Age uk oxfordshire newsletter issue 36

right.” It seems to say something vital about the importance of believing in ourselves. I can do something if I really want to and if I believe in myself. But if I start with self-doubt I am doomed from the start.OK, the idea has limitations. But it helps. What Age UK Oxfordshire does as a charity is about helping us as we grow old to have hopes as well as memories. To believe in our value and potential however

old and frail we are.Age UK Oxfordshire’s physical activity programme Generation Games oƸers 1,200 possible ways of moving your body a bit and having fun doing it, even after illness and when frail. Our website www.ageofcreativity.co.uk celebrates myriad opportunities where people are dancing, singing, shouting and loving being alive.

Above all people need people. I would say that everything Age UK Oxfordshire oƸers is about staying connected and feeling that someone cares if you get out of bed today. Whether it’s our ‘Befriending for Life’ for people who are poorly, our Phone Friends

volunteer service, or the precious ‘Flexible Care’ connections we make with nearly 400 people at risk of going downhill. Underpinning all of this is the way we inform and empower people to live the life they want. The vital words of advice and reassuring from our Dementia Information Line. The caring visit to help a couple grapple with form-ǋlling to get the money they are entitled to.

The bad news is that Oxfordshire is in a care funding crisis. The county has recently held the national ‘Wooden Spoon’ for the number of people getting stuck in hospital. Every day increasing numbers of people are falling over, either

A stitch in time

Oxfordshire carers celebrated at Dignity Every Day awards

Issue 36: Winter 2014

Read the full story on page 3

Inside this issue:

Latest news and p2-4 updates:- Dignity Every Day Awards- The Big Knit- Knit a warm home campaign- Age UK Today!

Special feature: p5 - My life, my decision

Community p6-15 Information Network

Information p16-17 and Advice

Generation p18-19 Games newsletter

I have always been fascinated by this saying: “If you think you can, or you think you can’t...you’re probably

Photo by Damian Halliwell/Oxford Mail

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Pictured: Two of our Community Clubs, Dovecote and Sharecare, came together in the autumn to have a day of activities and lunch, there was lots of laughter and new friends made.

Dovecote Community Club is based in Thame and Sharecare in Holton, we also have a number of other clubs throughout the county. If you or someone you know would enjoy a social day out with a hot lunch and various activities, contact us on 0345 450 1276 to ǋnd out about clubs near you. You can also ǋnd details of social clubs and groups on the Community Information Network section of our website at www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire.

Thanks to the eƸorts of knitters across Oxfordshire, this year we were able to send oƸ 16,000 little hats for the Big Knit 2014. This is a wonderful achievement and we at Age UK Oxfordshire would like to say a big THANK YOU to everyone who got involved!

The Big Knit is a joint national campaign between Age UK and innocent drinks to help vulnerable older people. You knit the hats, innocent drinks wear them and 25p of every drink sold goes to local and national Age UK Winter Warmth projects.

This year you have helped to raise £4,000 in Oxfordshire, which

will go directly towards our Information and Advice helpline, which is a vital service helping local older people through this diƹcult time of year.

All your wonderful creations will be on display on innocent smoothies in supermarkets and other stores nationwide during February 2015, available until stocks run out.

Meet some of our knittersPictured from top to bottom: Residents and staƸ at Heathǋeld House Nursing Home worked hard to knit 38 little hats for the campaign. Volunteer Pat Clamp knitted a wonderful 80 hats with her daughter Helen Harding. Over in Stanford in the Vale, a group of 20 knitters created a record 3,365 wonderful little hats, pictured from left to right are Popsie Lucas, Barbara Timpson, Jan Hayward and Wendy Gibbard.

Thank you from Age UK Oxfordshire!We’e reached the end of this year’s Big Knit campaign and more than16,000 little hats were knitted and donated by Oxfordshire.

The Big Knit

literally, or in terms of not coping with daily living. They show up at A & E and enter a care system which is struggling to return them to good health and to that crucial state of self-belief.So the kinds of services we oƸer are absolutely fundamental to dealing with this crisis. But right now they are most under threat of reduced funding - because it doesn’t look like a life and death matter to cut back on community life. But it is. And Age UK Oxfordshire is determined to protect the things which help people think “I can” rather than “I can’t”. Or in the words of one of our Phone Friends clients after her weekly call: “It made me feel part of life again”.

Paul Cann, Chief Executive

The Dignity Every Day Awards are an annual scheme to celebrate the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of care places and care workers for older people in Oxfordshire.

The Dignity Every Day Awards 2014 took place on Friday 14 November at The Oxford Hotel as part of Age UK Oxfordshire’s Annual General Meeting. Nominations were received from around the county and four winners displaying outstanding care were chosen by our judging panel. We were delighted to be joined by Tim Stevenson OBE, Lord Lieutenant for Oxfordshire who presented the awards with our judging panel.

As part of this year’s ceremony a new award was introduced - The Josie Award - to celebrate the memory of the late Josie Smith. Josie was a very special person who over many years campaigned and worked for improvement

in community services and gave support to many older people. The Josie Award will be given to an inspirational individual each year as part of the Dignity Every Day Awards and is intended to recognise those who are championing issues that are important to them and working to make a diƸerence in their local community.

Pictured from left to right; Dawn Pratley and Liesl Guy of Care, Compassion and Conversation; Ann Pittick; Wendy Luxford; Nahed Idris; Lorraine Bell, Sue Dunster and Maria Tjim of Home Instead. Photo courtesy of the Oxford Mail/Damian Halliwell.

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Oxfordshire carers celebrated at Dignity Every Day awards 2014

The winners are:

* Care, Compassion and Conversation, a care agency based in Chipping Norton.

* Home Instead, a care agency based in Kidlington.

* Nahed Idris from Kidlington, a Carer with the Shared Lives Scheme.

* Wendy Luxford, Manager at Homecomforts Care Agency in Chinnor.

* Ann Pittick from Headington, winner of The Josie Award.

Knit a warm home for Age UKIf you’re not ready to put your knitting needles down after this year’s Big Knit, Age UK has just started its campaign for warm homes.

Each winter one older person dies every seven minutes from the cold weather. Many more older people become seriously ill due to living in a cold home. Many of these deaths and health problems could be prevented if everyone lived in a warm home.

That’s why Age UK is calling on the Government to make millions of homes much more energy eƹcient, starting with the poorest and most energy ineƹcient homes.

As part of the campaign for warm homes, knitters across the country are being asked to get their knitting needles clicking to create their own cosy knitted warm houses, which will be exhibited during Cold Homes Week, 2 - 6 February 2015. During Cold Homes Week, Age UK Oxfordshire and local Age UK’s up and down the country will be displaying the homes that have been knitted locally and inviting MPs and local councillors to see them, prompting conversations about tackling fuel poverty locally.

By knitting a warm home, you could also enter Age UK’s

comptetion and win a prize for the best knitted home -a Husqvarna Viking E20 sewing machine, worth £159!

Age UK has produced a leaǌet which includes a knitting pattern, information about the campaign for warm homes and details on how to submit your knitted home. To get a free copy contact us on 01235 849409 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire.

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has been a huge individual and team eƸort ranging from cycling endurance feats to cream teas, raƺes and a Malaysian Cookery Demonstration Evening hosted by gifted Malaysian cook and avid fundraiser Yolanda (pictured left). We have also had a bag pack at Morrisons, vouchers from Marks & Spencer, local Co-ops and Tesco, and more recently we are delighted to have been selected as Charity Partner of the Year by the Sainsburys branch in Banbury.

Are you, or someone you know, interested in taking part in a project that looks at everyday use of technology at home? The Oxford Institue of Population Ageing are calling those who:

• Are over the age of 60• Have issues with sight and hearing• And are using equipment or technology to help them to live independently

If you can answer ‘yes’ to all of these questions we would love to involve you in our study! The project has been commissioned by Sense and is being undertaken with two other organisations: the University of Leeds and the University of Oxford. The project will take place until September 2015 and is going to answer three questions:

1. What are the barriers people with DSI experience in their everyday lives, and how could equipment and technology help them?2. What equipment and technologies are older people with DSI using at home? 3. What prevents older people with DSI from using equipment and technology?

The project involves research visits to the participants’ homes every six weeks or so over the 5-7 months. If you would like to know more or be involved in the project, please get in touch with Kate Hamblin on 01865 612 816 or email [email protected]. Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, 66 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6PR.

Today! campaign upateAs we reach the end of 2014, the Age UK Oxfordshire Today! Campaign is half way through its second year. The campaign seeks to raise £50,000 a year over ǋve years for our White Lion Walk Centre in Banbury, to support our services and activities for older people in the Banbury area. This year, the campaign has achieved £39,000 towards the £50,000 target. This has come from applications to charitable trusts, community fundraising and donations, and our major event at Broughton Castle which raised almost £6,000. We have received tremendous support from our volunteers and from companies and organisations in Banbury. There

The Spring issue of the Age UK Oxfordshire Newsletter will be out in March 2015.

If you would like to place an advert please contact Rachelle Kennedy, Editor on 01235 849409 or email [email protected].

If you have received this Newsletter through a friend and would like to receive it directly, or if you would like to be removed from the mailing list please contact Rachelle.

We are very grateful to those who have been donating their winter fuel payments to Age UK Oxfordshire. These donations help us to continue giving useful and informative advice through our helplines in Abingdon and Banbury.

Thank you

My Life, My Decision

My Life, My Decision can provide you with free, conǋdential, information and support to ensure your wishes are respected even if you can no longer express them. The project is run by Age UK Oxfordshire in partnership with Compassion in Dying, funded by the Big Lottery. Through this project we can help you create documents that are legally binding and ensure professionals and attorneys carry out your instructions. The project is a new scheme just being launched in Oxfordshire and already a number of people have received a visit in their own homes, at times to suit them.

Mary*, 62, has Multiple Sclerosis and a number of respiratory problems; she is in a wheelchair and is quite poorly. She wants an Advance Decision because she believes very strongly that she does not want to continue living with these illnesses, especially if her quality of life is further compromised with a life threatening illness and she loses her mental capacity. She wanted the reassurance of dictating what she considers is ‘loss of capacity’, so we worked on a directive that simply states that if she cannot recognise her family members plus two doctors agree, that is the time to invoke her desire to refuse life-sustaining medication, including the giving of antibiotics. Mary feels so strongly that, at this stage in her life, no treatment will improve her declining situation nor re-establish her capacity to make decisions. Her life, her decision, is to refuse all treatments oƸered to her.

Tom* wanted to lay out instructions for his care and treatment through his two daughters yet, at the same time, to spare them the heartache of making those diƹcult ǋnal decisions. He wants

The vast majority of people have strong views about the care and treatment they want at the end of life, but only 4% have made their wishes known through an Advance Decision. My Life, My Decision is a project designed to address that statistic.

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If you can’t express your decisions, who will decide on your behalf and how will they know what you want?

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Community Information NetworkStay involved, informed, in touch

involvedinformedin touch

The Network was six months old on 1 November 2014 – still quite a ‘new kid on the block’ and learning all the time from all of you about how we can reach people most eƸectively and make a diƸerence where it matters most. We know from the ǋgures we are pulling together for these early months that our team of Community Information Networkers have already given information to over 25,000 older people. The Community Networkers embedded within local community health teams as part of the Circles of Support pilot project, funded through the Cabinet Oƹce, are also helping to extend the reach of the Network to some of the people who need us most.

A Network is of course only as good as its connections and as a Newsletter reader you are part of our valued network of connections. As we move into our ǋrst winter, we are asking for your help in two ways, please:

Help us spread the warmthI am shocked every time I read the statistic that one older person dies every seven minutes in the cold weather from cold related causes. Together we can deǋnitely do something about this – please take a moment to read the article on page 14 about our winter campaigns and help us to spread the message about the threats that colder weather presents to our health as we age. Please make sure that anyone you know who would beneǋt from two of our thermometers has them – we have lots! And don’t forget that we can oƸer free, anonymous beneǋts checks and advice to anyone who is worried about the costs of heating their home.

Help us build the connections Please help us by making sure that people you know are aware of Network events in your area – and use the ‘Mind the Gap’ form on page 15 to tell us about gaps in local provision. We may not be able to ǋll the gaps immediately, but we will put them on the list. With that burst of energy that spurs on our New Year Resolutions, we hope that some of you might think about becoming a Network Volunteer in 2015 – either by helping us to provide information and advice or by supporting a local activity. If you are interested, please contact Helen Sollis on 01235 849434.Finally, we would like to thank everyone who has supported the Network over the last months. We could not achieve anything without that support. We wish you all a Happy Christmas and a ‘networked’ New Year! Penny Thewlis

Welcome to the Community Information Network pages of the Newsletter – we hope there will be a bit of something for everyone here!

The Community InformationNetwork is supported by:

Celebrating Older People’s Day 2014

Celebrating Older People’s Day on 1 October 2014 at the Abingdon Health and Wellbeing Centre.

At Banbury Canal Day on 5 October 2014, pictured here with Banbury Town Mayor Cllr Sean Woodcock.

We enjoyed a Harvest Soup Lunch and Celebration at our White Lion Walk Centre, sponsored by Sainsburys, Banbury.

The ValeCommunity Information Network

At the St Edmunds Resource Centre you’re always guaranteed a warm welcome from Tara our new receptionist. Pop in and say hello and grab a complimentary cup of tea or coƸee.

Forthcoming events•�Spring Clean Your Finances Day on Tuesday 3 March 2015 from 10.30am - 1pm.•�Health and Wellbeing Day Tuesday 27 January 2015 from 10.30am - 1pm.

One-to-one computer classesOne-to-one computer casses run throughout the week and cater for anyone who would like to learn how to use a computer, also those that are looking to develop their skills. We have computers available and can also support you with your laptop/Ipad. Sessions cost £5 per hour with your ǋrst hour free of charge. Contact Helen Sollis on 01235 849434 to book your slot.

Solemates Foot ClinicThe Solemates footcare service run a foot clinic every Tuesday, where you can have your tired feet refreshed and toe nails trimmed. These clinics are open to all, including those with Diabetes. For more details and to book an appointment contact Solemates on 01235 849461. A charge of £14 is made per session with a one-oƸ cost of £15 to purchase your own kit.

Volunteering We are always on the look out for volunteers that have an hour or two to spare each week to pop in to the Centre and help us out with a wide variety of activities. If you’re interested in ǋnding out more please contact Kerry Bateman on 01235 849410. We look forward to hearing from you.

Information Drop-InsIn addition to drop-in’s in Abingdon, Wantage, Faringdon and Botley we have now started ones at:

•�White Horse Medical Centre, Faringdon every fourth Thursday of the month at 10am - 11.30am.•�Millets Farm, Frilford contact Laura Freeth for details.•�Shrivenham Village Hall contact Sonia Robinson for details.•�Richmond Homes, Letcombe Regis every third Tuesday of the month at 3pm - 4.30pm.

Classes and groups If you would like to join us in the New Year at one of these classes, or if you just want to ǋnd out more about what’s available locally, contact Laura Freeth or Sonia Robinson. New to the Vale area:•�Seated Exercise Class in Marcham Sports and Social Club every Thursday from 10.30am- 11.30am. Your ǋrst session is free.•�Short Mat Bowls at Millbrook Community Hall in Grove every Tuesday from 2pm - 4pm. Your ǋrst session is free.•�Multi-Activity sessions at the Park Club in Milton Park every Monday from 10am - 11.30am. Your ǋrst session free.

One-to-one computer classesThese free one-to-one computer classes are suitable for beginners or those wanting the chance to learn more. One hour slots are available: •�Faringdon Library every Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon. Contact the Library on 01367 240311 to book.•�Grove Library every Thursday from 10am - 12noon. Contact the Library on 01235 763841 to book.•�Botley Library every Friday from 10am - 12noon. Contact the Library on 01865 248142 to book.

Laura Freeth07827 235429 [email protected]

Sonia Robinson07827 235414 [email protected]

St Edmunds CentreAge UK Oxfordshire, 39 West St Helen Street Abingdon OX14 5BT Tel: 0345 4501276

0345 450 1276www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire

[email protected]

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Stacey Battle07827 235460 [email protected]

South OxfordshireCommunity Information Network

West OxfordshireCommunity Information Network

Ruth Thomson07827 235417 [email protected]

Tea Dance Dates for 2015 Tea Dance sessions take place on a Sunday each month at Milton Under Wychwood Village Hall. The dances are available thanks to the generous support of local cake makers and the inimitable May and Terry Cox. For further details contact Stephen Mott, forthcoming dates for 2015 are:

• Sunday 18 January 2015• Sunday 15 February 2015• Sunday 22 March 2015• Sunday 26 April 2015• Sunday 17 May 2015

Short Mat BowlsPop by and join our friendly new group on a Wednesday from 1.30pm-3.30pm at Witney Town Bowls Club, Leys recreation ground, Witney. The cost to attend is £3 per session. To ǋnd out more about this group and a range of other social and leisure activities, cream teas, dancing, beginners’ computer classes, singing, exercise and interest groups in West Oxfordshire, contact Stephen Mott.

Information/Gadget drop-inThis drop-in runs on the ǋrst and third Friday of every month at Witney Library. Come and see us for information about local clubs and ǋnd out about local services. You can also bring your laptop or tablet computer if you need help getting to grips with it. Contact Stephen Mott for further details and times.

Stephen Mott07827 235450 [email protected]

Information Drop-in’s•�Henley Town Hall every ǋrst Wednesday of the month from 10.45am - 12noon.•�Benson Library every third Tuesday of the month from 2pm - 3.30pm.•�Berinsǋeld�Library�every fourth Wednesday of the month from 10.30am - 12.30pm.•�Woodcote Library every second Monday of the month from 2pm - 4pm.•�Thame Town Hall every fourth Tuesday of the month from 10.30am - 12noon.

If you are unable to get to one of these drop-in’s, but would value some help with information contact Ruth Thomson and she will see what she can do.

Classes and groupsIf you are interested in joining us in the New Year at one of the following classes and groups, or if you just want to ǋnd out more about what’s available locally to you, contact Stacey Battle on the details above. Currently running in South Oxfordshire:

•�Art classes in both Wallingford and Thame.•�Jewellery Making Classes in Dorchester.•�Line Dancing in Crowmarsh.•�Movie Afternoon in Wallingford in January.•�Knit and Natter in Berinsǋeld Library, every ǋrst Tuesday of the month at 10am - 11.30am.•�Golden Age in Didcot, every ǋrst Tuesday of the month at 3pm - 4pm. •�Rumsey’s Cafe Lunch Club in Thame, every last Tuesday of the month at 12.30pm - 1.30pm.•�Applecart Lunch Club in Didcot every second Tuesday of the month at 12.30pm - 1.30pm.•�IT classes in Wallingford Library.


[email protected]

CherwellCommunity Information Network

Information Drop-ins•�Foresters Bar in Kidlington (near Tescos) every last Tuesday of the month from 10am - 12noon. For more information contact Troy Bryan.•�Oak Ward, Horton Hospital on Wednesday 17 December 2014 from 3pm - 4pm. We have teamed up with colleagues from The Stroke Association to provide this monthly Information Drop-in in Banbury for patients and relatives. For more information contact Libby Griƹn.

Computer classes in KidlingtonKidlington Library is once more open for business after its renovation and our popular free computer classes for beginners resume on Thursday 8 January 2015 at 2pm - 3pm and 3pm - 4pm. To book your place contact Troy Bryan.

Thanks to our excellent volunteers Patsy, Margaret, Brian, Bryan and Ron for supporting this service in Kidlington and making it possible to help so many local older people to get online and improve their computing skills.

Computer classes in BicesterBeginners computer classes are delivered in conjunction with Cherwell District Council every Tuesday at Bicester Health and Wellbeing Centre on Launton Road. These classes are very popular and our loyal volunteers Patsy, Doreen and Brian are kept busy meeting the demand locally. Even if the sessions are full, we can usually point you in the direction of other support and learning opportunities. For more information contact Libby Griƹn.

Barclays Bank Banbury Community Chirstmas Party Barclays Bank on Bridge Street are hosting a digital ‘tea and teach’ session on Friday 12 December 2014 from 10am - 4pm, supported by our wonderful IT trainers. This event is intended to help you feel comfortable using the new digital facilities in banking halls and you don’t need to be a Barclays customer to attend. For more information contact Kasia Zielasko on 01295 278040.

Tax Help Day at White Lion WalkOn Thursday 15 January 2015 Tax Help for Older People (TOP) will be available at the White Lion Walk Centre to answer your personal tax questions. To book an appointment contact Joanna O’Neal on 01295 278040.

Free cinema sessionsJoin us each month for free cinema sessions at White Lion Walk, showings run on Friday afternoons from 1pm. Forcoming titles and dates are:

• Friday 12 December - Miracle on 34th Street• Friday 30 January – The Love Punch • Friday 13 February – Mary Poppins• Friday 27 February – Grease

Be Online 2015Our next IT campaign at the White Lion Walk Centre will run from Monday 23 February - Friday 6 March 2015 and the theme is ‘Stay healthy, ǋnd work, live!’. For details of what we will be doing through the week contact Kasia Zielasko on 01295 278040.

Troy Bryan07957 981381 [email protected]

Libby�GriƸ n07827 235410 libbygriƸ [email protected]�

Sue Coltman01295 [email protected]

White Lion Walk CentreAge UK Oxfordshire, 5 White Lion Walk Banbury OX16 5UD Tel: 01295 278040

Halima Ahmed - BME Information Worker07917 808445 [email protected]

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[email protected]

Oxford CityCommunity Information Network

Oxford City Cars have generously provided a free ‘Taxi for life’ voucher to Computer Learner, Dorothy Pearce, that will enable her to attend weekly IT sessions at Northway Community Centre, free of charge. Dorothy turned 100 in 2014 and has been attending the IT sessions for 4 years.

Information Drop-insInformation Drop-in’s continue to run regularly throughout the City. A new one has also started at the Asda Cafe in Cowley every fourth Monday of the month from 10am - 12noon. If you would like to pop along to the Cowley one or any of the other Oxford City drop-ins, contact Sue Snelders for more information about where your closest one is running.

Intergenerational BAME DayWe have set up an intergenerational BAME day based at the Oxford Options Health and Wellbeing Centre on Horspath Road on a Saturday. This is an opportunity for local families from diverse ethnic backgrounds, to come together to enjoy a range of educational and social activities. Respite provision is also oƸered within the day. If you are interested in ǋnding out more about this new initiative or would just like to pop by and join in, contact Ahmed Rahman.

Ahmed Rahman01865 592116 [email protected]

Sue Snelders07827 235457 [email protected]

Wishing a happy festive season to all of you who have been involved in the Connecting Communities computer skills sessions, as learners and as volunteers. We look forward to seeing you in the new year, week beginning Thursday 12 January 2015, when the sessions will start again as follows:

•�Northway Community Centre, Dora Carr Close, Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am - 1pm.

•�Donnington Community Centre, Townsend Square, on Tuesdays from 11.30am - 1.30pm.

•�Littlemore Community Centre, Giles Road on Fridays from 10am – 12noon.

•�Cutteslowe Community Centre, Wren Road on Wednesdays from 1pm – 3 pm.

Circles of Support The learning model that was developed under the Connecting Communities project - whereby the needs, interests and wishes of each learner were placed at the very centre of everything – is proving very helpful in Age UK Oxfordshire’s new Circles of Support project. Circles of Support is trying to reduce the likelihood of people being admitted unnecessarily to hospital because they are not able to ǋnd the support that we know exists in local communities. One of the ways the project is doing this is through establishing ‘electronic Circles of Support’ to connect people who are frail and isolated with other people and sources of support.

For more information about IT in Oxford City contact Ahmed Rahmam after 12 January 2015.

Oxford Options computer classesFree computer classes are currently running from Oxford Options Health and Wellbeing Centre on Horspath Road. These classes cater for all abilities, from complete beginners to those who are looking to learn more skills. Contact Ahmed Rahman for more information and to book your place.


Connecting Communities

Connecting and learning through sharing IT skills

Choose well - Oxfordshire

Now that winter is upon us, if you have a smartphone you can take advantage of a a free app that has been launched to give you valuable advice about the best places to get help when you are ill or injured.

The ‘Choose well - Oxfordshire’ app, produced by Oxfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group, aims to guide you to the most appropriate NHS care and services. Using the latest satellite technology it enables you to ǋnd the nearest service from wherever you are in Oxfordshire.

It lists complaints which can be eƸectively treated at home and oƸers suggestions for what to have in a ǋrst aid kit or medicine cabinet. It advises when to visit a pharmacist when to go to your GP, when to call NHS 111, what kind of injuries or illness are most

appropriate for minor injuries units and when to go to A&E. Every pharmacy, GP practice, minor injuries unit, ǋrst aid unit and A&E department in the county are also displayed on maps with contact details and opening times.

The Choose well - Oxfordshire app is not available for some older devices but can be downloaded, free of charge, from the usual app stores on the following phones and tablets:

iOS Supported DevicesAny device using iOS 5.1 and above, this includes the iPhone 3GS and ǋrst generation iPads.

Android Supported DevicesAny device running 2.2 and above that has a processor supporting ARMv7.

OthersThe app will NOT run on Windows phones, Kindles or any other platform. It is limited to iOS and Android devices only.

Free phone app helps people to Choose well


[email protected]

The Royal British Legion

The Royal British Legion helps the whole Armed Forces community through welfare, comradeship and representation as well as being the Nation’s custodian of Remembrance.

Did you know?The Royal British Legion spends £1.6 million on welfare every week and 1 in every 6 people in the UK may be eligible for assistance.

In the year October 2013 – September 2014 the welfare team supported a total of 14,239 beneǋciaries in the South East Midlands, with an expenditure totalling £7,099,359. This has been to support many diƸerent needs, including Crisis, Bankruptcy, Debt, Funerals, Housing, Removals, ‘Brown and White’ goods, Mobility, Training and Medical.

Are you eligible for support?Those eligible for support services can be summarised as people who are serving or who have served in the UK Armed Forces, their partners and carers.You can visit one of the Royal British Legion Outreaches in your local area, get online support via the website www.britishlegion.org.uk and freephone number 0808 802 8080. All provide help and advice on:

• War Pensions & Compensation claims• Financial problems, debt advice• Immediate Needs Grants • Care homes• Providing breaks for carers, families and children• Dementia care• And many more


[email protected]

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The Good Neighbour Scheme Support Service

There are now more than 50 Good Neighbour Schemes actively supporting people across Oxfordshire who need assistance with transport, simple practical tasks and a bit of companionship. These schemes vary in size and cover diƸerent areas throughout Oxfordshire and they are all providing an invaluable service within their communities.

At Volunteer Link-Up, the Good Neighbour Scheme Support Service provides information and practical support to Good Neighbour Schemes, with quarterly Network Meetings, information emails, insurance cover and general advice and guidance.

Volunteer Link-Up is really enthusiastic about the fact that several more schemes are due to get

up and running shortly. To help with these new developments, Volunteer Link-Up is able to advise you on how to set up a new scheme and can also provide some start up funding to groups that are ready to get going. To spread the word about Good Neighbour Schemes, Volunteer Link-Up has made presentations at a number of meetings in diƸerent parts of Oxfordshire and Oxford, and we have also had information stands at several events in recent months.

Contact Volunteer Link-Up If you would like to ǋnd out more about setting up a Good Neighbour Scheme in your area, or if you or someone you know would beneǋt from the services and support of a Good Neighbour Scheme, call 01993 776277 or email [email protected].

Winter in Oxfordshire

Oxfordshire County Council is putting a spotlight on taking the worry out of winter through preparation and utilising the support available to you in your community.

Grab bagIf there is a severe weather warning, being aware of the risks to your property and preparing for them will speed up your recovery time after an emergency. You should also have a grab bag close to hand in case you need to leave the house quickly. It doesn’t need to be big, but should contain the following:

• Medication (inc. asthma & respiratory aids)• Hearing aids/spectacles• Useful phone numbers• Mobile phone & charger• House & car keys• Money• First aid kit• Basic toiletries

• Bottled water• Warm waterproof clothing• Waterproof torch (and batteries)

Utility SupportIf you are over 60, disabled, or use specialist medical equipment you are eligible to join utility company priority care registers. This is a free service that provides extra care if there is a disruption to your water or electricity supply. To register call your service provider:

• Thames Water – 0845 641 0068 • Scottish & Southern Energy Power Distribution (SSE) – 0800 622 838• UK Power Networks – 0800 169 970 • Western Power Distribution – 0845 724 0240

Stay up to dateFor updates on weather, roads, events, and more visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/winter. If you can’t ǋnd the emergency information you are looking for please email [email protected] for more details.

Be prepared, be healthy and be safe

Good Neighbour Schemes in Oxfordshire

Late Spring


[email protected]

Coping with Christmas Christmas is a time for fellowship and friendship with those that you love. However, following the death of a loved one it can also be a time ǋlled with sadness, pain and memories. As one person said “I just wanted to crawl into a hole and come out after the holidays had passed.” Here at Late Spring we hope that by coming together with others who understand, you will simply discover that the opportunity to ‘just talk together’ might help. As Christmas fast approaches the groups have been looking together at hints and tips that have helped them with the challenge of Christmas time and we wanted to share these ǋve thoughts with you:

Consider changing your routine If the family always came to you maybe consider going to them. Or, you may want to just ‘get away’ altogether and book yourself into a hotel by the sea.

Scale back Grief can strip us of our emotional and physical energy, so consider cutting back on such holiday tasks as sending cards, baking, decorating, or putting up a tree. Some of these activities may be incredibly painful to complete in light of your loss. As one person said “It broke my heart to write one name on the Christmas cards instead of two, so I stopped sending cards.” Just simply remember to let others know that you may not be able to do the things that you have done in the past.

Have an exit strategy If you are going out or getting together with others or your family, you may just simply tell them; “I may need to leave early/disappear into another room because I get tired easily.”

Remember that it’s okay to be sad You’re simply missing the person that you loved and at a time of year when people around you are getting together with others and seem to be having so much fun, the pain of feeling alone can be hard to bear. So, when you start to feel overwhelmed consider looking back at photos and allow yourself to remember, write

a letter to the person who has died, share memories of the person with anyone who will listen.

Above all, remember to be gentle with yourselfChristmas will be hard. Do not expect too much of yourself, and recognise that you are doing the best you can.

Late Spring is a network of support groups open to men and women aged 60+ who have lost a loved one. Groups provide an opportunity to meet with others and chat over coƸee and cake. Groups meet twice a month across Oxfordshire in Witney, Milton under Wychwood, Chipping Norton and Henley...in addition we now have groups meeting in:

•�Burford every ǋrst and third Thursday of the month from 10am - 11.30am in St John the Baptist Church on Church Green.•�Wantage every second and fourth Tuesday of the month from 10am - 11.30am in The Independent Advice Centre on Market Place.•�Abingdon every second and fourth Thursday from 2pm - 3.30pm at The Barrows, Radley. Contact Laura Freeth for more details.

We also have further groups in the pipeline for 2015. If you would like to ǋnd out more about what a Late Spring group does, whether there is one near you or you would simply like to pop along and join in please contact Ruth Swift on 07827 235404 or Laura Freeth on 07827 235429 or Joan Douglass on 07827 235453.

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14

Spread the warmth


Each winter, one older person dies needlessly every seven minutes. Spread the Warmth is Age UK’s campaign to help older people stay well during the coldest months.

Keeping warmAs we get older, our bodies respond diƸerently to the cold – increasing the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, and breathing diƹculties. If you have joint and muscle conditions the cold/damp weather can make things worse and you can often ǋnd that you feel stiƸer and more painful than you would normally expect.

Starting with these three home-tips, you may be able to feel more comfortable at home this winter and reduce the risk of becoming unwell:

• Try to keep your Living Room temperature at 70°F (21°C)• Try to keep your Bedroom temperature at 64°F (18°C) Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature• Keep your bedroom window closed at night when you are in bed. During the winter months it’s not healthy to sleep with your window open as the temperature usually drops signiǋcantly overnight. Breathing in bitterly cold air can cause increased respiratory/ breathing problems.

At Age UK Oxfordshire we have lots of free ‘Spread the Warmth’ card thermometers to give away that can help you to know what temperature your rooms are. If you would like to have two of these for your home, contact Helen Sollis on 01235 849434 and we can send them to you.

For more information and advice on keeping warm in the winter, visit the Age UK Oxfordshire website www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire or contact us on 0345 450 1276 to request a free copy of Age UK’s ‘Winter Wrapped’ up information guide. There is also a free winter recipe booklet available, ǋlled with delicious ways to keep warm.

�

Heating helpStaying warm during the winter often means turning our heating on or up at home and with fuel costs rising, many of us worry about how we will pay our energy bills. To make sure that you’re not missing out on any of the beneǋts or discounts that you are entitled to, contact us on 0345 450 1276 and our team will be able to help you ǋgure out if you might be entitled to more money. This check can be done completely anonymously.Age UK also produces a number of free information guides on saving energy and claiming beneǋts, to order copies contact us on 0345 450 1276.

Useful numbers:• Citizens Advice Consumer Service can provide a beneǋts check: call 0844 411 1444.• Oxfordshire AƸordable Warmth Service can advise how to keep your home warm while keeping your fuel bills down: call 0800 107 0044.• Energy Saving Trust can give free advice on saving energy: call 0300 123 1234.


[email protected]

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We will use the information you have supplied to communicate with you in line with Data Protection guidelines. Age UK Oxfordshire (registered charity no 1091529) comprises the Charity and its group of companies and partners. If you would prefer not to hear anything further from us please let us know by phoning us on 0844 887 0005 or emailing [email protected]. We do not pass on your information to any other third party organisations without your consent or we are legally obliged to do so.

We would like you to tell us what’s lacking in your local area for the over 50’s. If you have something in mind or would like to know more about what’s happening in your area, please let us know. To get in touch with us you can simply ǋll out this form and return this newsletter to [email protected] or call us on 0345 450 1276.

What would you like to see more of in your local area? (please tick)

Social activities

Exercise opportunities

Services

Resources

Amenities

Information available

Other

If you ticked one of the above boxes, could you tell us a bit more about what you are looking for?

Age UK Oxfordshire Newsletter

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If you would rather post the completed form, please send it to: Freepost RTGL-BAXK-GRYC, Age UK Oxfordshire, St Edmund House, 39 West St Helen Street, Abingdon OX14 5BT.

Mind the gap!

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Information and Advice


Help with worry and low moodMost of us have times when we ǋnd life diƹcult. We may struggle to cope with daily routines, become easily upset, have trouble sleeping, feel alone, get panicky, stop enjoying things and feel low.

TalkingSpace oƸers you the chance to help yourself to cope with life’s ups and downs, feel better and learn your own strategies for keeping well. They do this by providing a range of support such as telephone support and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Realising you need some help and asking for it is the ǋrst, but often the most diƹcult step. TalkingSpace is easy to access - they are happy to hear from you by phone on 01865 325777 or via their website www.talkingspaceoxfordshire.org.uk.

Once you’ve contacted them, they will oƸer you a telephone appointment. One of their practitioners will call you and together decide how TalkingSpace can best help you. If you ǋnd it diƹcult to talk on the phone due to health problems they can make alternative arrangements.

As winter is upon us, you may ǋnd yourself with an emergency such as leaky roof, burst pipes or broken boiler. Make sure you have the details of a few reliable local companies ready, so that you’re not searching in a hurry and making yourself vulnerable to rogue traders. It can also be helpful to know where your stopcocks are and to check that they are not stuck before an emergency happens. Your local council may have a small repairs team who could come and loosen it if it is stuck, or a local good neighbour scheme may be able to help with this.

You can search for traders using the Trading Standards ‘Buy with Conǋdence’ website at www.buywithconǋdence.gov.uk.�

Be prepared

The rules around reductions in council tax for those who are on disability beneǋts have changed. If you’re on any of the following disability beneǋts because of impairments to your cognitive functions and you live alone, in a couple or with a carer, you may be eligible for a tax discount: • any rate of Attendance allowance• any rate of Personal Independence Payment (Daily Living component)• Disability living allowance - middle rate or higher rate (Care component)Many of the local council websites have until recently stated that you need to be on the highest rate, but this is no longer the case. The exact rules are a little complicated but if you think you may fall into this category call our Information and Advice line on 0345 450 1276 and we can help you check your eligibility before you contact the council.

Council Tax reductions

The Age UK Oxfordshire Information and Advice line can help with a wide range of enquiries. To contact us call 0345 450 1276 and ask for the helpline. Opening hours are 8.00am - 7.00pm daily, via support from Age UK’s national helpline. Local and specialist advice is available from 10.00am - 4.00pm, Monday - Friday.

The free Age UK information Guide 5 ‘Avoiding scams’ also has useful information and tips - check out the Age UK website www.ageuk.org.uk to download copies, or call the national helpline on 0800 169 6565 to get copies posted to you.

Information and Advice


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It’s ǌu-jab time of year and many people are being invited to have a jab by their GP surgery. You can also get the jab if you’re not in one of the free groups, this may be important if you are in close contact with the very young, very old, or people with health conditions on a regular basis. You can usually get a jab at your local pharmacist for around £12.

Are you aware of the other checks and screening that you should be oƸered under the NHS? Age UK has information about these checks that could help identify potential issues earlier, increasing the eƸectiveness of treatment. We have listed the 7 health tests that Age UK recommends below, for more imformation about each one take a look on the national Age UK website at www.ageuk.org.uk/health-wellbeing/keeping-your-body-healthy or contact your GP surgery.

7 health tests that could save your life1. Bowel cancer screeningBowel cancer screening doesn’t diagnose cancer, but it can detect potential problems.

2. Cervical screeningCervical screening can detect abnormalities which, left untreated, can lead to cancer in a woman’s cervix.

3. Cholesterol testsHigh levels of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase your risk of heart attack or stroke.

4. Blood pressure testsHigh blood pressure can weaken your heart and damage the walls of your arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

5. Breast screeningBreast screening is a way of detecting breast cancer at a very early stage.

6. Eye testsAn eye test can detect early signs of a number of conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms.

7. Skin checksWhether you check yourself or visit a specialist clinic, keeping an eye on moles can help you to spot the early signs of skin cancer.

Keeping healthy and well

Memory problems can have a devastating eƸect on a persons conǋdence. They can cause frustration, anxiety and lack of motivation, leading to isolation from social groups and activities. However, this is the time that we need social stimulation for the mind as well as the body and it becomes more important than ever to be involved in activities to improve mood as well as self conǋdence.

As part of Older People’s Day in October, we held a Dementia Cafe at our Banbury Centre. People with memory problems and their carers were invited to come along to meet others and be part of the Alzheimer’s Society ‘Singing For The Brain’ session, with trained leader, Julia Hollander. Everyone joined in to sing familiar tunes that rekindled memories of days gone by, with lots of laughter as people were encouraged to sing in rounds to build harmonies.

We also ran a seated exercise demonstration with Sarah Wheatley as part of the Generation Games activity network for the over 50’s. Brenda Green, Dementia Advisor, explained the importance of exercise as “being able to increase quality of life for people with dementia at all stages – from reducing the risk of high blood pressure to improving memory and slowing down mental decline, as well as improving how people feel about their body and creating a sense of achievement”.If you would like further advice on your local Singing For The Brain Group, nearest Generation Games exercise class or any other dementia related information, call our Dementia Information Line on 0345 450 1276 or email us at [email protected].

Choose activities and stay motivated

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Generation GamesNewsletterWinter 2014

WelcomeWe hope you’ve enjoyed the warm autumn that we had and managed to keep active. Physical activity not only keeps your body ǋt and healthy, but also helps your circulation and makes you feel better too.

Joining Generation GamesWe’ve made the Generation Games website www.generationgames.org.uk much easier to use - so do have a look if you’ve not done so already! There’s a wealth of information to be found, such as activities and classes that are running in your area. When you sign up to Generation Games you will receive an activity ‘prescription’ telling you what’s on in your area that suits your ǋtness level and preferences. You will also receive a FREE DVD ‘Generation Games at home’; a 30 minute programme which can be done in parts.

If you don’t use, or have access to, a computer, perhaps a friend or relative can help you to sign up via the website. If you would like computer training, contact Age UK Oxfordshire to ǋnd out about the popular computer classes that are regularly held throughout Oxfordshire. Or if you prefer, please telephone us and we can talk you through the sign up process.

The aim of Generation Games is to provide the activities and classes that you want. Why not give us a call and let us know what activities you would like to see starting in your area. For any comments or feedback on classes in general, please send us an email or give us a call and you will be entered into a prize draw to win a £25 M&S voucher *.

*to be drawn on 31 January 2015

Here for HealthWe have a new link with Here for Health. Visitors and patients to Oxford University Hospitals are welcome to drop into Here for Health, no appointment necessary, for support to live a healthy lifestyle. The areas they can oƸer help with range from giving up smoking to managing your weight, reducing your drinking, becoming more active and eating more healthily.

Health Improvement Advice CentreWhere: Blue Outpatients, Level 2, John RadcliƸe HospitalOpening hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pmTelephone: 01865 221429Email: [email protected]

Watch this space...Keep your eyes peeled and visit our website regularly for details about an exciting kick-start to 2015 - www.generationgames.org.uk

Fitness MOTsDon’t�forget�that�we�oƷer�FREE�Fitness�MOTs! If you have a group that’s interested, please let us know on 01235 894403 and we can arrange it.

Try a new class or activity for freeThe Generation Games team are excited to announce that you can go to a class for free when you bring along a friend who is doing the class for the ǋrst time. New classes include:

Parkinson’s in the spotlightParkinson’s is a condition which normally occurs in older age. It develops in a very variable way but symptoms include, slowness of movement, lack of facial expression, a feeling of stiƸness, rigidity in the limbs and a tremor (shaking). Symptoms of Parkinson’s can be improved by a variety of medications which will be prescribed by a specialist. Exercise can also help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s in addition to reducing the risk of falling, improving general happiness and quality of life. If you suspect you, or a relative, could be suƸering from Parkinson’s, see your own GP and contact us on 01235 849403 for a free home exercise DVD and a lot of other help.

Big Bold and BalancedOut of the need for continuing exercise to help with the symptoms of Parkinson’s, ‘Big Bold and Balanced’ was born! A weekly session, speciǋcally aimed at encouraging people with Parkinson’s to become and continue to be active now runs in Didcot and we are hoping to set up more sessions. Roger Lane, who attends Big Bold and Balanced, says about the class: “It gives me the impetus to keep going and get ǋt - and it’s sociable too!” For more information about this class contact us on 01235 849403.

Generation Games is a programme run by Age UK Oxfordshire in partnership with Oxford University Hospitals�NHS�Trust.�It�is�a�not- for-proǋt�free�service�for�Oxfordshire’s�over�50s.�Championing�

healthier living in collaboration with partners and prioritising hard to reach communities, Generation Games provides opportunities for older people to become and remain physically active.

Contact Generation GamesWebsite: www.generationgames.org.uk. Telephone: 01235 849403

Email: [email protected] Generation Games, Age UK Oxfordshire, St Edmund House, 39 West St Helen Street, Abingdon OX14 5BT

•�‘Active Forever’ in Milton and Didcot: a multi-activity sport and social session oƸering bowls, badminton, short tennis, kurling, senior circuits.

•�‘Big Bold and Balanced’ in Didcot: a community exercise class for people with Parkinson’s.

•�Chair-based exercise in Long Hanborough•�Pickleball class in Didcot•�Tai Chi in Banbury•�Zumba Gold in Bicester

“It is an uplifting class.”

“It keeps you moving after you have retired and it’s nice to meet new people.”

“I feel better for it and it keeps you act ive�and�ǋt .”Zumba class members

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Age uk oxfordshire newsletter issue 36