INSIDEThe new Care Act What it means for you

Scams Be aware

Westminster Mile Register now

PLUSEvents and activities

Offers and discounts

Westminster PLUSEssential information for Westminster’s older residents Issue 24 – March 2015

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Welcome and news

Welcome and newsWelcome to the spring edition of Westminster Plus with the latest news, advice and information for residents aged 65 and over.

The introduction of the Care Act in April 2015 means that people across the country will have access to the same levels of care and support. If you receive care and support, or you support someone as a carer, you could benefit from the changes.

Deferred Payments have always been available through the council but will also be rolled out nationally from April. It means that if you are eligible, the council can help to pay for your care and the cost is deferred or delayed until you choose to sell your home. Find out more on page 4 or call 020 7641 2500.

Also coming up this spring is the annual Westminster Mile. The one-mile event is for people of all ages and we’re hoping that as many people aged 65 plus are there as possible. It’s a wonderful

route along The Mall which you can run, jog or walk and there’s entertainment in Green Park to make it a special day out. Find out more on page 12.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Westminster Plus. Please do let us know your thoughts on the magazine and what you would like to see included by writing to us or emailing rsvp@westminster.gov.uk

Councillor Rachael RobathanCabinet Member for Adults and Public Health

Councillor The Lady FlightWestminster Older People’s Champion

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

Cabinet Support, 18th Floor, City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, London, SW1E 6QPrrobathan@westminster.gov.uk

On the cover: Philson Nicholas from Queen’s Park

Join a group phone chat Book Talk is a monthly phone chat for people who find it difficult to get out of the house. There are also weekly general discussion groups covering news and current affairs and creative writing sessions with a writing tutor on the line.

Book Talk takes place on the last Thursday of the month at 2.30pm, creative writing on Mondays at 2.30pm and general

discussion groups on Mondays and Thursdays at 1 and 4pm. The groups are run by the council’s Home Library Service and Open Age.

Call Hester on 020 8962 5584.

Help around the homeIf you have a spare room and need help around the house, Homeshare could be for you. It’s a scheme that matches you with a housemate who lives in your home rent free in return for small amounts of help such as cooking meals, running errands and cleaning. There is a monthly cost to be part of Homeshare and some Homeshare agencies will run background checks and follow up references to help you find someone suitable. The service is not regulated but there are minimum requirements.

Visit www.sharedlivesplus.org.uk/homeshare to find out more.

Making the most of your savingsPensioner Bonds are issued by the government for people aged over 65 and may help to get a good return on your savings. Bonds are available to buy and offer up to 4% interest on your investment.

For more information, visit www.nsandi.com/65plus or call 0500 500 000.

Get a free Wise Guide Wise Guides provide free, straightforward and readable information for older people. There are four guides on how to boost your income, find support, stay independent and help with moving to a care home.

Order your free copy at www.independent age.org/advice or call 0800 319 6611.

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Are you thinking about residential care and wondering how to pay for it?Deferred Payment Agreements mean that care and support users will no longer need to sell their home to pay for their care in their lifetime.

It enables you to use the value of your home to fund care home costs. The council will pay your residential care home bills and the cost is deferred or delayed until you choose to sell your home, or even after your death.

A Deferred Payment Agreement is only one way to pay for care. You can speak to an

independent financial adviser, the Society of Later Life Advisers or Money Advice Service to find out about other options that may be right for you.

To apply and for further information please contact the charging team on 020 7641 8031.

How the Care Act will affect youCare and support is changing for the better. In April 2015 the government is introducing three major national changes to care and support.

Support for carersAround five million people provide unpaid care for a family member or friend.

If you provide regular help with activities such as taking medicine, washing or dressing someone either in your home or theirs, you are considered to be a carer.

From April 2015 carers that meet new national eligibility criteria will be able to ask for support to help make caring easier, even if the person they care for does not get help from the council. This could simply be advice and information to help you in your role as an upaid carer. It may be practical support such as arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break. Or you may be entitled to a personal budget to spend on things that will help you to carry on caring.

You may be entitled to an assessment if you care for someone and it has an impact on your wellbeing. Currently, your assessment can be face-to-face or by telephone. The assessment will determine the level of support you receive and you will be involved in planning it.

For more information visit www.westminster.gov.uk/carers

Carers Network provides information, advice and care services on behalf of the council for carers who live in Westminster. Call 020 8960 3033 for details of the services that are available or find further information on page 22.

Care and support is changing for the betterFrom April 2015, the new Care Act will help make care and support more consistent across England.

If you receive care and support, or you support someone as a carer, you could benefit from the changes. To find out more, visit gov.uk/careandsupport or contact your council.

The Care Act

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Your vote matters, make sure you’re inThe way you register to vote has changed. The new system means that everyone is now responsible for registering themselves. You must register by 20th April to vote in the May General Election. If you’re not registered, you will not be able to vote. The council has written to you with the details of the people registered at your address so you can check if you’re on the register and that your details are correct.

You can register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 020 7641 7500 to ask for a paper application form.

Contact electoral services online at www.westminster.gov.uk/register-to-vote or by calling 020 7641 7500.

Frequently asked questionsI’ve voted in the past – why am I not registered? The registration system changed last year so you may need to re-register.

How do I apply for a postal or proxy vote? You must register to vote before applying for a postal or proxy vote. Application forms are available on our website or by calling us.

What information do I need to register? You will need your National Insurance number to register.

Eligibility and assessmentsA national minimum eligibility threshold means that everyone will be able to access care at the same level wherever they live. All councils in England must offer care and support at a new national minimum level.

If you need care and support services, your needs are assessed by Westminster City Council to find out if you are eligible for help. From April 2015 we will put a new assessment process in place to ensure we meet the new minimum levels. Your assessment will consider the outcomes you want to achieve such as remaining independent or getting out and about more frequently. If you currently receive care and support and your needs meet the new minimum level you will continue to receive this support.

You do not need to take any action, as all care and support users have yearly assessments in which the new criteria will be in place.

If you want to find out more about how this will affect you, talk to your Care Manager or call the council’s Adult Services team on 020 7641 2500.

Care Act eventFind out more about how the Care Act will affect you at an informal Q&A session:

Monday 18th May, 6-7.30pm Westminster City Hall, 64 Victoria Street, SW1E 6QP

To register please email rsvp@westminster.gov.uk or call 020 7641 6194.

Future eventsFuture events will take place in north and south Westminster so if you are unable to make this date or location but are interested in attending a future event please let us know by emailing rsvp@westminster.gov.uk or calling 020 7641 6194.

UpdatesRegister for our Care Act enewsletter for updates on how the Care Act will affect you and details of future events. Please email rsvp@westminster.gov.uk

ContactTel: 020 7641 2500 Visit: www.westminster.gov.uk/care-act or www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk

You can also call one of these organisations for independent information on the Care Act:

Citizens Advice Bureau on 08444 771 611 Age UK Westminster on 020 3004 5610 Migrant Resource Centre on 020 7402 6750

YOU MUST BE

IN ORDER

REGISTERED

TO VOTE

To vote in the 2015 General Election you must be registered.

You can now register online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

The Care Act

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Avoiding scams

The best way to fight scams is to take steps to prevent yourself from being caught out in the first place. Do not be embarrassed to report a scam because by doing so you will help make it more difficult for scammers to deceive others.

Avoiding scamsScams are used to con people out of their money and can have a devastating effect on people and their families.

The courier scamIn the past three months nearly 1,300 people reported a telephone fraud known as the ‘courier scam’ to the Metropolitan Police with people losing an average of £4,000 each. The average age of people affected by the scam is 70.

It involves someone calling you claiming to be from your bank or the police telling you that someone has accessed your bank account. You are asked to call back your bank immediately and when you do you will be asked to key in your PIN number. A courier or taxi then comes round to pick up your card.

There are variations of the scam but whatever form it takes please remember:

• your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN• your bank will never send a courier to your home or

collect your bank card.

If this happens to you, put the phone down immediately and wait at least five minutes before making any calls as the scammers may block your phone line.

Report the incident to Action Fraud, the Police National Fraud Reporting Centre on 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk

Contact the police if the suspect is still in the area.

Letters and callsUnwanted letters and telephone calls can be a nuisance, with some claiming you have won a prize. Typically they ask you to send off small sums of money and your personal details often to mail box addresses abroad. Or they may be from people posing as psychics or clairvoyants claiming they predict good things, however all they are after is your money and personal details.

Top tips to reduce unwanted mail and calls:

• when ordering goods from mail order businesses or making donations to charities remember to opt out from having your personal details shared with third parties. This requirement is often mentioned in the small print

• install a nuisance call blocking device such as Truecall as recommended by Trading Standards and the police. See www.truecall.co.uk for more information

• ensure you have opted out of the open register of the electoral register. Call 020 7641 2730 or email electoralservices@westminster.gov.uk. Opting out doesn’t affect your right to vote

• register your address and telephone number with the Mailing and Telephone Preference Services at www.tpsonline.org.uk

*Names have been changed

Stay on top of new scamsNatWest Bank in partnership with the Met Police has produced an excellent guide ‘The Little Book of Big Scams’ which includes some steps you can take to protect yourself from fraud.

Pop into your local NatWest to pick up a copy or visit www.westminster.gov. uk/scams

“My mother was getting 50 letters a day and spent between £50,000 & £80,000.”Eleanor*, Westminster resident

“I was called by someone claiming to be from the police asking for my bank details.” Marie*, 90, north Westminster

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Whether you want a regular volunteering role or to try it out on a one-off basis, One Westminster can match you with something that suits you.

Gwyneth Williams, 69, from Paddington volunteers at One Westminster volunteer centre.

“I am currently working on a couple of different volunteering projects, helping people complete forms for Disclosure and Barring Service checks and doing some administrative work for a befriending project.

“In the past I have worked with people who have faced long periods of unemployment. The project helped them with interview techniques and to create their CV. I then helped match them with suitable volunteer opportunities that would increase their chances of getting work.

Get involvedIf you want to broaden your horizons or meet new people there are lots of opportunities through volunteering.

Gwyneth Williams

Tea DanceBarbara Windsor MBE was the special guest at our annual Tea Dance at Grosvenor House in December. The dance floor was packed with people dancing to the Silver Manatees, a young Beatles tribute band and Tea Dance veterans, The Red Stripe Band. The Volunteer Police Cadets were on hand to dance with everyone and help out.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the Tea Dance and we would particularly like to see people who haven’t attended before. In 2014 everyone who applied for a ticket before the deadline was successful so there’s a good chance you will get a ticket if you apply. Look out for the next issue of Westminster Plus for event details and how to apply.

“I have also helped people with learning disabilities who come to the office to do basic administrative tasks.

“There are hundreds of volunteering opportunities. It could be something as simple as spending an hour a week having a chat to someone who is lonely, or it could be one day a week, mentoring a young person to help them enter the business world.

“Volunteering is a wonderful way to spend my time. It gives me a sense of purpose and I particularly enjoy being able to meet people from all walks of life.”

To find out more about local volunteering opportunities call 020 7266 1992 or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/volunteer

Volunteering opportunities are also available through Age UK Westminster on 020 3004 5610 or www.ageuk.org/westminster and the Octavia Foundation on 020 8354 5681 or www.octaviafoundation.org.uk/volunteer

“Wonderful, it’s the highlight of my year. A chance to dress up, look good and have fun! I’m 85 but when I’m at the Tea Dance I’m 21 again!”

Gloria Prince

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Westminster Mile

Run or walk the most famous mile in the world along the iconic Mall this May Bank holiday.

Westminster Mile

Derek Allen, 73, ran the Westminster Mile last year.

“The Westminster Mile is a highlight of the year for me. The setting, racing along the Mall and round St. James’s Park, is as good as it gets and to join in with all the crowds of people is very special.

“Running was never a hobby of mine until I retired. When I started I couldn’t even make 100 yards but now I try to jog in Hyde Park once or twice a week. By keeping active you can live better and really surprise yourself with what you can do.

“Last year I managed to do the mile in around 10 minutes. I love the challenge of racing against the clock just to see how much I’ve improved.”

“By keeping active you can really surprise yourself with what you can do.”

Derek Allen, 73, Mayfair

Bupa Westminster MileSunday 24th May, from 9.30am

Cost: Westminster residents receive a £1 discount making it: £7 for adults £5 for 9 to 17-year-olds Free for children under 9

If you need an incentive to get active or just want a bank holiday day out, why not register for the Bupa Westminster Mile? The event is organised by the London Marathon in partnership with the council and Royal Parks to open up physical activity to people who are new to exercise.

There are categories for all abilities including wheelchair users, so whether you decide to run, jog or walk, everyone can take part in the most famous mile in the world along the iconic Mall.

It’s an ideal day out with your grandchildren, with family races and free entertainment and activities in Green Park throughout the day.

Sunday24th May

2015

Register at www.bupawestminstermile.co.uk

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Planning your futureUse our free advice services to plan your finances.

“I’d read about the advice drop-in sessions at the Abbey Centre so I thought I’d pop along. They were so helpful and they gave me a lot of

Alan Evans, 68, from Pimlico used the council-funded advice service to help him plan his finances after he retired.

“It seems silly but before I retired I’d not thought about what I was going to do with my money. I’d worked all my life and not really considered what happens next. I really don’t want to get into debt so I decided that it would be best to look into what benefits I was entitled to or what support I could get.

If you are on a low income, you may be able to claim Pension Credit. You may also be entitled to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction. Find out more at www.ageuk.org.uk/westminster

Free drop-in advice sessionsMondays, 10am-12 midday and Thursdays, 2-4pmPenfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJWednesdays, 10am-12 middayAda Court, 10-16 Maida Vale, W9 1TD Wednesdays, 2-4pmThe Hill Room, The Abbey Centre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU

Advice services are delivered by Age UK Westminster as part of the council’s advice and support services.

For more information call 020 3004 5610 Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm or visit www.westminster advice.org.uk

Alan Evans

“I’d worked all my life and not really considered what happens next.”

advice and talked to me about my finances.

“It was a real help as I felt a bit lost and had no idea what I could claim for.

“They also helped me to find a volunteering opportunity as I am an active person and didn’t want to sit and do nothing now I’ve stopped working. I like talking to people and meeting likeminded people so volunteering is perfect for me.”

Bartonia Care is a new Adult Social Care organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of older people in London, using well paid and compassionate staff.

Our vision is to deliver the very best quality care services, tailored to the customer, focusing on giving time and respect to individual needs, helping the person to remain independent and secure in their own home.

Using TechnologyGreater use of modern technology can help to empower older people. Our staff, in addition to their caring and supporting roles, will help customers to use technology to see and talk to family members e.g. grandchildren, via free video calls, even if the family members are a long way away.

Family PortalUse our Family Portal to give other family members the option to check the services we deliver, to monitor support visits in real time and to give quality of service reviews.

Contacting UsTo learn more about the caring and innovative services we can provide call or contact us via our website

www.bartoniacare.comPhone: 0330 223 0 243

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Westminster Remembers

Find your storyFrom 2014 to 2018 we commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Throughout the centenary of the First World War, Westminster Archives Centre is telling the fascinating stories of Westminster residents who served in the Great War. You can research your own stories of the First World War at the centre in south Westminster.

10 St. Ann’s Street, SW1P 2DE www.westminster.gov.uk/archives archives@westminster.gov.uk

Lieutenant Leonard Keysor, born on 3rd November 1885 at 14 Lanhill Road, Paddington, is considered by many to have carried out some of the most spectacular individual feats of the war. They earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry that a British and Commonwealth serviceman can achieve.

When the First World War broke out Lt Keysor was living in Sydney – where he’d emigrated a few months

earlier – and enlisted in the First Australian Imperial Force. Two months later Lt Keysor sailed to Egypt and on 25th April 1915 landed at Gallipoli to take part in a major expedition to take the Gallipoli Peninsula from the Turkish forces.

It was at the Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915 that 29-year-old Keysor performed the act of bravery for which he would be awarded the Victoria Cross. If you find it difficult to get to a library, the Home Library Service

will come to you. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/home-library-service or call 020 7641 5405.

By this time Lt Keysor had become a master bombthrower. Lt Keysor would smother the Turkish bombs that landed in the trenches with sandbags or clothing. If he had time, he would throw the bombs back – on several occasions he even caught them mid-flight – before lobbing them back into the Turkish trenches. He was twice wounded but refused medical aid, maintaining his efforts for 50 hours and saving the trench.

Lt Keysor had always considered himself a Londoner and he returned to England after the war to live out his life in and around Maida Vale and Paddington. To honour Lt Keysor a paving stone will be laid outside his place of birth at a commemorative ceremony in August. The paving stone is part of a national campaign to commemorate those who received the Victoria Cross during the First World War.

Upcoming eventsTo pay tribute to the fallen heroes of the war there are events and activities taking place across Westminster.

National Commemoration of the Centenary of the Gallipoli and ANZAC Campaigns25th April, 11am–12.30pm The Cenotaph, Whitehall A service to commemorate all those who fought and died at Gallipoli, followed by a march past led by military personnel. Cost: Free

Hospital and Troop Ships Until 25th May, Mondays and Sundays, 11am-5pm HQS Wellington, Temple Stairs, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PNDiscover more about the ships that took soldiers to battle and brought the sick and wounded home. Cost: Free

For more information on First World War centenary events visit www.westminster.gov.uk/remembersLeonard Keysor

40 FREE tickets Win tickets to Back at the ANZAC Buffet – a music hall performance telling the story of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps in Westminster.

See page 18 for details.

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CARE VISITS AT HOMEGood Old Fashioned Service

Call our professional team on 0207 976 6163

Our ServicesWe offer everything from personal care to shopping, cleaning or companionship. In fact, everything you need to stay in the comfort of your own home, including overnight care and live in care.

Get in touchCall our professional team on

0207 976 6163 or email us at westminster@bluebirdcare.co.uk www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/westminster

Westminster library members can take online language courses for £5. Visit www.westminster.gov.uk/learning-nexus

Back at the ANZAC Buffet – a music hall performanceThursday 23rd April, 10.30am-12 midday and 1-2.30pmPerformers from the Ministry of Drama Theatre will be telling the story of the the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in Westminster, including the story of Lieutenant Leonard Keysor and Australia’s Pimlico-born Prime Minister Billy Hughes.

Where: Abbey Community Centre Theatre, 34 Great Smith Street, SW1P 3BU

We have 40 tickets to give away courtesy of Westminster Archives Centre. To apply please email pdaniel@westminster.gov.uk, call 020 7641 5180 or write to Westminster Archives Centre, 10 St. Ann’s Street, SW1P 2DE.

Please include your name, address, postcode and telephone number and if you would like one or two tickets. Tickets will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. The performance is part of the council’s Community Covenant programme funded by the Ministry of Defence.

WIN 40 FREE ticketsApply for your free Westminster City Save card at www.westminster.gov.uk/citysave or call 020 7641 6000.

Offers and discounts

20% off entry to Apsley House

Call: 020 7499 5676

Tour one of London’s grandest townhouses that was once home to the Duke of Wellington.

Two for one entry to exhibitions at the National Portrait Gallery

Call: 020 7306 0055

Get two for one at all paid exhibitions including Wellington: Triumphs, Politics and Passions exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo.

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Getting Connected

Free online sessionsComputing for beginners Mondays, 10am-12 middayVenue: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DUCost: FreeTel: 020 7641 6200

Beginner’s internet and emailThursdays, 10am-12 middayVenue: Maida Vale Library, entrance on Shirland Road, W9 3QTCost: FreeTel: 020 7641 6200

Intermediate computer classWednesdays, 10am-12 middayVenue: Paddington Library, Porchester Road, W2 5DUCost: £1Tel: 020 7641 6200

Computer and gadget drop-inPop in and discuss any problems or questions you may have about computers or gadgets.Wednesdays, 1.45-3.30pm Venue: Churchill Gardens Hub, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 4NTCost: FreeTel: 020 7976 6354

Philson Nicholas, 73, an Open Age member from Queen’s Park, goes to intermediate computer classes at Paddington Library. He says: “I started off in the beginner classes and have gone from not even knowing what a mouse is to learning about all sorts of things online.

“I wanted to find out more about using the internet as I didn’t know much about searching online or keeping safe. I also wanted to keep in

Getting connectedFree and low-cost classes to help you get online.

Visit www.peoplefirstinfo.org.uk for information about local services to help you stay healthy and independent.

Ninety one percent of people who live in Westminster use the internet.

If you don’t have website access at home you can use free computers at your local library. There are lots of courses through our Community Hubs to get you started as well as sessions to develop your skills further.

touch with my family by email which I now use a lot.

“The things I learn here are useful for the Learn My Way online courses I do at home. I’ve been doing courses on maths, online shopping and DIY. I use the library classes to go over things that I get stuck on at home.

“I think it’s important to try new things and not be frightened. You learn a lot and it’s a chance to improve yourself.” For more information on online courses near you contact your nearest Community Hub (see page 25).

Learn My Way is a website of free online courses for beginners, helping you develop digital skills to make the most of the online world. Visit www.learnmyway.com

Chat roomsIf you’re online, chat rooms are a great way to meet new friends and discuss similar interests. See this useful guide on getting started and advice to ensure you have a pleasant and safe experience.

Visit www.myageingparent.com/benefits-of-chat-rooms-older-people

Philson Nicholas

Free computer sessions are delivered by Open Age.

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Taking care of the carer

If you provide a friend or family member with regular help either in your home or theirs, you are considered a carer.

Taking care of the carer AssessmentsThe first step to getting the support you need is to have a Carer’s Assessment with the council’s Adult Services team or Carers Network. After your assessment they will help you draw up a plan of the support that you need.

Around five million people in the UK provide unpaid care. You can ask for support to help make caring easier. This could be practical support such as arranging for someone to step in when you need a short break. Or you may be entitled to money to spend on things that will help you to carry on caring.

Westminster City Council and the NHS fund Carers Network to provide you with this support.

Emergency Card The Carer’s Emergency Card helps you to make a plan in case there is an emergency that stops you from being able to look after the person you care for. Just fill in a form with details of an emergency contact person and you will receive an ID card with an emergency helpline number on it. If your emergency contact person is unavailable the helpline will arrange emergency care with the council’s Adults Services team

To apply, fill in an online form at www.carers-network.co.uk/support/emergency-card-scheme or call Carers Network on 020 8960 3033.

To find out more about all these services please call Carers Network on 020 8960 3033. To find out about services for young carers please call Spurgeons on 020 8969 7812.

Services for all carers – for which you do not need an assessmentAdvice and supportCarers can receive information and support to help you in your caring role including a regular carer support group. For more information contact Carers Network on 020 8960 3033 or email info@carers-network.co.uk

Free activitiesThe council and NHS fund Time for Me – free activities for carers aged over 50 including social events, stretch and tone sessions and creative writing workshops. For more information contact Liz Sowden at Open Age on 020 8962 4536 or email lsowden@openage.org.uk

Home Library ServiceIf you find it difficult to get out because you are caring for someone, the Home Library Service can come to you. You will receive visits every three weeks and all services are free except DVD loans. Call 020 7641 5405 to find out more.

Services you may receive following an assessmentCarers Personal Budget Following your assessment, you may be eligible for a personal budget. It can be spent on things that help you in your caring role.

Short breaks or respite care If your assessment highlighted the need for a short break or respite care, it will be included in the personal budget of the person you care for. The way you spend it is flexible such as care at home, residential or nursing care.

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Out and about

Out and aboutGet active and meet new people at your local library, community hub or leisure centre.

Central WestminsterSilver TuesdaysTuesdays, 10.30am-12.30pm Hyde Park Will to Win Café, Hyde Park, South Carriage Drive, W2 2UHCost: Please call for details. Tel: 07721 419 518Come along for a coffee and a catch up, then enjoy a range of activities including Nordic walking, cycling, walking football and much more, from Silverfit.

South WestminsterSketching at museums and galleriesThursdays, 1.30-3.30pm Various museums and galleries.Cost: £2Tel: 020 7266 2776Each week visit a new museum with the class and create your own works of art. You must bring your own sketch pad. Pencils will be provided. Booking is essential.

SwimmingWednesdays and Fridays, 12-1pm Queen Mother Sports Centre, 223 Vauxhall Bridge Road, SW1V 1ELCost: £1.55Tel: 020 7630 5522

Games and social afternoonFridays, 1-3pm Churchill Gardens Community Hub, Churchill Gardens Road, SW1V 4NTCost: FreeTel: 020 7976 6354

North WestminsterGuitar lessonsMondays, 1.30-3pm The Beethoven Centre, Third Avenue, Queen’s Park, W10 4JLCost: £1.50Tel: 020 7266 2776Learn to play your favourite songs whether you’re just starting or brushing up your skills.

Open afternoon at Penfold Garden Wednesday 20th May, 2.30-4.30pm Penfold Community Hub, Penfold Street, NW8 8PJCost: FreeTel: 020 8762 3082If you would like to get involved in growing veg and flowers, come along and see what’s happening in the Penfold Garden.

Amberly Film ClubThursdays, 2.30-4pm Amberley Clubroom, Amberley Estate, Shirland Road, W9 2JZCost: FreeTel: 020 3713 8737

Here Comes SummerSaturday 30th May, 11.30am-1pm Penfold Community Hub, 60 Penfold Street, NW8 8PJCost: FreeTel: 020 8762 3082Welcome in the start of summer with a concert by the Church Street Singers, and join in with some popular songs.

Book groupsMondays, 2-3.30pm Paddington LibraryTuesdays, 12 midday-1.30pm Church Street Library Tuesdays, 3.30-5pm Queen’s Park LibraryThursdays, 10.30am-12.30pm Victoria LibraryCost: FreeNo need to book, just turn upTel: 020 7641 8969No need to read a book beforehand just come along and listen, have a cup of tea or coffee or join the discussion.

Community HubsTo find out full listings of what’s on near you, contact your nearest Community Hub or visit www.westminster.gov.uk/communityhub.

Churchill Community Hub Tel: 020 7976 6354Church Street and Regent’s Park (Penfold) Community Hub Tel: 020 8762 3082Queen’s Park and Harrow Road Community Hub Tel: 020 7266 2776Westbourne Community Hub Tel: 020 7229 4837

There are 100s of free and low cost activities every week. Booking is required for some activities so please call ahead to check details.

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Free health checks with a Health TrainerThe council offers a free and confidential Health Trainer service made up of local people who have been trained to provide NHS Health Checks to help you to identify changes that could improve your health and wellbeing.

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11am-4pm, Church Street Library, 67 Church Street, NW8 8EU Fridays, 11am–4pm, Paddington LibraryFor people aged 40-74 who are not on blood pressure or diabetes medication. Cost: Free Book online at www.londonhealthtrainers.com or call 020 3137 3373.

There are lots of health services available in libraries across Westminster. Take a look below or call your local library on 020 7641 6200 for details.

Health and wellbeing

Books on Prescription for dementiaReading Well has worked with healthcare experts, people with dementia and carer groups to pick 25 titles that provide support and advice for people with dementia and their carers. The titles are now available to borrow from all Westminster libraries to help you understand and manage your health and wellbeing. Pick up a copy from your local library.

Bowel cancer awareness talkWednesday 22nd April, 1-2pm Church Street LibraryApril is bowel cancer awareness month. Come to this talk from Bowel Cancer UK to find out how to reduce your risk. If you are worried about any symptoms that you think might be caused by bowel cancer, make an appointment with your doctor. Over 90% of people who are diagnosed at the earliest stage are successfully treated.Cost: FreeCall 020 7641 8969 to book.

Monthly health eventLast Thursday of every month, 1-4pm Paddington LibraryFree massages and blood pressure checks. Cost: Free Call 020 7641 6200 to book.

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Adult learning in the heart of Westminster

We offer courses at over 80 locations across Westminster, and with hundreds of courses from accounting to fine art,

you are sure to find a course you’ll love.

Enrol now for 2015 courses!

Visit us for free taster courses at one of our open days – 19 March & 20 June For more information visit www.waes.ac.uk or call 020 7297 7297

You can find us at 219 Lisson Grove London NW8 8LW