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Who cares?
As our population ages, and the demand for health and social care escalates, agenda news asks what is in store for those who spend their time caring for others. Who is caring for the carers? Almost seven million people in the UK are providing unpaid care for someone in their life; from doing a little cleaning or shopping, through to round-theclock personal care. 950,000 of these carers are over 65 years old, many with their own long-term health problems. The number of people over 85 in the UK is expected to increase by over 50% over the next decade. With this age group needing more support than our creaking NHS can currently provide, huge reliance is being placed on unprecedented levels of informal care for older and disabled people. Whats not often acknowledged is that the same age group will also bear much of the burden of care for partners, relatives and friends.

INSIDE:

Invest to save page 3

Information for carers page 5

A good world to be in page 4

Further information and support
Age Concern Kingston services 020 8942 8256
l First Contact information and advice on all issues regarding care for older people l Stay Well at Home practical help during a short-term illness or crisis, and support with planning to ensure independence at home l Housing Choices support with moving, if you need more suitable accommodation l Saturday Club for people living with dementia, families and carers

Kingston Carers Network 020 3031 2757

Reward
There is rarely a defined moment when someone becomes a carer often the help given by a friend or family member increases over time, and the other person cannot manage without it. There is no fanfare, no badge of office and often little appreciation for the work these silent carers undertake. As the millions of pounds in unclaimed carers allowance demonstrates, many do not define themselves as carers seeing this as a term that describes a paid worker. Although most dont feel they need acknowledgement or reward, if they are not recognised they may take on an increasingly heavy

Week found that 81% of carers asked were not aware of the support available to them because of the time it took them to identify themselves as carers, and that 35% had been given incorrect advice in the past. With recognition of the cost to the economy of carers giving up work, the government is urging employers to offer carers flexible working opportunities similar to those available to parents. But what about older carers? How are they identified and supported?

Fairer
Nearly a million people over 65 are carers

responsibility for their loved one and, as a consequence, suffer from isolation, ill-health and financial disadvantage. As a persons needs become more complicated, through physical or mental health problems, the demands placed upon those around them become ever greater. Two-thirds of people with

dementia live at home and most are looked after by unpaid carers; many are unaware of the support that is available. It can be tricky to navigate the various benefits, council-funded services and other support that is available to a carer, or to the person they support. A recent report produced for Carers

The Care Bill currently in Parliament includes a number of recommendations that would make access to councilfunded care fairer across the nation, but this would only affect those deemed to have the highest need. The support needs of carers need to be identified and met at an earlier stage, since it is typically when the carer experiences difficulties that informal care breaks down, and families end up in crisis.
IssUe NineTeen l winTer 2013

Furniture project wins award

On 24th October Kingston Community Furniture (KCF) won the Best Green Business award at the Kingston Business Excellence Awards 2013. Shane Brennan, CEO of Age Concern Kingston said: Congratulations to Adrian (pictured left) and his team at KCF it is very well deserved and a great acknowledgement of their commitment and hard work. KCF provides a very important service throughout Kingston and the surrounding area.

Your Healthcare celebrates three years of social enterprise

On 1st August Your Healthcare CIC shared the celebration of their third birthday with its staff and partners. Your Healthcare are providers of NHS community healthcare services in the borough of Kingston and to some people in Richmond services like district nursing, health visiting, podiatry and physiotherapy. Age Concern Kingston is working with Your Healthcare to deliver joined-up health and social support under the The team at Raleigh House, made up of ACK and Your banner Kingston at Home. Healthcare staff, celebrate Your Healthcare staff from with day centre members Newent House have been working with our Raleigh House team as these services come together, and were delighted to share the celebrations with day centre members. Three years ago Your Healthcare became an independent social enterprise, having previously been part of the NHS. Their goal was to create a stand-alone organisation which would be more flexible and responsive, less hampered by bureaucracy and would work collaboratively with organisations such as Age Concern Kingston to deliver excellent services. The next phase of Age Concern Kingstons partnership with Your Healthcare is well underway, with the councils former day service at Newent House now under the management of Age Concern Kingston.

Impact Report 2013 out now!

Age Concern Kingston has just published its Impact Report 2013, entitled Having an impact, making a difference. Age Concern Kingston publishes an Impact Report every year its designed to summarise in just a few pages everything the organisation has achieved in the previous year, measuring its progress against what it set out to do. It also sets out what the organisation plans to do in the year ahead. In the next twelve months Age Concern Kingston intends to scale up its proven, award-winning Stay Well at Home programme, and, amongst other things, to renew its Advice Quality Standard (AQS) accreditation. For a copy of the Impact Report, call 020 8942 8256, or see the online version at ageconcernkingston.org.

Two years on, still Fit as a Fiddle

In 2011 Fit as a Fiddle (FAAF) project beat stiff competition to win the 2011 Guardian Public Services Award. Two years on and the project continues to grow, bringing local residents together to lose weight, get fit and have fun. While many participants improve their fitness levels as well as losing weight, the legacy of FAAF is far more than a smaller waistline or lower blood pressure. Those who have taken part tell us that they enjoy meeting new people through the courses, that they are inspired to change more about their lifestyle than their diet, and that many feel better about themselves and ready to deal with other challenges in life. Mary, a recent participant on one of the Body Balance courses said: It was something to look forward to each week, that helped my crickety neck. I met lots of nice people, and its given me a zest to exercise and eat properly. One of the qualities the panel of judges highlighted in 2011 was Fit as a Fiddles promotion of community cohesion. This continues to be a central part of the projects objectives. Fit as a Fiddle Coordinator Grace Shorthouse has established a network of follow-on classes for groups of inspired participants to continue their new exercise routine, and their friendships together, once their free course has finished. For more information call 020 8942 8256.

Kingston residents live longer

The theme for this years Annual Public Health Report for Kingston is on older people, and how they can live well in later life. It highlights many local initiatives that are focused on improving the health and well-being of individuals. The report will be launched on Monday 18 November at the Guildhall and presented by its author, Dr Jonathan Hildebrand (pictured), RBKs Director of Public Health. It will be available in print version, or via the RBK website www.kingston.gov.uk.

Who we are

How to contact us: Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA t: 020 8942 8256 e: admin@ageconcernkingston.org w: www.ageconcernkingston.org twitter: @ackservices agenda news email: agenda@ageconcernkingston.org
The views expressed in agenda news are not necessarily those of the trustees, staff or volunteers. Published by Age Concern Kingston upon Thames. Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550 Design: Eileen Higgins, e: eileen@eh-design.co.uk Print: Full Spectrum Print Media Ltd, t: 01268 288637. Printed on 100% recycled paper

We are a leading independent charitable organisation dedicated to working with people in south west London. Kingston upon Thames We have 65 years of experience of supporting people and carers to live safely and independently in their own homes and over the years have won awards for this, the most recent being the 2013 Charity Award for Social Care and Welfare. Our vision is to make your life a greater life. We have a history of working in innovative ways with local people to deliver the services that they want, and of working in partnership. We provide a range of community-based services which help and support people to live in their own homes. These include Information, Advice and Advocacy; practical help in the home (e.g. Handyperson services, cleaning and domestic help, shopping, support after a hospital stay) and social activities (social centres, lunch clubs, telephone befriending, dementia club). These services are accessed by hundreds of people and carers each year. Staff are supported by over 100 trained volunteers who add value and huge commitment to all the services we provide.

age concern

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Letters
Help@Home building my confidence

Please send your letters & feedback to agenda news Age Concern Kingston upon Thames 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA or send an email to agenda@ageconcernkingston.org

Invest to save

AGenda ediTOriaL

Retireless or is it work till you drop?

I dont agree with your last front page about the virtue of continuing to work, or at least not stopping all together. You say I would just like to say how pleased I have been with the that people are choosing not to put their feet up and just read service Ive received from Sue the paper for the rest of their days, however for an increasing number of people this is not an option. and Jo from Age Concern A recent survey of under 25s stated that many expected to Kingstons Help@Home. I had retire at 65 without knowing that this achievement is already lost my confidence to just unrealistic for many who are now near retirement! use a stick instead of a Although it is right that you should be able to choose when shopping trolley. you retire, retirement for an increasing number of people is Two lovely ladies who are something they cant afford to do. A combination of debt and doing a good job. poor pension payments mean many still need to continue to Doris Crane work. The reality is an increasing number dont have the choice. T.B. Hayward, Chessington

As 2013 comes to a close and we enter 2014, thoughts will soon turn towards the local and European elections in May, as well as the general election the following year this means issues around NHS and local government reform will become more politically contentious. The Governments 3bn reorganisation of the NHS seems to have been very unpopular and the fundamental challenges and issues that were there three, four years ago are still with us today. The Labour Party has said it will rip up the Coalitions Health and Social Care legislation. Much of the reform agenda around social care has yet to be realised; the joining up of health and social care clearly makes sense, but in many areas this will be a real challenge. At the heart of the Coalitions reform programme is the need to save money now and in the future a huge issue that will also face the next government and continue to impact on local authorities for years to come.

Investment
Reform in many areas is desperately needed, however the approach has to be one of invest to save and not one of save to invest a subtle but important difference. If the NHS wishes to reduce the spend on expensive high level hospital services, there has to be a big investment in more community-based service provision, including preventative and early intervention services. Just reducing spending on hospitals without the right investment in community services will mean chaos, with hospitals left unable to cope. This will lead to political pressure to give hospitals more funding and so the whole issue becomes a party political football. The right reform programme is one that designs service provision around the patients and users of services with our ageing population the challenges around health and social care are obvious. This means ensuring that cohesive, quality, accessible services are delivered where they are needed and if the consensus thinking is of supporting more people to stay in their own homes for longer, then it clearly means we need to be able to provide effective community services seven days a week, around the clock. But is there, at both a national and local level, the political will to make this happen? In May well have a chance to find out.

Crisis loans and community care grants where are they now?
Many of you will have noticed that crisis loans and community care grants are no longer dealt with by Jobcentreplus and will be wondering whether they have vanished as part of another government cut back. Youll be pleased to know that this is far from the case and that responsibility for awarding these payments has now passed to the Royal Borough of Kingston. In fairness to the Borough, they and their counterparts up and down the country have been given substantially less money than the Jobcentre spent over a year. This has led to a degree of caution in making awards and the criteria for qualification have become a little more rigorous. Nonetheless there are still funds available. You need to know that the scheme has now been labelled the Community Care Fund. To apply you need to access the internet, go to Kingston Councils website and type Community Care Fund into the search box. Dont worry if you dont have access to the internet. There are lots of people that can help. Firstly, if you have someone who supports you, ask them if they can help. If you dont receive direct support, you can contact the following: RBK Benefits Section ACKs First Contact Advice Line Citizens Advice Bureau 0208 547 5001 020 8408 8170 020 3166 0953

Kingston Community Furniture 020 8949 4284

Support workers who are having difficulties with the new scheme should also feel free to contact any of the above who will be pleased to advise. Adrian Collins, Manager, Kingston Community Furniture

Making homes, saving waste

Having started life as a furniture reuse organisation, Kingston Community Furniture now provides a wide range of services, all developed in response to recognised community needs. Kingston Community Furniture currently offers the following: l Sale of quality reusable furniture and domestic appliances at very affordable prices l Collection of unwanted furniture and appliances either for free or at very modest rates l House clearances for a fee reflecting the value of items that can be reused or recycled l Portable Appliance Testing for very small fees l Local Removals for a nominal charge Our prices are reasonable, reflecting our not for profit ethos but allowing us to maintain financial sustainability for our vibrant and essential community enterprise. Call us on 020 8942 5500 Go to kingstoncommunityfurniture.org

Name changing?
Age Concern Kingston is considering a name change. Shane Brennan, Chief Executive, said: There is often misunderstanding with our name, for example, many people confuse us with Age UK yet we are a completely separate organisation. However, Age Concern Kingston is a wellknown and trusted name with a strong reputation, we wouldnt want to lose any of this. Also people do not see ageing in the same way as they did 15-20 years ago and the name does not really represent all that we do now. As yet there is no alternative name, but Age Concern Kingston will be consulting supporters, service users and other stakeholders. In the meantime let agenda news know what you think. What name would you suggest? Or should Age Concern Kingston keep its existing name? Have your say and drop us a line. You can get in touch via agenda@ageconcernkingston.org or contact us via the details on page 2.

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A good world to be in
Dementia is a progressive disease, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual person and what type of dementia they have. Dementia affects people in different ways, and it can be more difficult for family and friends than for the person with the condition. Getting the right information, advice and support, at the right time, is of critical importance in helping people adapt, cope and maintain a good quality of life. agenda news spoke to one couple about their experience.
In 2012, when Geoff was diagnosed with vascular dementia, his wife Terry had already noticed tell-tale signs that his memory was failing him. As Geoffs dependency on her increased, Terry needed a little bit of space and spoke to her GP, who recommended they look at day services nearby. Having viewed several centres she discovered Raleigh House in New Malden, and immediately knew it was the place for them: We really like it here, its so friendly. Everyones very kind. Geoff started attending the day centre every Wednesday, giving Terry some muchneeded time to herself to see family and spend time in her beloved garden. the same, not every morning is the same, so we dont need someone coming into our house to help. But if there wasnt somewhere for Geoff to come we would have to reconsider.

AGenda FeaTUre

Terry and Geoff adapting to life with dementia

Active
The couple also joined Age Concern Kingstons Saturday Club and have become familiar faces at the monthly lunch, meeting up with other people affected by dementia. This has meant a lot to Terry in particular: Its so nice because I meet up with the other carers and we can talk, and you find that things arent so bad after all! At 83 Terry is still a remarkably active woman, full of laughter and energy. She and her husband have always been energetic and outgoing, and Terry admits to missing the theatre and gallery visits they used to enjoy together. They have both adapted Terry volunteers every week at the RHS gardens at Wisley, whilst Geoff particularly enjoys

the activity and exercise sessions provided at Raleigh by arts group Bounce Theatre. However, having now cared for Geoff for almost five years she is noticing his condition develop. Hes completely dependent on me now. He cant find his way around the house. For example, hell come out of the bathroom and then say, Im just going to go to the loo.

attitude and making sure things work for them. As Geoff told agenda news, Whatever happens youve got to try and not get depressed. Weve all been there, its no surprise, but it can be hard to get out of these depressions. The services they have received from Age Concern

Kingston have helped this devoted couple adjust to their situation. I have a wonderful time, says Geoff, The staff are so lovely and obliging. And so long as I get a good cup of tea Im happy! If only everyone was as lucky as we are it would be a good world to be in.

What is dementia?
Dementia refers to a collection of symptoms characterised by a progressive loss of cognitive abilities affecting reasoning, communication and the ability to carry out the routine activities of daily living. It is not just a normal part of ageing, but is likely to affect one in six people over the age of 80. As Geoff and Terrys story shows, careful advice can provide reassurance to families and enable people to adapt their lifestyles to accommodate the changes that are taking place and live well with dementia.

Positive
Geoff now attends the day centre twice a week and the centre manager stays in close touch with Terry, letting her know if they notice anything unusual or if they can help. Married for 63 years, Terry and Geoff continue to enjoy life together but things are getting harder, especially recently as his memory deteriorates more rapidly. He knows things are getting worse and its putting more of a burden on me, its horrid for him. Most important for Terry and Geoff is having a positive

Independence
This is really important to the couple as it means they can maintain their independence. As long as Im fit and able well carry on the way we are, said Terry, Not every day is

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First Contact l 020 8408 8170

Age Concern Kingston telephone advice number, open Monday to Friday 10.00am 12.00 noon

Carers, what support is available?

If someone looks after a loved one, even a few times a week, they may well be considered a carer. When carers reach retirement age, finding out what they are entitled to or what support is available can become more complicated. Every day Age Concern Kingstons Information, Advice and Advocacy team gives information and guidance to people giving and receiving care. The advisors are trained to provide expert advice on just this kind of situation and have a wealth of knowledge in answering those tricky questions. They can also help you challenge incorrect decisions and unfair treatment.

Are you a carer?

If you provide unpaid help to a partner, friend or relative because they are ill or disabled, even if you still work, then technically you are a carer. This could include: l providing care for your partner 24 hours a day l living with a friend or relative, temporarily or permanently, to help them manage l dropping in to help out with shopping, cooking, other tasks or simply to provide some company every day l travelling to visit a relative every month to check theyre managing ok or helping from afar (such as booking hospital appointments by phone).

them (for example they are a friend, parent or other relative) you may be ignored for council tax purposes.

Dont be put off by the lingo

Many people can be put off by the terms used to describe their caring situation, e.g. carer, disabled or impaired. Some of these terms can feel like a label that doesnt suit the person you care for, but using this terminology can help you and them access services through their GP, the council and other organisations. Our expert advisors can help you navigate this terminology and give you practical, down-to-earth advice. For many this can open up opportunities to use services that make a huge difference to managing day-to-day.

Carers make sure you get the right advice

give you the opportunity to meet interesting people close to home, whether its a regular chat on the phone, having a visitor or joining in social events. Respite Taking a break doesnt have to mean being separated from the person you look after. The Saturday Club at Raleigh House welcomes people living with dementia and their family and carers. This popular group gets together once a month to relax, enjoy a nice meal and spend some quality time together, with staff and volunteers on hand to help. Day services can also provide a welcoming, relaxed environment for someone to spend time while their carer has a few hours to themselves.

Help in and around Kingston

l Letting your GP know you are caring for someone means they can recommend any useful services they know of in your area. l Kingston Carers Network offers a wide variety of help for carers including: individual support, training, social outings and events, and even discounted holistic therapy services 020 3031 2757. l Crossroads Care Kingston and Richmond offers respite care from highly trained workers, to give carers a break 020 8943 9421.

What are you entitled to?

Carers Allowance If you claim your state pension you may no longer be eligible for Carers Allowance. It is a common misconception that it can still be claimed after retirement age, and the loss of this allowance can often be an unexpected challenge. If your state pension is less than 59.75 a week, you may be eligible for Carers Allowance. Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment If the person you look after has a disability or needs help with mobility or personal care they may be eligible for one of these disability benefits. These benefits are not means-tested and could help with the extra costs of care. Council Tax If the person you care for is not your spouse or partner but you live with

Helping hands from ACK

Around the home Services such as Help@Home from Age Concern Kingston can provide assistance around the home at whatever level works for you, whether its help with cooking and cleaning, or outings/appointments with the person you look after. Attendance Allowance can often be used to pay for services like this. At stressful times If you are facing a difficult time and struggling to manage, for example whilst getting treatment for your own health problems, services such as the award-winning Stay Well at Home may be able to provide help at no charge. On-going support Sometimes all you need is the company of people who understand your situation and with whom you have something in common. Age Concern Kingston has a range of groups and services that might

NS&I cut rates on old accounts

From 11 November tens of thousands of British people with old National Savings and Investments accounts will have their returns cut. These changes affect NS&I Savings Certificates purchased before 1996. This includes War Savings Certificates, issued between 1916 and 1920 to help fund the war effort, and fixed-interest accounts issued between 1920 and 1939. Interest on these accounts will be lowered from about 1% to 0.09%, reducing the regular income of many who have kept their savings with the organisation for over 70, 80 or even 90 years. Also affected are index-linked Savings Certificates taken out between 1975 and 1990. Customers can opt to transfer these older accounts to one of NS&Is current savings products. Contact NS&I for free on 0500 007 007 for more information.

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Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly environment for those over 60 who are seeking companionship and daily activity. You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot lunch, or half a day. Transport is available to and from the centre for those who need it, every day except Wednesday, or we can help you access alternative transport. The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts room, hairdressers, a coffee lounge and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons, podiatry and holistic therapies are also available for members and non-members. Opening times: Monday Friday: 10.00am 4.00pm. Manager: Cathy Weight, Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: dcadmin@ageconcernkingston.org

The Bradbury
The Bradbury is a drop in centre for the over 60s. With a lively, vibrant and friendly atmosphere, The Bradbury offers a wide range of activities from tai chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches (including a roast lunch on a Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. When the weather is good you can eat al fresco as we have a pleasant patio garden. The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA Telephone: 020 8549 1230 Email: bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org Manager: Laura OBrien

Developing Raleigh
With crisp, modern styling and a high quality finish, members are impressed with the improvements made already as part of the developments at Raleigh House. Work is well underway to update and expand our facilities. The new beauty salon is already proving popular, with our professional stylists kept busy providing cut, colour and styling services to men and women. You dont have to be a member to use our services either, with many visitors coming from outside to use our hairdressing, podiatry (foot care) and therapy services. With a much larger, brighter lounge space in the pipeline and a new, modern set of toilet facilities also nearing completion, things are looking good for Raleigh members in 2014.

Kingston in Bloom Raleigh and Bradbury in bloom

As temperature cools and nights draw in, members at Raleigh House and The Bradbury look back on sunny days spent outside in our gardens this summer. Judges from Kingston in Bloom, the popular annual competition, have also been admiring the hard work of our members and volunteers, with the announcement in October that Raleighs courtyard garden had won the Mary Rollinson community garden award. Joyce Lodde, a volunteer who has been nurturing Raleigh Houses courtyard garden since 2005, recently celebrated her 90th birthday. She spoke to agenda news about how Raleighs courtyard garden began. The courtyard was created when the new day centre was built in 1990. In 2005 there were six lovely, large terracotta pots housing evergreen shrubs. Now there are over 100 pots containing more than 77 different species of plants, making it an all year round garden. So many plants have come from members gardens and other donations, we even have Welsh poppies grown from seeds donated by Gwyneth, a member who is now 103. It has been said that the garden provides an oasis of peace and quiet for members and staff. Joyce says that it also provided a welcome focus after she was widowed and, having downsized as so many people do, she has appreciated the small haven even more. Her tireless work to maintain the garden is a happy part of Raleighs routine, now with assistance from another dedicated volunteer, Margaret Tomkins. As Raleigh House develops and grows the garden will adapt to meet the new layout, and members and staff will still be able to enjoy the beautiful flowers throughout the year, come rain or shine. Bradbury has been a winner in the past and no doubt competition between the centres will intensify next year!

Raleigh garden challenge

In the final days of summer a group of young volunteers from The Challenge Network spent a sunny Saturday at Raleigh House, helping us prepare for the development work to expand our day centre facilities. Having previously visited the centre and spent time with our members, the dedicated team rolled up their sleeves and helped clear land, move plants and prepare the way for our builders to begin work. The Challenge Network exists to inspire and connect people to strengthen their community and they have certainly helped here, as this project will enable more local residents to access valuable services.

Joyce tends the Raleigh House courtyard garden; over 77 species have been grown and donated; Joyce receiving Kingston in Bloom award; Brian, a Bradbury member, dedicates time to their award winning garden; Bradbury members enjoy the sunshine.

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Age Concern Kingstons projects and services

Making your life a greater life

If bad weather strikes, call us

We offer a range of services to help you get out and about in bad weather or stay well fed and comfortable at home. Just give us a call on 020 8942 8256 to see how we can help.

Diary DaTes
Meetings and events
The Saturday Club
A service designed for people living with dementia, their family members and supporters. Second Saturday of the month, 11.00am2.00pm. Please note this has moved to The Bradbury Centre until at least January, while building work is done at Raleigh House. Next dates: 14th December including a screening of Singing in the Rain, 11th January 2014, 8th February 2014. 4 per person including refreshments and a light lunch (served at 12.00 noon). Contact the team on 020 8942 8256 or email admin@ageconcernkingston.org if you would like to attend or for more information.

Top tips to help you stay warm

Winter Fuel Payment If you were born before 5th January 1952 you are eligible for this payment of between 100 and 300 to help with the bills this winter. Call us or call the Winter Fuel Helpline on 0845 915 15 15. Cold weather payment If you are receiving means-tested benefits then you may be entitled to some extra support if the weather reaches zero degrees Celsius or below for 7 days or more. Call us or call the Pension Service on 0845 606 0265. The Warm Home Discount scheme many large electricity suppliers offer a 135 discount to certain older customers during winter. You may be eligible if l you are under 75 and get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit but not if you get Savings Credit l you are over 75 and get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit, even if you get the Savings Credit. Warm Home, Better Health Free advice and assistance to people over 65 to help keep their homes warm during winter, including: advice by phone, a home inspection, clearing snowy driveways, free energy-saving devices, providing hot meals and temporary heaters. Call 0800 118 2327. Think about changing your supplier this can be best way to save money and stay warm. Contact other suppliers for quotes or call the independent comparison service uSwitch on 0800 051 5493. Contact us for further advice.

Free legal advice surgery

Last Tuesday of the month, next dates: 26th November, 28th January and 25th February 2014. To make an appointment phone the advice line on 020 8408 8170. Keep in touch talk to friends, relatives or neighbours make sure you have someone to contact if things get hard to manage when bad weather persists.

The Bradbury events and outings

Tue 26th November: Bradbury Film Club Marigold Hotel, with snacks and drinks, cost 3. Thurs 5th December: Christmas Dinner at The Clink, 6 for transport, 24.95 for 3-course dinner. Thurs 12th December: Coach Trip to see the London Lights with fish and chips supper. Date tbc: Christmas carol singing at Bradbury (mulled wine, Christmas raffle and nibbles). For further information contact the Centre Manager, Laura OBrien, on 020 8549 1230, or email bradbury@ageconcernkingston.org

Handyperson
Small repairs, maintenance and adaptations. Maybe you need some light bulbs changed now that the nights are drawing in? We can carry out a home safety check and assist with clearing paths during snowy weather.

Stay Well at Home

If youre unwell, have had a fall, or have been in hospital, our friendly team can help with shopping, collecting prescriptions and getting support at home.

Lunch Clubs
In partnership with RBK in Chessington and New Malden. The Fountain Court Lunch Club Tuesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at Fountain Court, New Malden The Charles Lesser Lunch Club Wednesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at Charles Lesser House, Chessington The Bradbury Centre Lunch Club Wednesdays 12.00pm 2.00pm at The Bradbury Centre, Grange Road, Kingston For more information call 020 8942 8256.

Free Fit as a Fiddle courses starting January 2014

Are you over 50, live in the borough of Kingston, and want to lose weight, get fit, and improve your well-being? Why not join a free 6 week course starting in January 2014? Take your pick from gentle exercise to more vigorous activity. Try Nordic Walking Richmond Park, Mon 6th Jan 10th Feb, 10.30 Or Aquacise Kingfisher Leisure Centre, Wed 8th Jan 12th Feb, 1.30 Or Body Balance Christ Church, New Malden, Thurs 9th Jan 3th Feb, 12.30 Or Chair-based exercises St Marks, Surbiton, Fri 10th Jan 14th Feb, 12.30 All courses include healthy lifestyle/weight loss workshops. For more information and to book a place, please contact: Grace, Fit as a Fiddle Coordinator tel: 020 8942 8256 email: grace@ageconcernkingston.org.

Whats on in Kingston
U3A Kingston
First Monday of the month, 1.30pm at the Richard Mayo Hall. For more information see the website www.kingstonu3a.org.uk or call 020 8399 0163.

Kingston Pensioners Forum

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

Second Monday of the month at Richard Mayo Hall, United Reformed Church, Eden Street, Kingston. For more info call the Secretary on 020 8241 9913.

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Help@Home

age concern
Kingston upon Thames

I get help when I want, how I want

With our help@home service youre in the driving seat. Our purpose is to support your independence, not take it away. We can assist with laundry, shopping, cleaning, outings and appointments or someone to talk to if thats what you need. Whether its a practical one off job or regular assistance, we can provide it. We pride ourselves on our personal touch. With a team of friendly, reliable, trained, supervised and security checked staff, and over 65 years experience, we give that little bit extra that makes all the difference. For further information please phone us on: 020 8942 8256 or visit our website: www.ageconcernkingston.org.

ve Its great to ha me, o h t a lp e h e m so one to I should have g ars ago. e y e m o h @ lp e h

The help@home team providing the support you want, how and when you want it.
Charity Number 299988