay by BANK TRANSFER. Our Unity Trust Bank account details are: bank account name: “Bristol Older People’s Forum”, Account number: 20642504, Sort-code: 16-58-10, please use the following reference: “BOPFAppeal2015”.

Our Freepost address is: FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXB, Bristol Older People’s Forum, c/o Age UK Bristol, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BY

Thank you for your ongoing help and support for BOPF and all older people across Bristol

Princess Campbell

Princess was a woman who literally changed lives for the better. She blazed a trail in Bristol's history when black citizens were fighting for real recognition for their worth, trying to break through that glass ceiling over their heads.

She paved the way for what seems so normal and natural for us today. As a member of the management committee of Bristol Older People's Forum, Princess continued to fight for the rights of the BME community - she was fearless and outspoken, especially about the need for appropriate diets for people in hospital, and she went on challenging when she thought things were wrong. She never gave up.

Judith Brown, chair of BOPF

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Contents

A View From the Rocking Chair.................................................................................. 3

Money, Work, Home Matters .................................................................................... 4

Health Matters .......................................................................................................... 5

Voice & Influence ..................................................................................................... 6

Local Organisations and Useful Numbers ................................................................. 10

National Helplines and Organisations ...................................................................... 12

Out & About ........................................................................................................... 14

Dates for your Diary and How to Get Involved ......................................................... 18

Our Contact Details, Gift Aid & Membership Forms ................................................. 20

Bristol Older People’s Forum:

Vision: All over 55s living in Bristol are happy with their quality of life, have the goods and services they require, are treated equally, listened to by decision makers, no longer feel isolated and have the opportunity to participate in the community.

Mission: To give a voice to all over 55s, facilitate their representation into citywide decision making processes and promote the equality and inclusion of all people over 55 in Bristol.

Aim: Every person over 55 is an equal, valued, and participating member of the community who can influence the decisions which affect their lives. We will:

Engage: give a voice to over 55s of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions and abilities, empowering them to eliminate discrimination and influence the decisions which affect their lives

Influence: co-ordinate opportunities for all over 55s to engage with service providers in order to provide fairer services which better meet their needs.

Educate: the public and engage with isolated over 55s by conducting or participating in research and events to raise awareness of issues affecting over 55s so older people are better valued and understood by the community.

Our values lie at the heart of everything: Respect, Trust, Commit, Make A Difference

We act Respectfully: we behave respectfully to each other and the rest of the community. By respect we mean compassion, open mindedness, empathy and self respect.

We can be Trusted: our organisation is run by over 55s for over 55s so our members can trust that we will always work in their interests.

We are Committed: we are committed to our vision and to those who work with us to achieve it. By this we mean volunteering, partnership, understanding and friendliness.

We do Make A Difference: by engaging with, empowering and giving a voice to all over 55s.

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Judith Brown (BOPF Chair) receives Lord Mayor’s Award for Community Services

A VIEW FROM THE

ROCKING CHAIR

The sun is shining gloriously as I write this, but the Christmas Cards are already in the shops, and another year has whirled by! Do you find your life seems on fast forward sometimes? As we move towards Christmas, let’s see what’s happened since our last newsletter. The Celebration of Age Festival has come and gone, with more variety and exhibition of older talent than ever; the Age Friendly City Conference (see p6) has just happened, with such optimism and hope for the future, (and such hard work ahead!), the Bristol Ageing Better Aardman Animation, which

took so much of my time this last year as the older person rep on the development team, featuring some of our own members, has been launched, and is already attracting huge attention to the issue of loneliness, and BOPF of course has been moving out from the centre to meet members in other areas of the city and will continue to do so through it’s open forum meetings (free for all, details P18) . So, what’s next for us? Now we are a registered charity, we have to bring all our policies and paperwork up to date, and that will take some doing. The Council, as always, wants plenty of evidence that we are doing our job, and that’s where you can help. We would be really grateful if, whenever you learn something new at our meetings, or read something new in our newsletter, or have the chance to make your voice heard, you would let us know. We shall be putting a little “complete the sentence” form on your chair at our forum meetings e.g. “BOPF told me about......” or, “I asked a question about....”or “BOPF gave me the chance to...” which you can fill in to help us, and if you can’t make the meetings, send any comments to us using the FREEPOST address (P20). We would love to hear from you! Thank you so much for responding to the last survey—over 500 members did so and we are learning valuable information as a result (see page 14) . The Trustees are getting to grips with the new set up, and we shall be having three development days over the next three months. If you would like to be a Trustee, or join our action committee, please get in touch with Karen or Yolanda in the office, or tell me or any Trustee. Active people are always welcome. And (believe it or not)….Happy Christmas! Judith Brown, Chair BOPF

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Money, Work, Home Matters Equality Act 2010 - and Age*

The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be discriminated against because: You are (or are not) a certain age or in a certain

age group. Someone thinks you are (or are not) a specific

age or age group. This is known as discrimination by perception.

You are connected to someone of a specific age or age group. This is known as discrimination by association.

Age groups can be quite wide (for example, ‘people under 50’ or 'under 18s'). They can also be quite specific (for example ‘people in their mid-40s’). Terms such as ‘young person’ and ‘youthful’ or ‘elderly’ and ‘pensioner’ can also indicate an age group. What is age discrimination? This is when you are treated differently because of your age in one of the following situations: When you are in the workplace. When you use public services like health care

(e.g. visiting your GP or local hospital) or education (e.g. your school or college).

When you use businesses and other organisations that provide services and goods (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas).

When you use transport. When you join a club or association When you

have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments

The treatment could be a one-off action or as a result of a rule or policy based on age. It doesn’t have to be intentional to be unlawful. *The other ‘protected characteristics’ are Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage and civil partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race, Religion or belief, Sex, and Sexual orientation. If you think you might have been treated unfairly and want further advice you can contact the Equality Advisory Support Service.

Freephone 0808 800 0082 Textphone 0808 800 0084 Freepost Equality Advisory Support FPN4431

Callers at home: Please remember this advice: If you are in doubt then do not open the door. Always ask to see identification if anyone claiming to be an official from an agency or utility company, calls at your home unexpectedly. Genuine callers will not mind if you ask them to remain outside while you close the door and phone the relevant agency to check that they are bona fide. Remember, do not use a phone number that they give you, look up the phone number yourself. A genuine official will also not mind making an appointment to come back another time. If you see anything suspicious in your area, please report it to the police via 101. If you feel you are in danger call 999 immediately. Advice via Neighbourhood Watch, who can be contacted at bristolnhwnetwork@gmail.com

Bristol Careline The Bristol Careline is a subscriber service providing an emergency link, often for people who live alone. Please note this is chargeable, other providers of personal alarms are available. Free demonstrations available. Brunel House, 2nd Floor, Bazaar Wing Bristol City Council, PO Box 3176 Bristol, BS3 9FS emergency.control@bristol.gov.uk Telephone 0117 922 3269, Textphone 0117 922 2379

Digital Money Coaches is a new project by

Bristol Citizens Advice that provides one to one coaching and aims to build skills and confidence interacting with technology. Although there is a broad focus on managing money online, the coaches are able to tailor the sessions according to your needs. They can help you get started on Facebook to keep in touch with friends and family, as well as help you set up and use an email account. For more information, please contact Anne Sharp, Digital Money Coach Coordinator, on 0117 9462584 or annes@BristolCAB.org.uk

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Health Matters

Bristol Area Stroke Foundation

Offer a wide range of groups across the city...

Weekly groups Monthly groups Conversation groups Stroke café

Gardening groups ‘Next steps’

Stroke of Genius therapy group

ACTion after Stroke

Contact 0117 964 7657 for more information

Healthwatch Bristol

“Anyone can speak to us about their experiences of health or social care services (including GPs, hospitals, mental health services, social care teams) and tell us about what was good and what wasn’t good. Healthwatch then ensure that service providers and commissioners hear this feedback and make changes to their services.

When someone contacts us, we will: signpost them to other helpful services , help them to access advocacy support, record their feedback and ensure that service users have their voice heard in decisions about the running of health and social care services”.

0117 2690400 info@healthwatchbristol.co.uk

Health Screening for over 70s

You can ask for screening even when you have

stopped routine screening due to your age, you

can request AAA and breast cancer screening -

you should receive a letter with details on how

to request an appointment.

Drop-in group for people with aphasia

Where? The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. Good

disabled access. All buses to centre

1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 2-4pm

Free to attend, no need to book

Contact: Helen Mann 020 7367 0864

helenmann@ukconnect.org

Memory Cafes in Bristol

Alzheimer’s Society runs monthly memory cafés at venues across the city for anyone who has dementia or memory problems.

Specialist health professionals offer help and advice and you can meet other families and carers experiencing dementia. There are currently venues in Bedminster, Brislington, Fishponds , Henleaze and Withywood.

Call 0117 9610696 to find out more details

Get your eyes tested!

People aged 60 or over get tested for

free! Even if you feel your sight is fine, a

regular eye health check can pick up on eye

and other health conditions.

Staying well this winter: advice from NHS

1. Get your ‘flu jab

2. Get early advice if you are feeling unwell

3. Keep warm. Heat your house to at least 18 degrees, and keep windows shut

4. Stock your medicine cabinet for winter—your pharmacist can advise

5. Get repeat prescription medicines early

6. Look out for others

For more advice, visit nhs.uk/staywell

If you are injured or feeling unwell but aren't sure what to do, call NHS 111, free, at any time of day or night.

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VOICE & INFLUENCE

BOPF Campaigns 2015-2016

Members voted at our AGM in May and we are focussing on 3 campaigns this coming year:

Transport

Health & Social Care

Effect of cuts on public services

To get involved please come along to one of our meetings (details P18) or give us a call

So What’s an Age Friendly City then? ‘Age Friendly City’ is the name awarded to a city by the World Health Organisation when the city can demonstrate certain things. The ‘Bristol Ageing Better’ successful lottery bid (in which BOPF is an member) included getting the ‘Age Friendly City’ status among the things it wants to spend some of the lottery money on. Why? Because if we succeed the City will be a better place in which people can live, and BOPF has been working since 1993 to do just that. So what does Bristol have to do to be an AFC? Bristol will have to prove that it has involved older people in suggesting changes and monitoring improvements- in a number of categories, which include Outdoor spaces and buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic participation and employment, communication and information , and community and health services. You can see it will be an uphill task in some categories! The good news is that the elected Mayor and the Council have agreed to start the process, and the Older People’s Partnership Board (which consists of 50% older people and 50% people who work with older people) has been tasked with helping the process go forward. The first Conference will have been held when you receive this, and numbers of BOPF members who attended will have been putting their views. Why should BOPF join in? Bristol Older People’s Forum was founded in 1993 in the European Year of Older People , and we have been working to make life better for older people ever since. We have ten places on the Older People’s Partnership Board, so carrying out age friendly city work is really just a continuation of what we have been doing all along. I’ll be reporting back to you as the work progresses. Judith Brown Chair of BOPF and Deputy Chair of Bristol Ageing Better.

Care Act Watch Survey

Independent Age has launched a new online public survey to find out about older people’s (those aged 65 and over) experience of seeking care and support from their Local authority in England. They hope the survey will provide important new insights into how local authorities are managing to implement the Care Act at a time when all of us in social care worry about the impact of under-funding. They would especially like to hear from carers and service users who have undergone an assessment or review for care and support since April 2015. The survey should take between 5-10 minutes to complete and all responses are anonymous: http://www.independentage.org/campaigning/our-campaigns/care-watch/ Although the survey is designed to be online, people who would like to respond offline can write detailing their experiences. The address is: Policy, Independent Age, 18 Avonmore Road, London, W14 8RR.

Don’t lose your right to vote!

In the last few weeks you should have had a

‘Household Enquiry Form’ through the post,

sent each year by the Council to update the

electoral roll. You have until 23 Nov to return it,

- any questions contact Electoral Services 0117

922 3400 or electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk

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Current Council Consultations include:

Castle Park Improvements

Creating Social Value in Bristol

Community Support Services

Full consultation details (and other chances to have your say) can be found via askbristol.com and you can also sign up for email news.

If you would like information on any consultations in another format, including paper copies you can telephone 0117 92 22848.

Want to get online? Or get more out of

being online?

The survey showed that there are a significant

number of you who are not online but would

like to be. There are various schemes offering

low cost computers. For over 65s, full time

carers, or people with a disability Byteback IT

Solutions offer computers from as little as £50.

Contact them on 0117 3706 375 (supported by

Bristol City Council and Green Capital 2015)

Note computer skills training is offered by Age

UK Bristol amongst others (see details P12).

INFORMATION FOR ALL WITH FREEVIEW

The arrival of Fourth Generation (4G) mobile phone services in the Bristol area may cause problems with Freeview TV services, leading to a loss of sound, blocky images, or loss of some or all TV channels (those who watch TV via cable or satellite are unlikely to experience any problems.).

at800 is the organisation that has been set up to help overcome any problems AT NO COST TO YOU. They will send a postcard to those households which they think may be affected, advising viewers to contact them for help. If at800 believes the disruption might be due to 4G at 800 MHz, they can arrange for an at800-accredited installer to visit your home, at their expense. Alternatively, they will send an at800 approved filter to fit yourself, free of charge.

The at800 filters block the 4G signals and enable viewers to carry on watching Freeview as normal. They are relatively small, need no batteries or external power supply, and will normally plug into the lead between the TV and the aerial. Each type of at800 filter has been tested to ensure it works correctly in the UK and all come with instructions on how to fit them.

To enable viewers to find out what support is available and how to access help, at800 have set up a Contact Centre.

Please call 0808 13 13 800 (Free from landlines and mobiles) or visit www.at800.tv

Dennis and Janet

Bishop (Movers

& Shakers)

We always liked

walking and so

when we saw the

brochure

advertising LinkAge walks in our area we went

along to see what it was about. Now almost 3

years later it is part of our lives, we have made

lots of new friends and seen places we didn’t

realise were there! We do feel a lot fitter and

while we are walking, taking in what’s around

us, socialising and taking in the fresh air, well…

we couldn’t wish for anything better!

Case study courtesy of LinkAge Bristol. For

details of walking groups in your area contact

LinkAge 0117 353 3042.

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Sue Frances

(Wackie-Walkers)

I joined the walking

group after my

husband died; it has

helped me over a

very difficult time.

Now the walking

group is part of my life. Since starting with

the group I have become much healthier.

My diabetes and blood pressure is down to

normal and I am no longer taking

medication for these.

Case study courtesy of LinkAge Bristol

For details of walking groups in your

area contact LinkAge 0117 353 3042.

Using technology to stay healthy at home, find

out what SPHERE can do for you …

What is SPHERE? SPHERE is an exciting five-

year research project. It uses sensor technology

in people’s homes which could help solve health

problems in the future including:

Spotting medical conditions for early

diagnosis

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle

Tracking eating patterns

Predicting falls or detecting strokes

Get involved! We are initially looking for

interested people to become Friends of SPHERE

You’ll be able to:

Join us for free social events across Bristol

Find out more about the technology

Tell us what you think - and help shape

the project

Meet like-minded people

Be part of an exciting new project – the

first of it’s kind in the UK

If you are interested in becoming a a Friend of

SPHERE then get in touch! Contact Ben Meller

ben.meller@bristol.ac.uk 0117 3315689

BCFM’s Silversounds programme can be found it at 93.2FM, 10-am 12noon Thursday and Friday.

And they love to hear from listeners! Requests, mentions and feedback all welcome.

Fancy being a radio presenter?

‘Babbers’ is a radio programme run by

older people for older people, on at 12-1

every Monday on Ujima Radio 98FM.

We are looking for new presenters! If

you’re lively minded, interested in what

goes on in Bristol and ready to speak up

and out….give us a ring! You can shadow

an existing presenter first and before

committing yourself!

Call Bianca on 0117 928 1539

FALL PREVENTION

Falls are the number one cause for emergency

hospital admissions for older people.

If you have a fall always seek medical advice

and consider a personal alarm or aids such as

as handrails. You may also benefit from

specific exercises. Age UK and the NHS have

advice leaflets (see contact details P10-13)

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Lifeskills Safety Programme for Older People: 2016 dates

Thursday 11th February

Friday 12th February

Wednesday 6th April

Thursday 7th April

Monday 9th May

Tuesday 10th May

Wednesday 11th May

Topics include safety in the home, healthy

eating, fall prevention and more! Held at the

Create Centre, Smeaton Rd, Hotwells, BS1 6XN

FREE! TO BOOK call 0117 9224511

CHRISTMAS!

Marmalade Trust (pictured) are a charity covering Bristol and surrounding areas, aiming to reconnect those who are vulnerable to loneliness. They aim to identify people who would otherwise be on their own

and use volunteers to collect them from home, take them to a Christmas day meal and then return them home. They are holding 3 events on Christmas day in local restaurants, and invite guests as friends (they fundraise to ensure the event is free) North Bristol/South Glos – venue to be confirmed Central Bristol – at Future Inn, Cabot Circus South Bristol – The Whitchurch Inn, Whitchurch Eligibility: Guests would otherwise be on their own on Christmas day and who are able to get into a car (Wheelchair users can be accommodated, as long as the guest can transfer in and out of a car). For more information please call a Marmalade volunteer on 07511 630027 www.marmaladetrust.org

Community Christmas collect together information on community Christmas meals and two other results

for Bristol are below. You can search online (www.communitychristmas.org.uk) as more events are added

or call them on 0844 443 0662 (note calls are chargeable).

Salvation Army, Staple Hill, no cost, transport provided, call 0117 956 9733

Christchurch, Clifton (cost and own transport needed) 0117 973 6524

St Mary Redcliffe Church is also offering Christmas lunch—you will need to book, by December 4, please ring 0117 231 0060.

Contact The Elderly are on a Christmas dirve to increase the number of groups meeting , and you can find out what’s local to you by calling (free) 0800 716543

You may also wish to enquire about seasonal events at your local care home, church, temple or mosque.

BUS PASS POETS are a small group of Seniors who write poetry. We meet once a month at libraries on local bus routes and share our poems with each other. It’s very informal and free! Please contact Julie 01179.428637 or Text Edith 07758 018768 Friday 13 November 2.30 – 3.30 , Redland library,

Whiteladies Road. Buses 1,2,3,4

Thursday 10 December 2.30 – 3.30 at Central

Library cafe, College Green. Buses: all to centre

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Local Organisations and Very Useful Numbers—perfect for the fridge door!

AgeUK Bristol (and see p13) 0117 922 5353

Action for Blind People 0117 953 7750

Advice Centre—North Bristol 0117 951 5751—and Community Support at Home (North Bristol)

Advice Centre - St Paul’s (includes East Bristol) 0117 955 2981

Advice Centre—South Bristol 0117 985 1122

Avon & Bristol Law Centre 0117 924 8662

Avon Fire & Rescue 0117 926 2061 (fire safety visits)

Bristol City Council 0117 9522 2000 (textphone 0117 357 4444) - please note that all councillors’ contact details are also available via the council

Bristol Community Transport 0117 902 0157

Bristol Credit Union 0117 924 7309

Bristol dial-a-ride 0845 130 1875

Bristol Drugs (&Alcohol) Project: Older People's Service 0117 987 6016

Bristol Hate Crime Services 0800 171 2272 (to report incidents/seek advice)

Bristol Older People’s Forum 0117 927 9222 (full contact details P20)

Bristol Citizen’s Advice Bureau 0344 111 444 or debt advice 0117 946 2588

Bristol Mental Health 0117 919 4670 OR Crisis line 0300 555 0334

British Red Cross—Bristol—0117 301 2606 / 0117 301 2619 (includes mobility aid loans and ‘home from hospital’ service)

Bus Passes (Bristol City Council) 0117 922 2600

Care Direct 0117 922 2700 or textphone 0117 903 6689 (Home care service, also for adult safeguarding concerns or issues)

CarersLine 0117 965 2200 (Carers Support Centre, Bristol & S Glos) - lots of groups, support and information for local carers of any age

Cruse Bereavement Care Bristol 0117 926 4045 (Mon-Fri 10am-12.30)

Dementia Wellbeing Service 0117 904 5151

FirstBus customer services 0117 244 4040

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Local Organisations and Very Useful Numbers—perfect for the fridge door! Healthwatch Bristol 0117 269 0400 (details on p5)

Older People’s Services, Southville (SCDA) 0117 923 1039

Lifeskills 0117 922 4511 (and see course details p9)

LinkAge 0117 353 3042 (offer a large range of local services, events, activities)

Macmillan—Re-Enablement Manager (Anne Wilkinson) 0117 353 3042

RELATE (relationship and family counselling)—Avon region 0117 942 8444

Royal Voluntary Service (Bristol & Somerset) 0117 204 7540 (befriending in hospital and at home / home library service / home from hospital service)

Shelter Bristol 0344 515 1414 (advice line)

Shopmobility 0117 955 9083

Stroke Association—Bristol office 01179 119351

Talking Money (previously Bristol Debt Advice) 0800 121 4511

Traveline 0871 200 2233

Volunteer Bristol 0117 989 7733

Walking for Health 0117 352 1283

Wellaware 0808 808 5252

WE (West of England) Care & Repair 0300 323 0700

Contacting the Police:

Call 999:

when it’s an emergency a crime is in progress someone suspected of a crime is nearby when there is danger to life when violence is being used / threatened Textphone 18000 in an emergency All non-emergencies — call 101 or textphone 18001/101 You can also report crimes anonymously by calling Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Contacting the NHS

For immediate, life-threatening

emergencies, call 999.

Call 111 (NHS Direct) if: you need medical help fast but it's not

a 999 emergency you think you need to go to A&E or

need another NHS urgent care service you don't know who to call or you

don't have a GP, or you need health information or reassurance

North Bristol NHS Trust 0117 950 5050 University Hospitals Bristol 0117 923 000

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National Helplines and Organisations

ACAS Helpline 0300 123 1100 , textphone 18001 0300 123 1100

ActionFraud 0300 123 2040—to report fraud including phone or doorstep scams

Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 8141

Action on Hearing Loss (new name for RNID) 0808 808 0123

Age UK (National) 0800 169 6565

Alzheimer’s Society 0300 222 11 22 (National Dementia Helpline)

Arthritis Care 0800 808 4050

British Lung Foundation 03000 030 555

British Red Cross 0300 456 1981

Cancer Research UK 0800 800 4040

Carers UK 0808 808 7777

Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 03454 04 05 06

Contact the Elderly 0800 716 543 (organise tea parties for groups of older people)

Compassion in Dying 0800 999 2434

Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400

Equality Advisory Support Service 0800 800 0082 textphone 0808 800 0084

AGEUK Bristol: contact details Information & advice 0117 922 5353 Products and services 0117 928 1555

Telephone befriending 07910 743920 Computer learning 0117 929 7537

New Beginnings Day Centre 0117 987 8406

Footcare service 0117 929 7537

Housing support services 0117 928 1546 / 7

13

Gas Safe Register helpline 0800 408 5500

Hearing Information Service 0800 488 0106

Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 - for anyone worried about their energy bills

Independent Age 0800 319 6789 - advice line for anyone over retirement age

MIND 0300 123 3333 — for anyone worried about mental health

Macmillan Cancer Support 0808 808 00 00

Marie Curie 0800 090 2309

MS Trust—Helpline 0800 032 3839

National Osteoporosis Society 0808 800 0035

National Pensioners Convention 020 7383 0388—national umbrella body for pensioners’ groups. Individual membership also available

NHS England 0300 311 2233 / Advice on health costs 0300 330 1343

Neighbourhood Watch - enquiries 0116 229 3118

Parkinson’s—Helpline 0808 800 0303

Pension Service 0845 606 0265, textphone 0845 606 0285

RNIB 0303 123 9999

Samaritans 08457 90 90 90

Silverline 0800 4 70 80 90 — free confidential helpline providing information, friendship & advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year

Stop Hate UK 0808 801 0661—24 hour national LGBT hate crime helpline.

Stroke Association 0303 3033 100

SSAFA 0845 241 7141 - support for serving men& women, veterans & families

TV Licensing 0300 790 6073

Warm Home Discount Scheme 0345 603 9439

Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 0845 9 15 15 15

University of the Third Age 020 8466 6139

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Out & About HUNDREDS OF BRISTOL-BASED MUSICIANS,

PERFORMERS AND SPEAKERS WILL AMPLIFY

THE SOUND OF THE CITY FOR THEASTER

GATES’ SANCTUM, TEMPLE CHURCH, BRISTOL

29 OCTOBER – 21 NOVEMBER 2015 (FREE)

SURVEY FINDINGS

Thank you so much to all those who sent back

the survey included in the last newsletter—we

have had well over 500 replies! We have some

more analysis to do but below are just a few

findings so far:

68% of respondents were female

62% are aged 75+

37% identify as being disabled

46% share their BOPF newsletter

50% do access the internet...

...38% don’t access it and don’t want to

66% agree they have the amount and

types of social contact they want

26% agree they can influence decisions

that affect their local area

treefest is a Christmas

Tree festival held in the beautiful setting of St Mary Redcliffe Church 8-13 December.

It raises money for charity and celebrates the excellence and

diversity of our city. Businesses, schools, community groups and charitable organisations are invited to provide and decorate Christmas trees which demonstrate how imaginative and innovative they can be!

Entry is free and there are various entertainments and refreshments on offer for the many visitors who come to the church during treefest week to admire the trees.

LinkAge operates in many areas in Bristol and

activities include new age Kurling (photo

courtesy of LinkAge), walking football, film

clubs, art & craft, chair yoga , dance groups, ping

pong, walking, tai chi— and I could go on! They

also offer volunteering opportunities.

Give them a call on 0117 353 3042

Avon Federation of Women’s Institutes are on

0117 986 4782, find out if there is one near you!

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Live in BS3?

WOOP is a new community group in BS3. It stands for What’s On for Older People. The Woop Group, average age somewhere in the 60s, is available to give information about clubs, societies and other activities going on in or near BS3. These might be ‘just’ for older people or they may cater for all ages.

We don’t know everything that’s going on, but between us we know quite a lot. So, why not come along to one of these sessions and have a chat?

Thursday Nov 12 at Mezzaluna Café, West St, (by Tesco) (2-3).

Tues Nov 17, Ashton Vale Youth Club , Silbury Rd (10.30 to 11.30).

Thurs Nov 26 at Windmill Hill Community Centre, Vivian St, (2pm-3pm).

Thurs Dec 10 at Mezzaluna café (2-3).

Tuesday, 12 January at Ashton Vale Youth Club (10.30-11.30).

For more info please contact Ben Barker benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 9633652.

Health and social care for Deaf adults :

drop in sessions

Mondays and Fridays, 9.00-12.30pm at RNIB,

10 Still House Lane, Bedminster, BS3 4EB

Thursdays, 9.30-12.30pm at Housing21,

Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, BS5 8NL

The Sensory Impairment team is running drop

in sessions for Deaf adults to help with:

translating letters from English to British

Sign Language (BSL)

phoning and booking appointments

paying bills or finding out more infor-

mation from service providers

contacting any services

If you need more time for several issues, you

may need to make an appointment, which

you can do on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

and these can be a home visit or public

place for example a café, or the RNIB

offices. Text: 07775 646671

E: sensory.impairment@bristol.gov.uk

Ever fancied joining a choir? Singing is good for you!

There are numerous choirs in Bristol, those below are free and open to all—no auditions!

1. Handfuls of Harmony Upbeat Voices Choir

Monica Wills House, West St, Bedminster, Every Tuesday, 6pm-7.30pm

There is no audition or need for previous experience - the idea is to have fun and make some noise. Free and for all. More info Sarah Scott 0117 953 8634

2. South Bristol Wellbeing Choir (Just come along and join in! )

Every Thursday 7 – 8.30pm (term time) at St Michaels and All Angels Church Hall, Vivian St Windmill Hill, Bristol, BS3 4LW.

3. North Bristol Wellbeing Choir (Just come along and join in! )

7 - 9pm every Wednesday during term-time at the Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY

Action for Blind People offer many services for

the visually impaired and Blind, including

courses on assistive technology, 0117 953 7750

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Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) - latest news

Aardman animation has now had over 10,000 viewings (www.bristolageingbetter.org.uk)

BAB has commissioned community development work in South Bristol and Southmead

BAB has commissioned 7 projects to help people with peer and group support

BAB researchers are working in Fishponds now to find out what is there and what people want

Look out for details of Community Chest funding towards the end of the year

The Bristol Festival of Ideas aims to stimulate

people’s minds and passions with an inspiring

programme of discussion and debate

throughout the year. www.ideasfestival.co.uk

“It is not how old you are, but how you are old”

“Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed”

"I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don't have to."

Reporting a near miss involving a cyclist—whether that is you or the other person:

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/vehicles-and-roads/cycling/report-a-cycling-near-miss/

UK population—did you know?

There are 11.4M people aged 65 or over

1.5M are aged 85 or over—and this is

projected to double in the next 20 years

There are more people aged 60+ than

under 18

36% of people aged 65+ live alone—70%

of these are women

1 in 5 people in the UK today will reach

their 100th birthday

There are 2.5M volunteers aged 65+ in

England

Over 50s are around 30% of the

‘economically active’ adult population

Warning!

Microwaved water and other liquids do not

always bubble when they reach boiling point.

They can actually get superheated and not

bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble

up out of the cup when it is moved or when

something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.

To prevent this from happening and causing

injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two

minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand

in the microwave for thirty seconds before

moving it or adding anything into it.

Individual employer funding People who

employ their own care and support staff

(individual employers) can apply for funding

from Skills for Care to cover the full cost of care

related training for both themselves and their

personal assistants. Whilst Skills for Care does

not directly arrange the training, they can fund

courses and qualifications that meet the

learning needs of the individual employer and/

or their PAs. The training must be started by end

Mar 16. Any questions please call 0113 241

1275 or email funding@skillsforcare.org.uk.

Are you aware that all NHS patients have a right to choose freely where they have their medi-cines dispensed ?

PINK HERRINGS is a friendly informal social

group for lesbians predominantly aged 50+.

Contact pinkherrings@yahoo.co.uk

GAYWEST is a longstanding membership group

for the LGBT community covering Bristol and

Bath. Contact 07584696771 or

www.gaywest.org.uk

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An elderly gentleman...

Had serious hearing problems for a number

of years.. He went to the doctor and the

doctor was able to have him fitted for a set

of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman

to hear 100%

The elderly gentleman went back in a

month to the doctor and the doctor said,

'Your hearing is perfect.. Your family must

be really pleased that you can hear again.'

The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my

family yet….I just sit around and listen to the

conversations. I've changed my will three

times!'

Facebook in real life……..?!

This is for those of the older generation who

do not really comprehend why Facebook

exists. Presently, I am trying to make friends

outside of Facebook while applying the

same principles.

Therefore, every day I go down on the street

and tell the passers-by what I have eaten,

how I feel, what I have done the night before

and what I will do tomorrow night. Then I

give them pictures of my family, my dog and

me gardening and spending time in my pool.

I also listen to their conversations and I tell

them I love them. And it works. I already

have 3 people following me: 2 police

officers and a psychiatrist.

Celebrating Age Festival

2,400 people visited the launch event on 27 September at M Shed. The feedback was extremely positive, with 81.5% rating the event Excellent / Good. The positive comments were all around the diverse range of information stands available and the entertainment. The stand holder feedback was also very positive.

If you came along, we hope you found it interesting and any feedback is of course most welcome.

Photo: our stand and amazing volunteers!

“A new era of retirement is dawning. A

new era of older workers, older entrepreneurs,

older customers, older students, older

community leaders - people in their 50s, 60s,

70s, even 80s who are taking full advantage of

their Xtra10. This is nothing like the narrative of

decline that predominates. There is a massive

disconnect between perception and reality”.

(from ageofnoretirement.com)…...Let us know

what you think! (contact details on P20)

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

VENUES and travel information

Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street, BS1 3HY, (between Yorkshire BS and Tesco) 0117 929 138, office@broadmeadbaptist.org.uk, www.broadmeadbaptist.org.uk. All city centre buses.

St George/Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX,

www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk

Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW, 0117 954 1409 www.eastoncommunitycentre.org.uk

Newsletter Editorial Team: Judith Brown (Chair), Karen Bowers (Forum Project Manager)

Gillian Seward (Trustee)

All views expressed are that of the contributor and not of Bristol Older People’s Forum CIO

All details correct at time of going to press. Please check before making a special journey.

Open Forum & Campaign Group

03/12/2015 10:30 - 12:30

Broadmead

Baptist Church

Compassion in Dying (CiD) – End of Life Care/Rights, Richard Scheffer – Board of CiD & retired consultant in palliative medicine

Open Forum 04/02/2016 10:30 - 12:30

St George - Barton Hill Settlement

Royal Horticultural Society, Kay Clark. Community Outreach Manager

Open Forum & Campaign Group

17/03/2016 10:30 - 12:30

Broadmead

Baptist Church

Community Access Support Service (CASS) Monira Ahmed Chowdhury - CASS Manager, Developments within Bristol Mental Health, including Dementia Services

Open Forum 21/04/2016 14:00 - 16:00

Easton Community Centre

Malcolm Kippax, Inspector, Care Quality Commission (South Region), Effects of the New Care Act on Older People

AGM 2015-16/ Open Forum

NEW DATE

19/05/2016 10:30 - 12:30

Broadmead

Baptist Church

Adam Rees, Project Director, Bristol Ageing Better

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Our recent speakers - and the opportunity to

‘have a voice’ by asking them questions—have

been warmly received by members.

Forthcoming speakers are detailed opposite. If

you have any ideas on who you would like to see

and hear at our meetings, or themes you would

like covered please email us or give us a call

(details on the back cover)

How you can get involved

If you are 55 or over and live in Bristol, you can become a member for free and you will receive our newsletter 3 times a year. If you would prefer to receive by email please use the form on the back cover to let us know your email address.

You can attend any of our Open Forum meetings where we disseminate information, invite informative speakers to talk on issues relevant to over 55’s, co-ordinate participation in consultations, give you the opportunity to have a say on decisions which affect you and influence decision makers in Bristol.

Please do get in touch with any ideas, questions or comments. We are always delighted to hear from our members.

Value BOPF? Be a trustee!

If you are interested in the idea of being a

trustee for BOPF, please call Karen on 0117 927

9222 for an informal chat…..‘a whole new circle

of friends’ ‘something to keep me busy’ ‘giving

something back to Bristol and it’s older people’

Image: Doug Burge (deputy chair) & Zia Haque

Going on a Cruise?

Members to take advantage of 10% discounts

on cruises in 2016. This is in addition to any

offers already advertised. Bookings must be

direct to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and not

through any booking agents and quote the

unique Club reference of SWSC10. Book by

telephone on 0800 0355 110 or go on line at

www.fredolsencruises.com

(5% of value will come back to South West

Seniors Network)

Looking for a typesetter

Did you work in the printing process trade? Were you a compositor, typesetter, any chance you have ever come across a Linotype machine? I want to talk to you, interview you about your experiences, and discover more about the trade and production process.

Contact Charlotte on 07718074404

charlottebiszewski@gmail.com

2016 dates from other equality forums

Bristol Multi Faith Forum will be holding

an open forum focussing on older people

in early 2016

Bristol Women’s Voice will be holding a

special event on 12 March to celebrate

International Women’s day

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Help Us Keep Our Mailing List Up-to-Date

If you have received this newsletter through the post, your name (or names) is/are on our mailing list. However if you know of an older person in Bristol who would like to join, do pass on the form below. Please also send the form below to update your details e.g. to remove a name, add a partner’s name, or to add an email address to your record if you are happy to receive news on email. Please send to the FREEPOST address above, with your donation and Gift Aid form if applicable.

BRISTOL OLDER PEOPLE’S FORUM - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (FREE) / UPDATE

First Name: ……………………………………… Surname…………………………………………….....

Partner/spouse (for joint membership with shared newsletter)

First Name: ……………………….…………..Surname: ….…………………………

Please add / remove the above name/s (please delete as applicable)

Address: ……………………………………………………………… ……………………………………………………………………...

Postcode:…………….…….... Telephone/mobile*……………………………………

Email*: …………...…...……….……………………………………………………………………………………...………..

I/we declare that I am/we are over 55 (sign) ………………………………………...………Age(s): ___________

*Please only give your phone number or email address if you are happy to receive communications

from BOPF by phone or email. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Bristol Older People’s Forum CIO Registered Charity number: 1162616

Chair 2015-16: Judith Brown Treasurer: Stephanie Batterbury

Forum Project Manager: Karen Bowers Finance & Administration Manager: Yolanda Pot

0117 927 9222 bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk www.bopf.btck.org.uk

FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXB BOPF, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street

Bristol, BS1 6BY

GIFT AID DECLARATION – to return with your donation to the freepost address above.

If you are donating to our appeal (P1) and are a UK taxpayer (paying tax on any income including savings/pension) we invite you to complete this declaration which will enable the Bristol Older People’s Forum to reclaim tax on your donations (to increase the value of donations at no cost to you). To: Bristol Older People’s Forum CIO Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money I make today and in the future. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give. Donor’s details

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Please notify BOPF if you: want to cancel this declaration; change your name or home address; or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.