September 2020 Welcome to the Bristol Older People’s Forum ... … · 2 COVID-19 Newsletter – Issue 2 News from Bristol City Council COVID-19 Updates As at 12:00 on 02/09/20 there

COVID-19 Newsletter – Issue 2 1

News • Services • Getting help

If you would like this information in another language, Braille, audio tape, large print, easy English, BSL video or CD-ROM or plain text please contact: Laura Densem on 0117 903 6167

A message from the Deputy MayorDear Resident,

Welcome to the second edition of our Bristol City Council and Bristol Older People’s Forum newsletter. I hope you found the first issue useful and interesting.

As Deputy Mayor with responsibility for Communities, Equalities and Public Health, this has been an extraordinary time for Bristol and I couldn’t be prouder of our city, and our citizens. Life may seem to be returning to how it was before the pandemic, but I know many are still finding it a challenge or are feeling more anxious than usual. We want you to know that we’re doing everything possible to keep the city safe, and make sure no one is struggling on their own.

We hope this newsletter gives you the information and assurances you need.

Wishing you well

Yours sincerely

Cllr Asher Craig, Deputy Mayor of Bristol

In this issue:p2 News from Bristol City Council

p5 Getting help

Features:

p6 BOPF Open Forum & AGM

p7 Life after Lockdown

Welcome to the Bristol Older People’s Forum and Bristol City Council’s coronavirus information and advice newsletter.

September 2020

2 COVID-19 Newsletter – Issue 2

News from Bristol City Council

COVID-19 Updates As at 12:00 on 02/09/20 there have been 1,463 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Bristol. The previous week there were 1,407 confirmed cases.

New COVID-19 local testing site in central BristolBristol City Council has opened its first walk-through testing site to help residents get a free test as quickly and as easily as possible if they develop symptoms of coronavirus.Hoped to be one of many in Bristol, the new site is located off St Paul’s Road at the rear of the Victoria Rooms near the Triangle and has been set up to provide an easily accessible and central location for more people to get tested for the virus.Anyone with symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin by calling 119 and results will arrive the next day.

Face CoveringsIt is now mandatory to wear face coverings in all shops, on public transport and in a wide range of indoor settings including places of worship and cinemas. Did you know that not everyone realises straight away that they have COVID-19, and some display few symptoms at all? The best thing you can do to make sure you don’t unknowingly pass on the infection is wear a mask, wash your hands regularly and act quickly if you think you are unwell.We also want to encourage everyone to be kind to each other during this uncertain and stressful time. With the change in guidance about mandatory use of face coverings, please be mindful that some people are less able to wear them, and that the reasons for this may not be visible to others.If someone is not wearing a mask they may have a legitimate reason not to. This includes (but is not limited to):• people with a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability• when someone needs to take medication• people who are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip

reading to communicate• those who, when putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will suffer severe

distress• young children under the age of 11Visit the government website for more information www.gov.uk/coronavirus



Key Bristol updates & Council Services The Government has set out further changes to lockdown measures in England.As shops and businesses are now mostly open, we’re working on making public spaces safe as they get busier. We’re asking everyone to help prevent the spread of infection by following Government guidelines and only going out if you do not have symptoms and wearing cloth face coverings. Many social settings remain closed for now. Guidelines are updated regularly on television and radio news. • Libraries are now open to return, browse and borrow books, use computers and print• M Shed and Bristol Archives are open from 8 September and Bristol Museum and

Art Gallery is open from 15 September. All visits now have to be pre-booked so we can manage visitor numbers, test and trace etc. Pre-booking opens on 1 September online – bristolmuseums.org.uk. People without internet access can call to pre-book on 0117 352 6600

• Park toilets and kiosks are open at many parks now• Citizen Service Point at 100 Temple Street remains open for emergency cases only• Reuse and recycling centres are open on certain days based on vehicle number

plates. You can now book bulky waste and garden waste collections: Call 0117 922 2100 for info on recycling and waste

• Funerals are still restricted, to find out more call 0117 903 8280If you need more information on any of the above services, please call 0800 694 0184 (freephone, Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm), translation service available. Deaf BSL users can contact the phoneline through a BSL Interpreter.



Annual CanvassEvery year we send a canvass form to all residential properties in the city to check who’s eligible to register to vote. You may have received a letter from us recently. Please read the information in your letter carefully to check whether you need to respond. If you do, you can reply by phone on 0800 197 9871, by text to 80212 or by post.

Keeping Bristol CleanIf you spot any fly tipping, you can report it by calling 0117 922 2100

Any other street issues can be reported on line at www.bristol.gov.uk/report-a-street-issue

Bristol Bridge, Baldwin St & Union StThe streets are now closed to through traffic to reduce pollution.

This is providing more space for people to walk & cycle in the city centre and supporting social distancing But it’s only through traffic that can’t use Baldwin Street & Union Street - access is still possible for car parks & disabled bays.

Fancy giving cycling a go? Now’s your chance! Loan a bike for free via the new Better by Bike site, and get exploring Bristol and the south west. visit www.betterbybike.info

MOT testsBristol Council is now offering impartial MOT testing to citizens. Our test centre in Sandy Park, Brislington currently has standardised prices and plenty of appointment slots available. If you, or family, friends or neighbours are in need of test soon – get in touch!

To book a test call 0117 903 6319 or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/MOT

Asylum SeekersWe are working with Bristol Hospitality Network to find move-on accommodation for asylum seekers in the city. We’re looking for volunteer hosts who can offer a spare room or living space for a minimum of 3 months. Most guests are self-sufficient and just need a safe place to sleep and warm welcome. If you can help, call: 0117 379 0011.



National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 10–17 October.

Hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards a person’s disability, race or nationality , religion or faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.

If you’re a victim of, or witness a hate crime, you can report it by phone: call 101 or 999 in an emergency, in person at a police station, or fill out an incident form online: www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/report/crime-or-incident

Black History Month takes place in October. Each year, Cognitive Paths produce a booklet all about Black History Month in Bristol. If you would like to submit your story or an article or receive a booklet please get in touch. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will be producing a digital version instead of our usual print publication. So if you need a special copy please let us know. Please call: 07555 188 929, write to: 62A Halston Dr, St Paul’s, BS2 9JN or email [email protected] and ask for Tasha Williams. Please note our team is only available on Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am - 4pm.

We Are Bristol Freephone hotline If you need help with: • Delivery of food, medication or other essential items• Someone to talk to if you’re feeling lonely or worried• Signposting to follow-up support with different organisations.

Just call 0800 694 0184. Lines are open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can contact us by textphone on 0208 964 6345. If you would like to contact someone from our sensory impairment team please text us on 07775 646 671 or email us at [email protected]

Caring for you Our Adult Social Care services continue to be available. If you are in need of support, information or advice, Well Aware can help. You can call Well Aware on (Freephone) 0808 808 5252 and they can post or email you information. If you have concerns about your health, please ring NHS Choices on 111 or in an emergency, 999.


Services

BOPF OPEN FORUM & AGM 2020 Virtual Meeting on Thursday 24 September, 10:30 – 12:00 Bristol Older People’s Forum will be holding a virtual Open Forum & AGM on Thursday 24th September 10.30am - 12.00pm, and we would like as many BOPF members to attend as possible. Further details of the event, including the Zoom link, are being publicised with our online members.

The event will include two main speakers, Karin Smyth, MP for South Bristol on her work as a local MP, and David Saunders who will be talking about Climate Change. There will also be AGM business: approving last year’s Annual Accounts and electing Trustees for 2020/21. The Trustees standing are as follows: Ian Bickerton (Chair), Trish Mensah (Deputy Chair), Christina Stokes (Treasurer), Judith Brown (BOPF Ambassador), David Elson (Trustee), Pat Gregory (Trustee), Tara Mistry (Trustee), Gloria Morris (Trustee), Lyn Porter (Trustee), Jenny Smith (Trustee), Tony Wilson (Trustee)..

We are very aware that there are BOPF members who will not have access to Zoom, unless family or friends can assist. If you cannot attend the virtual meeting but have any views on the agenda (https://bopf.org.uk/event/bopf-agm), including the Annual Accounts (https://bopf.org.uk/about/key-documents) and Trustees election, please do contact us: BOPF, c/o Age UK Bristol, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY, email: [email protected], office phone: 0117 927 9222.

Ian Bickerton, BOPF Chair


Services

BOPF Life Under Lockdown Survey Findings The Life Under Lockdown survey is phase one of a two-year piece of research looking at the challenges facing a snapshot of older people in Bristol. The research took place between May and June 2020 and included on-line and hard-copy formats of the questionnaire (page 8 of the report).

One of the most significant observations we found was that the hard-copy postal version of questionnaire was completed by a far higher percentage of older people in the advanced age group (75+). This may reflect the fact that this generation are more likely to be digitally excluded.

The postal questionnaire also identified higher percentages of disabled people, lower levels of connection to family and friends and most revealing, higher levels of isolation and loneliness.

There were also some positive aspects of the lockdown, identified by all respondents, with an increase in neighbourliness, more time for hobbies and pastimes and a cleaner environment.

Anger with the Government, particularly from older respondents, was also highlighted.

Phase two of this project, will include developing a research group of older people to explore some of the themes and findings in greater depth.

We will also be extending the project to look at the affects of lockdown and the wider implications of the pandemic on Bristol’s BAME Elders.

Further development will see us working in partnership with Bristol City Council, the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the voluntary sector and university academics, with a plan for the findings to help sharpen and improve intervention and policy around Covid-19 over the coming months.

Finally, our project will continue to place older people at its core and ensure that they are seen as part of the solution rather than reinforcing ageist assumptions of older people as a ‘problem’ or ‘burden’.

You can find the full report here: https://bopf.org.uk/news/bopf-magazine

Ian Quaife, BOPF Engagement and Development Manager


Services

Claim Pension Credit to help pay for your TV Licence! Many of us in Bristol may struggle to pay the TV licence fee, which is now £157.50. However, households with someone over 75 claiming pension credit will still be eligible for a free TV licence.

In the UK over half a million in the UK are entitled to pension credit but do not claim!

Money can be tight when living on a fixed income, but pension credit could be your passport to having other benefits too, which would boost your income. These include free NHS dental treatment, help with rent, a Council tax reduction or cold weather payments. We at BOPF are keen to see as many of our members as possible claim this helpful benefit.

It is a means-tested benefit designed to top up the income of those who receive the basic state pension.

To qualify for pension credit, you must be over state-pension age with a weekly income of less than £173.75 (single person) or £265.20 (as a couple). There are also benefits you can claim if you are a carer, are severely disabled or responsible for a child or young person.

Make a phone call to see if you are eligible on 0800 991 234 (free from a landline or text phone 0800 169 0133 or Relay 18001 then 0800 991 234 if you are unable to hear or speak on the phone). This is the government pension credit department and you will need your National Insurance number, information about your savings and investments as well as your bank details so they can arrange payment if you are eligible. It’s open from Monday to Friday 9.30am – 6.30pm

The staff can send you a form to complete or you can ask Citizens Advice, a trusted friend or Age UK Bristol to help. Or you can apply online www.gov.uk/pension credit. Look at their helpful fact sheet. If you have access to a computer there is an excellent moneywise site from Independent Age (www.independentage.org) which has a free guide on how to claim or ring their helpline on 0800 319 6789. Which? Magazine also has information online. All of which will reassure you about what you are eligible for and how to claim. Claim!!

Trish Mensah, BOPF Trustee

9Going Out After Shielding or Self-Isolating Guide by Bristol Ageing Better Please contact Age-Friendly Bristol at [email protected] or 0117 928 1539 if you would like a larger printed copy of the following poster



Other content

Support Hub for Older People: Helping older people and their families cope with the impact of COVID-19Age UK Bristol and a collaboration of like-minded organisations in the city have come together to form the Support Hub for Older People. The Hub provides practical, social and emotional support to help people aged 50+ in Bristol.

Practical support includes food shopping, prescription collection, home maintenance, information and advice about finances, benefits and allowances as well as emergency help linking those in need to local food banks.

Social support includes online and over the phone activities. Examples of activities running are telephone chat groups, telephone befriending where our volunteers call for a weekly chat, shared reading, Tai-Chi classes and exercise classes.

Emotional support includes online and telephone-counselling sessions as well as bereavement support sessions.

To find out more about support available for you or your family please call the Support Hub on 0117 929 7537 or email [email protected]

Age UK Bristol’s project supporting ex-service men and womenAge UK Bristol are working with the Royal British Legion and SSAFA to make sure ex-service men and women are getting the help they need.

Through the ‘Veterans Should Not Be Forgotten Project’ we have a dedicated information and advice worker for ex-servicemen and women and can offer reduced rates for home maintenance from clearing gutters to mowing the lawn with We Care Home Improvements, a Bristol-based charity.

To find out more about support available for ex-service men and women over 50, please email [email protected] or call the Support Hub 0117 929 7537


Other content

Message from Dr Jon Hayes, Clinical Chair of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning GroupI am really thrilled that Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group is working in partnership with the Bristol Older People’s Forum and that we have this fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate with the older members of our community.

I would personally like to thank all of you who have done so much to support health and care workers since the outbreak of Covid-19. I know that some of you have been on waiting lists for surgery and other procedures which may have been delayed since the outbreak. As I am sure you will appreciate, many of our health services have needed to change the way they operate during the pandemic and because of this, routine referrals were temporarily suspended.

I am pleased to say that we are now able to open referrals however there is now a backlog of patients so some people may wait longer for a response. I am very sorry about the delay but want to reassure you that we are working hard across our health system to ensure we can follow up with you as soon as possible. We’re giving priority to patients with suspected cancer and other very urgent problems and if you have been referred routinely your referral will initially be placed on a waiting list.

The pandemic has changed the way in which referrals are managed and there may be different ways in which specialists will assess and help you. It may be that your case will be referred back to your GP or a telephone or video consultation may be arranged for you. If the specialist thinks a face-to-face consultation is needed then they will arrange for you to be seen in a suitable place in the hospital with social distancing measures in place.

I appreciate that this is a worrying time and you may feel anxious while waiting for further assessment. I’d like to recommend a wellbeing toolkit which is available on the CCG website that gives advice and support to look after yourself https://bnssgccg.nhs.uk/library/mental-wellbeing-during-covid-toolkit


Other content

Mental Health After Lockdown by Community Access Support ServiceMany people have been dreaming about lockdown ending since it started, however frustrating most of us have found ways to cope and feel safe. Now this is happening, lots of us feel conflicted.

It’s natural to feel uncertain as we ease back into more social contact. There will be changes to our lives for some time, such as wearing masks and social distancing. Some people will have pre-existing mental health conditions that have been worsened by lockdown, some people will have struggled with their mental health as a result of it. Activities involving crowded places and social interaction are now harder to avoid and difficult to navigate.

We might feel angry with people who rush back into their social lives if we feel it’s too soon, or frustrated that restrictions remain in place. Even if we’ve been dealing with loneliness, we may feel uncertain about meeting friends and family as we’re aware that the virus is still a risk

We may also be dealing with the loss of loved ones and feel sad that they’re no longer here to enjoy lockdown easing.

Whatever our reactions and feelings are, they’re all OK. We’re all likely to feel more stressed, anxious or depressed due to the uncertainties, lack of control and changes in our lives. Awareness and acceptance of our feelings can help us recognise when we need some self-care or extra support.

Self-care can include anything you enjoy: a favourite film, reading, getting creative or spending time with a pet. Find what works to take your mind off your worries and allow yourself time to do it.


Other content

Other ways to help yourself:Don’t feel that you have to rush back to your routine, especially if you are in a vulnerable group. Start with small activities when you feel ready.

Control what you can – follow guidance on handwashing and hygiene, and get information from reputable sources.

Talking to someone can help acknowledge and release feelings. Alternatively, write your feelings down. Even if you tear up the page, getting the feelings out often helps.

Be kind to yourself - give yourself the same care and advice you’d give a close friend.

If necessary, seek help from mental health and wellbeing services. You can find out who can help via the Age UK Bristol Support Hub on 0117 929 7537. If your feelings become overwhelming and start to impact your life, speak to your GP.

Find resources around mental health and wellbeing at www.cassbristol.org

Bread of Bristol Project supported by University of BristolBread of Bristol explores how the people of Bristol engage with the theme of bread-making, bread-eating and bread in general. There has been a renewed focus on flour, yeast and bread during the past few months of lockdown.

What memories does bread stir? Have you got a special recipe for your bread? Do you have an emotional relation to bread, to its texture, flavour, smell? Have you learned to bake bread from a person dear to you? Have you

got a story about bread that you would like to share? Is there a tradition of bread-making that you feel part of? Did you buy extra flour to bake bread during the pandemic?

If you have any bread-related stories that you would like to tell, experiences or recipes that you would like to share; if you would like to share with us how you make your own bread (we can help you with making a video!); if you want to write something about or related to bread (poetry, stories from the past, memories), please get in touch! We welcome any form of participation in our project!

Please get in touch with your ideas or questions - our email is [email protected]

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BOPF & BCC Newsletter Survey 2020

We need to make sure that the information provided in our BOPF & BCC Newsletter is useful, interesting and gives you the information you need. To help us do this we would really appreciate it if you could complete the following form and return it by 23 October 2020 to our BOPF FREEPOST address:FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXB, BOPF, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street Bristol, BS1 6BYWhat content of this Newsletter did you enjoy reading or find helpful and informative? Please tick the relevant boxes

What additional content could you like to see in the next issue of this BOPF & BCC Newsletter?

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q COVID-19 Updates 2 q MOT tests 4

q Face Coverings 2 q Asylum Seekers 4

q Key Bristol updates & Council Services 3 q Black History Month 5

q Surveys and Consultation 3 q National Hate Crime Awareness 5

q Keeping Bristol Clean 4 q Asylum Seekers ?

q Bristol Bridge, Baldwin St & Union St 4 q Getting help ?

q Fancy giving cycling a go? 4 q Caring for you 5

qBOPF Open Forum & AGM 2020, Thursday 24 September, 10:30 - 12:00 6 q

BOPF Life Under Lockdown Survey Findings 7

qClaim Pension Credit to help pay for your TV Licence! 8

qGoing Out After Shielding or Self-Isolating by Bristol Ageing Better 9 q

Bristol advice agencies are open for FREE phone advice 10

qSupport Hub for Older People: Helping older people and their families cope with the impact of COVID-19

11 qAge UK Bristol’s project supporting ex-service men and women

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Message from Dr Jon Hayes, Clinical Chair of Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Clinical Commissioning Group

12 qMental Health After Lockdown by Community Access Support Service

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q Bread of Bristol Project by Bogdan Florea 14

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Designed and printed on sustainably sourced material by Bristol Design, Bristol City Council, September 2020, BD13238

Documents

September 2020 Welcome to the Bristol Older People’s Forum ... … · 2 COVID-19 Newsletter – Issue 2 News from Bristol City Council COVID-19 Updates As at 12:00 on 02/09/20 there