Signpost

Age Sector News 15th May 2020

Special Edition for COVID-19 (3rd Edition)

Welcome to the latest issue of Signpost Express, a third special edition to keep you all updated on specific and relevant issues to the age sector across Northern Ireland during this COVID 19 pandemic. I am back from being off on furlough so catch up with all the relevant news and work plans in each of the Council areas. It’s amazing to see all the best practice shared across Age Friendly Officers, Age Sector Network partners and the wider community and voluntary sector. Age NI are rapidly reviewing our support daily and want to communicate all new information so keep checking our social media for regular updates. We are very keen to know how we can now shape our services to meet the needs of our local groups and communities going forward, so please let us know what our COVID 19 exit strategy may look like. The Government advice remains to stay at home and keep alert. Massive thanks to you all for your attentiveness to keeping older people connected. I would like to wish you and your loved ones a lovely week ahead. Take care, keep safe and keep well. Elaine Keep the information coming as I am feeding the information everyone sends me to many others. Please send us information to highlight corona virus response activities and updated news in your area. If you wish to have anything included in the next Signpost Express, please email me: elaine.curry@ageni.org

News: Regional News Regional News

1. Check in and Chat Service: Call Age NI Advice on 0808 808 7575 Monday –

Friday, 9am-5pm or email info@ageni.org. Telephone befriending available

too. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/services/carewellbeing-

services/check-in-and-chat/

2. Age NI Website: www.ageni.org for details of our latest news, activities,

campaigns and ways you can support Age NI during this difficult period.

3. Rights of Older People - Age organisation across the UK, including Age NI

and the Commissioner for Older People have released Statements on the

rights of older people, released by a few weeks ago. Links to the Statements:

https://www.ageni.org/news/joint-statement-on-the-rights-of-older-people-in-

the-uk-to-treatment

4. Age UK News: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/

5. Age Sector Networks: Age NI is delighted to help fund Age Sector Networks

across N. Ireland to support them with their COVID-19 response services and

activities. Age NI would like to congratulate networks on their vital work in

keeping older people connected. Age Sector Networks details are in the link if

you want to find out more information: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-

ireland/get-involved/age-sector/age-sector-networks/

Age Sector Networks in N. Ireland

Get in touch with your age sector network/ age sector organisations in your local Council

area: see the following link for contact details: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/get-

involved/age-sector/age-sector-networks/

MID ULSTER AREA: Cookstown, Dungannon and Magherafelt

• Mid Ulster Seniors Network: Raymond McGarvey raymondmcgarvey123@gmail.com

• Age Well Partnership - 02879632170

• Mid Ulster District Council – Health & Well-being Officer Ivan.McKeown@midulstercouncil.org

• Tel: 07955239388

MEAAP: MID & EAST ANTRIM AGEWELL PARTNERSHIP (Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne)

• MEAAP: helpline number 028 25658604

• Facebook and Twitter regularly updated www.facebook.com/meaapnetwork

SWAP (South West Age Partnership) Omagh and Fermanagh areas

• SWAP’s Facebook page will be updated with credible updates and local knowledge. https://www.facebook.com/swapnetwork/

COAST (Causeway Active and Strategic Team) 07517076815

www.facebook.com/coastnetwork Email: coast.manager@yahoo.co.uk

SING (Senior Information Network Group) Lisburn, Castlereagh/ Colin

• Age NI First Connect Officer - George Smith - 07436 581 437

• CASTLEREAGH AREA Isobel Flood - 07777 1880857

• LISBURN & COLIN AREA Geraldine Rice - 07592 748 129

• Good Morning Colin – 028 90627863/ Email: isabel@newcolin.com

NORTH WEST (Derry City and Strabane)

• Good Morning North West: https://www.facebook.com/Good-Morning-North-West-594993387616672/ 02871353694/02871353735 karyn@leafaircommunity.org

• U3A FOYLE - 028 7186 0123 email info@u3afoyle.com anytime.

ABC SENIORS NETWORK – Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon

• Faye on 07873 339423. Or email David Hammerton Chair by e-mail: dhhammerton@hotmail.com / Stephanie Rock Mobile: 078 2501 0630

• Access and Information Service - 028 3756 4300

• Age NI - First Connect Co-ordinator – Emma Loughlin 07816 230753

AGENDA – Age North Down and Ards

• 02891271968 Monday – Friday 10am – 2pm (24 hour answering machine) E mail agenda@agenorthdownards.co.uk Web www.agenorthdownards.co.uk

• Age Friendly Officer: Gareth McCausland - Tel: 07880054840

Southern Age Well Network (Newry/ Mourne area)

• Denise McBride/ Kathy Gallagher OFFICE: 02830266024 MOBILE: 07885210488 denise.nmscc@gmail.com or kathy.nmscc@gmail.com https://www.southernagewellnetwork.org/

Antrim and Newtownabbey – Useful Numbers

• Newtownabbey Senior Citizen’s Forum: 50 and on the Go - 02890838848 Website: newtownabbeyseniorcitizensforum.co.uk

• Community Navigator – Stephen Gourley Call 07814 196820 Email: communitynavigator.an@ageni.org

Learning/ Governance: Learning - Training - At Home Ideas

• NICVA https://www.nicva.org/article/nicvas-advice-on-managing-the-impact-

of-coronavirus

• Remote Psychological First Aid during the COVID-19

outbreakhttps://www.hsclearning.com/course/view.php?id=1042

• Laughter Therapy Wednesday 20th May 2.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m., delivered by

Michelle Major, Sunshine Project using Zoom. To book your place, email

denise@cwsan.org

• '10 things you can do to feel better right now'

Youtube : https://youtu.be/u-oBEgk4nzM

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/AwareNI/videos/764144557450978/

• Arts Care: 'Arts Care 4U' Channel will support everyone in the community.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ85xLA2BlQQdrnWBhKw1hw

• Advice NI’s Online Learning Platform: http://www.adviceni-

learningonline.net/course/view.php?id=46

• Reading Rooms Project Resource: Stay Connected - activity ideas, poems, quizzes, pictures, conversation starters etc. https://readingfriends.org.uk/resources/?resourceTags=RFStayConnected

• Below are some links to support people with dementia and their carers

✓ https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk ✓ https://musicmemories.bbcrewind.co.uk ✓ https://www.facebook.com/events/224767148793291/ ✓ https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus-activity-ideas-people-

living-dementia#content-start

• Go to website for a wide range of free resources and information: https://www.camhs-resources.co.uk/

• Ideas for activity packs/ Door step activities please see some of links

below.

✓ The Works – Puzzles, crosswords, word search

✓ Amazon rainbow kits

✓ Mindfulness colouring in and colouring in pens / pencils

✓ Disposable camera’s

✓ www.goldencarers.com/activities/

✓ A Magazine – ask magazine companies for reduced prices or old copies

✓ Leaflets – Here for You like

✓ PALS Gazette – local stories collated like G6 (Prevention against Loneliness)

✓ Personal letter from organisations / youth groups

✓ Card to phone for linking to a Penpal/ Phone pals

✓ Local recipes with personal stories

✓ Crossword and Sudoku books – you can get from Poundland/ B&M stories

✓ Age NI Staying well at home booklet

✓ Personalised Pens/ Fridge Magnets/ Keyrings -

https://www.facebook.com/1502357233334939/photos/2627001504203834/

✓ Local organisations leaflets – Joint Community leaflet

✓ Face Mask, Exercise Sheets, Snacks, Foot scrubs, Fridge Magnets, Plant seeds

Ideas for outside door-step activities/ street activities applying social

distancing rules:

• A song day – outside singing /

www.singforyourlife.org.uk/the-silver-song-

music-box

• Outside Bingo

• Reminiscing – 5 things about your life that

made you happy

• Gratitude game – 5 things that have been grateful for in life

• https://cdn.baringfoundation.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/BF-Treasury-of-art-

activities_WEB2.pdf

• www.goldencarers.com/free-activities/

• https://blog.arborcompany.com/14-activities-for-elderly-people-that-arent-boring

• Window Games like this picture above:

http://realestate.boston.com/news/2020/04/14/neighborhood-games-social-

distancing/

Other Support: Regional Health Messages

1. PHA: https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/covid-19-coronavirus

2. Department of Health COVID-19 app: search for Covid-19 NI on the Apple

app store and Covid-19 NI

3. COVID-19 Community Helpline: 0808 802 0020. You can also get in touch

by email and text message: email: covid19@adviceni.net text: ACTION to

81025

4. Delivery slots: People who have received shielding letters from their GP can

now register for priority online delivery slots with the three large supermarkets.

To access this service you must first register online via NI Direct here -

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/register-priority-online-food-delivery

5. CommunityAPI is an Open Data community resource directory of voluntary

and charitable organisations to update their information regularly as

circumstances dictate. https://www.communityni.org/node/add/service

6. NICVA directory of community and voluntary sector support: COVID-19

website hub with regular updates, resources, advice and funding schemes.

https://www.nicva.org/covid19/#hubindex

7. Action on Hearing Loss: https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/about-us/our-

work-across-the-uk/northern-ireland/

8. Alzheimer’s Society: A range of guides on staying safe, and activities at

home:https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/blog/coronavirus-covid-19-information-

people-affected-dementia

9. Hospital Visiting times: www.northerntrust.hscni.net/2020/02/25/covid-19-

coronavirus/ and information on hospital visiting times and restrictions – you

should check daily for updates www.northerntrust.hscni.net/

10. Carer Hub: The Northern Trust Carer Hub 02827661210 or email

carers.coordinator@northerntrust.hscni.net

11. Bereavement resources which provide advice for people who have

experienced a bereavement during the COVID-19 pandemic period, available

from - https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/covid-19-bereavement-

resources

12. Presentation about Clinical Frailty Scale and its application, including some

examples. Accessible from the link -

https://ucc.cloud.panopto.eu/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=ce9a4d94-fc1c-

44ca-8a39-ab9600f624f3

13. Further information across Health and Social Care is also available such

as: Public Health Agency https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/publications/take-

5-steps-wellbeing-looking-after-your-mental-health-while-you-stay-home

14. Department of Health NI https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/coronavirus

Funding • National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland (New COVID-19

restriction) A quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000. Suitable for voluntary or community organisations. In a statement, CEO Dawn Austwick stated all the funding decisions they make for the next six months (up to £300m of National Lottery funding) will be devoted to addressing the current crisis. This is restricted to: (a) Activities specifically

geared to supporting communities through this crisis, and (b Helping organisations overcome any liquidity issues caused by COVID-19. Application deadline: rolling https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/awards-for-all-northern-ireland

• National Lottery Heritage Fund: Heritage Emergency Fund We are providing a package of support for the heritage sector as a response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The Heritage Emergency Fund is short-term funding to support the immediate actions needed to stabilise operations and manage unforeseen risks. You can apply to us for a grant between £3,000 and £50,000 to cover unavoidable costs you will otherwise be unable to meet for up to four months. You should only apply to us for essential costs. The Heritage Emergency Fund is accepting applications for funding from £3,000 to £50,000. The application form will be available from Wednesday 15 April and you will be able to apply until 30 June 2020.

• Covid 19 - Discretionary Support Form (INDIVIDUALS) To help support people during the COVID-19 pandemic the Department for Communities (DfC) has put in place a non-repayable GRANT payment to assist with short-term living expenses where a person, or a member of their immediate family, has been infected by COVID-19 or told to self-isolate. To apply for the grant you can fill in the claim form here through the below link: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/publications/discretionary-support-form The Freelands Foundation (England & Northern Ireland): Emergency Fund (Individuals) Hardship grants of between £1,500 and £2,500 to enable individuals, including those on short-term PAYE contracts, to survive financially while they explore other ways of sustaining themselves during COVID-19. £500,000 will be available to those living in NI. Prince’s Trust and NatWest: The Prince’s Trust and NatWest Enterprise Relief Fund (Individuals) A new £5million grant and one to one support and guidance fund for young entrepreneurs aged 18-30 affected by coronavirus. Grants can be used to maintain core business operations during the crisis, as well as meet any existing financial commitments, such as paying for essential equipment or settling invoices from suppliers

• The Alpkit Foundation: In response to the coronavirus are prioritising funding to support projects that demonstrate an immediate impact on those affected by the crisis. Grants are available to grassroots organisations serving those affected by the outbreak. Funding can provide support for activities which might include: -helping vulnerable and elderly people who are self-isolating, -supporting the homeless, -providing access to food, medicines or social care, -supporting foodbanks, -increasing the number of meals on wheels deliveries, -bringing exercise indoors. Applications can be made at any time and will be checked on a daily basis: https://alpkit.com/pages/foundation#apply

• Live Here, Love Here - Small Grants Scheme Grants from £500 to £5,000 for volunteer and community groups, all school and third level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs for civic pride projects. Will also

fund community groups to support the needs of local people impacted through reduced contact with society. Due to Covid-19 additional criteria have been added, encouraging groups to send in their ideas on how they feel the money could support their local community – by reaching out to those affected most by the crisis. Examples: community gardens including orchard planting, river canoes for on-water litter picks, biodiversity and environmental projects including the planting of native wildflowers to encourage the return of insects, creative litter campaigns and grow your own vegetable patches. www.liveherelovehere.org. Applications are now open – closing date is 12 noon on Monday 18th May, for any questions email smallgrants@liveherelovehere.org or call 07912178384.

• Charities Aid Foundation – CAF: Charity Organisations with a charitable purpose and charitable activities. Grants of up to £10,000 will help charities deliver much needed support to communities. This is intended as a rapid response fund and it aims to make payments to selected organisations within 14 days. We anticipate high numbers of applicants and unfortunately will not be able to offer a grant to all eligible applicants. You can apply for unrestricted funding for core costs, staffing, volunteer costs, supplies and equipment, communications or other critical charitable areas: https://www.cafonline.org/charities/grantmaking/caf-coronavirus-emergency-fund

• Standard Life Coronavirus Funding Standard Life Foundation are now offering grants of £5K to larger for COVID-19 related strategic work. They will be making funding available for work directly related to the pandemic, addressing specific challenges and helping to contribute to social change which tackles financial problems and improves living standards for those on low-to-middle incomes in the UK. More detail about their approach and the types of activities they will fund are outlined in more detail in the link below. The next deadline for applications is 3 June 2020 at 1pm. https://www.standardlifefoundation.org.uk/

• The Plunkett Foundation (In Kind Support) Thanks to Co-op funding, they are now offering a dedicated package of free Covid-19 support for all forms of community business – including woodlands, farms, bakeries, pubs and shops, as well as those developing groups that have been affected by the pandemic. Includes support and guidance on developing short – medium term cash flow, reviewing business plans, applying for funding, upholding good practice governance and utilising community shares and accessing government support.

• The Telecommunity Fund Grant Grants available £500 - £2,000.The Telecommunity Fund was established with capital from BT, management and unions. It exists to support small, locally based grass roots community projects. Priorities include young people, older people or people with disabilities. Deadline: The next panel meeting will take place on 16th June 2020, therefore applications submitted after 19th May 2020 will not be

considered in this round. https://communityfoundationni.org/grants/the-telecommunity-fund-grant/?dm_i=24PQ,6TAJK,QX3W1H,RA7N0,1Link to NICVA’s Funding information Page: https://www.nicva.org/article/new-covid-19-funds-from-trusts-foundations

• Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland - Small and Medium Grants Programmes: Halifax Foundation has explicitly recommended groups to apply for small and medium grants during this time. Any Covid-19 related applications designed to support the community at this time of crisis will be prioritised and turned around as quickly as possible. Includes funding for core costs.

Small Community Grants (Up to £2,500/12 month grant/rolling programme)

Medium Community Grants (£2,500 - £10,000/12 month grant/rolling programme)

Application deadline: rolling https://www.halifaxfoundationni.org/programmes/community-grant-programme

• Community Foundation for Ireland https://www.communityfoundation.ie/grants/types-of-grants/covid-19-response-fund

• Neighbourly Community Fund: £400 micro funds: https://www.neighbourly.com/NeighbourlyCommunityFund

• Neighbourly Covid-19 Community Fund: Micro grants are available for charities and community groups that are existing members of the “Neighbourly” CSR platform, to support good causes that are helping communities affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. The funding is for activities that support members of the community who are suffering economically, socially or from ill health as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. (max. £400) Application deadline: none specified https://www.neighbourly.com/NeighbourlyCommunityFund

Further Age NI Engagement / Opportunities

Get on the Signpost Express Mailing list: email Michele

Young Michele.young@ageni.org. If your contact details change, please help us keep your

information up to date, by calling 028 9024 5729.

Age NI Advice and Advocacy Service: Free independent and confidential support for older people, their families and carers. Call Freephone 0808 808 7575 Age NI Personal Alarms Contact 0808 100 4545.

0800 023 2986 – this takes you directly to PPP Taking Care Personal Alarms (the 2 numbers facilitate marketing) – nb number takes you in to main UK system. If you want to email details please use: ni.staff@ppptakingcare.co.uk – this goes to NI staff. Age NI Stores: We always appreciate any stock donations to any of the Age NI’s five stores in Belfast, Ballymena, Bangor, Carrickfergus, Coleraine and Newtownards. Just to confirm we are unable to accept any stock donations for the foreseeable future.

Independent Living Products – bathroom aids & adaptations, mobility products and stair/through the floor lifts 028 9024 5729.

Work for Age NI - View opportunities https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northern-ireland/about-us/work-for-us/; This is the link to our current vacancy. This is a new First Connect role in the North Belfast area. Also advertised on Jobfinderni and communityni. Age at Work project: Mid Career Reviews aim to support individuals seeking a refresh of their current role, skills and prospects. Age NI Volunteering: Age NI are looking for volunteers. For information or to register, contact Katie on katie.johnson@ageni.org or on 02890 245 729.

View our website / Like our Facebook page / Follow us on Twitter

Have Your Say – Share a Story

• In your experience – what’s your story? Stories can reflect positive or negative

experiences that you or an older person you know has experienced. Sharing your

story helps us to identify the issues that matter to older people and build evidence to

support our campaigning and lobbying activities. Age NI online questionnaire can

capture older people’s experiences of: If you have a story to share, please follow the

link below and complete the questionnaire:

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/inmyexperience

• Carer’s experiences of current crisis: Recently, Carers NI have heard from many

carers about how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting them on a day-to-day basis.

To get a true picture of what life is like in these challenging times they want your help

to with a short survey and would appreciate your co-operation to help share this

survey as widely as possible among your carers/service users. The survey is open

until Monday 13 April.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HJQYTS7?utm_source=Carers%20UK&utm_med

ium=email&utm_campaign=11456102_ALL%20MEMBERS%20April%202020%20fro

m%20Michael%20-

%20coronavirus%20experiences&utm_content=All%20members%20email%2003%2

0April%202020&dm_i=74C,6TJL2,4BI55K,RBFSI,1

Please share this Signpost with anyone you feel may be interested.

Age NI is the leading charity for older people in Northern Ireland. We deliver care services, provide advice and advocacy, offer products and services, fundraise and influence our decision-makers to improve later life for us all. Age NI, 3 Lower Crescent, Belfast BT7 1NR. Company number NI071940. HMRC Charity reference number XTI4600. Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC104640.

Please send us information that would benefit the age sector

Send details to: elaine.curry@ageni.org