NEWS
Acupuncture comes to Bermondsey
Chinese acupuncture, which is based on over 2,000 years practice, is now available every Friday at the North Southwark Healthy Living Centre in Bermondsey.
Registered acupuncturist, Tracey Goulding says, "By working jointly with Age Concern I am able to provide to the centre's visitors and local community affordable, low cost treatments that don¹t compromise on quality" She goes onto explain, "this is an exciting initiative which enables people who couldn't normally afford acupuncture to have treatments."
Providing complementary therapies at the centre is a way of promoting healthy ageing and positive wellbeing among older people. Simone Morrison, the centre manager, comments, "we hope to encourage older people to look after their health, and by providing acupuncture along with other therapies, conveniently located at the day centre, makes this easier to do".
Find out more about Tracey Goulding and Acupuncture at www.essentialtherapia.com or contact the North Southwark Healthy Living Centre on phone number 0207 237 0860.
Latest Annual Report!
Please see attached the latest Annual Report for ACLS for the period April 2006 until March 2007. The report gives a comprehensive overview of the activities and services provided by ACLS. The report includes comments on the organisations strategy and developments, the achievements over the last year and also a good insight into our day to day activities and services.
Chris Lunn says: -
‘This is the first public document to embrace our work in the boroughs of Lewisham & Southwark. To produce the report was quite an undertaking, but we hope that a wide variety of people will enjoy reading about our services which help improve life for older people.'
Download as PDF: ACLS Annual Report April 06—March 05.
If you would like a hard copy of the Annual Report, please contact Janet Cole on 020 7701 9700.
Dancing in Lewisham Shopping Centre
Age Concern Lewisham & Southwark held a Healthy Ageing event in Lewisham Shopping Centre on Friday 28th September.
Throughout the day a variety of activities were held including a seated exercise class and a line dancing taster session. Staff were also on hand to advise about services available and also how to prevent bogus calling.
Chris Lunn from Age Concern Lewisham says 'We were really keen to promote healthy ageing advice to older people in Lewisham. We wanted older people to come along and join in the activities, get some free advice and also have some fun.'
To watch highlights of the line-dancing please visit:- www.youtube.com/user/ageconcernsouthwark
Older people go to the polls!
During the last week (September 14th – 21st) Age Concern Southwark has held an election poll at 2 centres in the Borough.
More than 90 older people took part in an election style vote which asked them to nominate who they would like to see in Government at the next election.
The results were very even with the Labour Party polling 35 votes and Conservative Party polling 32 Votes. The Liberal Democrats achieved 15 Votes with other parties acquiring the remaining votes.
Chris Lunn of Age Concern Southwark says:-
‘The message from the older people of Southwark is simply don't take any votes for granted! Because they have voted for you in the past does not mean they cannot change their votes. We would also urge the political parties to treat older people with respect.
‘Older people are concerned about a range of hugely important issues. These issues include access to health and social care, pension's provision and crime and safety.'
Tribute to Andy Hawkins
Trustee of Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark and former Leader of Lewisham Council and Freeman of the Borough Andy Hawkins has died at the age of 90.
Most remembered for his pioneering work in pursuing equality and building community relations in Lewisham, Andy was a widely respected figure who spent over 30 years serving his local community with great distinction.
During his long political career in Lewisham, Andy held several key positions. He was alderman for six years, Leader of the Council for 13 years – the borough's longest serving council leader – and a ward councillor for 33 years until his retirement in 1986.
In all these capacities, Andy represented and served the Lewisham community with drive, dedication and, above all, commitment.
Brenda Bond says:-
‘Andy was a terrific champion of older people's services in Lewisham. He was extremely well regarded throughout the borough and we will greatly miss his input to our work.'
An off-licence to kill!
On Thursday 16th August, Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark hosted a seminar entitled ‘Alcohol and Older people – an off-licence to kill.'
With more than 80 delegates attending, the seminar brought together a range or professionals from the Health and Social care field to discuss this increasingly prevalent issue. The seminar was sponsored by the Drinkaware Trust and held at the Keyworth Centre at London South Bank University.
Chris Lunn from Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark says:-
Every day, Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark come into contact with older people who have alcohol addictions. We know that there is little available in terms of service provision for older people with alcohol problems. We wanted to bring together a range of organisations to help raise awareness of this subject and begin to work together to tackle this increasingly important concern.'
Dr Tony Rao, Consultant / Senior Lecturer in Old Age Psychiatry says:-
'It may seem surprising, but Southwark has one of the highest rates of illness and death related to alcohol use, when compared to other areas of London. The north of the borough is striking in this respect, possibly owing to the presence of a fairly stable population with a culture of drinking, particularly for people once employed in the docking industry. Alcohol remains part and parcel of an older person's lifestyle, but there is a real danger that awareness of the harm that it can do is sorely lacking. We also know that this problem is not just confined to Southwark.'
Joint force for older people!
An enthusiastic group of employees from Proximagen Neuroscience plc have joined forces with Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark to help improve facilities at the Healthy Ageing Centre in Bermondsey.
On Wednesday 25th July, the team of employees spent the day helping to restore the garden areas, painting parts of the day centre and even working with older people to restore their photographs.
Chris Lunn says:-
‘This challenge type event helps to improve the facilities on offer for older people and make sure that the centre continues to provide an important place for older people to come along and enjoy their day. This will also help us forge a relationship with the folks at Proximagen.'
Ken Mulvany, Chief Executive of Proximagen Neuroscience plc says:-
“The staff, scientists and management at Proximagen are delighted to be part of this project to help restore the garden and preserve photographs at our local Age Concern Healthy Ageing Centre in Bermondsey. We are a drug discovery and development company focused on neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and the opportunity to work with older people in such a way helps keep our end goal of finding effective treatments for patients at the front of our minds.”
‘Leggin' it for Lewisham!'
A brave team of runners from Age Concern Lewisham will be competing taking part in the British 10k race to be held in Hyde Park on Sunday July 1st.
The team of staff and volunteers will be raising money for the important work of Age Concern Lewisham. The services including Information and Advice, Befriending services and handypersons scheme provide much needed advice and support to older people in Lewisham throughout the year.
Jeanne Wilson – Information and Advice co-ordinator says:-
‘As a team, we are not all known for our running ability, but we want to take part in this event and raise as much money as possible to support our work with older people. It's a good opportunity to get fit and also help to make a difference. We would love to hear from anyone who would like to sponsor us as we leg-it for Lewisham.'
The folks at Age Concern Lewisham would like to hear from anyone who could dig-deep and help support the team!
You can go on line at www.justgiving.com/ageconcernlewisham or send cheques payable to ‘Age Concern Lewisham' to 10 Catford Broadway, Catford, London, SE6 4SP. For further information on how you can support the team, please contact Jeanne on 020 8690 9060.
ACLS Waterwise!
Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark is working with Thames Water to enhance its green credentials and promote Water efficiency.
At key sites in both boroughs, the organisation has taken advice from Thames Water on areas such as water saving tips, Save-a-flush cistern devices and completed a water audit.
Chris Lunn says:-
‘We are delighted to be working with Thames Water to learn how our organisation can use water more efficiently, reduce our water bills and help save this precious resource. To help promote the water efficiency message, we felt it was important to practice what we preach and so we have completed an efficiency audit at our key locations.'
From June 4th, Water efficiency resources such as leaflets and Save-a-flush kits are also available at the Age Concern offices at 10 Catford Broadway, 33 Peckham Road, 95 Southwark Park Road and also 224/236 Walworth Road.'
Chris says:-
‘although we are encouraging older people to improve water efficiency around the home, we are still keen to ensure that they drink plenty of water each day to help keep fit and healthy. We hope that older people will come along and pick up some efficiency resources, help save water and also reduce their bills!'
ACLS is also looking for volunteers to help provide important handy person tasks for older people. Thames Water will be helping by providing training and advice to any ‘would-be' volunteer handypersons. For further information, please contact Jill Drummond on 020 8690 9056.
The Journey
The Age Concern Southwark Black Elders Group is delighted to be exhibiting a collection of art-work entitled "The Journey". The Exhibition will be held at the Café Gallery (Centre of Southwark Park) London, SE16.
The group of older people from the African and Caribbean communities in Southwark have been led by South African artist Mbuyisa Maphalala and encouraged to take part in this themed art project. The exhibition includes painting, collage, sculpture and fabric prints.
Moji Coker says:-
"the group initially met with Mbuyisa and discussed topics that were dear to their hearts. The service users had some beautiful, witty and sometimes sad stories to tell. This has resulted in a vibrant and exciting collection of works covering many themes of migration."
The exhibition us running at the Café Gallery from 25th April until 6th May 2007.
Launch of Silver!
Age Concern Southwark is delighted to be taking part in a week long event called Silver.
Silver is a week of celebrations for older people across the borough from Saturday 24 - Saturday 31 March 2007.
The festival offers a variety of special events and activities including dancing, gardening, painting, learning, talking and walking.
Chris Lunn says:-
'we are really pleased to have been involved in this project from the beginning. During this week at the North Southwark Healthy Ageing Centre (95 Southwark Park Road) we will be promoting Exercise Classes, Line Dancing and IT Support. We hope as many older people as possible will come along and join in and enjoy this wonderful event.'
The event has been organised by Southwark Council's events team with a range of partners.
For further information visit: www.southwark.gov.uk/silver.
Charities to merge!
It’s official! Age Concern Lewisham is to merge with Age Concern Southwark.
Both organisations have been working together for several months and a decision has been made to progress this merge. In December 2006, a historic resolution was passed by the membership of Age Concern Lewisham as a unanimous vote decided to dissolve the Charity and pass its assets to its neighbour Age Concern Southwark.
John Hodgett, Chairman of Age Concern Lewisham said: - ‘this is a crucial vote to secure the future of Age Concern Lewisham. After many years of funding difficulties, we believe this amalgamation is the best way to achieve more and better services for all older people in the borough. We are looking forward to reporting on new ways of meeting needs and new beneficial partnerships in all areas of work.’
This new organisation probably called ‘Age Concern Lewisham and Southwark’ will plan to provide a stronger organisation in both boroughs and more effective services for older people.
Thanks for your support!
Age Concern Southwark was very pleased to receive support over the Christmas period from a variety of organisations.
Kind hearted employees from the City of London, King and Spalding International LLP, More London Estates, Better Bankside and other local organisations generously provided gifts and food items for service users at our centres.
Janet James manager at Stones End Centre says:-
"the support from organisations such a the City of London helped to make Christmas a little bit more special for a good number of older people. As we have limited resources, this support enabled us to provide gifts for all of our service users and ensure they had something nice to open on Christmas day."
Latest Annual Report!
Please see attached the latest Annual Report from Age Concern Southwark covering the period April 2005 until March 2006. This report gives an overview of the activities and services provided by Age Concern Southwark. The report includes comments on the organisations strategy and developments, the achievements over the last year and also a good insight into our day to day activities.
Download ACS Annual Report 0506 in PDF format
If you would like a hard copy of the Annual Report, please contact Janet Cole on 020 7701 9700.
Keep warm this winter!
As we head into the winter, Age Concern Southwark will be providing a range of services to help older people beat the winter blues.
Many older people need help and advice at this time of year due to poor housing, low incomes and isolation.
Chris Lunn from Age Concern Southwark says:-
"We would urge older people to wrap up warm, have at least one hot meal a day, take some exercise and make sure you get the flu jab. If you have any concerns about friends, family or neighbours please pop into one of our centres for some advice and assistance."
Throughout the winter, Age Concern staff will be providing advice on issues such as welfare benefits, housing issues, utility bills, liaising with Social Services through to more practical guidance and support.
Age Concern Southwark would welcome financial support towards these important services. To find out more, or to make a donation, please call 020 7701 9700.
30th Birthday
Age Concern Southwark has celebrated its 30th Birthday with an event at the North Southwark Healthy Ageing Centre in Bermondsey.
The event was supported by Simon Hughes MP who spoke about the importance of Age Concern Southwark. A range of people attended the event from Southwark Council, Social Services, Primary Care Trust, Corporate organisations and also local older people.
The event provided an opportunity to view firsthand the work in active healthy ageing and also hear about the organisations plans for the near future.
Chris Lunn says:-
"There is still a great deal of demand for our services, as we continue to care for and support local older people. Much progress has been made over the last few years, but there is still much to be done."
Loneliness and Isolation
Age Concern Southwark is hosting the latest in a series of seminars to discuss 'grassroots' issues on Friday September 29th. The subject to be discussed is 'Loneliness and Isolation.'
Chris Lunn says:-
"This is a huge area of interest for us, and one that is highly topical in society. We know firsthand, that many older people who attend our centres and activities are desperately lonely and isolated. The saddest fact is that there are many more such older people in our communities whom we do not meet. Many older people have no social network, no contact with the outside world, no companionship and no conversation for days and even weeks on end.
The seminar will provide a chance to hear the whys and the wherefores of the loneliness of older people, but we will most emphatically hear of some of the practical, innovative and successful projects that are being used to tackle it. There are no quick, universal answers - but there are some answers!"
Organisations speaking at the event include Age Concern England, The Samaritans, Leeds Older Peoples Forum, Carers for Life and Southwark Churches.
If you would like further information about this event, or would like to one of the few remaining places, please contact Chris Lunn at Age Concern Southwark.
Summer Events
Staff and Volunteers from Age Concern Southwark will be attending a range of events over the summer period.
The organisation hopes to meet many older people who otherwise do not know about the services and activities that are available.
Chris Lunn says:- 'We are looking forward to meeting older people and providing information on the services are available. This is a great opportunity to show many older people that you don't have to be in a time of crisis or need to benefit from Age Concern Southwark activities.'
Keep your eyes peeled for the Age Concern Southwark events team at 'The Big Event' (8th July) Camberwell Green Summer Event (28th July) as well as other planned events.
End of Life Care Seminar
Age Concern Southwark held an "End of Life Care" seminar on Thursday 27th April at London South Bank University.
The aim of the seminar was to raise the profile of "End of Life Care" and in particular how older people can choose to die at home.
The seminar included discussions about the problems facing patients, NHS Staff, other care agencies and the issues surrounding this important topic.
Organisations presenting at the seminar included Help the Aged, Age Concern Southwark, Macmillan Cancer Relief, St Christophers Hospice and Guys and St Thomas's Hospital.
Chris Lunn says:
"This event brought together a good number of organisations involved in this important area of work. We were also able to discuss key areas of work for the future, and also challenge some of the taboos around this sensitive subject."
Advice on Tap!
Advice will be on tap for Southwark older people when Thames Water stages a special session at the local branch of Age Concern on Thursday 16 February).
Staff from the company will be on hand from 10am to 4pm at the South Southwark Healthy Ageing Centre, in St Antony with St Silas Church Community Centre, in Merttins Road, Nunhead.
The event to be jointly staged with Age Concern Southwark, will offer help on large print and Braille bills, the benefits of drinking water and how to guard against distraction burglars.
Thames Water is attending as part of a Healthy Ageing Day to promote the range of activities available at the centre. Visitors will also be able to join in line dancing, exercise classes, table tennis, arts and crafts and a sing-a-long with a "pearly king".
Chris Lunn from Age Concern Southwark said "We'd like to remind older people in Southwark that the centre is open for them, and offers a variety of information and activities about healthy living for local people aged 55 years and over."
The centre is open each day between 9.00am and 5.00pm Monday to Friday.
Faces, Moods and Expressions
The Age Concern Southwark Black Elders Group is holding an art exhibition at Southwark Cathedral Refectory. The exhibition runs from January 10th until February 28th 2006.
The theme "Faces Moods and Expressions" was devised by the artist after consulting with the group and realising that verbal expression was difficult for some of the members.
Clarise Porter, 83 years old says:- "I hadn't painted for a long time, being able to paint brought back some skills I forgot that I had, I learned some new ones and I had a really enjoyable time."
The group would welcome support in developing the arts programme and are keen to chat to any organisations that could fund and support this work. Age Concern Southwark is also very keen to talk to corporate organisations who would like to hold future exhibitions.
Challenging the Future of Homecare in London!
Age Concern Southwark is holding a seminar "Achieving Quality in Homecare".
The seminar will take place on Friday September 30th, 9:30am-1pm, in the Keyworth Centre at London South Bank University, Keyworth Street.
As well as being a Homecare provider, Age Concern Southwark is a leading advocacy and campaigning group on all issues affecting older people. For some time we have been interested in bringing together our friends and colleagues from the Homecare community to discuss and challenge the future of Homecare.
This has been given greater urgency as a result of the recent findings of the Kings Fund report on domiciliary care for Older People in London.
Chris Lunn of Age Concern Southwark says:
"The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the issues, share knowledge and practice, challenge thinking and, we hope, help develop the partnership with organisations such as The Kings Fund, Southwark Primary Care Trust and Social Services, other Homecare commissioning and provider organisations and most importantly older people."
The programme includes a keynote speech from Simon Hughes MP, presentations from Penny Banks of The Kings Fund, Age Concern Southwark, United Kingdom Homecare Association and London South Bank University.
AGE CONCERN WEEK
Age Concern week begins on Saturday 24th September. As part of the weeklong campaign, Age Concern Southwark is encouraging older people to come along to one of the Healthy Ageing Centres in the Borough to find out what's on offer.
The centres at 95 Southwark Park Road, Bermondsey and St Antony's with St Silas Church, Nunhead (Merrtins Lane) will be open all week to offer hot meals, cups of tea, IT facilities, a friendly chat or a game of bingo.
Chris Lunn of Age Concern Southwark says:
Back to top"We would encourage as many people as possible to come along to a centre, and have a look around. If you've never been along to a centre before, we would urge you to pop in. There will be a warm welcome for you, and you may find some activities that you would like to take part in or simply wish to relax with a cup of tea."