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Welcome to the first edition of the Age Friendly Island newsletter. Each quarter
we will update you with what is happening on the Isle of Wight to change
attitudes to ageing, prevent and reduce social
isolation for older people to improve their wellbeing
and give them confidence and support to be more
active, healthier and happier for longer, with the
wider public appreciating better the positive role
that older people can play in their communities.
Age UK IW was successful in securing £5.7million over five years from the BIG
Lottery to carry out the the Fulfilling Lives, Ageing Better programme. This is to
carry out a number of projects, led by older people, working in partnership with
organisations committed to building an Island that values, respects, and
actively supports older people, with the voice of older residents at the heart.
Age Friendly Island Newsletter
Inside this
issue:
Introduction 1
Ageing
Better
Projects 2
Men in Sheds 4
SingAbout 5
Digital
Inclusion
Project
6
Carers’
Services
7
Business
Start-ups
9
LGBT
Project
10
Stay Well
This Winter
11
Age
Friendly
Island
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December 2015/January 2016
As an ‘older person’ I am very happy to be part of the Age Friendly Island initiative along with the members of the Management Group. It is sadly a fact of life and living that while we remain young and vigorous in our heads, some parts of our bodies fail to support that belief! We want to do all the things we used to but, at best, everything takes that bit longer and sometimes becomes a bit less achievable.
It can be easy to accept that a more restricted way of life has to be endured, often, for some of us, with the loneliness and social isolation that may come with it. The Fulfilling Lives, Ageing Better programme ambition is to make a new reality for all older people living on the Isle of Wight, one where an Age Friendly Island enables each of us, whatever our circumstances and desires, to live the kind of life we want.
This doesn’t mean that someone else will make decisions for you but that they provide a means by which you are able to make your needs and wishes known and for them to do what is possible to meet them.
May we all continue to experience that joy in living as we grow older. Do tell us what you need to help that happen!
Kind regards,
Dorothy,
Chair, Ageing Better Management Group
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Ageing Better Projects Outline
Community and Care Navigators (Age UK IW and Wight Home Care)
Care Navigators are based in GP’s surgeries, and Community Navigators will
be based in the My Life a Full Life geographical areas. The Navigators will link individuals
with services and activities, developing social contact and community participation and
promoting physical/mental health well being.
Alzheimer’s Café
Drop-in cafes for people who suffer with
Alzheimer’s. Cafes are very informal and
provide a safe environment that people
with Alzheimer’s can go to without having to provide all
their personal details or complete a referral form.
Care for Carers (Carers IW)
The project will arrange respite
events for carers run by other carers,
and training opportunities for carers so that they
can offer peer support.
Men in Sheds (Age UK IW)
Social isolation project aimed at lonely older men. The
project targets men to join in activities that meet their interests
increasing their engagement and social interaction.
Mental Health Peer Support (My Time CIC)
Peer to peer support for older people suffering with mental health issues to be
run across the Island in five different locations.
Education 50 + (Age UK IW)
Older volunteers will be placed in schools so that they can give back to their community.
Involvement will result in volunteers having stronger connections in the community due to
the social contacts made and events attended.
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Olderpreneurs (Chamber of Commerce)
Enabling older people to start their own businesses, to
build employment opportunities, reducing deprivation
and changing perceptions of older people.
A bit of help (CAB)
An online directory will be created and Age UK IW will support this with digital
inclusion work with older people, in the form of 1 -1 and group support.
Alternative Transport Scheme (People Matter IW)
Research into mapping transport options on the Isle of Wight. The project will
also offer advice on transport options and look at innovative ways to fill gaps.
Singabout and Creative Futures (Independent Arts)
Art and creative based activities to help tackle
loneliness and isolation in the home, community,
and care homes.
Employment Support for People over 50 (Learning Links)
Supporting people 50+ to get back into
employment with mentoring and employment
training and peer to peer support.
Age Friendly Island (Age UK IW)
Becoming the first rural area to become part of the
Age Friendly Cities network, and receiving World Health
Organisation (WHO) accreditation as an Age Friendly Island.
Ageing Better Projects Outline
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News from the Shed
Ventnor shed is going from strength to strength. Since opening its doors earlier this year, the Ventnor Men’s Shed has become a hive of activity and social engagement. Its recent open day attracted nearly 40 visitors, including the Island’s MP, Andrew Turner.
Every week a core of men come from all walks of life, from the self employed who are looking for much needed social interaction often missing for those who work from home, to the retired but active. One of the most recent members who has joined has ME
and is cared for at home by his wife. Being able to attend the shed means that he can have the company of men, something normally missing from his day to day life.
The Ventnor Shed runs every Tuesday 10am to 12 noon, and Wednesday 6pm to 8pm at the Ventnor Central (former Youth Club) in Victoria Street.
As well as Ventnor, Newport also has a Men’s shed, based in the garden at Age UK IW’s Head Office in the heart of Newport. The idea behind this shed is to encourage men to ‘grow, cook, eat’, offering a garden space for those who perhaps no longer live in a dwelling with its own garden, to those who feel the need to spruce up their culinary skills. It is also hoped to support the Food Bank in the future with donations of fresh food grown by the Shed.
Rupert Besley, the cartoonist for the County Press, has done several illustrations for the Men in Sheds project, so look out for these in our marketing publications.
Men in Sheds is looking to set up new sheds in East Cowes and Freshwater but need suitable venues. If you can suggest any potential venues, please get in touch with Lois.
[email protected] 01983 525282
5
East Cowes Group has something to Sing About
Local charity Independent Arts is launching two new singing groups
this winter. The popular singing for wellbeing group SingAbout
launched a group in East Cowes in November and offers local
residents the opportunity to participate in a fun, social singing group.
SingAbout is being held at St James’ Church Hall in East Cowes on
Thursdays 2pm – 4pm. This adds another group to service the Cowes area in addition to the
established groups in Ryde, Freshwater, Ventnor and Newport.
For those looking for a boost in the New Year, our Lake SingAbout group launches on January
8th 2016 and will continue every Friday 10.30am – 12.30pm at Lake Lions Club.
SingAbout is a social singing activity based on a recognised music therapy. Singing Therapies
are shown to help improve breathing, memory, movement, speech and confidence but most of
all it provides an opportunity to get out and meet people. SingAbout sessions are free and
there is even a cup of tea and a biscuit during the break time.
Everyone is welcome at SingAbout and a musical background is not necessary. Participants
sing a variety of pieces including traditional rounds and rhymes, songs from the shows and
musical hall favourites as well as popular music and rock and roll. We encourage carers and
family to attend sessions and join in.
A SingAbout participant recently said “I really look forward to coming to SingAbout. It makes
me so happy. Lots of lovely people and we laugh all the time. I look forward to it all week”
Established in 1987, Independent Arts is a registered charity dedicated to improve the quality of life for people living on the Isle of Wight, particularly those with special needs, the disadvantaged and the elderly, by providing access to exciting and stimulating creative activities. For more information about Independent Arts and SingAbout, please contact: Hannah Griffiths - Project Manager Independent Arts Suite Three, 30 Quay Street Newport Isle of Wight PO30 5BA t: 01983 822437 e: [email protected] w: www.independentarts.org.uk
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Digital Inclusion Project
Helping you stay connected
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Carers IW is based at the Riverside in Newport
Carers IW offer a range of services and support to unpaid adult carers of adults. The Carers IW team provides information, support and advocacy to
adults who look after another adult.
They might be caring for a parent, partner or friend with physical or mental health needs. Alternatively it may be that the person they care for has, for example, a substance misuse problem and needs to be supported on an occasional basis.
They work with carers who either live on the Isle of Wight or care for someone living on the Isle of Wight.
As a charity, Carers IW have supported carers for 30 years. They are there to work with carers to ensure they receive the right support and infor-mation at the right time, enabling carers to carry on looking after their relatives, friends and neigh-bours.
Contact 533173 or e-mail [email protected]
Breakaway A day for both carers and cared for people who would like to meet others for a day of fun, a
cooked meal and the opportunity to meet new and old friends in Bembridge once a month.
Come along to meet the team and tell us how we can support you further every 2nd
Friday of
the month 8th
Jan 2016 & 12th
Feb 2016 between 10.30am – 4.00pm at Bembridge Method-
ist Church. Transport may be available, if you have difficulties, please get in touch with Soo
on 533173 or e-mail [email protected]
Pamper Evening for Carers
Carers IW would like to invite any current carer to a pamper evening on Friday 15th January
2016 (6pm – 9pm). There will be an opportunity to receive a holistic therapy and make your
own bath bombs or homemade soap to enable you to continue a bit of pampering at home.
Enjoy a hearty homemade soup with crusty bread to warm your cockles on a chilly January
evening and have a giggle with our snatch raffle. It would be great to see you there.
BRANCH OUT (our former carers service) We are offering an opportunity to get together for a gentle walk, or to have a restful time in the company of others at a nearby café. Come and join us for company and a chat. Wednesday January 20
th 1pm Lunch at Table Table Medina Quay Newport.
Tuesday February 16th
2pm Cup of tea + homemade cake at The Priory, Carisbrooke, lift available from Newport.
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NEW Respite Days for Carers
Time out for carers to enjoy a gentle walk in the company of other carers, join in, watch one
of the optional activities or join them for a cup of tea and a chat. If you cannot stay all day –
just let them know.
Ventnor Respite Day for Carers Tuesday January 26th Salisbury Gardens Ventnor 10-3pm
All carers welcome for part or whole day (£ 5.00 donation welcome).
What will be happening New Beginnings Colour scheme shades of pink
Take time for yourself Have a restful day Enjoy a therapy
Look to the year ahead A time of quiet and relaxation
***************************************************************************
Newport Respite Day for Carers Saturday February 20 Quay House Riverside, Newport
10-3pm. All carers welcome for part or whole day (£ 5.00 donation welcome).
What will be happening Let's Get Going Colour scheme rainbow colours
Positive time for yourself Create a tasty healthy meal together
Enjoy a therapy A colourful bag to take away A time of quiet and relaxation
***************************************************************************
Cowes Respite Day for Carers Tuesday 15 March Parklands Day Centre, Park Road,
Cowes 10-3pm. All carers welcome for part or whole day (£ 5.00 donation welcome).
What will be happening Spring Greens Colour scheme shades of green
Plant your own herb garden Enjoy a therapy Tea and chat
A time of quiet and relaxation
If you are interested in coming along contact Angela on 07900865018 or 533173
Ageing Better Steering Group for Caring 4 Carers We would love to hear your views, issues you have faced, what would make it better from the carers perspective. For more information please ring us on 533173 or come along and join us at the next meeting: Thurs Jan 21
st at 11am: Carers Assessments Venue Riverside Centre
Bembridge GP Surgery Health & Social Care Drop In
We are working with Bembridge GP Surgery on the first Wednesday of every month on
6th
Jan 2016 & 3rd
Feb between 2.30pm - 4.30pm, where you will be able to come for a chat
and advice about you as a carer, how your caring responsibilities affect you and access gen-
eral health advice. Support available from Carers IW, specialist advice along with Debbie
Bardell (Community Liaison Nurse), Hayley Richards (over 75s HCA) and supported by Vicky
Cooney (Advanced Nurse Practitioner).
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I’d like to introduce myself and the project that I’m running through Age UK IW. Age UK is for anyone over the age of 50, which may surprise you! There are a range of services available but I’m wanting to get the word out about my project and get it as far into the community as possible.
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) project is focused on hate crime and domestic abuse but will also provide some social events and opportunities.
This project offers impartial and confidential information and advice on hate crime and domestic abuse. We can offer support throughout criminal justice proceedings and have excellent links with the Police and other organisations to ensure that you are informed and supported in a client centred way.
There are a range of services that Age UK IW offer, and can tailor support packages to your individual need. We can help you report hate crimes and get appropriate support to help you feel safe and secure.
I am developing a sustainable and thriving social network across the Island with a range of activities and events to cater for everyone’s interests. From confidential drop ins and support groups in a safe environment to more social events across the wider community.
We have an open access drop in on the first Wednesday of the month between 10-12 at the Age UK IW building – 147 High Street Newport.
There are upcoming social events which will be advertised shortly.
If you have any ideas or suggestions as to how you would like to see this project evolve or would like to get involved either as a volunteer or using the service please get in touch.
I can be contacted via
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01983 525282
Or through our Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/AgeUKIWlgbt
On Twitter:
https://twitter.com/AgeUKIWLGBT
The Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender
(LGBT) Project
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Age Friendly Island Workshop
A workshop, as part of the Age Friendly Island
initiative, has been hailed a huge success after
60 people from across the Island came and took
part.
The ‘Isle Engage’ event, held at the Riverside
Centre on Wednesday 25th November, was part
of a series of workshops designed to involve the
local community in helping to shape the Ageing
Better programme.
During the workshop those attending were
asked to discuss and share their thoughts on a series of questions including their thoughts on
what was needed to create an Age Friendly Island.
Jess Entwistle from AgeUK IW said: “We were delighted to see so many people taking part.
We had a real mix of ages from people in their early 50s to their 80s and they were all really
interested, wanted to ask questions and were clearly passionate about this subject. It really
was a positive experience and we had around 44 people leave their contact details wanting to
get involved further which is particularly encouraging.”
The feedback is now being analysed and a report prepared which will identify the key themes
from the various discussions to help inform the programme. Further meetings will then be
held on a quarterly basis over the life of the five year project. If you would like further infor-
mation please contact Lauren Turner at [email protected] or tel 01983 525282.
If you would like a regular paper copy of the Age Friendly Island Newsletter which is produced
quarterly please let us know by:
emailing [email protected] phoning 01983 525282 and speaking to Pam Stamps
or writing to us at Age Friendly Island, Age UK IW, 147 High Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1TY.
or if you wish to unsubscribe please email [email protected] with ‘unsubscribe’ in the title.
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If you have anything you would like included in the March 2016 Age Friendly Island Newsletter please email any articles by 14 January 2016 to [email protected]
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Thank you for taking the time to read the first Age Friendly Island Newsletter.
The Age Friendly Team wishes everyone a Happy Christmas and Very Best
Wishes for 2016.
