westminster plus september 2013
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50 FREE events and activities inside. Packed with information, advice and news for over 65's.TRANSCRIPT
INSIDEWIN free Tea Dance tickets
PLUSDiscounts and offers with Westminster City Save
Autumn events and activities
Silver Sunday Special • 6th October 2013There are 50 free activities just for you on Silver Sunday, what will you choose to do?
Westminster PLUSEssential information for Westminster’s older residents Issue 20 – September 2013
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Welcome and newsWelcome to our Silver Sunday special edition of Westminster Plus, packed with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 65 plus.
Next month we welcome the return of Silver Sunday, our national day for older people. On Sunday 6th October there will be 50 free activities and events across the city to help you meet people and try new things. With activities ranging from tours of Parliament and BBC Broadcasting House which usually cost £14 and £11.25 each, a cabaret show at St. James Theatre, to iPad training and tea parties. The day also introduces you to the many community groups and council services which are on offer to you throughout the year. Carers can also get involved and some events will be exclusively for carers of any age. If you know an older neighbour or someone who
struggles to go out alone please take them along to an event. Find out what’s on and how to sign up to the free events on pages 6-11.
Thousands of people are providing vital support to help people with a long term illness or disability to remain living in their homes. Find out what support is available to carers on page 12.
Don’t forget there is still time to apply for tickets to our annual Tea Dance on 8th December. Tickets are running out fast, so apply now and don’t miss out on this glittering event. Find out how to win tickets on page 5.
Councillor Rachael RobathanCabinet Member for Adults
Cllr Christabel FlightWestminster Older People’s Champion
Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E [email protected]
Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E [email protected]
On the cover: Last years Silver Sunday photography workshop.
“Silver Sunday is a day not just to celebrate Silver Surfers great contribution to their communities, but a special day for the young at heart everywhere.” Sir Terry Wogan
Welcome and news
You can get free health advice at your local library. Find out more by calling 020 7641 8969 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/libraries.
Beware of phone scamsTo avoid becoming a target of phone scams do not give out your PIN number over the phone or send your bank card to someone if they ask you to when they call you. You can reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.
Home library serviceIf mobility or health issues make it difficult for you to get to a library, we will come to you. Our Home Library Service will visit your home every few weeks to bring you books, information and library materials.
To find out more or start using the Home Library Service, call 020 7641 5405.
Nominate your active heroIf you know of an outstanding sports or physical activity club, coach, volunteer or facility in Westminster make sure you nominate them for an Active Westminster Award by 4th October 2013.
Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/activeawards or call 020 7641 3922 to request a nomination form.
Free sight testPeople over 60 are eligible for a free NHS sight test every two years, and annually if you are over 70. If the test shows that you need glasses, you may also be eligible for help with the cost of them.
Contact your local optician to book your free test.
A new library for MaryleboneMarylebone library has moved to a temporary location of Macintosh House, 54 Beaumont Street, W1G 6DW, a 15 minute walk from the old Marylebone library. In 2015 Marylebone will be getting a new, state-of-the-art library on Luxborough Street, subject to planning permission.
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CARE VISITS AT HOMEGood Old Fashioned Service
Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163
Our ServicesWe 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 touchCall our professional team on
0207 976 6163 or email us at [email protected] www.bluebirdcare.co.uk /westminster
WIN!Our annual Tea Dance is on Sunday 8th December. Enter the prize draw to win free tickets.
Tea Dance tickets
Tickets for this year’s Tea Dance are going fast. With only a few weeks left to apply make sure you are in the draw to win a much sought after free ticket to an afternoon of live music, dancing and delicious tea and cakes.
With music from the Red Stripe Band and the Three Belles providing cabaret there will be plenty to get your feet tapping.
When: Sunday 8th December, 2-4.30pm
Venue: Grosvenor House, a JW Marriott Hotel, 86-90 Park Lane, W1K 7TN
Please remember:•Pleaseincludeyournameand
address, including your full postcode on your application.•Letusknowifyouareapplying
for one or two tickets. •Youmustbe65oroverand
a Westminster resident to attend, as must your guest if you are applying for two tickets. Please include the name and address of your guest, and a ticket will be sent to them directly.
•Ifwereceivemoreapplications than tickets, winners will be picked at random. We will only contact you if you win a ticket. All winners will be contacted by 19th October when they will receive their ticket in the post.•We cannot guarantee a seat for
people who arrive early.
“I had a great time, I especially enjoyed dancing my feet off!”
Janet Sproule, Tea Dance 2012.
Bring a friend or come alone, the Tea Dance is a wonderful way to meet new people. We will also be joined by special guest Esther Rantzen.
How to applyVisit: 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.
CARE VISITS AT HOMEGood Old Fashioned Service
Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163
Our ServicesWe 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 touchCall our professional team on
0207 976 6163 or email us at [email protected] www.bluebirdcare.co.uk /westminster
WIN!
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Make the most of the free and fun activities on offer just for you this Silver Sunday on 6th October.
What are you doing?
This year sees 50 FREE activities happening throughout Westminster open to anyone aged 65 or over and their carers.
Silver Sunday gives you the chance to get out of the house, try new things and meet new people. With over 2400 places available there is something for everyone, from film screenings and chocolate tasting, to guided walks and tours of Lord’s cricket ground.
“I will be going to the Octavia’s afternoon tea and live performances”
Kay O’Connell, 83, from Pimlico
This year some Silver Sunday events in Westminster are also open people in Hammersmith and Fulham and Kensington and Chelsea. You can also attend some of their events. For a full list of events across London visit www.silversunday.org.uk
FREE!
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Silver Sunday activities
All events are free and are on 6th October unless stated otherwise. Some activities require booking.
Walks and toursTour and tea at Lord’s Also open to carers
of any age
1-6pm
Tours at 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm. 20 places available on each tour.
Lord’s Cricket Ground, NW8 8QN
020 7616 8521
b
Theatre walking tour 5-6pm 30 places available, two people per booking max.
Details of where to meet will be given on booking.
b
Captain’s tour of HQS Wellington2-3.30pmVictoria Embankment, Temple Stairs, WC2R 2PN
079 8497 6950
b
Guided walkWalk 1: 10.30am-1.30pm, walk 2: 2.30-5.30pmAround the West End and the City, meeting place given on booking
20 places available per walk.
b
Tour of Parliament Friday 4th October, 12.45pm20 places available, please arrive 20 minutes early.
Book by 18th September.
Houses of Parliament, Cromwell Green entrance, SW1A 0AA
020 7219 6155
b
Tour of BBC Broadcasting HouseTour 1: 10.15am Tour 2: 10.30am25 places available per tour.
BBC Broadcasting House, Portland Place, W1A 1AA
020 7641 7810
b
London StrollersTime: 1.30pmTake a walk around Regent’s Park via Regent’s Canal.
Meet outside Regent’s Park tube station
079 3938 4753
Tea at The Ritz for two Enjoy afternoon tea for two at The Ritz on Silver Sunday.
To enter email [email protected] or write to Silver Sunday, Communications, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
WIN!
Key:
wheelchair access
b booking required
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Learning Discover your neighbourhood1-4pmAn afternoon of activities including walks and photography sessions.
Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR
020 8762 3082
Creative writing class12midday-1.30pmPlaces limited to 15.
Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT
020 7976 6354
Silver Surfer I.T sessions9am-4pmCommunity Fibre, Grosvenor Hall, Vincent Street, SW1P 4DG
07813 449225
I.T support sessions2-4pm Nine places available.
Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DU
020 7641 4490
b
Courtauld Gallery Guided tour2-3pm30 places available.
Somerset House, Strand, WC2R 0RN
020 7848 2705
b
iPad training1-2.30pmSt. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD
020 7641 1300
b
National Gallery talk and draw10.30am-12.30pm20 places available.
The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN
020 7747 2502
b
Health MOT10.30am-3.30pmDental Department, Central London Community Health NHS Trust, 2nd Floor, Soho Centre for Health, 1 Frith Street, W1D 3QS
020 8962 4659
Tea tasting and jewellery making11am-3pm50 places available.
Bluebird Care, St. Gabriel’s Halls, Churchill Gardens, SW1V 3AA.
020 7976 6163b
Get activeSt. Anne’s Church tea dance3-5pm50 places available
St Anne’s Church Community Hall, 55 Dean Street, W1D 6AF
020 7439 4303b
Latin ballroom dancing2-4pmAcademy Sport, Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road W2 5EZ
020 7121 0642
Belly dancing 11am-12middayPlaces limited to 15
Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT
020 7976 6354
Silver Sunday activities
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English National Ballet workshop Carers exclusive
11am-12midday, and 12.30-1.30pm30 places per workshop.
Markova House, 39 Jay Mews, SW7 2ES
020 7581 1245
b
Free spa Also open to carers
of any age
Three hour session between 4-10pm. Last entry 7pm.
Porchester Spa, Porchester Road, W2 5HS.
020 7792 2919
Adult swimming lessonsClass 1: 10-10.30am, class 2: 10.45-11.15am8 places per class
Porchester Centre, Queensway, W2 5HS
020 7792 2919 b
Beginners yoga classes2-2.55pm and 3-3.55pm15 spaces per session.
Iyengar Yoga Institute Maida Vale, 223a Randolph Avenue, W9 1NL
020 7624 3080
b
Fun and fitness session10am40 places available.
Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD
077 2141 9518
Cycle tour10.30am-12middayPlease bring your own road worthy bike.
Churchill Community Hub, Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL
020 7828 1500
Free swimming and spaAll dayMarshall Street Leisure Centre, 15 Marshall Street, W1F 7EL.
020 7871 7222
Badminton and tennis8-11am8 people per booking.
Little Venice Sports Centre, 10 Crompton Street, W2 1ND.b
020 7641 5111
Active JubileeClass 1: 10.30-11.30am Class 2: 3-4pmA gentle introduction to exercise.
35 places available per class
Jubilee Hall Trust, 30 The Piazza, Covent Garden, WC2E 8BE
020 7836 4007
Indoor football4-5pmSt. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5AW
020 7641 3642
Dr Bike session 10.30am-4pmPaddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD.
078 4167 8664
Squash3-7pmJubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR
020 8960 9629b
Silver Sunday activities
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Silver Sunday activities
Short tennis, bowls and badmintonSaturday 5th October 1-3pmSt. Augustine’s Sports Centre, Oxford Road, NW6 5AW
020 7641 3642
Yogalates4-5pm20 places available.
Academy Sport, Westminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ
020 7121 0642
Free use of Seymour Leisure Centre 8am-8pm Classes available Saturday and Sunday. Health suite; Saturday women only, Sunday men only. b Booking
recommended for table tennis, badminton and classes.
Seymour Leisure Centre, Seymour Place, W1H 5TJ
020 7723 8019
EntertainmentChocolate tasting3-4pm10 places available.
Rococo Chocolates, 3 Moxon Street, W1U 4EW.
020 7245 0993
b
Quartet film screening and tea party2.20-5pmWestminster Academy, The Naim Dangoor Centre, 255 Harrow Road, W2 5EZ
020 8964 1900
Song for Marion screening2-4pm20 places available.
Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT
020 7976 6354
b
Silver Sunday breakfast 10-11amPlaces limited to 20.
Glastonbury House, Abbots Manor Estate, Warwick Way, SW1V 4NT
020 7976 6354
Royal Albert Hall concertFriday 4th October, 3pmTickets £5 and must be booked by a charity or community group
020 7959 0541
b
Afternoon tea and entertainment2-5pmTransport support available.
Octavia Leonora House, 49 Lanark Road, W9 1AP.
020 8354 5681
b
Cabaret at St. James Theatre1.30-2.45pm Quote Silver Sunday when booking.
St. James Theatre, 12 Palace Street, SW1E 5JA
0844 264 2140
b
Music workshopSaturday 5th October 9.30-12.30pm Westminster Music Library, Victoria Library, 160 Buckingham Palace Road, SW1W 9UD
020 7641 6200
b
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Singing in the Rain Film screening 2-5pm30 places available, film subject to change.
The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU
020 7227 0655
b
Events you can attend outside of WestminsterV&A exhibition talk and visitTalk 1: 11am and talk 2: 1pmPlaces are limited
Seminar Room 3, Sackler Centre for Arts Education, Victoria and Albert Museum, SW7 2RL
Nearest tube: South Kensington
V&A bookings office, 020 7942 2211
b
Guided tour of Brompton Cemetery2-3.15pmIn the case of heavy rain the will be cancelled.
Brompton Cemetery, Old Brompton Road, SW10 9UG.
Nearest tube: West Brompton/Earl’s Court
020 7376, 5756
Art exhibitionFriday 4th October, 6-8pm. Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th October, 11am-4pm.Second Half Centre, St. Charles Centre for Health and Wellbeing, Exmoor Street, W10 6DZ
Nearest tube: Ladbroke Grove
020 8962 5500
b
Silver club launch and lunchTuesday 1st October, 12midday-2pmThe Hollywood Arms, 45 Hollywood Road, London SW10 9HX.
40 spaces available.
Nearest tube: Earl’s Court
020 7385 8850
info@fulhamgood neighbours.org
b
Ballroom dancing 1st October, 2pm-4pmMasbro Centre, 87 Masbro Road, W14 0LR
20 places available.
Nearest tube: Kensington/Shepherd’s Bush
020 7605 0800
Time of Your Life Fair Friday 11th October, 11.30am–4pmGrand Hall, Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, W8 7NX
Nearest tube: Kensington High Street
020 8960 8137
Read with children Tuesday 8th October, 2-3pm The Tudor Rose Community Centre, Shottendane Road, SW6 5PG
40 spaces available.
Nearest tube: Parsons Green
020 8870 1476
b
If you need support getting to an event we have a limited number of volunteers who can help. Please call 020 7641 7810.
Silver Sunday is part of the Sir Simon Milton Foundation
For a full list of events across London visit www.silversunday. org.uk
Silver Sunday activities
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Around 12,500 local residents are unpaid carers for their partner, family or friend but only 2,000 are receiving support.
Caring for the carers
If you look after someone you love, you may not even realise you’re a carer and entitled to support. But there are lots of services to help you such as support groups, social activities and respite breaks.
Ruth Quintyne from Queen’s Park looks after her son, Floyd, 49. She says: “I’ve cared for my son since he was born. He is autistic and has a poor memory so needs moderate care.
“I do get some time to myself and there’s always something for me to do. I go to lots of groups: yoga, pilates, therapy, sewing class - at the moment we’re making a quilt. I have hip problems so enjoy my hip massages.
“Practical support such as financial advice helps me to manage the family budget and first aid training gives me confidence that I can cope in
“Being a carer can sometimes be isolating so going online helps me to keep in touch with people. “
Ruth Quintyne (pictured)
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Caring for carers
an emergency. I used to go to a mental health group where I could discuss my problems and get emotional support. Other carers are the only people who understand what we go through so it helps to talk to them.
“There’s also training on injury prevention and advice on benefits and any other problems you may have. It’s especially important with all the changes to benefits at the moment and has helped me to cope with them.
“Each year I receive £300 for a holiday or to buy something that helps me, through the Carers’ Break Scheme. Last year I bought a laptop so I can shop online and send and receive emails. Being a carer can sometimes be isolating so it helps me to keep in touch with people. I’m just getting used to it so I’m not on Twitter or Facebook yet but this time next year, you never know!
It’s also common for long-term carers to suffer from physical and mental health problems so it’s important to make sure you get the health support you need. There are
services out there to help you and Carers Network Westminster who we fund to provide services to carers in the borough, can recommend them depending on your situation. Any carer should get in touch.”
The council and NHS fund Carers Network Westminster to deliver services for carers including the Carers’ Break Scheme. To find out more call Adult Social Care on 020 7641 2500 or Central North West London on 020 8960 3033 or visit www.westminster. gov.uk/carers.
Carers support• Anassessmenttosee
how you can be supported• Informationandadvice
about health, housing, benefits, finance, education, training, employment and leisure opportunities• Counsellingsessions• Supportgroups• Respitecareforthe
person you look after.• Apersonalbudgetmaybe
available to some people.
Time for Me offer activities for unpaid carers over the age of 50. There are trips to galleries, markets, boat trips, musical events and much more. Call 020 8964 1900 and mention Time for Me. It is funded by the NHS through an agreement with the council and run by Open Age.
Did you work at top secret RAF Defford during the war? If so, Defford Airfield Heritage Group want to hear your story for their new museum. Please call 01386 852059 or email [email protected]
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Apply nowIf 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 don’t have a ResCard visit www.westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000 and a Westminster City Save 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.
Westminster libraries Free computer training.
Call: 020 7641 6200Terms: You must be a member of Westminster libraries, some classes need to be booked in advance and are subject to availability.
Florence Nightingale Museum 20% off entry for up to six people
Call: 020 7620 0374 2 Lambeth Palace Road, SE1 7EW
Fe Hair and Beauty 20% off hair and beauty treatments
Call: 020 7402 4442 Terms: For new clients only. Print voucher and show Westminster City Save card.
22 Kendal Street, W2 2AW
Conway Hall – 1/3 off Conway Hall’s activities and events.
Call: 020 7405 1818 Terms: Offer only applicable to Conway Hall’s own activities and events not available to events run by third parties.
25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL
Get a free Westminster City Save card for great discounts on local attractions and council services. Apply for yours today.
Offers and discounts
Free services and discounts for Westminster residents
Discounts at Embankment Cafe 15% off all day breakfast or cake and a drink for £3.50.
Call: 020 7930 1471 Terms: Subject to availability, not to be used with other offers.
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Offers and discounts
Porter’s English Restaurant 20% off the a la carte menu
Call: 020 7836 6466Terms: Maximum table of six and only available for the a la carte menu.
17 Henrietta Street, WC2E 8QH
Thai River 20% off your food bill
Call: 020 7402 7519Terms: Offer available to one Westminster City Save card holder and family, present your card to waiting staff before sitting.
18 Chilworth Street, W2 6LL
Leisure centre membership Disability and carers discount at council gyms just £19.95 a month.
Call: 020 7641 2012 or call your local leisure centreTerms: Proof of eligibility required when joining. Offer excludes Porchester Spa.
For a full list of Westminster City Save offers pick up our brochure at your local library or leisure centre in September.
Get free swimming at any of the five council pools with a Concession Card. Visit your local council leisure centre to apply.
Elegant touch 20% off when you spend over £25 on flowers
Call: 020 7243 2955Terms: Offer subject to availability and only available on spend over £25
Whiteleys Shopping Centre, W2 4YQ
Café in the Courtyard Free tea or coffee when you buy a pastry
Call: 020 7766 1100Terms: Offer available between 10am and 11am. Café open until 31st October.
St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, WC2N 4JJ.
The Sea Shell resturant (As requested by you) 20% of restaurant and takeaway of traditional fish and chips
Call 020 7224 9000Terms: Offer valid Monday-Wednesday only, present your card to waiting staff before sitting.
CuisineCard - 50% off
Visit: www.cuisinecard.co.ukTerms: Must be over 18. Not to be used with other offers.
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There are over 180 free and low - cost activities at our Community Hubs each week, as well as daily activities at our leisure centres.
Autumn activitiesBooking is required for some activities. Please call ahead to check details.
Activities at Community Hubs are provided on behalf of the council by Open Age and Notting Hill Housing. To find your local hub visit www.westminster.gov.uk/communityhub
South WestminsterChurchill Community HubTel: 020 7976 6354Nearest tube: Pimlico/Victoria
Introduction to pilates Fridays, 11am-12 midday Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: £1
Creative writing Mondays, 2-4pm Churchill Gardens Youth Club, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 3AL. Cost: £2
West WestminsterQueen’s Park and Harrow Road Community HubTel: 020 7266 2776Nearest tube: Queen’s Park
Chair yoga Thursdays, 3.30-4.30pm Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX. Cost: £1
Singing for all Thursdays, 10am-12 midday Ernest Harriss House, 61 Elgin Avenue, W9 2BX. Cost: £2
There are 2400 places available at events across Westminster on Silver Sunday, find out more on page 6.
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Autumn activities
North WestminsterWestbourne Community HubTel: 020 8964 1900Nearest tube: Westbourne Park
Play reading Mondays, 1-2pm Warwick Community Hall, 300 Harrow Road, W2 5HG. Cost: £1
Improve your English Fridays, 11am-12.30pm Brunel mini-hub, Brunel Estate Office, W2 5UX. Cost: £2
Beginner’s iPad Training Thursdays, 1.30-3pm Amberley Clubroom, Amberley Estate, W9 2JZ.(booking essential) Cost: £1.50
Church Street and Regent’s Park (Penfold Community Hub)Tel: 020 8762 3082 Nearest tube: Edgware Road/Marylebone
Over 50’s coffee morning Last Wednesday of each month, 10.30am
St. John’s Wood Library, 20 Circus Road, NW8 6PD. Cost: Free
Movement and music class Wednesdays, 11.30am-12.30pm Greenside Community Centre, 24 Lilestone Street, NW8 8SR. Cost: £1
Active LifestyleLeisure discounts Swim free and receive great discounts on leisure activities at your local council leisure centre. Apply for a concession card, free for anyone over 60, at your local centre. To find your nearest visit www.westminster.gov.uk/leisurecentres or call 020 7641 2012.
Brazilian dance Mondays, 1-2pm Booking required. Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR.
Yoga Thursdays, 7.30pm Booking required.Paddington Recreation Ground, Randolph Avenue, W9 1PD.
Silver Fit fitness and fun sessions 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, 9.30am Hyde Park, Will to Win Café, South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH. Cost: £1 for members Call 07721 419 518 or visit www.silverfit.org.uk
For more information call the sports team on 020 7641 2012.
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A free phone club is helping people who are unable leave their homes to stay connected and make new friends.
Overcoming loneliness
Nigel Darcy, 69, from St. John’s Wood has a health condition which means he’s housebound. To help him stay in touch with other people, he joined the council’s phone club run by Open Age that helps older people socialise from the comfort of their home.
“I was excited about joining the phone club as I don’t have many visitors. I don’t have the chance to speak to other people on topics or things I see on television and was feeling isolated.
“Someone from Open Age came to see me to talk through how the club works. They showed me how to join the telephone conversation just by dialling a number.
“Everyone is enthusiastic and they all enjoy talking about themselves as do I. We discuss news stories,
programmes on television and books. We talk about news in our neighbourhoods and we take part in a quiz.
“It’s great fun and lovely to hear other people’s voices, I feel part of what is happening in society. People I meet through the phone club are my age or a bit older so it is great to reminisce and talk about things we can all relate to. My favourite discussion we have had was talking about the Olympics. It was very exciting, I felt I was taking part in what other people get to see.
Talking about things from my week helps with my memory and keeps my brain active.
“It is an invaluable service and I would recommend it to others who are housebound or maybe lonely. I have been able to meet new people and make lasting friendships.”
For more information or to join contact Open Age on 020 8964 1900. If you would like to get out more but have difficulty using public transport the Community Transport Service can help. To find out if you are eligible call 020 7289 0176.
“I felt I was taking part in what other people get to see.”
Nigel Darcy
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Overcoming LonelinessJoin us for an afternoon of songs, music and entertainment as the Music Hall comes to town
On 13th January 2014 join us and the English National Opera for an afternoon of songs, live music and performances. Taking place in the London Coliseum, be treated to some of the best Music Hall performers in town, with stars from The Players Theatre and The Sylvia Young School performing.
When: 13th January 2014, 2-4pm
Where: London Coliseum, St. Martin’s Lane, Charing Cross, WC2N 4ES
For your chance to claim free tickets please visit www.westminster.gov.uk/musichall or write to Music Hall, 17th Floor, Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QP.
You can claim a maximum of four tickets per person. This event is also open to carers of any age. Please let us know if you require a space for a wheelchair.
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Walking is a great way to keep active and healthy and is something most people can do.
Keeping active
Joining your local walking group is not only a free way to get healthy and enjoy the wonderful parks and streets of Westminster, it can also be a social activity.
Since joining the Walking to Fitness group at her local Community Hub, Julia Abidi, 63, from Little Venice, has found walking with others helps her have fun whilst keeping active.
“Walking is a great way to wake up and it’s nice to have something to do, it gives me a routine to my week.
“I like to be with other people, so when my doctor told me I needed to start walking more to help with my sciatica I decided to join a walking group. Our group walks every Monday morning around Westbourne, Queen’s Park and Harrow Road.
“I like to be with other people. It’s good for my health”
Julia Abidi (far right)
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Keeping Active
“We often go to Paddington Recreation Ground to use the outdoor equipment and walk around the park. I always enjoy it as it’s nice to see people. We have a chat and a laugh. Everyone has something to say and I’ve met different people.
“I have now been walking almost every week for two years. Since then I have joined more clubs and I have something on most days. Now I am retired I need to have interests and activities each day to get me out of the house. It is great to wake up and have something to do.
“Now I do tai chi, yoga, over 50’s aqua aerobics and dance through Open Age. I really enjoy being part of the groups as I like to be with other people. It’s good for my health and my mental health.”
Why not try a 10 minute walk three times a day?
Most people already walk as part of their day and every little bit of walking counts. You can build it up gradually to achieve the recommended 30 minutes a day to keep healthy, manage your weight and prevent long-term conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
To find out more about organised walks in Westminster call 020 7563 6217 or visit www.walkingforhealth.org.uk
Free walking groups in WestminsterMondays, 9.15am Walking to Fitness. Meet outside Edward Wilson School, Bourne Terrace, W2 5TL. Call: 020 8964 1900
Tuesdays, 11am Walking group and nature walks. Meet at Churchill Gardens Hub, Churchill Gardens Estate, SW1V 3AL.Call: 020 8964 1900
Tuesdays, 9.30am Meet at The Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, W10 4JL. Call: 020 8825 1067
Wednesdays, 1.30-2.30pm Healthy hearts walks. Meet at Clarence Gate, Baker Street entrance, Regent’s Park. Call: 020 7935 2458
Thursdays, 10.30am History walks. Meet at Juniper House, Droop Street, W10 4QX. Call: 020 8964 1900
Become a walk leaderHelp others keep active and meet new people by volunteering as a walk leader. To register or for more information contact Central London Community healthercare on 020 7563 6213 or email [email protected]
There are 56 parks, gardens and open spaces in Westminster.
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Being prepared for the colder months will help you keep healthy and ensure your home is warm when winter arrives.
Keep warm and well
Get your flu jabEvery year from October, the flu jab is available free on the NHS for anyone over 65. As new vaccines are produced each year it’s important that you have the it jab every year.
You should be invited to get your free flu jab by your GP surgery. If not, contact your GP to arrange an appointment.
Cold weather paymentsIf you receive the State Pension you will automatically receive Winter Fuel Payment of £100 to £300, to help pay your heating bills. If you also receive Pension Credit you will usually get Cold Weather Payments. You will receive the payments automatically and you don’t need to apply. If you own your home and receive certain benefits you may qualify for a Decent Homes Grant which can go towards improving your heating or insulation in your home.
For more information call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515.
Preventing fallsAs you get older, it is easier to fall and hurt yourself. When it’s cold it can be even more difficult to keep your balance so it’s important to wear shoes with a good grip and use a walking aid such as a walking stick. Keep an alarm or mobile phone with you around the house or when you go out. If the weather is particularly icy it is best to avoid going out unless it’s really necessary.
For more advice call Westminster Falls Prevention Service on 020 7641 400.
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If you are aged 40-74 and do not have an existing health condition, you can ask your GP for a free NHS Heath Check.
Get your health checkedHealth advice
Regular health checks can help identify potential health problems at an earlier stage and provide you with the information and support to prevent initial health or diet concerns becoming a problem. At your health check your heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol will
be tested, you weight will be taken and you will have a blood test to check for diabetes. If there are any areas of your health or diet that need to be improved you will be signposted to the necessary support and advice.
To book your free health check contact your GP to make an appointment or call Rain Trust on 020 8964 2727 to make an appointment with a health trainer.
Get a free health MOT on Silver SundaySunday 6th October, 10.30am-3.30pm, Dental Department, Central London Community Health NHS Trust, 2nd Floor, Soho Centre for Health, 1 Frith Street, W1D 3QS. 020 8962 4659.
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Your recycling guide
Your mixed recycling collection is weeklyStep 1Order your free recycling bags or container from your housing manager or caretaker, or contact us.
Step 2Put all your recyclable items together into your recycling bag or container.
Step 3Leave it out on your recycling collection day or put it in your nearest mixed recycling bin which may be in your building.
You can recycle: Tip: Flatten your cardboard boxes and add to your mixed recycling
Contact us• toorderfree
recycling bags or a container
• tofindyourrubbishand recycling collection days and times
• tofindyourneareston-street micro recycling centre
Visit: westminster.gov.uk/recyclingCall: 020 7641 2000Email: [email protected]
If you have a housing manager or caretaker please ask them for details of your rubbish and recycling services.