BOPF Newsletter

BOPF Newsletter Editorial Team: Judith Brown, Val Jenkins, Ruth Bailey and Toni Massari

Number 45 Autumn 2014

The voice of Bristol's over 55sNon party-political

BOPF membership now numbers 2775 Bristolians!

Dear Member,Dear Member,

as you know, once a year we ask our members for a contribution to help us defend services and improve the quality of life for older people in Bristol. We are ever grateful for the grant we receive from Bristol Council, but this has not gone up in three years, while postage and other costs have soared, so unfortunately this funding does not cover all our costs. We constantly review our activities and spending, to make sure the Forum is in the best financial position, but we need your help more than ever.

If you receive our three annual issues of the newsletter, you are a member. While Forum membership is and will remain free, if you feel you can contribute to our work we would really value your donations and make the best use of them that we can. Your money can make a real difference to the level and quality of the work we do, to represent the needs and aspirations of older people across Bristol and to the amount of information we can include in each copy of the newsletter.

Producing just one copy and sending it out costs around £3,000, including staff costs, postage, printing, paper and envelopes. Unless we can raise additional income, the number of newsletters we are able to send out may have to decrease, so our target for this year is the cost of one just issue. That works out at approximately £10 per member, if all members respond, but some may not be able to afford that much, while others may be able to afford more.

That is why we do not ask for specific amounts; we suggest £10, but please don’t worry if you are not able to donate anything, you will remain on our mailing list and continue to receive our newsletter.

Please make out your cheque to ‘BOPF’, drop it in the envelope and post it to our Freepost address, if you wish us to pay the postage; alternatively, leave out the first line and affix a stamp, to save us the 35p postage. Thank you.

Please note that unfortunately we cannot afford to send out receipts for money received in response to this annual appeal.

Thank you for your ongoing help and support to BOPF and to older people across Bristol.

The Management, Bristol Older People’s Forum.

Financial Appeal 2014Financial Appeal 2014Financial Appeal 2014Financial Appeal 2014

FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXBBristol Older People’s Forumc/o Age UK BristolCanningford House38 Victoria StreetBristol BS1 6BY

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Update on BOPF CampaignsMayoral response to questions from BOPF about cyclists on pavements.

In response to a letter by Ruth Bailey, BOPF Management Committee member, on 25th September the Mayor, George Ferguson, wrote:

“Whilst the Council encourages cycling, this will need to be complemented by more regulations for cyclists and the extension of bicycle lanes so that everyone feels safe when walking the streets of Bristol.”

Although this does not answer Ruth Bailey's specific question, about the danger of cyclists using pavements, this is a step in the right direction.

In response to the question put by BOPF MC member Judith Brown, at the Mayor's Questions Time, on October the 8th, asking him to take a zero tolerance stance against cyclists on pavements in Bristol, the Mayor asked his Traffic Manager to reply.

Disappointingly, the question was not answered, so Judith asked whether there is a written policy on cycling and was told “Not yet, but we are considering it”.

This too is a step in the right direction; though progress is slow, BOPF will continue to fight for the rights of pedestrians.

HA1835 sect 72 R(s)A 1984 sect 129 “You must NOT cycle on the pavement”

Cardiff also experienced similar problems about cyclists using pavements, but campaigners there managed to persuade the Council to take a different approach and introduce a £30 fine.

BOPF has asked the Mayor to do the same; he said that he would consider it.

“What is the difference between a Cardiff copper and a Bristol copper?“A Cardiff copper enforces the Law, a Bristol copper ignores it”.(No, we don't think it's funny either!).

South West Network of Seniors' Forums (what's in a name?)South West Seniors' Network has just changed its name, but we're doing the same job, representing the views of older people.The recent, successful conference at Weston-super-Mare agreed to petition the political Parties to include a Minister for the Ageing, or a Commissioner for Older People in their election Manifestos.Northern Ireland and Wales already have Commissioners and England wants one too.SWNSF has 51 Forums throughout the South West, from Cornwall to Swindon and represents 50,000 older people.There will be another conference in 2015, with Lord Filkin and we hope to be in a position to question the Irish & Welsh Commissioners there.

Judith BROWN, SWNSF management member

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On my Soap Box By Julie Boston, Chair Bristol Older People's Forum

Three packed coaches left Tony Benn House in Victoria Street at 7 am on Saturday 18 October destined for the TUC March and Rally in London. One of the UNITE coaches included three members of Bristol Older People’s Forum (BOPF) - Angela, Keith and me. Keith deserves a BOPF Award for helping carry the heavy Bristol And District Against the Cuts Alliance (BADACA) banner the whole day. Finding a lavatory and finding your coach at the end of a march are also challenging.

Our coach travel was free. Unite the Union gave everyone on board a map of the route, a red poncho, noisy instruments and food. All this was paid for by trade union members’ subscriptions over the years.

BBC TV reported that tens of thousands of people protested in London, Glasgow and Belfast about pay and austerity. The theme was BRITAIN NEEDS A PAY RISE. The marchers included public sector workers whose wages have been frozen for up to 5 years, Care UK Doncaster care workers who have been on strike for three weeks in an attempt to restore a living wage and teachers in Academies who are now paid by results.

The world of Austerity is bleak. But the TUC March and Rally showed hope. And for Bristol pensioners there activities across the city where we can meet, listen, eat, talk and sing.

At the BOPF September meeting Pete Taplin, former BOPF Chair, described how he had fallen at home, and was taken to hospital. He thanked everyone for their cards and good wishes. “Don’t believe the lies they tell you about the health service” he said. In his two weeks in Southmead Hospital he was looked after by wonderful, caring and friendly, professional care by the NHS staff.

Two members, Keith Evans and Eileen Means, spoke about the massive March for the NHS. In August. Keith met the “Darlo mums” from Darlington, who re-enacted the Jarrow March, to protest about the privatisation of the NHS.

The Festival of Age programme was spectacular with details of bus services for each location. The Princes Trust filmed the highlights with The Elders Fun Day at Malcolm X which included dancing, singing eating and talking. Princess is recorded on film singing “Lazy Old Sun”.

The National Pensioners Convention Manifesto calls for a basic state pension for all set above the poverty level of £175 a week and a National Health and Care Service free at the point of use and funded through general taxation. Election Day is Thursday 7 May. We need to invite candidates to speak at BOPF meetings. Remember to bring food to Forum Meeting s

Julie Boston.

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CONGRATULATIONS to our very own Achievers, Pete, Gloria and Joseph!

Gloria is a long-serving member of BOPF's Management Committee and Vice-chair of the Golden Agers Club, in Easton.

Her a flower arranging stall, at the launch of Celebrating Age Festival proved very popular.

Pete Taplin received his Achievement award for services to the Bristol Community.

He was Chair of BOPF several years and remains a valued and active member to this day, as well as being a Trustee of Age UK Bristol and a valued volunteer of the British Legion.

Over 2800 people came through the doors of M Shed on Saturday 27th of September 2014, and 85% of them thought it was excellent or very good.

There were many information stalls, much singing, several sorts of dancing, a film,a health room (I enjoyed my foot massage!) flower arranging (thank you Gloria), a chance to practice crafts,Achievement Awards, the Art Competition Awards and much much more.

If you didn’t see the two week Art exhibition of entries in the Central Library you really missed something; as always the talent showed by entrants was amazing. The majority of people said they liked the venue and preferred it to the Council House or Colston Hall.

There were some hiccoughs which we need to amend next year- as always transport was an issue,people thought the food was expensive, and we need to have an announcement

system (M Shed has no P.A.) to tell people when things are starting. But on balance, CAF was a great success, showcasing what older people can do and what's available in Bristol with events all over the city for two weeks following the launch; well done to the committee, all the stall holders and Age UK Bristol’s organiser Shelley Hankins.

Judith Brown, Deputy Chair Celebrating Age Festival.

Celebrating Age Festival 2014 - IT WAS GREAT!

Thank you Peter, Gloria and Joseph for all you do!

Gloria and Joseph Morris, together with Pete Taplin, received their Achievers' Award for Community service from the Lord Mayor of Bristol, and President of Bristol Older People's Forum, Councillor Alastair Watson, at the Celebrating Age Festival's Launch, at the M Shed.

Are you worried about someone's drug or alcohol use?If the answer is yes, then DHI can help you. We recognise that a person’s substance use has an impact on those around them; their family and carers, their children and their friends.

We work with all those affected by someone else’s substance use by supporting them to learn more about drug treatment and new skills to manage problems and decisions as they arise.  We also promote the benefit of families becoming involved in treatment services whenever this is appropriate.

The service is available for anyone who lives in Bristol, and is over the age of 18. You can contact us at any time, and the service is free of charge. We offer a range of services including support groups, counselling sessions, and family meetings. We offer specialist support to those who are less mobile, including the options of home visits.

"When you are told that your son is a drug addict the world can feel a very lonely place. It is not news that you want to share with friends and family as somehow it feels like as a parent it is your fault. Why did he do this? Where did we go wrong?  I had considered that I had a very blessed life and now I had a black cloud hanging over me. DHI helped me to understand that I had not been a cause of his drug addiction and helped in my behaviours and how I should react to my son under various scenarios. DHI also helped me understand where my son was in his cycle of addiction and recovery.  There were some tough lessons to learn but the reality is that my son now tells me that these behaviours have been instrumental to his recovery. I am grateful for the support that DHI provided to me (and my wife)". DHI service user, 2014

To access support from DHI, you can contact us in a number of ways: Call 0117 916 6588, Email info@dhibristol.org.uk visit www.dhibristol.org.uk find us on twitter @dhibristol or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/dhibristol 5

Welfare Rights are changing, are you affected?The Welfare Reform Act 2012 has brought in changes to benefits which will affect more and more Bristol citizens over the coming years. One of these changes is the introduction of a new benefit called personal independence payment (PIP) for disabled people between 16 and 65. PIP has been open to new claims for over a year now. 14,000 working age people in Bristol currently receive DLA and over the next few years they will be invited to claim PIP instead. Early experiences from reassessments in other areas indicate that thousands of these people could lose their entitlement to disability benefit altogether.

Are you on the Internet? If the answer is ‘yes’, then you can find out online.Welfare Reform changes to benefits (link to the BCC Flyer)

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service Training E-learning (link to the course)

This course will give you a basic understanding of what the changes mean and what options there are. The total course will take about 1½ - 2 hours to undertake but it can be carried out in shorter chunks or you can just do the parts that are relevant to you.

To access the e-learning go to: www.bristol.gov.uk/wramaslearning Click the option to log on as a guest.

I don’t have a computer or the Internet; where can I get help and advice?

Contact the Welfare Rights and Money Advice Support Service (WRAMAS)Helpline: 0117 35 21888 (closed on Weds.) Mincom: 0117 35 21557Email: welfarerights@bristol.gov.uk Fax: 0117 35 21556 Write to: Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service, PO Box 595, Bristol BS99 2AW

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Bristol Ageing Better - BAB WINS THE DAY! What comes next?Yes it’s true, BAB is officially one of the 15 winners of Big Lottery money!

102 cities started out, over 18 months ago, and we have finally won through. Of course, there’s a lot of work to do before April 1st 2015, when the first lot of money arrives all being well (alright I’m superstitious!) but we’ve made a good start. As you know, I stood down in May as Chair of BOPF to concentrate on my work as Deputy Chair of BAB, and Deputy Chair of Celebrating Age Festival, but life has been busier than ever.More about CAF later, but BAB has just had a Board meeting, (welcoming Cherry from Malcolm X Elders , Tariq Khan from Dhek Bhal ) and I thought you might like to know who is on the Board.

Alan Carpenter Chair from AgeUKBristol● Judith Brown Deputy Chair from BOPF , Older People’s Partnership Board, BOPF and

SWSN.● Mirella Britton Cruse Bereavement● David Cottam LinkAge● Brian Richards BOPF , Older People’s Partnership Board,Memories of Bedminster● Cherry Hartley Malcolm X Elders● Rosa Hui Bristol and Avon Chinese Women Group● Tariq Khan Dhek Bhal● Mandie Lewis Carers Representative● Bob Maggs RSVP● Robin Means UWE● Claire Miller LinkAge● Kay Russell Bristol City Council● Keith Sinclair Carers Support● CCG Representative● Guy Robertson Board Advisor Positive Ageing Associates

The lead body, Age UK Bristol, was chosen earlier by a partnership meeting, and Mark Baker and Ruth Richardson head the BAB Officer Team. Over 90 organisations are now in the partnership, and if you belong to an organisation working with older people, its not too late to join! We don’t yet have any money for a newsletter, but information is on the BAB website- Just Google ‘Bristol Ageing Better’. As you can imagine there have been lots of meetings sorting out what went into the bid. We did a great deal of research including asking every BOPF member what they thought, and nearly 600 of you took the trouble to reply. Thank you!

Then we had a big Conference, 100 people came, and we chose the 16 projects that matched what people said, and what the research showed. Next year we start on the first three, ‘Community Development: Community Navigators” and” Peer and Group Support”. The Lottery wants to see us ‘Test and Learn’- (what I’d call a pilot) so we’ll be starting in three or four areas first, before we roll things out across the city.

So who is going to do the work? That’s the exciting part; we are holding meetings in November for interested people to get together and sort out how best to carry it all out. Then a panel of older people will look at what comes next and make recommendations to the Board, and I’ll be reporting back in every BOPF newsletter, to keep you up to date. (And you can always catch up with me at BOPF meetings). Onwards and upwards!

Judith Brown Deputy Chair BAB.

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ElderLaw.

Could you be affected by the change in inheritance Laws?Did you know that there has recently been a big change in inheritance laws? The new rules on intestacy1 could affect what you believed your partner and your children or even your siblings could inherit. Changes like these make it important that you should consider making or updating your Will.

Over 28 million adults in the United Kingdom (56%) do not have a valid Will causing these intestacy laws to dictate where your money will go after death. Many valid Wills have not been updated within the last 10 years.

The simple solution to this problem is to ensure you have a valid Will in place that outlines your wishes after death. Our advice is to always ensure your Will is kept up to date and to regularly check your Will, no matter how straightforward your circumstances appear to be.

ElderLaw is a new student-run service from the University of the West of England. We are able to exclusively offer members of BOPF information and assistance with drafting or updating your Will - entirely cost-free.  We are working in conjunction with local solicitors TLT to assist with any Will-related query.

ElderLaw can also offer assistance on questions on Powers of Attorney2, Court of Protection3 and Age Discrimination4.

We can arrange a face to face appointment or give assistance in writing. Contact us for an appointment today by either emailing or writing to us at ElderLaw, c/o Marcus Keppel-Palmer, Faculty of Business and Law, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Road, BS16 1QY.  You can also see ElderLaw at the monthly BOPF meeting in Union Street.

1 Intestacy: the condition of the estate of a person who dies owning property greater than the sum of their enforceable debts and funeral expenses, without leaving a valid Will.

2 Powers of Attorney: a lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or make decisions on your behalf.

3 Court of Protection: a specialist court for all issues relating to people who lack capacity to make specific decisions. The Court makes decisions and appoints deputies to make decisions in the best interests of those who lack capacity to do so.

4 Age Discrimination: the Equality Act 2010 introduced new protection to ensure older people get fair treatment when they are receiving goods and services.

When I was young I wanted to change the world, now I just want to change the young.The worse thing about growing old is having to listen to my kids' advice .Old age is like everything else, to get it right you’ve got to start young.They say that 80 is the new 70. Try telling that to a speed camera!When I turned 63 I decided to convert to Celsius, so now I am 17.The older I get the more youth seems a form of mental illness.May you live to be so old that your driving terrifies people.I'm young at heart, just older everywhere else.

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ELECTORAL REGISTER vs OPEN REGISTERIn July 2014 you should have received a letter from Bristol City Council telling you that there is a new system for registering voters, and that you have been automatically re-registered under the new system. This is important, because you will not be able to vote if you are not on the Electoral Register. If you think you may not be registered, then write to the Freepost address below.

There are two registers: the electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. There is a different register, called the OPEN REGISTER which has details of voters in it, but it is not used for elections. However, it can be bought be any person, company or organisation. This is the register that lots of marketing companies buy, and then can send you what is called junk mail. Your name and address does not have to be included in this open register, you can opt-out. You can write a letter asking for your name and details to be removed from the open register to the address below. This does not affect your right to vote. Write a letter to:Electoral Services, FREEPOST (NAT11762), Bristol BS1 5 BR

Angela Auset, Management committee member

Electoral register myth-busting.Myth: When I register to vote, my details will be passed on to lots of marketing companiesTruth: There are two versions of the electoral register –the electoral register and the open register (also known as the edited register).

The electoral register lists the names and addresses of everyone who is registered to vote in public elections. The register is used for electoral purposes, such as making sure only eligible people can vote. It is also used for other limited purposes specified in law, such as: detecting crime (e.g. fraud), calling people for jury service, checking credit applications.

The open register is an extract of the electoral register, but is not used for elections. It can be bought by any person, company or organisation. For example, it is used by businesses and charities to confirm name and address details.

When you register to vote, you can choose to tick a box to opt out of the open register, which means your details will not be used in this way.

Bristol's Library services want your ideas, suggestions and input.From Tuesday 11 November, for 12 weeks, Bristol City Council will be consulting residents on how to get better value for money from Library Services, by turning local libraries into “flexible, modern spaces for communities to learn and socialise in” and so avoid closures that would otherwise be necessary to balance the budget.According to ITV West's article on the closure of some of Bristol's libraries:“Only 1 in 7 people regularly use the city’s libraries, and about a third of those are over 60” sou you, our members, will be disproportionately affected by any closures. At present there is no list of libraries threatened by closures, so the debate is still completely open and have everything to play for, but we need you to participate in the consultation and let your views be known.Once the full consultation gets under wayPaper questionnaires will be available either from your local Library, from a BCC Customer Service Point or by contacting

Consultations on 0117 922 2848. The online consultation will be posted on https://bristol.citizenspace.com/

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Useful numbers

Bristol Older People’s Forum: 0117 927 9222; bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk; www. bopf.btck.co.uk. c/o Age UK, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street, Bristol BS1 6BY; The Forum is the main co-ordinating organisation for older people’s groups and older activists in Bristol. We always need more members to make the Forum even more effective. Can you recruit friends and relatives?

Age UK Bristol: 0117 922 5353 - admin@ageukbristol.org.uk; www.ageuk.org.uk/bristol. Canningford House, 38 Victoria St.. Bristol, BS1 6BY Age UK Bristol (formerly Age Concern) individual help, advice and suppor for people over 55.

Action for Blind People: 0117 953 7750 10 Still House Lane, Bedminster, Bristol. BS3 4EB - bristol@actionforblindpeople.org.uk or to find out about services Action offer visit our website: https://www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/resources/local-action-teams/bristol/

Alzheimer's Society: 0117 961 0693 Paula.Shears@alzheimers.org.uk International House, Bank Road, Kingswood, Bristol, BS15 8LX For people with Alzheimer's and their carers in Bristol.

Bristol Bath & Weston Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening Programme 0117 3421630 aaa@uhbristol.nhs.uk We cover the Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset area and provide screening for AAA for all. Ordinarily, only men in their 65th year are invited, but we encourage men over 65 to self-refer.

Bristol Dial-a-Ride: 0845 130 1875 www.bristoldialaride.org.uk. The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2ZZ; Provides a door-to-door bus service for any person who cannot use public transport. NB Now renamed Social Access

Bristol Hate Crime Services (BHCS) 0800 171 2272 (freephone). The newly-funded one-stop reporting service for any kind of crime against people because of a specific characteristics: Faith, race, age, disability, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.

Bristol Shopmobility: 0117 955 9083 Cabot Circus Car Park, Newfoundland Circus, BS2 9AB; Hires powered scooters and wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs to enable people with mobility impairments to shop. By prior arrangement a user can be met with a scooter when arriving at the shopping area. Long term hire also available..

Bristol Rape Crisis: 0117 929 8868 info@bristolrapecrisis.org.uk; or The (National) Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre: 0808 802 9999. Women of all ages can be affected by rape and getting free, confidential support from trained counsellors is essential to their recovery and wellbeing.

Carers' Allowance Unit: 0845 608 4321 Textphone: 0845 604 5312

Care Direct: 0117 922 2700 textphone 0117 903 6689 8.30am to 5pm M-F adult.care@bristol.gov.uk . Council adult care (social services). Call if you are concerned about abuse of a vulnerable adult. Telephone interpreting service available.

Centre for Sustainable Energy: 0800 082 22 34. For help with reducing your heating bills and making your home warmer and more comfortable www.cse.org.uk

Crime Stoppers: 0800 555 111. To report crimes and criminal activities to the police, anonymously https://crimestoppers-uk.org/

textphone email website fax mobile telephone

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Contact the Elderly 0800 716 543 or 0117 960 9606 if you or someone you know are affected by loneliness, OR to become a befriender helen.ker@contact-the-elderly.org.uk www.contact-the-elderly.org.uk.

Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance Helplines 0845 712 3456

textphone 0845 722 4433

LinkAge 0117 353 3042 admin@linkagewestofengland.org.uk works with people 55+ and local communities to facilitate inspiring social activities that enrich lives, reduce isolation and loneliness and promote active participation.

Milestones Trust 0117 970 9300 0117 970 9301 info@milestonestrust.org.uk www.milestonestrust.org.uk/ Unit 10, Eclipse Office Park, High Street, Staple Hill, Bristol, BS16 5EL Supported Living; Nursing & Residential, Specialist Home Care; Respite; Mental Health; Elder Care, Dementia; Day Care.

Next Link - 0117 925 0680 - enquiries@nextlinkhousing.co.uk Link House, 5 Queen Square, Bristol BS1 4JQ - Domestic Abuse Support services for women, they can also help with housing if you are leaving a violent home.

North Bristol Advice Centre - 0117 951 5751 janie@northbristoladvice.org.uk www.northbristoladvice.org.uk

Older People's Gardening Project - 0117 935 9710 Community Service Volunteers (CSV), in partnership with Bristol City Council, runs a gardening service for elderly and disabled people who are unable to manage their own gardens.

Remap Colin Sparrow 01275 460288 colin305@gmail.com Ray Westcott 01179 628729 rwestcott@blueyonder.co.uk national charity that designs and makes FREE bespoke aids for people with a disability, where there is no suitable aid available commercially.

Retired & Senior Volunteer Programme (RSVP) W. Region - 0117 922 4392 CREATE Centre, Smeaton Rd, Bristol BS1 6XN. www.rsvp-west.org.uk

S.A.R.I. – Support Against Racist Incidents - 0117 942 0060 PO. Box 2454, Bristol, BS2 2WX; Support for victims of racial harassment to help them survive their traumatic experiences by helping with reporting follow-up on actions.

Southville Older People Services 0117 923 1039 info@southvillecentre.org.uk Southville Centre, Beauley Road, Southville, Bristol, BS3 1QG. Activities

SW Energy Saving Trust Advice Centre - 0800 512 012 3 St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade, Bristol BS3 4AQ; enquiries@est-southwest.org.uk. Provides advice on keeping your home warm and saving on fuel costs. Grants may be available. See also www.energysavingtrust.org.uk. Warm Front grant enquiries: 0800 316 2805.

Tackling Discrimination Service - 0117 916 7704 Avon and Bristol Law Centre, 2 Moon Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol BS2 8QE, discrimination@ablc.org.uk

Thomas Pocklinton Trust - e-Befriending, please contact us on or 0208 996 1930 or visit

Welfare Rights and Money Advice Service (WRAMAS), 0117 3521888 PO Box 595, Bristol, BS99 2AW, welfarerights@bristol.gov.uk

West of England Care and Repair - 0300 323 0700 or visit www.wecr.org.uk 5 Hide Market, Waterloo St., St. Philip's, Bristol BS2 0BH.; info@wecr.org.uk

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National/Outside Bristol

Action on Elder Abuse - 0808 808 8141; www.elderabuse.org.uk. Provides a free helpline for anybody worried that an older person is being abused or mistreated, however, if it's urgent or an emergency ring 999!.

Age UK (National) - 0800 169 6565; www.ageuk.org.uk. Post: Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Works to improve later life for everyone through information and advice, campaigns, products, training and research.

Alzheimer's Society National Helpline - 0300 222 11 22 for dementia information and support for families and carers for people with Alzheimer's and Dementia.

Broken Rainbow - 0300 999 5428 mail@broken-rainbow.org.uk ;

www.broken-rainbow.org.uk National helpline for LGBT victims of domestic violence. Mon. & Thurs. 2 - 8pm. Weds: 10am – 5pm.

Care Quality Commission: Concerns about care? Tell us! 03000 616161, or enquiries@cqc.org.uk http://www.cqc.org.uk/public/get-involved/share-your-experience You can also share your experience of a service with us.

Deaf Diabetes Support Line text 07980 973191 For deaf people with Diabetes, or email contactdeafdiabetesuk@gmail.com

Heat Helpline- 0800 336699 free and confidential help for people who are having difficulties meeting their heating costs.

National Pensioners Convention 020 7383 0388 Walkden House, 10 Melton Street, London NW1 2EJ; admin@npcuk.org.uk; www.npcuk.org.uk. National umbrella body for 800 affiliated pensioners’ groups, including BOPF. Individual membership £5/yr.

Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Families Association (SSAFA) 08451 300 975. Team avon.severnside@ssafa.org.uk http://www.ssafa.org.uk SSAFA Central Office, 4 St Dunstan's Hill, London, EC3R 8AD; For ex-military personnel and their dependants, SSAFA may be able to help with the costs of items like home improvements, mobility scooters etc.

South West Seniors: The SWSN’s role is to act as the collective voice for older people in the region. Around 60 groups and clubs with a total of over 52,000 members are affiliated. By speaking up on your behalf, what we say CAN make a difference… in the media and with politicians, health organisations, support bodies and government – local, national and even Europe-wide. http://seniorsnet.org.uk/pages/

Third Age Trust / University of the Third Age (U3A) 020 8466 6139;19 East Street, Bromley, Kent BR1 1QH; national.office@u3a.org.uk; www.u3a.org.uk. Encourages and promotes educational and cultural activities for older people.

The Thomas Pocklington Trust: 0208 996 1930 befriending@pocklingon-trust.org.uk Pier House, 90 Strand on the Green, London, W4 3NN Provide national telephone and email befriending schemes for people with sight loss in the UK

http://www.pocklington-trust.org.uk/supportservices/befriending/telebefriending.

textphone email website fax mobile telephone

AfBP

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At Home With IT Ltd.: 0750-3926275 0117 911 0493 Basecamp, 2.02 Merchant Venturers’ Building, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UB - contact@AtHomeWithIT.co.uk Community Interest Company, training provider on mobiles, smartphones, tablet devices, laptops and desktop PCs http://www.athomewithit.co.uk/

Living Mobility and Driving Centre WoE C.I.C. 0117 965 9353 The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, Bristol BS16 2QQ Individual Driving and Adaptation assessments - mobserv@thisisliving.org.uk http://www.thisisliving.org.uk/

Other services for older people in Bristol.textphone email website fax mobile telephone

Bristol Resource Centre for blind and partially sighted peopleA range of gadgets, to help people with sight loss, are available at the (Action) Resource Centre in Bedminster – Bristol.

The Resource Centre offers an excellent opportunity for people who are visually impaired to get advice, find information about local services and try out or buy equipment.

Sally Robinson, Action’s Resource Centre coordinator, explains: “We have a large selection of items available, our friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers will demonstrate products and offer advice to reflect each individual’s level of vision and their particular needs.”

Products include:● Reading aids – Electronic reading devices enlarging print onto a screen.● Handheld magnifiers and lighting ● Phones and mobiles – Speaking and large print house and mobile phones● Talking watches and clocks● Technology – Computer software, keyboards● Home and kitchen – Labelling, voice recorders, weighing scales and

healthcare items● Canes and mobility – White canes, GPS navigation, eye-shields and

sunglasses.

Opening hours and location

Normal opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00am – 1.00pm Closed on Bank Holidays

Contact detailsBristol Resource CentreAction for Blind People10 Stillhouse LaneBedminsterBristol BS3 4EB

Email: resourcecentrebristol@actionforblindpeople.org.uk

To check availability or to arrange a demonstration, contact reception on Tel.: 0117 953 7750.

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Falls are the leading external cause of death in people over 75 years of age in the UK. It is estimated that about 16,000 people in Bristol are currently vulnerable to falls, a number which is expected to rise.

The impact of falls is substantial to those who fall and their families, and costly to the NHS. Those who fall, or are fearful of falls, tend to stay indoors more, become less mobile and more socially isolated.

With ‘Building Health Partnerships’ funding from Public Health England, Voscur and NHS Bristol have demonstrated the value and importance of the voluntary and community sector (VCS) in tackling health issues.

This training has been designed for VCS staff and volunteers to become ambassadors on this issue. Believed to be the first training of its kind, the idea is that staff and volunteers who come into contact with vulnerable people can play an important role in encouraging them to visit their GP for assessment and support. In this way, it is hoped people will be empowered to seek help from their GP before, rather than following, a fall.

The training aims to help participants to feel more confident in identifying who may be at risk and encouraging them to seek professional help. In this way, it is hoped that more vulnerable (including elderly) people will be helped to stay steady, confident and active, leading to a better quality of life.

The training provides essential information about falls and major risk factors and includes the opportunity to practice personal approaches to initiating and developing positive conversations about this issue. It is designed to be participative and draw on the knowledge and experience of participants, many of whom will already understand the importance of this issue.

Voscur has engaged Alba, experienced trainers in Bristol, to run a series of 3-hour sessions throughout Bristol between Autumn 2014 – Spring 2015. The training is free and all venue costs will be covered. Organisations will only be expected to organise attendance.

For more information, or to book a course date, contact Alison Mather:

alison.mather@albanetwork.co.uk

DEVELOPING THE SAFETY NETA falls prevention training course

Would you like to become a Falls Prevention BOPF Volunteer ?The above course has been organised specifically for volunteers of Voluntary and Community Sector organisations like BOPF. Members who would like to become our ambassadors in the Community, to educate and inform those most at risk from falls, please get in touch with our office and we will get Allison to send information about the training.

Are you a BOPF member AND on email? Would you like to receive our electronic copy instead, with live links that offer one-click access to websites and email addresses that you can forward to family, friends and neighbours on email? Contact us at bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk and tell us; we will add you to our email distribution list, and you will be helping us to save money, nenergy and natural resources, while our newsletter works harder for you.

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Terrence Higgins Trust’s Health Wealth & Happiness: Supporting people aged 50 and over living with HIV in BristolHIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust has launched a new set of services in Bristol for older people living with HIV, the fastest-growing group of people with the condition in the UK.

The Health, Wealth and Happiness project aims to improve the emotional, financial and physical wellbeing of people living with HIV who are aged 50 and over. Studies have shown that people in this group are more likely to be financially disadvantaged and twice as likely to experience other long-term health problems compared to others their age without HIV. As a result, many have serious concerns about the future.

Following an initial assessment, participants in the project can choose to be paired with a mentor of a similar age, who they can meet for one-to-one support. They will also be invited to a series of groups and workshops, which will offer guidance in areas such as managing finances, expanding social networks, and learning new skills such as IT and social media. For more complex financial issues – including welfare benefits, housing and employment, and debt advice – the project also offers a dedicated worker who can provide guidance and undertake casework.

In Bristol, project workers will build links with local health and social care organisations, offering staff training on HIV to improve their understanding of the condition and ensure existing services are prepared to meet increasing need. Those involved in the project, including older people living with HIV, will also meet with MPs and decision-makers to raise their awareness and understanding of the issue, and help local services better address the needs of this group.

Health, Wealth and Happiness is a free and confidential service, open to anyone in Bristol who is living with HIV and aged over 50. Terrence Higgins Trust is also calling on older people in the city (both HIV-positive and HIV-negative) to volunteer as mentors or group facilitators for the project. These roles are open to anyone aged 50 and above, and full training will be provided.

If you think you could benefit from the project, know someone who might, or if you’d like to come on board as a volunteer, please get in touch. We would love to hear from you.

Caer Smyth, Local Coordinator – Health, Wealth & Happiness

0117 955 1000 07467 913862 Caer.smyth@tht.org.uk

A note of apology from the Forum Manager.Apologies to members who went to the Malcolm X Community Centre for the meeting of 9th October, which had to be moved to the Baptist Church (owing to a double-booking at the

Malcolm X), or to the Tea Dance on 1st October, which had been moved to the 29th, but only after our Newsletter had gone out to members.

NHS Breast Screening Programme Breast cancer is the most common cancer in England with around 40.000 women diagnosed each year. Older women are more at risk of getting breast cancer than younger women. About one-third of all breast cancers occur in women over the age of 70. Most women do not have a family history of the disease. If breast cancer is detected early, it is more treatable. That’s why it is important to get to know your breast, know how they look and feel like, so that you’ll find it easier to spot something unusual.

Everybody needs to be breast aware, both females and male. Although rare, men can develop breast cancer as well. It is also important that partners are aware, sometimes they pick up changes in the breast.

Everyone’s breasts look and feel different. It is common to have one breast larger than the other, or breasts that are different in shape.

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts. You can check in the bath or shower, when you use body lotion or when you get dressed. You decide what is comfortable and best for you. Remember to check all parts of your breast, armpits and up to your collarbone.

When checking your breasts, you need to try to be aware of any changes that are different for you

Here are some examples of changes you need to be aware of:● A change in size of shape of one or both breasts● Constant pain in your breast or armpit● A lump or thickening that feels different from the rest of your breast.● If the nipple becomes inverted/pulled in, or changes shape.● A change in skin texture (the skin looks and feels different, such as dimpling of the skin).● Bloody discharge from the nipple● A rash or redness on the skin around the nipple● A swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

If you notice any changes in your breasts, it is important to contact your doctor straight away.

Breast screening is another way of detecting breast cancer, often at an early stage. Breast screening will not prevent breast cancer from developing, but it can help to find a breast cancer sooner. Early detection in general means, less aggressive treatment, improved prognosis and saving lives. 1 life for every 200 women screened, which is 1300 lives saved from breast cancer, each year in the UK.

The NHS Breast Screening Programme is available for all women from the age of 50 to 70 every three years. Automatic screening invitations are being extended to those aged between 47 and 73. If you are over 70, you will not automatically get an invite for breast screening. However, you can ask for screening every three years. All you need to do is phone Avon Breast Screening on: 0117-4147070 Your breast screening appointment may be at Avon Breast Screening or on a mobile unit. The screening unit can help you to make a suitable appointment.

The results of the mammogram will be sent to the woman and their GP within 2 working weeks. A few women will be asked to have the tests repeated, due to a technical problem at the time of the X-ray. A small percentage of women (4 or 5 in every 100 screened) will be recalled to Avon Breast Screening for a further check or tests. Again, the sooner breast cancer is diagnosed, in general, the more effective treatment may be.

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Dear Marge, last night I went to the supermarket to do me shopping.When I were ready to check out and pay for me groceries, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing me." Making a mental note so I could complain to me local MP about security gone mad, I did just as she had instructed. After the shrieking and hysterical laughter finally subsided, I found out that she were referring to how I should position me credit card. Nonetheless, I've been asked to shop elsewhere in future. It don't seem fair, tho', they should be a little clearer with us older folk!

Your chum, Frank

Dear Marge, last night I went to the supermarket to do me shopping.When I were ready to check out and pay for me groceries, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing me." Making a mental note so I could complain to me local MP about security gone mad, I did just as she had instructed. After the shrieking and hysterical laughter finally subsided, I found out that she were referring to how I should position me credit card. Nonetheless, I've been asked to shop elsewhere in future. It don't seem fair, tho', they should be a little clearer with us older folk!

Your chum, Frank

It is vital in the modern world that all sections of society including older people can take part fully. They should be enabled and encouraged to contribute to decisions that are made generally but especially those that affect them directly.

One concern affecting older people is digital exclusion. There is some evidence that many older people are among one of the fastest growing sectors as purchasers of computer tablets. Other will take advantage of other technologies such as Skype to keep in touch with family and relatives in faraway places (and some not so far).

However, older people, those on lower incomes, those with disabilities and/or with lower educational qualifications are more likely not to be connected e.g. to smart phones, email, the internet – sometimes referred to as the “information superhighway”. It is also of note that some older people do not want to learn such new skills.

This exclusion can take many forms. For example, the removal of newsletters in written form delivered to each household and replacement with a service that is only available online may reduce costs but it is likely to impact on older people to a greater extent. Similarly, older people who are not IT savvy will not be able to take advantage of discounts only available online e.g. for gas and electricity bills. When money is tight it is important that you are able to take advantage of all possible discounts.

If you are a Bristol resident and you have difficulties accessing services because of your age then the Tackling Discrimination Service (TDS) at Avon and Bristol Law Centre will be able to advise you free of charge on your legal rights. The TDS service also covers age discrimination in employment matters and all areas of discrimination law i.e. disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation etc.

The TDS service is funded by funded by Bristol City Council. There is also the option, with your consent, of the Law Centre referring a matter where you feel that you are being discriminated against because of your age by Bristol City Council, or one of its providers, direct to an Equalities Manager at the Council who will take steps to explore whether the matter can be resolved without having to go to court.

The TDS team includes Noopur Talwar (Direct: 0117-9167709), Ronan Mulqueeney (Direct: 0117-9167708) and Will Stone (Direct: 0117-9167725) three solicitors with many years of experience in discrimination law between them. If you have access to email you can contact us on discrimination@ablc.org.uk. More details on our website http://www.ablc.org.uk/tackling_discrimination.html

Tackling Discrimination ServiceFunded by Bristol City Council

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Remap A unique Charity, that makes things possible for people with a disability.Remap is a national charity that designs and makes bespoke aids for people with a disability, where there is no suitable aid available commercially. Our aids are supplied free of charge to the client!

Our aim is to give people more independence, and a better quality of life, by helping them to do every tasks about the home, or to get out and about more easily and safely, or to engage in a hobby that perhaps they once enjoyed, but can no longer manage.

Every person with a disability is unique, in that a disability can effect different parts of the body, to different degrees, and peoples’ tolerance to discomfort, and fitness, varies from person to person. Remap seeks to produce an aid designed specifically to suit the needs of the individual client.

Remap has a small head office with just 2 ½ paid staff, and 1500 volunteers spread throughout the country. The volunteers are grouped into 80 panels, to serve their local area. The panels include professional engineers, craftsmen, and some medical professionals. Each panel raises its own funds to cover costs, such as materials and travel. Our volunteers work from their own home workshops to design and make our aids. The Bristol Panel covers Bristol, South Gloucestershire, and North Somerset.

How Do We Work?

Most of our referrals come from Occupational Therapists, (O/Ts) or other health professionals, but anybody can ask us for help. If we think we can help, which is mostly the case, we arrange to visit the client to fully understand the need, and the client’s disabilities, what they can or cannot manage. The O/T is normally part of this process. If there is no O/T involved, and there are possible medical issues, we have our own O/T’s on the panel. Our volunteer, with the agreement of the client and O/T, will then design and make an aid, and deliver it for trial. We also adapt existing equipment.

Please feel free to contact Remap if you need a custom aid. Or join us if you enjoy solving problems, and making things.

Colin Sparrow 01275 460288 or e-mail colin305@gmail.com Ray Westcott 01179 628729 or e-mail rwestcott@blueyonder.co.uk

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Is it just me... ? Trying to create a webmail account online (sentin by Judith Brown)

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1919

Do you know someone who will be on their own this Christmas Day?

Marmalade Trust and our lovely volunteers are taking people out for a Christmas Day lunch at a local restaurant.

Do you know someone who is going to be on their own and would like to join us?

Note that, owing to our limited spaces, we accept nominations strictly on a first-come-first-served basis

Volunteers needed.

Are you free for Christmas lunch? Could you volunteer for the Marmalade Trust and help take guests out?

It's more than a good deed, it's a good laugh too! Get in touch!

Please send all enquiries to: Amy Perrinmarmaladetrust@hotmail.com 07971138718 www.marmaladetrust.org

Bristol Older People's Forum, c/o Age UK Bristol, Canningford House, Bristol BS1 6BY

0117 927 9222 bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk www.bopf.btck.co.uk

Bristol Older People's Forum, c/o Age UK Bristol, Canningford House, Bristol BS1 6BY

0117 927 9222 bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk www.bopf.btck.co.uk

Help Us Keep Our Mailing List Up-to-DateIf you have received this newsletter through the post, your name is on our mailing list. Our newsletter is free of charge, but we do need older people to complete our occasional survey questionnaires in return, to help us feed back to the Council and other Agencies how Bristol's over 55 population feel about a broad range of issues. If you know of an older person in Bristol who would like to receive our newsletter, or if you would like your name removed from our mailing list, please complete the form below and return it to us at the Forum office (address below), or ring us on 0117 927 9222.Please add/remove this name to/from the Forum mailing list (delete as appropriate):

Name

Address

Postcode signed:

BOPF would like to thank Bristol City Council for its financial support and also Age UK and Age UK Bristol for their professional help. BOPF is affiliated to the National Pensioners' Convention.

Disclaimer: BOPF welcomes contributions from members. We will always make every effort to include your views. Some of the opinions in our publications are those of individual contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of BOPF.

Dates for your diaryDates for your diaryOpen Forum meetings

Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St., Easton, Bristol BS5 6AW 0117 954 1409 info@eastoncommunitycentre.org.uk

13th November Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30

11th December Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30

12th February Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30

12th March Easton C.C. 14:00 - 16:00

14th May AGM Baptist Church 10:30 - 13:30

Campaign meetings

8th January Baptist Church 10:30 -13:30

9th April Baptist Church 10:30 -13:30

NOTE: Except for dates marked meetings will be held at Broadmead Baptist Church

Union Street, BS1 3HY 0117 929 138) office@broadmeadbaptist.org.uk

NOTE: Except for dates marked meetings will be held at Broadmead Baptist Church

Union Street, BS1 3HY 0117 929 138) office@broadmeadbaptist.org.uk

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Speakers at our next meetings, Broadmead Baptist Church, 10:30-12:30On 13h November we will welcome Glen Burrows, National Pensioner's Convention Western Region spokesperson, who will speak about the NPC's campaign manifesto.On 11th December Jess Flanagan & Caroline Featherby will explain how the "Dementia Friends" initiative hopes to change lives. | Ronan Mulqueeny will explain the new Council-funded Tackling Discrimination Service at the Avon & Bristol Law Centre We hope you will be able stay for our extended, bring-your-own, sociable lunch!