Westminster PLUSEssential information for Westminster’s older residents Issue 13 – July 2011

INSIDENEW Outdoor gym in Paddington

Social care changes Find out if they affect you

Positively Physical Get active with Open Age

PLUSWIN Lord’s cricket tickets

NHS health advice

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Welcome and newsWelcome to the summer edition of Westminster Plus, packed with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 60 plus.

Summer is here. And what better way to enjoy it than to get out and get active? On page 4 you’ll find a whole host of ideas for great days out, both in Westminster and across London. We’ll tell you how to make the most of a MyWestminster ResCard, highlight some great discounts, and even get free entry into a certain special wedding venue. We’ve also got some free tickets to cricket matches at Lord’s to give away. Go to page 14 to find out how you can get your hands on some – for a perfect British day out.

Exploring your city can help you to stay healthy. On page 6 you’ll the discover the benefits of a good walk as we follow the Open Age walking group, and find out about the benefits of aqua aerobics.

Also, find out why libraries are offering more than just good books these days. On page 10, discover what’s on offer, from reading groups and computer courses to audiobooks and historical archives.

2011 will see many changes in the way that services are delivered by the council. We tell you about new ways to pay your rent and council tax and introduce our new occupational therapy provider. On page 9 we’ll explain the benefits of personal budgets.

Last but not least, don’t forget to take in the latest health advice from the NHS on page 12 – for everything from healthy hearts to happy minds.

With books and tickets to give away, along with plenty of news about what’s happening in Westminster, we hope that this edition of

Westminster Plus helps you to keep healthy and active in the months to come.

Have a wonderful summer.

Councillor Lady FlightWestminster Older People’s Champion

Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QPcllrflight21@btinternet.com

On the cover: Anna Charles at the new outdoor gym – Paddington Recreation Ground.

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Welcome and news

Pick up a guide to local servicesMake the most of local services by using the latest A-Z directory. You should have received a booklet with your council tax bill and copies are also available at libraries and One Stop services. As well as listing contact details for all council services, this year the guide also includes health listings so you can find a local GP, dentist or other healthcare service.

You can also pick up a guide to the latest sport and leisure activities at your local leisure centre. The Active Guide includes activities for older people including Tai Chi, ballroom dancing and Pilates.

New ways to payFrom this summer you won’t be able to pay your rent or council tax by cash or cheque at a One Stop service. There are lots of other ways to pay including by Direct Debit, which is easy, safe and convenient. One Stop staff can help you set up a Direct Debit – just ask. Alternatively you can pay by card over the phone or online, or by cash or cheque at any Post Office or bank.

To find out more ask at your nearest One Stop or visit westminster.gov.uk/payment

St. James’s Library to close St. James’s Library will close in August 2011 due to reductions in the council’s budget. But don’t forget that Victoria and Pimlico libraries are less than a mile from St. James’s, with plenty of buses between the sites. Both these libraries are bigger than St. James’s and open for longer.

The home library service will also be available for those who struggle to get out and about.

For more information call 020 7641 1300.

If you’re a resident aged over 60 you can enjoy discounts and even swim free in any of the council’s five pools, including the historic Marshall Street Leisure Centre. Apply for a Concession Card at your local One Stop with proof of address plus your Freedom Pass, or pick up an application form at your local Westminster sport and leisure centre.

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Make the most of living in the heart of London this summer by visiting some of the city’s best attractions.

Out and about SUMMER SPECIAL

Visit Westminster Abbey – freeFollow in Catherine and William’s footsteps and visit Westminster Abbey. The setting for coronations for 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is one of the oldest and most important buildings in the country. It’s the final resting place of kings and queens and some of Britain’s greatest artists and poets. Visitors usually have to pay £16 to visit the Abbey but if you are a MyWestminster ResCard holder you can get in free.

Open: 9.30am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9.30am – 2.30pm Saturday.

Cost: Adults £16, Seniors £13. Free for ResCard holders.

Visit westminster-abbey.org or call 020 7222 5152 for more information.

Do you have a MyWestminster ResCard?The ResCard allows Westminster residents to enjoy discounts at over 200 London venues. Twice a year all card holders are sent a brochure listing all the fantastic deals and discounts on offer. Anyone can obtain a ResCard free of charge – you just need to be a Westminster resident.

To apply for a ResCard visit westminster.gov.uk/rescard or call 020 7641 6000.

Photos: Dean & Chapter of Westminster

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Out and about

Chelsea Physic GardenOne of the world’s most beautiful botanic gardens, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a centre of education, beauty and relaxation. Make the most of a visit this summer by going to one of their courses or talks, on everything from ‘Beekeeping for Beginners’ to ‘Compost Clinics’.

Open: 12 midday – 5pm Tuesday to Friday, 12midday – 6pm Sunday and Bank Holidays.

Cost: Adults £8. 20% discount for ResCard holders.

For more information visit chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk or call 020 7349 6458.

Summer in the cityUse your ResCard to get discounted entry to some of the city’s best attractions this summer, including:

•ApsleyHouse•FlorenceNightingale

Museum •Lord’s Cricket Ground tour

•St.Paul’sCathedral•WellingtonArch•WimbledonLawn

Tennis MuseumTo find out where else you can use your ResCard visit westminster.gov.uk/rescard

New outdoor gymA new outdoor gym and sports facility has opened at Paddington Recreation Ground. The gym has 11 pieces of free-to-use equipment including running machines, recumbent bikes, tai-chi balance discs and a multi-stretch station.

Visitors will also be able to take advantage of free introductory classes run by the gym’s fitness experts and the new development will have a specially built sports area, perfect for football and basketball games.

All facilities will be open from 9am to 10pm from Monday to Friday and 9am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

For more information on leisure in Westminster visit www.westminster.gov.uk/leisureandculture or call 020 7641 2012.

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Keep active this summer with Open Age.

Positively Physical

When Paddington resident, Mignon retired she visited Open Age to find out what was on in her area to help her keep active. She says: “There’s no way I was going to sit in the house. I wanted to go out and find things to do.” She joined a walking group which meets three times a week and also started taking aqua aerobic sessions.

Mignon continues: “The best way to start the day is to go for a walk. I get up in the morning and it’s the first thing I do. I’ve discovered parts of Westminster I didn’t know existed and our group leader knows all the little corners. We walk down the Little Venice canal as well as in the parks.”

Mignon also goes to aqua aerobics sessions at Jubilee Sports Centre. She says: “The water keeps you moving without any aches or pains. You don’t have to be able to swim to join in, and your age or weight don’t matter.

“I can’t do without water aerobics, it keeps me going.”

Mignon says: “If you want to find something to interest you, you can. Taking part in the activities also helps you to meet new people and we keep in contact outside the group.”

Open Age run a programme of events in all areas so if you don’t live in Westbourne Park, Queen’s Park or Harrow Road you can still join in free and low cost activities every week. Call 020 8964 1900 for details.

If you are over 50 and live in Westbourne Park, Queen’s Park or Harrow Road, you can take part in free activities every week through the Open Age Positively Physical programme. Funded by the NHS, weekly activities include yoga, dancing and social activities.

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Positively Physical

“The best way to start the day is to go for a walk. I get up in the morning and it’s the first thing I do. I’ve discovered parts of Westminster I didn’t know existed.”

Mignon John-Baptiste, pictured (second from the right) with the rest of the Open age walking group

Open Age: activity highlightsWalking to fitnessA great way to start the day Mondays from 9.15 – 10.15am (summer break from 8th August to 5th September) Meet outside Edward Wilson School, Senior Street, W2 5TL

Water SplashWater based exercises to improve strength and staminaFridays from 12 to 1pm (summer break from 12th August to 9th September) Jubilee Sports Centre, Caird Street, W10 4RR

YogalatesA mixture of yoga and pilates to strengthen and tone, by Mary Amayo. Call 07890 301 235.Sundays from 4 - 5pm Academy Sport, Torquay Street, W2 5EZ

Could you volunteer?If you’re over 50 and have an hour a week to spare, you could volunteer with Open Age. You can get involved in anything that interests you, such as leading walking groups, running social events or helping out with activities and events. Open Age will cover travel costs and provide training where necessary.

Call 020 8964 1900 to find out more about the Positively Physical programme or volunteering opportunities with Open Age.

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Find out about the changes being made to adult social care in Westminster and how they may affect you.

Changes to care

Drop-in centres to become hubsFrom August, the council is moving its services from drop-in centres to community hubs, covering the Church Street and Regent’s Park, Westbourne, Churchill, Queen’s Park and Harrow Road areas. The hubs will bring together activities and

services in one place for older people in these wards.

Council funding will no longer be available to the drop-in centres we have traditionally funded. Local voluntary organisations running these centres may continue to provide services through other sources of funding or may bid to run one of the new hubs when they open in August. Please speak to your local centre for details of whether their services will change.

The new hubs will provide at least 40 services a week for people aged over 50 who are not eligible for adult social care. Many of these services will be chosen by the people who use them. There will be a range of activities to improve

health and wellbeing such as yoga, walking, gardening, computer classes and safety workshops. You will also be able to find out where to get information and advice on other services available to you such as housing and benefits.

Staff at the new hubs will be active in their local community, visiting older people living in their areas to offer them help.

We have redesigned the drop-in services we offer to deliver better preventative care that continues to support our older residents, in the face of increasing pressure on health and social care budgets.

For more information on the new hubs, please call the Senior Passport Line on 020 7641 1444 or visit westminster.gov.uk/hubs

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Changes to care

Changes to the Taxicard serviceTaxicards allow a person with mobility needs to travel in black cabs at reduced fares. Everyone who qualifies receives 70 journeys a year and those with the greatest mobility needs can apply for additional journeys. We need to save money on this service and we have been asking for your views on how we should do this. The consultation closed on 6th June and we are now reviewing your responses.

We will then write a report summarising the results of the consultation and recommending changes. This will be given to the Cabinet Member for Adults Services and Health to make a decision. If you use the Taxicard service, we will write to you to explain what the decision means for you in July. You can also visit westminster.gov.uk/taxicard

Personalise your careIf you currently receive care from the council, you are entitled to a personal budget – an amount of money, which is either paid directly into your bank account or used to pay for services on your behalf by the council or an advocate.

We will help you to complete a self-assesment, which will determine the amount you receive. A support plan will then be agreed which will include details of how your personal budget will be used.

Personal budgets are flexible, allowing you to spend money on different services, activities or items – as long as it is being used to meet your eligible social care needs.

Examples of technology you can spend it on include equipment to help independent living, employment of a personal assistant, support for further education courses or help with gardening, cleaning windows and other everyday tasks.

For more information and advice, speak to your care manager or call 020 7641 1444.

Changes to day care centres – let us know your viewsFrom 4th July you can let us know what you think of proposals to change our day services. These may affect day services for older people, people with learning disabilities or mental health problems.

For full details of the proposed changes visit westminster.gov.uk/dayservices or call the helpline on 020 7641 1957 by 1st October.

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Find out what’s happening in Westminster’s libraries this summer and enter our free prize draw for some fascinating books.

Read all about it

Share a Book reading groupsIf you like books, why not join a reading group? Share a Book reading groups meet every week to read short stories, poems, novels and plays – over a cup of tea and biscuits.

There’s no need to read a book in advance. And there’s no pressure to read aloud or join in the discussion – just come along and listen if you want to.

For more information call Westminster Libraries on 020 7641 1300.

Paddington Library Monday 2 – 3.30pm

Maida Vale Library Wednesday 10.30am – 12 midday

Victoria Library Thursday 10.30am – 12.30pm

A date with historyWhat was happening on this day in Westminster 50, 100, or even 200 years ago?

Every day, Westminster Archives will be publishing an image from their collection related to another time but the same date in history. Many of the images have fascinating stories behind them, including murder mysteries, clerical impostors, natural disasters and life-changing events.

The project runs until 31st December 2012, with intriguing facts, fresh insights into London life, and entertaining stories to be discovered each day.

Check what was happening today in historic Westminster at westminster.gov.uk/archives/day-by-day

Read all about it

Free audiobooks Have you heard the word?You can now download free audiobooks through Westminster Libraries and Archives. With more than 600 best-selling titles already available, and at least five new titles added every month, you’ll never be short of a good story to listen to.

To use the audiobooks service you’ll need to be a member of Westminster Libraries. You’ll also need to have a computer (PC or Mac) with broadband connection so that you can download the books at home. It’s very quick and easy to do. With just a few clicks you’ll be able to listen to anything from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck to modern classics by Louis de Bernieres.

To register for free audiobooks visit westminster.gov.uk/ eaudiobooks

Christopher demonstrates how much both stations have changed over time (and how much they haven’t).

We’ve got three sets of both to give away. Call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444 or email westminsterplus@westminster.gov.uk to enter. The three winners will be selected at random on 29th July.

Paddington Station Through Time and Victoria Station Through Time are published by Amberley and are available to buy in bookshops for £14.99 each. For a 10% discount, order them online at amberleybooks.com

WIN free books Westminster is home to two of London’s most iconic and best-known railway stations.

Paddington Station Through Time and Victoria Station Through Time are full of historical accounts, interesting facts and delightful anecdotes. Using a vast array of beautiful old photographs, author John

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Computer coursesThere are so many great things on the internet these days – from useful information to fantastic deals and discounts. If you’re worried that you’re missing out, why not brush up your computer skills at a Seniors Online class? Westminster’s Libraries offer plenty of free and low-cost computer courses for the over 50s. To find out more call 020 7641 1300.

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The latest news, local health advice and what’s on from the NHS.

Your NHS

Love your heartIf you have a cardiovascular condition, or are at risk of developing one, help is at hand with the MyAction programme. Hundreds of local people have already stopped smoking, lost weight and improved their diet, including Queen’s Park resident and councillor, Patricia McAllister.

Patricia says: “I found out I had high cholesterol by chance following a health check at a women’s evening at the Beethoven Centre. The nurse told me about the MyAction programme and gave me the option of going along to classes to control my diet and exercise.”

Patricia enrolled on to the MyAction programme at the Beethoven Centre including exercise sessions and healthy lifestyle talks. A 15-minute warm-up is followed by

circuit training including sessions on an exercise bike, a mini trampoline and steps. There are also weights and stretching equipment.

She says: “We’re encouraged to exercise at our own pace to gradually improve our fitness. In 12 weeks I have graduated from upper body training to a more rigorous workout that increases my heart rate, which is frequently monitored by the specialist team.

“MyAction gets my heart pumping. I really feel the benefits when I’m out and about. And best of all, I no longer have high cholesterol.”

HEALTH FOCUS

MyAction workshops and exercise classes are available in community venues including the Beethoven Centre, Moberly Sport and Leisure Centre and Regent’s Park and you can bring along a friend or family member to help you along. After an assessment, 12 weeks of free fitness sessions are followed by a further 12 weeks at a reduced rate. Speak to your GP or health professional to find out more.

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Your NHS

PALS – one stop health adviceThe Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is a one-stop number for confidential advice on your health and the NHS services available to you. They will be able to direct you to the services you need and help to resolve any problems or concerns quickly. The service is aimed at patients, families and carers. Call freephone 0800 587 8818 or minicom 020 7486 9582.

Try something new When was the last time you visited your local community or leisure centre? There are lots of activities on offer across the city, specifically for older people to enjoy. From art classes to men’s groups and dance lessons to learning a new language there really is something for everyone.

Gladys Jones, 69 has been going to chair exercise with Open Age for three years. She says, “I’ve had a knee replacement and it’s really helped with my recovery. And it’s great for making new friends and keeping your mind active too.”

Need Advice? Think Advice PlusAdvice Plus are available to help you with all sorts of issues, from housing and debt worries, to finding work and dealing with crime or antisocial behaviour. Visit Advice Plus at the Beethoven Centre on Monday afternoons (except Bank Holidays) between 2 to 4pm. Their specialist, independent advisors will help to you find a solution for you.

Call 020 8825 1067 for more information.

With so much on offer, why not check out your local centre? To find out which is your nearest community or leisure centre call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444.

“I’ve had a knee replacement and it’s really helped with my recovery. And it’s great for making new friends and keeping your mind active too.”

Gladys Jones, pictured

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Read about our latest offers, local information and events.

In the loop

Super! Bowls!The bowling green at Paddington Recreation Ground has reopened for the summer. For more information about availability and other facilities on offer call 020 7641 3642.

Senior Passport lineOne number for council information and advice.

The Senior Passport line is dedicated to providing Westminster’s older residents with all the information you need. Whether you have a question about local services or are looking for advice and support, they will put you in contact with the right person.

Just call 020 7641 1444 Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Howzat for an offer?The cricket season is back in full swing and Westminster Plus has once again teamed up with Lord’s Cricket Ground to offer free tickets to Westminster residents.

Marylebone Cricket Club have kindly donated hundreds of tickets to selected Middlesex County Championship matches this summer. What better way of spending a summer’s day than basking in the sunshine watching first class cricket?

To apply for a pair of free tickets call the Senior Passport line on 020 7641 1444. Tickets will be sent out in pairs on a first come, first served basis.

You must be a Westminster resident and aged 60 plus to be eligible for tickets.

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In the loop

Join Westminster’s ‘Civic Community’ If you’re interested in volunteering, supporting your local library, joining a residents’ association or becoming a school governor, why not join the ‘Civic Community’? It’s about improving the quality of life for everyone in Westminster by getting people more involved in community activities.

Visit westminster.gov.uk/civiccommunity to take part.

FREE Culture Trips with WAESWestminster Adult Education Service (WAES) is running trips to exciting places like Eltham Palace, The Bletchley Park and Royal Opera House. Lunch and transport are provided, all free. Trips are available to residents living in Bayswater, Abbey Road and Regent’s Park wards.

Call Sindi Hearn on 027753 660 763, or email shearn@waes.ac.uk to sign up.

HQS WellingtonThe HQS Wellington (affectionately known as ‘The Welly’) has been moored at Victoria Embankment since 1948. Why not hop aboard and discover the ship’s naval history?

Learn about the ship in her Royal Navy days, when she escorted over 100 World War II convoys and rescued hundreds of personnel and passengers.

Free tours will run on 9th – 10th July and 17th – 18th September between 10.30am – 4.30pm.

Tours last 40 minutes and refreshments are available on board.

To find out more visit thewellingtontrust.com

Do you care about services in Westminster?The User Involvement Project is asking people to have their say about older people’s services. You can speak to their volunteers and staff, who will pass on your views to the council. You could also become a User Involvement Project volunteer with Advocacy Plus and Age UK Westminster.

Contact Sarah Reilly or Furat Gatee at Advocacy Plus on 020 7837 6744 or email furat@advocacyplus.org.uk

nicesaveLast year Westminster residents saved £½ million by recycling.

Let’s recycle even more. Find out how at www.recycleforlondon.com/local