Telford & Wrekin Senior Citizens ' Forum

Message from the Chairman

Over the past few months older people’s issues have featured prominently in the press. We read of cases of abuse in care homes; incidents of lack of dignity or basic humanity in hospitals and now reports have been published about the elderly being failed in their own homes by care workers. If we judge society by how we treat its weakest citizens then we should be ashamed of this catalogue of treatment meted out to our frail elderly. This is the season of good will so let us hope that the suggestion of giving away our heating allowance to those who truly need it might become a reality – but I doubt it. On behalf of the Management team may I wish you a joyous Christmas and a healthy New Year.

The Next Public Forum is on 16th January 2012

KNOWLEDGE & OPINIONS The first Forum meeting of 2012 will be held at The Place in Oakengates on Monday 16th January at 10.30am. There will be a short Extraordinary General Meeting for the membership to approve some changes to the constitution. This is to reflect the changes that have been made now that we are a charity and a Board of Trustees will be providing an overview of our activities. Please see the letter enclosed with this newsletter. Our main speaker of the morning is Mrs Liz Holdsworth from Wace Morgan Solicitors. Liz is an expert in legal matters that affect older people. She will be telling us “What our solicitors should be telling us”, to ensure that we are armed with the knowledge we need to plan for our futures, with particular attention being given as to who pays for what when it comes to any care that may be needed. Liz explains matters simply without any legal jargon and there will be experts on hand to answer any queries that our members may have. There will also be other stands offering advice and information. Finally your opinions will be sought by Telford and Wrekin Council who will be presenting their proposed budget for the borough and they will welcome your feedback on their plans. The morning will finish as usual with a light buffet lunch. During the course of the morning the first “200 Club” draw for 2012 will be made and in order to have a chance of winning a cash prize you will need to have joined. Please see the back page of the newsletter for full details on how to do this. We look forward to seeing you all in January.

Dates of 2012 Forums

January 16th EGM & Public Forum
April 16th Public Forum
July 9th Public Forum
October 15th AGM & Public Forum

‘Feeling Lonely?’ October 17th 2011, Public Forum

Following the Annual General Meeting, Chairman Martin Brookes welcomed Mima Cattan, Professor in Public Health at Northumbria University. Professor Cattan explained the massive demographic change across the world. People are living longer, but with fewer young people. Widowhood, divorce, poor mental or physical health, disabilities such as visual impairment, lack of personal and material resources, lack of transport, loss of confidence and an increased perception of loneliness are all contributing factors. Mima talked about possible solutions needed to prevent loneliness from evolving into serious health problems. Technology can play a major part, telephone befriending, social network sites, Skype and the Nintendo Wii. This winter we must remember that maybe someone needs a phone call or a visit.
Bob Jago, Forum’s Webmaster explained how to download Skype, a free internet telephone system, by going to www.skype.com
Pamela Walker, is the Midland Coordinator for Contact the Elderly, a charity which set up in 1965 and now has 400 groups nationally including one in Telford, which needs more volunteers. Once a month on a Sunday afternoon, volunteer drivers each collect two or three local isolated older people and take them to a host house for a simple afternoon tea with others. A recent survey showed that 75% members said the scheme has helped them become more cheerful and optimistic. Some said their health had improved and they felt part of the community again.
Laughter Workshop John Hipkiss, ‘Laughing John’ engaged the audience in finding how laughing within a group can be powerful and help you feel connected.

Action Group Update

The Environmental Action Group (EAG)
The EAG aims to raise public awareness of the environment and to encourage positive action to keep it healthy. The environment is defined as “the surroundings, conditions and circumstances in which a person lives.” We investigate, research and resolve issues that are raised by Forum members and by the Forum Management, or indeed any matter thought to be appropriate for our attention. The group corresponds with the Council or any other organisation that may control or influence environmental issues in our region. We comprise 10 – 12 members and meet every two months or so. Some items of involvement over the past 7 years have been: park homes, footpaths, bridleways, road traffic calming, speed humps, mobile phone masts, housing, waste recycling, street lighting, leisure facilities, transport plans and potholes. Our current agenda includes the Southwater Development, air quality throughout Telford, Veolia composting plant at Granville and frequency of waste collection. We have also resolved issues for individual members. These include wheelchair access to footpaths, localised street lighting and disposal of dangerous chemicals. Brian Begley, Chairman - Environmental Action Group.

Transport Action Group

Bill Crosbie
It is with a great deal of sadness that we have to inform you that Bill Crosbie, Secretary of the Public Transport Action group, died unexpectedly on 16th November at Princess Royal Hospital. Bill had been a real enthusiast for everything to do with the bus services in Telford. He was in constant correspondence with Arriva and the local Council. His crowning achievement was the creation of a bus route going both ways round the Sutton Hill perimeter road.

Bus Users Required

The Forum is very anxious to hear from anyone who is a bus user, who has an ability to use a computer and would like to help older people have access to a user-friendly bus service in Telford. If you think you may be able to spare a few hours each month, please contact Anne-Marie, Forum Coordinator.

Health Action News

Patient feedback has recently made a positive difference and helped change hospital care for the better. LINk (T&W Local Involvement Network) had brought concerns about a complaint relating to Ward 15, the Stroke Rehabilitation Unit at The Princess Royal Hospital, to Chief Nurse, Vicky Morris. Ms Morris was able to develop a plan tailored to improve working methods on the ward bringing about significant improvements.
The Health & Care Action Group is still keen to hear from anybody willing to share their experiences (good or bad) during their discharge from hospital in the last six months. This will go towards a report aimed at improving the discharge process. If you can help by completing a questionnaire or having a chat, please contact the Forum office on 211410.

Communications Group

Barclay Gardens in Donnington, the care home, has been delighted with the introduction of the Telford and Wrekin Senior Citizens’ Forum’s IT volunteer team who have started IT sessions with residents, whilst having fun and a cuppa in the process. The sessions started in mid November; with residents who had never used laptops before. "It was lovely to hear the laughing and chatting coming from the IT group" says Karen McPherson, Care Home Manager. ‘Not only does the group introduce IT to our residents but it also gives them a chance to meet new people, which can be difficult with limited mobility and transport’. Barclay Gardens is now setting up an IT champion to try and continue the IT team’s efforts in between sessions. It would like to thank the Senior Citizen’s Forum and Bob, Mike and Charles for helping to bring new skills to its residents.

Members’ News...Members’ News...Members’ News

My invitation to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party came as a great surprise, but with a pleasant feeling knowing that thirty years of involvement in the community of Newport had been recognised. I have been a Trustee at the Newport Cottage Care Centre since April 2000. The Garden Party was held on Tuesday 12th July and was attended by the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh, Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra. There were 8000 people in attendance on the day mingling with royalty. It was s great honour and a privilege to receive an invitation from Her Majesty, the Queen. It was a day I shall never forget’. Margo Brotherton, Forum Management Committee.
If you have a piece of news, a photo or a comment you would like to share, please send them in.
Computer and internet training is still on offer on a one to one basis. Forum volunteers will tutor you at home whether you have your own computer or not. Priority is given to people who are housebound or have mobility problems. If you are interested in either volunteering as a tutor or in learning, please contact us at the office.

New Members Welcome

Our membership is currently 1955, and hopefully we will welcome our 2000th member during 2012. If you know anybody who you think would like to join us, please ask them to get in touch. Filling in a form is not necessary, a phone call or email will do.

Barclay Gardens, Donnington

The care home is now asking for people to volunteer any amount of time sharing skills and interests with the residents. Gardening, singing, flower arranging and dominoes are things that the residents of Barclay Gardens have said they would like to do more of, but the list is not exhaustive. Any interest that you would like to share with the residents, please call Grace on 01743 283200. They also have an active League of Friends that fundraises for the residents; if you are interested in fundraising please contact the Barclay Gardens Manager Karen McPherson on 01952 605321.

Proposed Changes to Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries

A review of constituency boundaries is carried out every five years and proposals for the 2013 review came out this October. It is proposed that the number of constituencies will be reduced from the present number of 533 to 502 and each one will contain a similar number of registered electors. Consultations have been taking place concerning the proposed changes and all representations will be published next spring and may then be subject to further consultation before the final recommendations are made by 1st October 1913. Proposals in The Telford and Wrekin area are that there will be two constituencies, as shown below.
Telford North & The Wrekin
Ketley & Oakengates St. Georges Donnington
Priorslee Muxton Wrockwardine Wood and Trench
Hadley & Leegomery Apley Castle Dothill
College Park Haygate
Shawbirch Ercall Arleston
Wrockwardine Ercall Magna Edgmond
Newport Church Aston & Lilleshall
Bridgnorth & Telford South
Shifnal North Shifnal South and Cosford Lawley and Overdale
The Nedge Malinslee Dawley Magna
Brookside Horsehay and Lightmoor Woodside
Madeley Cuckoo Oak Ironbridge Gorge
Broseley Much Wenlock Worfield

Remortgage to Pay for Care?

The potential new system could affect hundreds of thousands of elderly people who live in a valuable property but have little cash in the bank, forcing them to sign up to costly equity release schemes which would sharply reduce the value of their estates when they die. At present elderly people have to pay for care at home only if they have financial assets of more than £23,250. Councils have told the government they can no longer afford to provide all the support required by frail pensioners in their own homes and believe those with significant sums tied up in their property should make a bigger contribution. At present some 530,000 people need help at home. According to the UK Homecare Association local councils pay for 364,000 of them at an average cost of £7285 pa. The King’s Fund estimates that local authorities face a £1.2 billion shortfall in social care funding by 2014. Some councils have already quietly withdrawn all care from elderly people classed as “moderate priority”, reducing help with shopping, paying bills, cleaning, social contact and checks on safety. In July 2011, the Dilnot Commission published its report on the long-term reform of social care funding in England. Its main proposals were:- A national system of assessment and eligibility to end the postcode lottery for care. A £35,000 cap on the lifetime costs of care for individuals whose eligible needs for services arise after they turn 65.
Lower caps on the lifetime costs for people who acquire needs at earlier ages. Free care for those who acquire needs before they turn 40. A £7,000-£10,000 annual fee for the board and lodging costs of people receiving residential care. A rise from £23,250 to £100,000 in the means-test savings threshold above which people are ineligible for state funding for their care. The proposals would cost £1.7bn a year to implement and the government will respond in a White Paper by April 2012. The Telford & Wrekin Senior Citizens Forum will of course be keeping a watchful eye on any developments and will alert members to any further announcements.

National savings and Investments (NS&I)

National savings and Investments (NS&I) have announced that from 2103 it will no longer operate accounts through the Post Office. The changes will effect 2.3 million people, including 260,000 with so-called Easy Access savings accounts. But how easy will access be for older customers who rely on their local post office for transactions? The NS&I says the move reflects the growing number of people managing savings by post, phone and online. But not everybody is on the internet. It’s another nail in the coffin for personal service and customer choice.

SENIOR DRIVING

As a senior citizen was driving down the motorway, his car phone rang. Answering, he heard his wife’s voice urgently warning him, “Vernon, I just heard on the news that there’s a car going the wrong way on the M25. Please be careful!” “Hell,” said Vernon, “It’s not just one car...it’s hundreds of them!”

Respite Solutions

Introducing a new service for family carers or people with disabilities – Respite Solutions. It was established with the aim of enabling family carers and those they support to access more holiday or short breaks. Part of the problem is that that while lots of opportunities exist not everyone knows about them. Many older family carers in particular may not have access to the internet so it is difficult for them to find information about specialist holidays and breaks, likewise they may simply not have the time to trawl the internet or know what to look for. Respite Solutions offer a remedy for this by providing personalised searches and booking support at reasonable costs subject on your requirements. Respite Solutions is part of Caring Enterprises CIC which is a community interest company combining business with social purpose. Respite Solutions’ database of holiday and care providers include both the UK and abroad. Options include accessible self-catering accommodation, care packages, care hotels (providing care onsite), supported holidays, specialist hotels, retreats, cruises, escorted holidays and replacement care. They also have some information about holiday and care providers on their website along with other helpful information. We can arrange breaks for carers with the person they support or separate arrangements. For instance we were able to find a care hotel in a holiday resort for an elderly lady so her carer could then have a holiday elsewhere. Also our members newsletter provides Holiday Watch about new developments such as the new cruises being offered for couples where one partner has dementia. For an introductory pack or to discuss your needs then just contact Diane on 01952 251015 or email info@respitesolutions.org.uk

A Christmas Poem…

I made myself a snowball
As perfect as can be,
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pyjamas
And a pillow for its head,
Then last night it ran away
But first it wet the bed!

ALCOHOL & the over fifties

Recent research is finding that alcohol consumption is increasing within the population aged over 50. People in this age bracket who drink at higher levels are increasingly being known as the ‘Hidden Drinker’. There are many reasons why someone drinks at higher levels including difficulty sleeping, bereavement, loneliness, isolation, etc. Higher levels of drinking could exacerbate and perpetuate significant health issues. To help raise awareness about the effects of alcohol on the body, Telford and Wrekin in partnership with Impact Alcohol and Addictions Services – a local alcohol and addictions advisory service - have funded an alcohol education service to discuss alcohol levels in the over 50s. Julia Kaya, the project worker, says – “Most information about alcohol consumption is targeted at younger people and I feel that older people can be neglected in this area. It’s not about telling people what to do in their lives, but about giving out the correct information so people can make informed choices.“ If you would like to contact Julia about booking a talk for a group of people please call her on 07530906813.
IMPACT Alcohol and Addiction Services have offices in Shrewsbury and Wellington. If you have any concerns about your own or someone else’s alcohol consumption, please contact the Shrewsbury office on 01743 245552 or the Wellington office on 01952 223165 for free, confidential and impartial advice.
‘I was at a cashpoint yesterday when a little old lady asked if I could check her balance, so I pushed her over.’

National Womens Register

NWR is a national organisation that has been around for over 50 years and aims to ‘offer all women the opportunity to take part in informal discussions, to promote confidence, friendship, self-education and a better understanding of others’ points of view’. We meet regularly in each others’ homes for friendly and informal discussions. There’s plenty of lively conversation, the chance to meet new people and have fun. Group members organise their own programmes which can include theatre trips, garden visits and other social events. Many have their own book circles. There are also national and regional conferences and workshops. A small annual subscription enables you to take part in as much or as little as you want. At present, the nearest NWR group for Forum members is in Newport. We wondered therefore if there would be enough of you who would like to get together and set up a new Telford group – or even two groups, Telford North and Telford South, depending on numbers. It would be up to the new group to decide when and how often they would like to meet and what they might like to discuss, but Newport members would be more than happy to give you all the information and support you need to get you started, including plenty of ideas for your programmes. We will be having a stall again at the January Forum when we would like to take names and contact details of any ladies who are interested in setting up a Telford NWR group. If you aren’t able to attend the January Forum but would like to be involved, please contact Frances either by phone on 01952 811467 or email f_m_harper@hotmail.com

Tips for cutting energy costs this winter

The winter period can be a very difficult time for older people, trying to keep warm but still managing to pay ever increasing fuel bills.

Heating

Make sure your radiators are not obstructed by curtains or furniture. Draw your curtains as it goes dark to help keep the heat generated inside your rooms. Insulate your loft space and consider cavity wall insulation too.

Electrical Appliances

Use energy efficient light bulbs which use less energy and last up to ten times longer than standard bulbs. Turn off household appliances such as microwaves, TVs, videos, music systems, and computers when not in use, as they continue to use energy when they are left on standby.

Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers and Dishwashers

Use a low temperature setting and only wash full loads or use a half-load or economy programme. When drying your clothes indoors, use a clothes rail instead of a radiator as this stops the heat from reaching the rest of the room. Modern dishwashers use less energy and water than washing up by hand.

Cooking

Use a pan which is the same size as the cooker ring to prevent heat loss. Use a lid on saucepans where possible, so the contents heat up faster and require less energy. Consider using pressure cookers, steamers and microwaves which use less energy.

Hot Water

When using a kettle, only boil as much water as you need. Look out for a build-up of limescale in your kettle and treat with vinegar or descaling solutions. Consider turning the thermostat on your hot water tank down to 60 degrees centigrade which is a comfortable temperature for most people and will save on your heating costs. If you have a standard shower it will use around 40% of the water required for a bath.
You may be able to get a grant for heating and insulation. Tel 01952 381864 (T&W Council) for further information.

Refrigeration

Make sure your fridge door is shut properly and try to avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge as this increases the energy required to keep the contents cold. Defrost your fridge frequently and check the door seals. Avoid putting your fridge next to heat generating appliances such as an oven or boiler. If possible, keep the freezer in a cool room or garage.

The Wrekin & Telford Stroke Club

The group was started well over 20 years ago and meetings were held at the Wrekin Hospital. Telford Lions have been assisting and supporting the group for the last few years. They now have meetings at Turnpike Court in St. Georges, held on the last Thursday of each month from 7 pm to 9pm except for December. The members are collected from home by C.V.S. transport if they cannot make their own way to the meetings.
Entertainment varies each month - trips, concerts, fish & chip suppers, sit down exercises, bingo/game evenings and film nights. Belly dancers, singers, poets and guest speakers, have all come along to entertain the group. The group’s Christmas dinner is at the end of November.
A cheerful smile and cup of tea or coffee greet each member, not forgetting the biscuits! There is a raffle at each meeting. Wrekin & Telford Stroke Club relies on donations and activities that generate monies to keep the group going. We would welcome new members to join us and join in the fun. If anyone is interested in coming along to join or to entertain the group even. They can contact them through Telford Lionsnumber: 0845 833 95 85

We think they should……

ban impenetrable packaging! Even the youngest, strongest, most supple-wristed person needs garden shears and titanium fingers to get into some plastic wrappings. It’s a toothbrush, not the Crown Jewels!

Olive Fruit Cake

4fl oz olive oil
2 tabsps milk
2 eggs, beaten
8oz self-raising flour
8oz mixed dried fruit
6oz caster sugar
Grated orange rind
Method: Preheat oven to 350’F, 180’C, gas 4. Line a 7-8 inch cake tin with greaseproof paper. Combine all ingredients in a bowl, mix thoroughly and transfer to the tin. Bake for 1hr 15 mins. Allow to cool for a few mins, before removing from the tin.

Community Forum set for launch

A Co-operative Community Forum is set to launch in December to give the people of Telford and Wrekin a voice to help shape the future of the borough. Rights and Fairness Telford (RAFT), in partnership with Telford & Wrekin Council and a wide range of public, private and voluntary sector partners is establishing an independent Co-operative Community Forum for the people of Telford and Wrekin. This Forum will initially be set up to provide an independent platform for residents to give their views on the work of the independent Co-operative Commission that the Council launched in September. Membership of the Forum is open to everyone who lives or works in Telford and Wrekin and who has an interest in helping to shape the future of the borough. To launch the Co-operative Community Forum a meeting is being held at 6pm on Thursday 15 December at Meeting Point House in Southwater Square in the town centre. The discussion at this first meeting will focus around Telford & Wrekin Council’s commitment to become a Co-operative Council and the process that they are currently going through to set their future priorities. The Commission is made up of leaders from business, community and public organisations across the borough who are looking at five key areas in detail. Councillor Shaun Davies, Cabinet Member for Environment, Co-operative Council & Partnerships, said: “I am delighted that this Forum is being launched. “It is providing a vital opportunity for our own communities to help shape the future of Telford & Wrekin Council. The main ethos of a Co-operative Council is to engage with the local community and make the borough work for those who live and work here. I believe that the Co-operative Community Forum has great potential to achieve positive change and I hope residents take the chance to go along to the meeting and get actively involved.” The Chair of RAFT, Reverend Andy Smith, said: “I believe this is an exciting initiative, with a real chance for our residents to make a difference to and have their say on the future of their borough”. For further information about how to become a member of the Co-operative Community Forum or to register to attend the meeting on 15 December please email Rights and Fairness Telford, at info@raf-t.org.uk Alternatively please call the RAFT offices on 01952 210559 for further information and a booking form.

Extracts from letters written to local councils:-

It’s the dogs mess I find hard to swallow.
I wish to report that tiles are missing from the outside toilet roof, I think it was bad wind the other day that blew them off.
My lavatory seat is cracked, where do I stand?
I am writing on behalf of my sink, which is coming away from the wall.
Will you please send someone to mend the garden path? My wife tripped and fell on it yesterday and now she is pregnant.
Will you please send a man to look at my water, it is a funny colour and not fit to drink.
Our kitchen floor is damp. We have two children and would like a third, so please send someone round to do something about it.
This is to let you know that our lavatory seat is broken and we can’t get BBC2.
I request permission to remove my drawers in the kitchen.

Welcome to Telford

I care very much about our social History. This, my third book is different. It is about the happiness we as a family have had in Telford. It gave me great pleasure to write. Telford has been very good to us as a family. I hope by writing this book I can give something back to Telford. I have lived here now for over forty years and I haven't regretted one moment of that time. We came here in 1969 to start a new and better life for us and our children. Although we moved less than thirty miles, it was like another world to us; a wonderful world with trees and lots of open space. During those years we have seen lots of change, some good, some not so good. I believe I am the only person to write about Telford from a new comer's point of view. My children finished their education here, my grandchildren were educated here and now I am very pleased to say the next generation are doing well at schools in Telford. I started writing by hand and then bought a computer and slowly taught myself to type. It has been very hard work but I am proud to say that my work is now in libraries, schools and colleges. I am now 81 and still love to write. It has been very therapeutic and has gotten rid of the anger of my childhood. I would like to donate to one pound from every book sold through the Forum to the Forum’s funds’ It can be obtained from:-
90 Malvern Crescent
Little Dawley
Telford
TF4 3JF
£9.99 p&p is free

The Telford PDSA Volunteer Group

We are looking for new members to join our team.    Fundraising activities take place throughout the year and include Fun Dog Shows, tombola stalls and supermarket collections.  We meet at regular intervals to plan events and look for new fundraising ideas, and it is a great way to have fun whilst raising much-needed funds for the PDSA which cares for more than 350,000 pet patients belonging to people in need.   If you are in the Telford area and would like to find out more about getting involved please contact us!   Brenda Smith, PDSA Head Office - Whitechapel Way, Priorslee, Telford, Shropshire, TF2 9PQ - Tel: 01952 290999 – email smith.brenda@pdsa.org.uk  

The Prime Time Group

for Over 60’s is great fun and helps keep you fit The game doesn’t require any previous skill or experience We play three time a week Stirchley Recreation Centre :- Tues 4.45pm –5.30pm Fri 4.00pm – 5.00pm Oakengates Leisure Centre:- Wed 7.00pm – 8.00pm Come along to any session, you will be very welcome, and have a look and try the game or phone Kevin Morrissey on 01952 825239

Contact Us….

Anne-Marie (Co-ordinator) and Chris (Administrator)
Telford & Wrekin Senior Citizens Forum
The Poplars
Lightmoor
Telford
TF4 3QN
Tel 01952 211410
enquiries@tandwseniors.org.uk
website: www.tandwseniors.org.uk

The 200 Club

The 200 Club, launched last year, was a tremendous success with over £500 being raised for Forum funds and £800 being paid out to members in prize money. We are now ready to launch the 200 club for 2012. The concept is simple – if you would like to take part simply send the form below with a cheque for £12 which will cover you for the 4 draws taking place at the open Forum meetings throughout 2012. You will be allocated a number which will be yours for the year. If you took part in 2011 and you wish to retain your number simply return the form below and write clearly on it that you wish to keep your number. If you can’t remember what it was don’t worry as we will be able to tell you. As soon as we receive your application we will allocate your number and it will be ready for the draw at our first meeting on 16th January. Once again we will be giving away 5 prizes at each meeting one for £100 and 4 for £25 each so join up today and be in with a chance of winning £100 in January!
APPLY NOW BY CONTACTING THE OFFICE