31st August 2010
Changes To Age Concern East Sussex’s Toenail Cutting Service
There has been an important change to the Age Concern East Sussex Toenail Cutting Service.
Under the Health and Social Care Act 2008, as from the 1st October 2010, toenail cutting in a person’s home will be classified as “personal care” and as such it will become a regulated activity. In order to continue to provide a home visiting service, Age Concern East Sussex is required to register as a new provider with the Care Quality Commission. To continue to deliver a service without this registration will be illegal.
27th August 2010
Review of Wheelchair Services
For many disabled people, having an appropriate wheelchair can increase independence and promote a better quality of life. It is vital that wheelchair users are supported by a well resourced efficient wheelchair service to ensure that they have the appropriate chair and/or seating solution to meet their needs.
The East Sussex LINk has commissioned a review into the Wheelchair Service in East Sussex. This review is in response to a number of concerns raised by both wheelchair users and their carers and will enable them to find out about good and less positive experiences of using the Wheelchair Service.
They would like to hear from both wheelchair users and their carers about their experiences with the Wheelchair Service in East Sussex, and are keen to hear from people of all ages and from people who have additional impairments as well as physical impairments.
ECCN Drop-ins
The Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network has scheduled two 'Drop-in' sessions during September and October.
Wednesday 1st September
Housing - Advice and Assistance
Speaker
- David McDevitt
Wednesday 6th October
Supporting Refugees and Assylum Seekers
Speaker - Alex Ntung
AgeUK update
The latest AgeUK update runs through five main food groups to help you make sure you're eating the right things to stay healthy and active. For those of you thinking of planning a holiday, there are travel tips may give you some food for thought too.
Can you teach older people about technology like the internet and digital cameras? If so, you might be interested in getting involved with itea and biscuits week, 20-26 September. And in these money-conscious times, the book Perk up your pension explains what you need to know to plan a financially comfortable retirement.
24th August 2010
Walking Wardrobe Fashion Show
On Wednesday 15th September, St. Wilfrid's Hospice will be holding a 'Walking Wardrobe Fashion Show' at the Eastbourne Winter Gardens. Fashions from all High Street stores and boutiques will be on display. There will also be demonstrations and stalls, including ESF, so why not come along and visit us.
Tickets £10 in advance, or £12.50 at the door.
New Housing and Care Advice Service Launched for Older People in East Sussex
East Sussex County Council has joined forces with FirstStop, a national one-stop-shop for older people and their carers on housing and care, to launch a new advice service in East Sussex. This is a significant step towards older people having more control over their own lives.
ESF Seeks New Committee Members
Eastbourne Seniors Forum (ESF) is looking for new committee members who are passionate about getting the voice of older people heard. We are looking for people to carry out a variety of roles including: a secretary, membership secretary.
Time commitment is approximately 4/5 hours per month and out of pocket expenses will be reimbursed. The ESF committee meets bi-monthly for 2/3 hours and there are plenty of opportunities to be involved in special interest groups such as Health and Well-being, Transport and Learning in Later Life, and to play an active role in getting the voice of older people heard by decision makers in the county.
If you would like further information, please contact: Steve Thornett (Chair of ESF). Tel: 01323 479846.
Caring with Confidence
The Expert Patients Programme CIC in the South of England is working with the Department of Health to deliver free “Caring with Confidence”. sessions for Carers on a national basis. They are currently delivering Caring with Confidence sessions in East Sussex and will be delivering sessions in Eastbourne; the details for which are below.
These workshops are free of charge to Carers and Carers organisations - the full cost of the programme and tutors is met by the Department of Health. Each workshop is 3 hours long and there are a total of 7 modules available which cover a wide range of topics from coping with the emotional impact of being a Carer to looking at the resources and benefits available to Carers.
People will attend an introductory session, then choose which of the other six sessions is most appropriate to their needs. They can choose to attend as many or as few as they wish.
Caring and Coping
Tuesday 14th September 10am – 1pm
This first session looks at the emotional impact being a carer can have, and gives people the time and space to look at some of these emotions together. This will include topics such as understanding and dealing with stress, strategies for defusing feelings like anger, guilt and frustration and handling pressure.
Caring Day-to-Day
Tuesday 21st September 10am – 1pm
This session looks at some of the essentials of looking after someone on a day-to-day basis. We will cover things such as dealing with emergencies at home, handling medication, and avoiding injury to ourselves whilst caring, with opportunities to share tips and advice.
Caring and Resources
Tuesday 28th September 10am – 1pm
This session focuses on the financial side of things, with information on the main benefits and resources you and the person you are caring for are entitled to, ways of tackling financial issues and again, opportunities to share valuable tips and advice
All sessions will take place in Eastbourne.
If you would like more information or to book a place on any of these sessions, please ring our freephone number: 0800 988 5520
4th August 2010
Seaside Harmonies
A new daytime Community Choir for Eastbourne
Seaside Harmonies is a new and inclusive choral initiative for Eastbourne, a daytime Community Choir for people of all ages specifically directed at those who are unable to go out in the evenings because of family commitments or feel unable to go out after dark but want to experience and enjoy the benefits of singing in a group. Led by Victor Potter, Director of Music at Eastbourne Parish Church, the choir will sing a mixture of traditional and popular music including new tunes and rhythms from around the world, from simple rounds and canons to concert pieces tailored to the ability of those present.
The choir is open to everybody who would like to experience singing in a group, whether they are new to singing or have not sung for a while and who are free during the day. There is no need to be shy or feel that you may not turn out to be good enough. We intend to have fun learning to sing and provide an opportunity to join a friendly group and make new friends. There are no auditions. Singing has been proved to have great therapeutic benefits, to be good for body, mind and soul, to improve health and quality of life and to make you feel better about yourself and the world around you.
The Choir will meet on Fridays in term time from 11.15 a.m. to 12.45 pm. at Age Concern, Venton Centre, 6-12 Kilburn Terrace, Eastbourne, commencing on Friday 10 September 2010. There will be a charge of £3 per session for each of those attending, payable on the day.
Why not come along and give it a try! For further information or to register your interest please contact Helen Kennett on 01323 638474
Drop By - a new Interactive Website
An exciting new interactive website has been launched. Specifically targeted at over 60s, it is designed to help keep older people 'in touch'. Simplicity, Security, and a Sense of Fun - interact with family and friends, keep in touch with those who are important to you, write your first blog or just enjoy the Games Room.
DropBy provides a secure place for the over 60s to keep in touch. In the longer term it is hoped that it will become a life-line to the most isolated older people in this country. It is a market-leading and innovative interactive space for older people to keep in touch with family, friends and interest groups. DropBy would like to work with older people forums to test the site and the concept, and develop strategies for reaching the more vulnerable target users who are not yet part of the digital revolution.
DropBy is part of the Big Society and is an enabling force for community communication and cohesion.
For now, anyone over 60 who would like to exchange ideas, experiences and information is invited to join up. Visit one of the many 'Rooms' on the site. Share your experiences with people who have similar interests, add your insights to our 'Wisdom Room' or even enjoy a video meeting with grandchildren, family or colleagues from distant places. Forums can set up their own groups and use the site to keep in touch with their members through newsletters, chat rooms, or even video meetings
2nd August 2010
ESF Annual General Meeting - 2010
The Eastbourne Seniors Forum 2nd AGM at was held recently in St Saviour`s Church Hall. The guest speaker was the CEO of Eastbourne Downs and Weald PCT, Mike Wood .
The Chairman Steve Thornett welcomed the speaker Councillors and members who attended and in his report said “that the year had been a very busy one with Forum involvement and consultation in a wide range of areas affecting members in the Town. It is pleasing that our membership is now up to around 500 but we would really appreciate some members coming forward to help with both secretarial work and publicity.
As well as our excellent website we are now issuing a quarterly printed Newsletter, a Directory of Leisure, Learning and Sports Facilities for Seniors and having regular meetings at County level with executives from ESCC and Adult Social Care and through our membership of East Sussex Seniors Association taking local issues to County and National levels.
All the existing Committee agreed to stand again so were duly appointed.
The accounts were accepted as were some minor amendments to the Constitution.
County Councillor Beryl Healey thanked the Forum for all its hard work and remarked that it represented very good value for money and that in the present climate would be under increasing pressure for its comments and advice on matters affecting seniors.
Members were advised that an event for Older People's Day, `Keep Healthy`, would be held at the Kings Centre on Tuesday 5th October at 2:00pm, where there would be speakers on health matters and display stands
Following this Mike Wood gave his talk on the current position of the PCTs and the NHS which was particularly informative in the present climate and was followed by a question and answer session.
Download Mike Woods report > >
21st July 2010
Caring Grandparents
From April 2011, working age grandparents who provide care for a child will be able to get their National Insurance contribution credited to help build up their basic state pension.
For more information contact Grandparents Plus,a national charity
Telephone: 0208-981-8001
Adult Social Care Consultations
Adult Social Care regularly seeks the views of service users, carers, organisations and East Sussex residents.
Your thoughts and experiences help us to understand how their services are used and to plan for the future.
Getting involved in the consultations is very easy. Each consultation has a page on their website which explains why they want your help and how you can get involved. You can also download related documents, for example, a copy of a strategy, action plan or questionnaire.
Current consultations
- Commissioning Strategy for Older People (closing date 31st August)
- Commissioning Strategy for People with Learning Disabilities (closing date 30th September)
- Promoting third sector commissioning of services (closing date 9th September)
Recent consultations
- Feedback results on ESCC action plan for the Housing and Support Strategy for older people living in Lewes
- Forward from 50 evaluation results
- Information Leaflets evaluation results and the 2010 editions
'Coming soon'
- Putting People First
- Direct Payments
- Community Equipment service
- Extra care Housing
District Commander's July Message
Bogus Health Calls
A Bexhill resident received two telephone calls on two different days this week from a Mr. Spencer, purportedly from the Bexhill Health Centre, telephone no. 0208 619 0070. He had a foreign accent and said he was checking on the health of elderly pensioners.
After talking for about 20 minutes enquiring about personal health issues, he then proposed that they should take various medication which he could supply at a reduced rate, but to do this needed their credit card details.
He made this all sound very plausible saying that a medical advisor would keep in touch whilst taking the medication, and wanted them to sign up straight away. When told that they needed time to think about it he asked why? "Surely you can sign up straight away with your card"?
The residents luckily did not continue with this call but please ensure you pass this onto your family and friends to be aware.
25th June 2010
Shoplifting DOWN across Eastbourne
The shoplifting action plan developed by the Eastbourne Crime Reduction Partnership (CRP) has seen a dramatic reduction in shoplifting offences across the town.
22nd June 2010
25 Years Helping Wildlife in Need
Trevor Weeks has been undertaking wildlife rescue and conservation work since he was just 13 years old. He is now the leading light of the East Sussex Wildlife Ambulance and Rescue Service, a registered charity, run by volunteers.
The WRAS depends completely on public donations. To get an idea of what they do, download the WRAS newsletter > >
21st June 2010
Operation Liberal responds to Doorstep Crime
Operation Liberal (currently known in Sussex as Operation InRoad) is the national response to distraction burglaries, rogue traders and bogus callers; commonly referred to as 'Doorstep Crime'. These type of offences can be committed by offenders who are known to travel across borders and further afield to conduct their crimes
19th June 2010
Old-style £20 Note (Sir Edward Elgar) to be withdrawn from circulation on 30th June 2010
Old style £20 notes will cease to be legal tender after 30th June 2010, at which time you will no longer be able to spend them. For a few months, they will still be accepted by Banks and Building societies, but after that the only way to change them will be by taking them, in person, to the Bank of England.
16th June 2010
ECCN Spring Newsletter
The Eastbourne Cultural Communities Network (ECCN) has published its Spring Newsletter.
10th June 2010
Gas safety - Carbon monoxide awareness
What is carbon monoxide- why is it a problem?
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous.When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs.
You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. According to the Health and Safety Executive around 20 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk.
More information
Download the Home Safety Checker Information Guide > >
4th June 2010
Important Ageing Research Needs Volunteers
As we grow old our muscles grow weaker and smaller, they gradually lose their tone and we lose our youthful shape. This process of muscle wasting leads to reduced muscle strength, increased risk of injury or falls, a reduction in quality of life and capacity to do all of the things we once took for granted. The process is slow but eventually it could mean the difference between being able to rise from a chair or any seated position or being stuck on a chair, or toilet.
3rd June
Sussex Police Launch Speeding Awareness Campaign
Sussex Police have launched a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of driving at excessive speed.
A rear window sticker, as shown at the top of this item, has been issued. You can get one from your neighbourhood Police officers.
2nd June 2010
Consultation on Local Mental Health Services Extended
The consultation on local mental health services, that was due to close on 1st June 2010, has been extended until noon on Tuesday 9th June so that the views of as many people as possible can be heard.
1st June 2010
Treat Me right, Treat Me Fair, Treat Me Equal
East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust provides hospital services for the people of East Sussex. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust provide specialist healthcare services. These include services for people with Learning Disabilities
There will also be a Coffee Morning for parent carers of people with learning disabilities. Come to talk about issues that effect people with learning disabilities. .
25th May 2010
ESF Newsletter Number Two
The second issue of our printed Newsletter will soon be published- our first attempt proved to be very successful and we completely ran out of copies at the recent Health Fair run by the local Doctors Partnership Group.
It was really encouraging to the Committee members who were there to meet so many people and be able to sign up lots of new members. Thanks to all of you who have recently joined us - our strength of voice is very much in the number of members we have, which is now around 500. Please try to encourage your friends and neighbours to join us. Together we can Make a Difference
Elsewhere in the Newsletter you will see details about our AGM in July, do come along and hear what Mike Wood has to say and bring your friends and questions! We would value too your comments about this newsletter and general letters. Please put pen to paper or even email us.
Download a copy of the newsletter > >
Garden Share Scheme
A new venture by the “Health and Well-Being” Special Interest Group. Eastbourne Borough Council now has 500 gardeners waiting for an allotment. At the same time there are quite a number of older people whose gardens are now too big for them to manage. The aim of this scheme is to try to match up the two.
The Scheme is run by Age Concern, and Susan Wigfield, herself a gardener and member of ESF, will be matching prospective gardeners with garden owners, and arranging introductions. Clearly, there have to be safeguards. Susan
will be visiting garden owners to see what part of the garden could be given over to the gardener, and what are the owner’s expectations. The gardeners themselves will also have wishes, do they want to grow vegetables or flowers, how much ground do they want, and is there somewhere to store tools safely?
Gardeners will be enrolled on the Age Concern Volunteer Register and be given a free Criminal Record Bureau check, which they can keep as a reference. Having sorted all this out, both parties sign an agreement, and undertake to give 3-month notice if either wishes to stop the arrangement.
For the gardener there isn’t the security of a Council Allotment, but there is the satisfaction of “growing your own”, and of helping an older person to enjoy their garden
again.
If you are interested, either gardeners or garden owners, please contact:
Emma Vieira,
Age Concern Eastbourne,
The Venton Centre,
Junction Road, Eastbourne BN21 3QY,
Tel: 01323 638474.
Or, visit the Garden Share website > >
Dates for Your Diary
ESF Annual General Meeting and Public Meeting
Tuesday 13th July 2010 at St Savour's Church Hall, South Street, Eastbourne - 2pm - 4pm
Speaker Mike Wood, Chief Executive, Eastbourne Downs and Weald PCT
Come along with your questions to Mike. Meet the ESF Committee and find out more.
UK Older People’s Day
1st October 2010. Details to follow.
21st March 2010
Thefts from Garden Sheds
Several garden sheds have been broken into on the Kingsmere estate. Garden equipment has been targeted with mowers and tools being taken. The majority of these offences have occurred overnight.
15th March
Take Care at Supermarket Self Service Checkouts
Police are advising customers at supermarkets to be extra vigilant when using "Self service checkouts". Recently there have been an series of offences where customers have paid for their goods using a credit or debit card at a self service checkout.
4th February 2010
Plans to abolish the use of cheques by 2018 opposed
The Institute of Fundraising feels passionately that there has been insufficient consultation on the Payments Council proposals to abolish the use of cheques by 2018. This development has caused great concern to charities, both large and small: and the Institute believe there has been scant consideration of the disastrous effect this could have on charitable income.