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Eastbourne Seniors News |
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Welcome to Eastbourne Seniors Forum –ESF ESF has been set up along with many others across the country to be a voice for the over 50s Membership for over 50s is open to all who live or work in Eastbourne and its surroundings Following a very successful launch in 2008 we are now seeking to bring together all the members who have offered to get involved in some way or other and form and develop groups with particular interests –See links on the left. Do click on the various links to other sites full of information on different subjects of interest to over 50s 8th February 2010 Pedal East Sussex 2010 The Pedal East Sussex programme of rides is suitable for those already cycling as well as those returning to cycling after a break. Consequently the programme begins with shorter rides and builds up to longer ones. 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. 3rd February 2010 Transport and Pavement Surveys Last year in response to comments from Councillor Tutt we sent out surveys to all our members on local Transport issues and on Pavement problems. Whilst they are of course only a representation of our member's thoughts and not necessarily a picture of the whole of Eastbourne, nevertheless they give a good guide on the various problems E-mail for more information > > 29th January 2010 New Police Powers to Tackle Underage Drinking New Police powers to tackle underage drinking in England and Wales have now come into effect. They will make it easier for police to confiscate alcohol, move-on groups of teenagers causing trouble, and stop retailers selling alcohol to children. 28th January 2010 2010 - time to turn the scammers in Residents in East Sussex are once again being asked to help in the fight against con artists, criminals and scammers by taking part in a month-long 'Scamnesty' campaign. East Sussex County Council Trading Standards is running the Scamnesty campaign during February, asking the public to hand in any suspicious 'scam' mailings to their local library. All of the County Council's libraries are taking part in the campaign which is being replicated by Trading Standards across the UK with the support of the Office of Fair Trading. This follows a similar campaign held by the Council last year. 23rd January 2010 What to expect from Adult Social Care East Sussex County Council has issued a guidance leaflet specifying the standards of Adults Social Care service that it is committed to provide. For more information - download the leaflet > > 22nd January 2010 Want to learn Holiday Spanish? A fully qualified Spanish teacher is offering an intensive Spanish course for beginners to be able to ‘get by’ whilst abroad. The course for the over 50’s will run from the 15th to 19th February, and will be for 2 hours a day, from 11am – 1pm at Age Concern Eastbourne. Cost for the course is £30. For further information, or to book, please contact Helen or Chris at Age Concern Eastbourne, The William & Patricia Venton Centre, Junction Rd, Eastbourne, BN21 3QY. New Year New You! Want to improve your lifestyle in a fun and supportive group? Then come along to the Healthy Life Course for the over 50’s starting on Wednesday 3th February at 10.00 - 11.30 am at the Venton Centre. 19th January 2010 Moving Fitness FREE sessions starting this spring! Local people to benefit from bowel cancer screeningMen and women in Sussex are being invited to take part in a national bowel screening programme to combat bowel cancer. Health and Leisure Directory Updated The Directory of Healthand Leisure Facilities for the Over Fifties has been updated. To see the latest issue, please visit the 'Health & well-being' page. All members will receive a printed copy in due course. 12th January 2010 A petition posted on the 10 Downing Street website states: "We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to press for a major increase in the united Kingdom old age pension with immediate effect as the current amount is a disgrace and the voice of the public should be heard." Click here to add your name to the petitiion. A Message from the Divisional Commander District Commander's January Message 12th January 2010 Refuse collections resumed Eastbourne Borough Council announced today that all refuse collections have now been resumed. 7th January 2010 Refuse collections suspended Eastbourne Borough Council announced today that all refuse collection, both domestic and garden waste, has been suspended until further notice. More information and advice> > Your views invited on new rights for patients A national consultation is underway on the introduction of new patient rights into the NHS Constitution. Read the full article > >28th September 2009 Handyperson grants on offer 18th December 2009 Help shape the future of bus services in East SussexEast Sussex County Council would like your views on its plans to improve bus services in East Sussex. Read complete article > >This looming ageing crisis needs some grown-up solutions It could be as serious a threat as climate change, yet so far politicians have barely considered what needs to be done about our ageing population. A government minister says it's as big a crisis as the financial crisis. A charity director says it's as huge a threat to our way of living as climate change. And yet it is something rarely discussed in our public debate. It is called Getting Older. 17th December 2009 Connecting people who care for the elderly Please find attached a poster advertising an event on 24th February 2010. We have been given advanced warning of an event scheduled by 3VA for 24th February 1010. The idea behind which is to connect all people who go into elderly people’s homes. Amanda Steers of 3VA said: "The plan is to do some joined up working with statutory, voluntary and community groups so that we can all work together to improve safety for elderly people in Eastbourne and surrounding areas. I will be sending out an invitation in the new year with more details, but just wanted you to be able to get this into your diary for now." We will update this website when we have more information. Reduce the risk of losing your purse The Crime Reduction Partnership and Eastbourne Police are encouraging the public to take more care of purses and bags in the run up to Christmas. The loss of a purse is frustrating at any time of the year but as we approach Christmas it is one extra pressure people could do without. Don't leave your car unattended with the engine running! As the mornings turn icy, Sussex Police is reminding motorists that, while it is tempting on cold mornings to turn the engine and blower on and return indoors, it does provide easy pickings for thieves. Eastbourne Operation Reindeer Eastbourne Police, Eastbourne Business Crime Group and the town's Crime Reduction Partnership are joining forces to warn residents about criminals who target shoppers and steal from them in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year. 17th November 2009 Eastbourne Community Bus Service
A new local transport service, the Eastbourne Community Bus Service, has been introduced. Supported by funding from East Sussex County Council, and available to residents within the Eastbourne Borough Council boundaries, the local transport service is operated by Newhaven company CTLA. It will be available on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 9.30 am and 2.30 pm. 12th November 2009 Issue two (Autumn/Winter) of the East Sussex Seniors Association newsletter has recently been published. Included are articles on the new "Handyperson Grant", "It's Never Too Late To learn", "Older People's Engagement Day" and much more. 9th November 2009 Support our armed forces A website, www.WeAreGrateful.org, has been set up by someone just like you, someone who sat on their sofa, in the comfort of their own home, watching the news and seeing our troops risking and losing their lives, day in and day out, who wanted a way to say thank you. It is not a political organisation or a charity. This site is intended for people who want to express their thanks and support for the armed forces. Every effort is made to ensure that no political, slanderous or offensive material content is published. 6th November 2009 Free Training for Over Fifties Have you ever dreamed of being a writer or poet? Whether you’re new to writing or want to improve your writing skills, the Shared Stage workshops will trigger your creativity and provide an opportunity for you to share your work with others. All you need is pen, paper and enthusiasm. You can also get an introduction to IT, Music Creation and Website Design. 1st November 2009 Eastbourne's MP re-elected as chairman of All Party Group for Aging and Older People Nigel Waterson MP has been unanimously re-elected as co-chairman of the All Party Group for Ageing and Older People, a post he has held for a number of years.
The group is one of the largest cross-party groups at Westminster and Mr Waterson said: "I am delighted to be asked to serve in this capacity again, and to have support from colleagues of all parties. There are a huge number of issues affecting older people which demand answers from politicians of all parties. We currently have 2.5 million pensioners living in poverty. I know many of my retired constituents have real problems making ends meet. This is wholly unacceptable in the fifth richest country on the planet in the 21st century." 28th October 2009 Health and Leisure Directory Updated The ESF directory of Health and Leisure facilities for the over Fifties has been updated. Two new categories have been added, Craft and Poetry. 23rd October 2009 National Pensioners Convention Launches Manifesto The NPC launched a manifesto this week which will be presented to election candidates in every constituency. A demonstration will be held in London in a national march and rally in defence of the welfare state on April 10th. A dozen unions have pledged support for the demonstration. NPC General Secretary Dot Gibson said that all political parties needed to realise that "if they want our votes, they must start addressing our concerns The manifesto demands that the government should:
More information from the NPC website > > 21st October 2009 Smoke Alarms Save Lives
If you would like to arrange a free home safety visit, which includes the installation of free smoke alarms, please call 0800 177 7069 or use East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service on-line booking service. Visit the East Sussex Fire and Rescue website > > 20th October 2009 Fitness Sessions for the Older Person Outdoor Fitness Sessions for the More Active Older person - and for those that simply want to get more active - are now starting in Eastbourne on Saturday 24th October.
15th October 2009 Halloween – Not a Charter for Havoc
Read complete article on the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Panels website > > 9th October 2009 Older Peoples Engagement Day Oct 1st As part of our involvement we were jointly responsible with the Eastbourne Library and Information Service in hosting a performance event called “Poems on the Experience of Ageing”
Two published poets John Agard and Grace Nichols were there reading from their own poetry along with 10 other experienced readers reading from the anthology “Old familiar faces – Poems on the Experience of Ageing”
They all brought their own unique style to the readings through different dialects and it was a most enjoyable evening. Steve Thornett said “I didn’t know what to expect but it was fantastic”. The Library proved to be an excellent venue and some 50 people attended, with a number of new people joining the Forum. Refreshments were served and the Anthology was on sale with funds going to Age Concern locally Grant Award We are very pleased to have been awarded a grant from the East Sussex Downs and Weald NHS Primary Care Trust towards the production of our “Directory of Leisure, Learning and Sports Facilities for the over 50`s “ 25th September 2009 EAC Over Sixties Art Awards Now in it's 16th year, EAC Over 60s Art Awards invites all amateur artists over the age of 60 to enter works for this prestigious national competition. Works in any medium are accepted, including: oil; watercolour; charcoal; pastel; pencil; acrylic; photography; textiles and 3D works. Social Care Green Paper The full Social Care Green Paper is very long, and so Age Concern and Help the Aged have produced a very useful briefing summary with their views on its implications. It explains very clearly what the Social Care Green Paper is about, particularly focusing on the following:
Pauline Thompson at Age Concern and Help the Aged would be very interested to hear your views on what the government is proposing - Please reply by e-mail The full green paper can be found at htpp://careandsupport.direct.gov.uk or by contacting the DH publications orderline You may be asked to pay if you want a hard copy (£16). 11th September 2009 Do you have difficulty with local bus services? Complete the ESF Passenger Transport Survey > > 4th September 2009 Eastbourne Seniors Forum – Pavement Survey At the ESF AGM, Councillor David Tutt, Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council said: "East Sussex County Council provides the Highways Agency, dealing with roads and pavements, however, there is an Agency agreement whereby the County Council provides money to the Borough Council for pavements. This is never enough and on occasion the Borough Council has had to use Health Statistics show that there have been 180 hip fractures in residents over the age of 65 in a twelve-month period and the cause of these has been badly maintained pavements.” Councillor Tutt suggested that Eastbourne Seniors Forum could work with the Borough Council to apply pressure on the County Council to improve this. We would like to ask for your help in compiling some information for Cllr Tutt. You have told us on many occasions about substandard or dangerous pavements, and many of you will have suffered falls without sustaining injuries serious enough to be reported. We would like to know about these. Please would you take a few minutes to download and complete our survey. 28th August 2009 ESF website has a sponsor We are very pleased to announce that Barwells, the South Coast solicitors, has agreed to support the ESF by sponsoring this website. Barwells will also provide regular input offering useful advice to ESF members. The first article, answering questions about 'Lasting Power of Attorney" can be found on the 'Managing Finances' page. 26th August 2009 2009 Older People's Engagement Day 6th August 2009 Report on The First ESF Annual General Meeting. Heritage Plus Heritage Plus delivers a range of activities, events and outings, celebrating and recording people's individual and community histories and is run by the national charity WRVS and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its community history website contains an extensive archive of memories, photographs, oral history recordings and stories that have been collected through its activities. You are also able to submit your own memories and photographs to the site to be included in our archive 9th July 2009 Crime Pays… For Community RenewalMore information > >Doorstep selling rights – information for elderly consumers The Office of Fair Trading is keen to bring the following message to elderly consumers in particular. Spend more than £35 with a trader in your home and in most cases you have 7 days to change your mind and cancel. Your right to cancel should be given to you in writing by the trader. If you’re not given this information, they can’t hold you to anything in the contract. If you decide to cancel you must let the trader know in writing within 7 days of being told about your right to cancel. Keep a copy of your letter or email as proof of cancellation. Think carefully before you agree to have any work done or goods delivered within the seven days, as you might have to pay if you then decide to cancel. For more information and advice call Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06 or visit www.consumerdirect.gov.uk If you deal with the elderly or their carers leaflets are available from 0800 389 3158 or email oft@ecgroup.co.uk (quote stock code: OFT1023). Shaping Voices Creative Reminiscence project Click here for more information or to download a poster Health and Well-being Special Interest Group Launched See Health and Well-being page > > Directory of Sports and Leisure Facilities for the Over-fifties launched See Health and Well-being page > > ESF News Issue 2 Click here to download a copy > > Sovereign Centre Improvements Members will probably remember the letter to Cllr. David Tutt by Walter James of the ESF expressing concerns over condition of the Sovereign Centre swimming pool and changing areas. Click here to see the letter > > Mobile phone scam ESF launches "E-newsletter" The first issue of the new ESF electronic newsletter has now been distributed. If you did not receive it and would like to be included on the distribution for future issues, click here If you did receive it, we hope you found it interesting. However, if you do not want to receive future issues, click here East Sussex County Council Chairman, Bob Lacey OBE said: "Congratulations on your new newsletter. You are keeping up with technology and informing people at the same time. That's great news!" Unwitting motorists face £1,000 fines as thousands of photocard driving licences expire Health and Well-being Day to be held at the Congress Suite in Eastbourne Town Centre on Tuesday the 17th March 2009. Volunteer community drivers wanted Could you be a travel companion Eastbourne Residents Demand Action on Ageism from Local MP The Passing of John Appleyard Eastbourne Arndale Centre sets Age Cage record. Eastbourne Seniors Forum open meeting 19/9/2008 Terri and Colin tie the knot Eastbourne Seniors Forum takes off for 2008 Volunteers needed for WRVS coffee shops in DGH. Final Meeting of the Eastbourne Forum for Older People
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