POPPs Newsletter Issue 6 (October 2008)
Opening Doors for Older People Newsletter
Issue 6 - October 2008
Download a copy of the newsletter 1.8 MB 
This newsletter has been produced by the Opening Doors for Older People project. We hope you find the newsletter interesting and informative.
Please feel free to feedback any comments about the newsletter to the project team at:
Ryecroft Hall, Manchester Road, Audenshaw, M34 5GJ
0161 370 1179 
Send us a Message
Foreword from the Chair of the Older People’s Partnership - Ian Munro
Well summer, for what is was worth , is now officially over and autumn is upon us with the production of the sixth Opening Doors for Older People quarterly newsletter.
It seems unbelievable that three months has passed since the last issue and what a lot of progress has been made since then!
The third round of Funding from the Opening Doors for Older People Grant has now been completed. The Grant Panel met at the end of August to consider the most recent applications for funding. I am extremely pleased to tell you that, including the CORA Check and Support Service, we have successfully funded 35 projects, to a value of almost £700,000. All these will either provide new or develop existing, services to improve the health and wellbeing of older people in Tameside.
In this issue, we concentrate on the different kinds of services funded through the partnership to date. We hope it gives you a flavour of the services provided, and shows the outcomes for older people. You’ll find more information on the funding here.
With this newsletter should be a leaflet publicising the gentle exercise classes now taking place across the Borough that have been funded by the project. If you would like a copy of this leaflet contact the POPPs team on 0161 370 1179 or Send a Message to the POPPs team.
The first ever National Day for Older People took place on 1st October 2008. The day was a chance to celebrate the achievements of older people and the huge contribution they make to society, while at the same time tackling outdated stereotypes and affirming a positive view of later life.
The Department for Work and Pensions, and other government departments and agencies, are supported this initiative.
The Opening Doors for Older People project celebrated the day at Droylsden Library with the launch of the newly funded “Lively Library” club for people over 55. See page 20 for more details.
If you have any comments or suggestions for improvement to the newsletter, please feel free to feedback any ideas to a member of the team Send a Message to the POPPs team.
- Message From Martin Garnett – POPPs Programme Director
- The CORA Check and Support Service
- Making Links with the Community
- Service User Involvement
- Spotlight On Services
- Forthcoming Events
- Market Development - Promoting Independence For Older People
Message from Martin Garnett – POPPs Programme Director
Following on from my comments in the last newsletter regarding the national governance arrangements that the project is required to work to, the next step, as we near the end of the project, is to complete and present back to central government a report that will examine progress to date and look at options for the longer term future of the project.
As you will know, the Partnership for Older People project is a 2 year government funded initiative which is due to cease in March 2009. We are currently in discussions with key partner agencies, such as the Primary Care Trust and the Council, to explore future options for delivery and future funding. If successful, this will enable us to continue to develop the CORA Check and Support Service together with continuing to work with partners to extend and increase the available services to support the health and wellbeing of older people in Tameside.
The decisions around the future will largely be informed by our successes in attracting people to the CORA Check and Support Service and the number of successful, innovative schemes funded through the grant. Critical to this is our ability to demonstrate that we are listening to older people and acting on their views and ideas to improve quality of life.
Various options are currently being considered, and hopefully we will be in a better position to report back to you on the future direction and models for delivering the services in the next newsletter.
If you would like any information on any part of the project, please feel free to contact a member of the team on 0161 370 1179 or Send a Message to the POPPs team.
The CORA Check and Support Service
The Opening Doors for Older People project has been in operation since May 2007 and we are delighted to report that as at the 31st August 2008, over 1200 people had requested the CORA Check and Support Service. At the same time last year, we had received 206 requests; this means that in 12 months, we have attracted more than 1000 people to the Check and Support service.
Obviously we want to carry on trying to reach as many older people as possible during the remainder of the project. We will continue to hold drop-in sessions in local shopping centres and libraries, and will be visiting community groups across Tameside to talk to people about the Check and Support service. If you know of anyone who would benefit from a visit from a CORA Advisor, please ask them to contact the CORA Coordinator on 0161 308 5007 or Send a Message to the POPPs team.
In telling people about the project, we also invite other parts of the council to some of our sessions, such as the Community Safety Unit and Library staff, so that older people are immediately made aware of some of the services that are available to them. The Community Response Service has come along to a number of our sessions to demonstrate the range of telecare equipment that is available to support older people in their own homes, and don’t forget that anyone who has used the CORA Check and Support service is entitled to a free, no-obligation 4-week trial of the equipment. The Community Response Service has produced a very useful DVD which explains all about the services it can offer. To get your free copy of the DVD contact the Community Response Service on 0161 342 5100 or Send a Message to the CORA team.
We have also had a member of the Energy Efficiency Unit present at events we have held at Ashton and Hyde shopping arcades, who was available to give information on Saving Energy, Saving Money and Keeping Warm. You can contact the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512012.
Move into Audenshaw
As well as the project being available across the whole of Tameside since it began in May 2007, we have been concentrating efforts in each town on a 3-monthly rota. From 1st October, the project team will be active in Audenshaw, and the launch event will take place at Audenshaw Community Centre, Denton Road, Audenshaw on Monday 20th October 2008, 10.00 am – 3.00 pm. Come along to see what we have to offer and collect your goody bag. There will also be demonstrations of telecare equipment, information on winter warmth and energy efficiency, as well as refreshments throughout the day.
Throughout the 3 months, we will also be holding drop-in sessions at Guide Lane Clinic and visiting local community groups. For further information contact a member of the project team on 0161 308 5007.
Working with Local GPs – Social Prescribing
In order to reach more older people, the project has been working with some local GPs on something called social prescribing. This means that as well as prescribing traditional medication, GPs can prescribe a CORA Check and Support visit to patients who they feel may benefit. Examples might include older people who attend their doctor’s surgery who are worried about debt, people who have suffered bereavement and are struggling to cope, people who are isolated or lonely and people who might need assistance with cleaning, shopping, laundry or simple DIY jobs.
By referring patients to the CORA Check and Support service, the GP can have confidence that the person will be contacted by the CORA service and offered a home visit at a time that is convenient to them.
The pilot has been so successful, that we hope to roll it out across the rest of the borough. For further information contact a member of the project team on 0161 370
1179 or Send a Message to the POPPs team
The GP made a social prescription for Brenda to the CORA Check and Support service.
Entitlement to Attendance Allowance was explained to Brenda during the Check and Support home visit, and she was very pleased to hear that she might be entitled to this benefit as she had not heard anything about it before and she was struggling financially after paying her gardener, cleaner and for help with shopping, from her pension.
The CORA Advisor took some details from Brenda and with her consent passed this information on to the Pension Joint Team.* Brenda was delighted to be subsequently informed by the Team that her claim for Attendance Allowance was being considered.
If successful, Brenda will be able to pay for all the help she needs around the home without having to use her pension. Brenda feels that this will be a great weight lifted off her mind as she will no longer struggle financially with the upkeep of her home.
In addition to the above, the CORA Advisor also gave Brenda a range of information and contact details of the following sources of help and support:
- Befriending schemes
- Local Social and Community Groups
- Community Safety
- Home Fire Risk Assessments (Referral made on Brenda’s behalf)
- Transport Schemes (Miles of Smiles and Ring & Ride)
- Community Response Service and Telecare Equipment
- Carers Centre and Carers Assessments
Volunteer CORA Advisors
As well as wanting to deliver the CORA Check and Support service to as many older people as possible, we are also looking to recruit more older people as Volunteer CORA Advisors.
As a Volunteer CORA Advisor, you will visit older people at home to carry out the CORA Check and Support visit. You may also wish to become involved in events to publicise the project, such as going along to visit community groups, or events we run in shopping arcades.
Full training will be given, and payment for out of pocket expenses is made.
If you have an hour or two to spare every now and then, and think you could help support older people, then please contact the CORA Coordinator on 0161 308 5007
for more information on how you can become a Volunteer CORA Advisor.
We would particularly welcome volunteers from the BME community.
Read a Book
Keeping your mind active helps you take time out from the stresses of daily life and so will help improve your health and well-being. You could even join a book club or reader group. It’s a great way to meet new people and have a healthy debate about the heroes and heroines in your favourite page-turner. Contact your local library to find out what is happening near you.
Making Links With The Community
The articles below give information on a range of issues of importance to older people, and have been put together with the assistance of staff in other council services and outside agencies.
How to Avoid the Rip-off Trader
Buy With Confidence – Approved Trader Scheme. Tameside Trading Standards has launched the Buy With Confidence Approved Trader Scheme to support legitimate businesses and to protect the residents of Tameside from rogue traders. The scheme has twenty-six businesses/traders on the list and is expected to increase very quickly to become a comprehensive directory of reliable, trusted traders. All members are independently checked by staff from Trading Standards.
Trading Standards will put people in touch with approved traders who have agreed to provide a trustworthy and high standard of customer service.
The scheme will help to give customers peace of mind, particularly older and vulnerable people who need to know who they can trust and will protect them from becoming victims in their own homes.
It has not been possible to include a copy of the directory of locally approved traders with this newsletter, as it is constantly being updated. However, if you would like a copy of the directory please contact Gwen Kay at Tameside Trading Standards on 0161 342 3671 or Send a Message to the Trading Standards team
This is the logo to look out for; members of the Buy with Confidence Approved Trader Scheme will carry this on their paperwork and vehicles.
Save Energy…Save Money…Keep Warm this Winter
The rising price of fuel means that it is costing us more and more to heat our homes. There are a number of schemes available that provide grants and discounts for heating and energy efficiency measures as well as energy installations.
Warm Front Grants
- Available to householders who receive qualifying benefits, have a child under 16, are pregnant, are disabled or have long term illness. Up to £2700 is available for energy improvements.
- For people over 60 and not on benefits you can still claim £300 off the cost of the repair or the installation of a heating system.
To find out if you qualify for a Warm Front Grant, call free on 0800 316 6011.
CERT (Carbon Emissions Reduction Target) Funding
- Electricity and gas suppliers have to promote things that improve energy efficiency (e.g. loft and wall insulation). Householders can take up grants from any energy company, regardless of whether they supply your gas and electricity.
- Loft and cavity wall insulation is free to those over 70 or those in receipt of benefits.
To find out about energy improvement funding opportunities please call 0800 512 012 or visit the Energy Saving Trust website 
to find the best offers in your area.
Reducing the amount of energy you use at home can save you money. Follow these simple energy saving tips in your home:
- Reducing the temperature of your home by 1°C – can cut your heating bill by around 10%. Ideally, the temperature of your home should be between 60°F (16°C) for background heating and 70°F (21°C) for your living room. If you are elderly, ill or disabled however, do not allow your heating to drop below 60°F (16°C)
- Don’t leave appliances on standby and remember not to leave things on charge unnecessarily. Did you know 8% of electricity is used by appliances such as TV’s, computers and Hi-Fis left on standby?
- Only use enough water to cover the food you are cooking and always put a lid on the pan
- Always wash a full load of clothes and use the lowest temperature setting that you need. Washing clothes on 30°C rather than 40°C will help to reduce electricity consumption by around 40% every wash. Don’t use a tumble dryer if you can dry your clothes on a washing line
- Low energy light bulbs are 5 times more efficient and can last 10 times longer than an ordinary bulb. Always turn lights off when you do not need them
- Remember, your freezer operates more efficiently when it’s full
- Draught-proof your home – around 15% of heat loss from the home is from under doors and around window frames. Close your curtains at dusk to avoid heat escaping through your windows
- Only boil as much water as you need when using your kettle – just boil one cup’s worth if that’s all you need
- Switch to a condensing boiler, this can save you around 1/3 off your heating bills
- Ask your energy company about Social Tariffs, which may be available if you are on certain benefits – could save up to £200 per year. Make sure you ask your supplier about this tariff if you contact them
- Ensure that your home is adequately insulated – there are grants available, call 0800 512 012 for free advice.
Home Fire Risk Assessments
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service is committed to reducing fire deaths by ensuring that every home in the county has a working smoke alarm. To make certain this happens, firefighters and specially trained volunteers carry out free home fire safety checks and fit free smoke alarms.
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has already fitted over 14,000 free smoke alarms in Tameside. However, the aim is to ensure that all 90,000 properties are protected. Along with fitting free smoke alarms, firefighters also give occupiers a free fire safety check known as a Home Fire Risk Assessment.
Booking a free home fire risk assessment couldn’t be simpler. Simply call 0800 555 815 or complete and return the enclosed leaflet. Alternatively, your CORA Advisor can request an assessment on your behalf.
Sandra requested a CORA Check and Support visit after hearing about the Opening Doors for Older People project at the Really Important Questions Conference (RIQ). As well as being given information on local services that she might wish to use, Sandra was interested to hear about volunteering as a CORA Advisor. As a result of this, she joined the volunteer team in February 2008, attending a range of events to promote the project to older people. She says that she enjoys meeting people and giving information and advice on the CORA Check and Support service, because she feels it has helped her and would like other people to benefit in the same way.
As a result of her involvement with the project, Sandra is also a member of the Small Grants Funding panel, where she is able to get involved in making decisions about how money from the project is spent.
Pension Credits - Don’t Miss Out on Extra Cash
Pension Credit is an entitlement for people aged 60 or over living in Great Britain. This could mean extra money for you every week. Pension Credit guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at least:
- £124.05 a week if you are single
- £189.35 a week if you have a partner
Also, if you or your partner are 65 or over you may be rewarded for saving for your retirement, up to:
- £19.71 if you are single
- £26.13 a week if you have a partner
To apply for Pension Credit, you must be at least 60 or within four months of your 60th birthday. It does not matter if your partner is under 60. Call 0800 99 1234
The top five myths about Pension Credit are:
- I don’t think I’ll be eligible for Pension Credit. Don’t rule yourself out. 2.7 million pensioner households already receive Pension Credit. And up to 1.8 million more could be entitled but haven’t yet claimed.
- I’ll get so little it’s not worth me claiming. Even if you only get a little extra each month, receiving Pension Credit may help you get money for other things, such as rent, council tax or towards the cost of keeping your house warm.
- It’s difficult to claim Pension Credit. It only takes one free phone call and you won’t have to fill in a form. Just call 0800 99 1234.
- I have some savings so I won’t get anything. Having some savings or another pension doesn’t rule you out – around three quarters of people who get Pension Credit have saved something. In fact, you are rewarded for trying to put money aside.
- I own my own home so I won’t get anything. Owning your own home doesn’t rule you out. Nearly half of pensioners who get Pension Credit own their own home.
Don’t rule yourself out, call the Pension Credit hotline to get the facts on 0800 99 1234. Friends and family can also help encourage people they know to claim.
Don’t delay, act today.
Get Your Increased Winter Fuel Payment
Older people are being urged to claim their Winter Fuel Payments, increased for this winter, to help them with higher energy costs.
This year the Winter Fuel Payment will be £250 for households with someone aged 60 to 79, and £400 for households with someone aged 80 and over.
The exact amount you’ll get depends on your circumstances during the qualifying week (15 to 21 September 2008), such as your age, whether you live alone and whether you’re getting Pension Credit.
In most cases if you qualify for a Winter Fuel Payment, you’ll get:
- a full payment of £250 or a shared payment of £125 each, if you’re aged 60-79, or
- a full payment of £400 or a shared payment of £200 each, if you’re aged 80 or over
For Further information on Winter Fuel Payments call the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 08459 15 15 15 (0845 601 5613 for textphone users).
Lines are open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Charges are the same as for local calls.
Buy a New Pair
Old shoes and slippers are one of the causes of backache and can lead to extra pressure on your joints. Old slippers are often the cause of trips and falls that can lead to broken bones, nasty and sometimes fatal accidents. Make the change and try on a new pair this week. Try and make sure they are sturdy and well fitting, and support your feet and ankles. If possible have them professionally fitted at a shoe shop.
Free Denton Bus Service to Tameside General Hospital
A new shuttlebus service between Haughton Green and Tameside General Hospital (TGH) commenced on Monday 28 July. The free trial community service has been introduced by Tameside MBC in partnership with Tameside Hospital.
Beginning at Tatton Road in Haughton Green, the bus will also stop at Denton Town Hall carpark and Audenshaw Community Centre, before arriving at the Hospital. The service will also provide a return journey and will run between 10.30 am and 3.00 pm.
The bus service will initially run for a period of 6 months, and after evaluation if the minibus proves to be popular, it will continue and expand its operating hours. The service is free to all hospital patients.
For further information please telephone the Patient Information Centre on 0161 331 5332 or have a look on Tameside General Hospital’s website .
Bus Timetable
| To TGH |
Tatton Road, Haughton Green 10.30 |
Town Hall Car Park, Market Street 10:35 |
Audenshaw Community Centre 10:40 |
Tameside Hospital 11:00 |
| From TGH |
Tameside Hospital 11:15 |
Audenshaw Community Centre 11:35 |
Town Hall Car Park, Market Street 11:40 |
Tatton Road, Haughton Green 11:45 |
| To TGH |
Tatton Road, Haughton Green 13:45 |
Town Hall Car Park, Market Street 13:50 |
Audenshaw Community Centre 13:55 |
Tameside Hospital 14:15 |
| From TGH |
Tameside Hospital 14:30 |
Audenshaw Community Centre 14:50 |
Town Hall Car Park, Market Street 14:55 |
Tatton Road, Haughton Green 15:00 |
Let’s Have a Laugh
Laughter is a great way of reducing stress and anxiety. Stress is a contributing factor to poor mental health and can also lead to high blood pressure and risk of strokes and heart attack.
Even better, have a joke with a friend. Laughing together helps us build stronger friendships and improve social and mental well being. Why not join your local social groups and make new friends to share a joke or two and have a laugh.
Service User Involvement
CORA User Reference Group
The fourth meeting of the CORA User Reference Group took place on 30th July at Ryecroft Hall and as usual was well attended by over 20 CORA Users and Carers.
Following on from the last meeting, the Group finalised the top 10 ten questions from the CORA questionnaire that they felt were important for the next phase of developing the CORA Check and Support Service. These were:
| 1 | Do you live on your own? |
| 2 | Do you have any significant problems with your hearing/eyesight? |
| 3 | Are you talking four or more different medications prescribed by your doctor? |
| 4 | Have you been particularly sad, unhappy, worried or irritable recently? |
| 5 | Would you like information on local self help groups? |
| 6 | Are you in contact with your friends or relatives as often as you would like? |
| 7 | Do you miss out on attending any social meetings or groups for any reason? |
| 8 | Would you like free advice on how to keep your home safe and warm? |
| 9 | Do you find it difficult to get information on services that are available in your area? |
| 10 | Would you like a free, confidential home visit to see that you are in receipt of all your financial entitlements? |
Another role for members of the CORA User Reference Group is to visit services that have been funded through the project. This will involve members going along to the groups so they can see for themselves what they provide for older people, and how money from the project is being used.
If you would like to get involved in the CORA User Reference Group, please contact the project team on 0161 370 1179 or Send a Message to the POPPs team or complete and return the enclosed registration form.
Quality of Life Survey
Thank you to everyone who has returned their Quality of Life Survey questionnaire. The results will be analysed and will be used to determine how successful the Opening Doors for Older People project has been at improving things for older people.
Questionnaires will be being sent out again in October to those people who requested the CORA Check and Support service during May – December 2007, to see if there has been any improvement in their quality of life.
If you receive a questionnaire, please do complete it and return it as they are important in helping us to improve services for older people.
Annie is aged 72 years. She completed a CORA questionnaire at her local Luncheon Club. Annie struggles to walk and uses a walking frame. She told her CORA Advisor that she was concerned about a number of issues: all her grab rails, which had been fitted whilst she was in hospital, were in the wrong place; she felt her safety chain on the front door was too long and her bedroom window lock was broken. Her CORA Advisor was able to put Annie in touch with the First Call Handyman at Age Concern Tameside who repositioned the grab rail, replaced the safety chain and fixed the window lock, all at no cost to herself.
Annie has said that she now feels much safer in the house, particularly with the repositioned grab rails, and is happy and grateful for the support she has received through the Opening Doors for Older People project.
Take the Stairs
Try to walk up at least one flight of stairs a day. One flight a day helps increase the amount of physical exercise you do. See Excercise for Health for other ways to increase physical activity.
Spotlight on Services
Tameside Housing Options Centre
Housing Options is a Council service and it provides free housing advice for anyone living in Tameside, including older people – you do not have to be homeless to use the service.
From time to time everybody needs advice about their housing situation, whether that is about moving home or needing to make some changes to your present home that mean you can continue to live there longer. Housing Options can provide help, advice and guidance on a whole range of issues.
Common housing questions raised by older people are:
- How do I apply to a Housing Association?
- Can I apply to more than one?
- I own my home, can I still apply to a Housing Association?
- How long can I expect to wait for a Housing Association property?
- What is Sheltered Housing?
- How is Sheltered Housing different from a Nursing Home?
- Will I be able to afford Sheltered Housing? – I’ve heard the rent is expensive.
- What is the difference between shared ownership and low-cost housing?
- Can I get help making changes to my home that allow me to continue living there?
- My home is too big for me, what are my options?
- Someone in my family has a housing problem, where do they go for help?
The Housing Options Centre is located at 119-125 Old Street, Ashton under Lyne, OL6 7RL. If you can’t visit the Centre a home visit can be arranged.
If you want to know more about Housing Options contact Howard Lomas on 0161 331 2700 or email housingoptions@newcharter.co.uk.
Forthcoming Events
Hyde Clarendon Shopping Arcade
Members of the Opening Doors for Older People project, along with volunteers from the project, will have a stall in Hyde Clarendon Shopping Centre in October, to seek out more older people who could benefit from the CORA Check and Support service.
Look out for us on 6th and 8th October between 10.00 am and 3.00 pm.
The “Really Important Questions” (RIQ) Annual Conference
Meet the people who manage social care & health services in Tameside.
The 9th Annual RIQ Conference will be held at Dukinfield Town Hall on Tuesday 21st October 2008 from 9.45am to 3.30pm. This conference is for anyone aged 50+ and it is an opportunity to find out about social care, health and other services and have a greater say about how these services should develop. Managers from the Council, Health, Housing and Community organisations will be at the conference to hear what people need. This year the conference will focus on the Government’s new vision for adult social care services. Adult social care services needs to change in a way that allows older people to have the best possible quality of life and live full and purposeful lives. This is an opportunity to take part in discussion groups and say what you think needs to be done.
One of the discussion groups will focus on the work of the Opening Doors for Older People project. So please come along and tell us what you think.
The conference is free of charge and lunch and refreshments will be provided. Access needs can also be arranged. The RIQ conference is very popular and places
are limited. Please contact the conference organisers for a booking form or for further information - Penda Garnett or Sandy Parkinson on 0161 366 4327 or Send a Message to the POPPs team.
Market Development – Promoting Independence For Older People
The second funding panel meeting of the Small Grants Fund which operates in partnership with Help the Aged recently took place, and the following groups were successful in their bids for funding:
| Project | Activity |
| All Saints Micklehurst Community Bingo | Purchase of bingo machine |
| Fairfield Floral Art Society | Demonstrations by qualified floral arts demonstrators |
| Hattersley Healthy Walkers Group | Day walking trip for members |
| Tameside Retired Teachers Association | Expenses for speakers at the meetings |
| Golden Girls Senior Citizens Dance | Christmas trip out for members |
| Happy Milers | Purchase of walking equipment |
| BAPS Swaminarayanaq Mandr | Social trip for members |
| Trenchard Court Residents Association | Social event for residents |
| Droylsden Townswomen’s Guild | Expenses for speakers at the meetings |
| Get Crafty | Christmas Party and entertainment for members |
| Stalybridge Art Club | Day trip for members |
| Hattersley Yoga and Health Group | Contribution to the cost of Yoga Classes |
| Ogden Court Residents Group | Christmas meal out for residents |
Check your Medicines
Community pharmacists are trained to help people with their medications. If you take lots of tablets – ask your pharmacist to do a medication check with you to help you understand what you should be taking when.
In the last newsletter, we told you about a number of larger projects that have been funded by the Opening Doors for Older People project. Since then, 2 more funding rounds have taken place. The table below sets out additional projects that have been funded since the last newsletter.
| Project | Activity |
| Denton Methodist Church Luncheon Club | Funding to support extension of loop system and production of audio newsletter to reduce isolation and increase participation by older people with hearing loss. |
| Tameside Elders Association | Support to run an additional day’s luncheon club. Support to the provision of events and activities to promote social inclusion. |
| Mancunian Reunion Project | Support to the development of a volunteer based befriending and buddying scheme aimed at providing practical and social support to older people in Hattersley to reduce isolation and promote social inclusion. |
| Get Crafty | Support to volunteer based arts and craft group at William Ford House and Chambers Court Sheltered Housing complexes in Mottram. |
| Hyde Bangladeshi Welfare Association |
Support to develop additional events and activities to support inclusion and to reduce social isolation. |
| Volunteer Centre Tameside | Recruitment of older people as volunteers. |
| Museum of the Manchester Regiment |
Support to a scheme to improve access to and engagement with cultural heritage - focus on outreach work with isolated older people in the communities. |
| Tameside Home Services | Scheme to offer home support service (eg. housework, shopping, laundry, social support) at a reduced rate for CORA users. |
| Tameside Libraries – Lively Library Club | A new library club at Droylsden Library to increase socialisation. |
| Hattersley Baptist Church “The Wednesday Club” | Support to innovative volunteer based ‘Holiday at Home Scheme’ offering a range of events and activities to older people who are unable to get away on holiday. |
| Mossley Methodist Church Community Day Centre | Support to enable members requiring transport to attend day centre. |
| St Martins Church - Luncheon Club | Support to develop a social and luncheon club in the Droylsden area aimed at promoting healthy eating and social engagement by older people in the area. |
| Friends of Ryecroft Hall | Support to the provision of outdoor seating and garden furniture to promote the engagement of older people in events and activities held in the grounds. |
| Broadoak and Smallshaw Young at Heart Club | Support to the development of social and other activities for older people in the Broadoak and Smallshaw areas. |
| Ashton District Assembly – Store Street Park | Partnership to support the development of Store Street Social and Bowling Club as a community resource for older people and the community as a whole in the Waterloo area of Ashton. |
| St Peter’s Partnership | Support to joint initiative between St. Peter’s Partnership and T3SC (Tameside Third Sector Coalition) to improve the provision of business support to local community and social enterprises. |
| Hattersley and Mottram Community Media | Support to develop and improve volunteer support networks and information for older people, training and information technology. |
| Tameside Stroke Awareness Support Group | Help with information, support and activities for members. |
New ‘Lively Library Club’ at Droylsden Library
In partnership with the Opening Doors for Older People project, Droylsden Library launched a new library club on Wednesday 1st October, to mark National Older People’s Day.
The Lively Library Club is open to people aged 55 years and over, and meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.00 am. It offers speakers and workshops, as well as the chance to meet new people, try different things and be involved in deciding how the group should run.
Call the Library on 0161 370 1282 for more information or call in on the first Wednesday of the month and join in the fun!
ICE Up
If you have a mobile phone or address book, programme or write in the number of the person you would like contacted In Case of Emergency under the name ICE. Paramedics and other emergency staff will now look for the ICE contact number. This can be life-saving if there is information about you that medical staff need to know.
The Cranberries get into IT
The Cranberries is a weekly social group for older people at Cranbrook Gardens in Ashton, run by Audrey Ward. The aim of the group is to improve the quality of life for older people, particularly those in danger of becoming isolated. With assistance from the Opening Doors for Older People project, the Cranberries group has now purchased a number of laptop computers to help older people learn about, and how to use, information technology.
As well as helping older people find out information about local services and changes to things like Pension Credits and other benefits, being able to use the internet and feeling comfortable using a computer can help older people stay in touch with friends and family members who live in other parts of the country.
A 10-week learning session will take place every Tuesday from 11.00 am – 1.00 pm in the Common Room at Cranbrook Gardens, with a group of 5 members at a time. Tuition will be provided by Tameside Council Adult Learning. The first of the IT Learning Groups was formally launched by Cllr John Taylor on Tuesday 23rd September 2008. If you would like further information on The Cranberries, please contact Audrey on 0161 336 0670.
Sleep Well, Live Longer
A good night’s sleep helps improve your mental and physical health.
Build a routine each night so that your body can prepare for rest and recuperation. Finish eating at least two to three hours before bed and avoid nicotine and caffeine close to bedtime.
Different people need different lengths of sleep to feel refreshed and healthy, for some it is about six hours, for others it is eight or nine.
Tameside Home Services
Tameside Home Services is a social enterprise organisation developed in 2006 with the support of Tameside MBC to provide low level practical and social support in the home for older people.
This support includes the following activities:
- Housework/Cleaning/Laundry/Ironing
- Intensive One Off Cleans
- Preparation of Meals
- Shopping/Collecting Benefits/Pensions
- Accompanying Clients on Visits/Trips/Appointments etc
- Assisting Clients to Make Phone Calls/ Write & Read Letters/Cards etc
- Assisting with Care of Pets
- Making the home ready and getting food in for clients who are returning after a spell in hospital
- Helping to Support Clients while Family Members/Carers are away on holiday or ill
The Opening Doors for Older People project is working in partnership with Tameside Home Services which is now able to offer its service at a reduced rate for people who have had the CORA Check and Support service.
Following a request for service a member of staff will contact you to arrange a home visit where they will discuss your particular requirements. The service will be delivered by a trained & vetted member of staff who will work to the highest standard in your home. Staff are always introduced to clients before the service commences, giving clients an added sense of security
The service, which aims to be as accessible and flexible as possible, is available on a regular basis, occasionally or as a one off. Tameside Home Services is happy to quote for a full & comprehensive house clean.
Requests for the service can be made through your CORA Advisor or direct to Tameside Home Services on 0161 343 6582.
Duki Drop In
Duki Drop In is a local centre at 2 Wellington Parade on the Central Estate in Dukinfield, that aims to promote the mental and physical well-being of older people in the area. This is possible through opportunities to take part in arts and crafts, gentle exercise, a spot of lunch or simply socialising with old and new friends over a cup of tea.
The centre was formally opened on Saturday 28th June by Andrew Gwynne MP. Mary Silitoe, who runs the centre has said that it has gone from strength to strength since then.
The centre is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week, and is used by around 50 older people. Through support from the Opening Doors for Older People project, a range of activities are planned to take place at the centre – see table below.
| Day | Time | Activity |
| Tuesday | 9.30-12.00 | Coffee Morning and Light Lunch (Soup & Roll) |
| Tuesday | 1.00-3.00 | Beginners Art Class |
| Wednesday | 10.00-12.00 | Card Making |
| Wednesday | To be arranged | Armchair exercise |
| Thursday | 10.30-2.30 | Foot Care (by appointment only) |
| Thursday | 1.00-3.00 | Advanced Art Class |
So if you would like to make new friends in the Dukinfield area, or take up some new activities, ‘drop in’ for a cuppa and a chat, or contact Mary on 0161 344 5892.
Exercise for Health
As a way of helping older people stay healthy, Tameside Sports Development, in partnership with the Opening Doors for Older People project, has set up a number of gentle exercise classes around the borough. These are aimed at people aged 55+ and are run by fully qualified instructors.
For further details, contact Michelle Murphy at Tameside Sports Development on 0161 609 1277, Send a Message to the Sports Development team. or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/getactive.
The classes will take place as follows:
| Day | Time | Location |
| Tuesday | 10.00-11.00 am | Ogden Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Frank Street, Hyde |
| Tuesday | 1.30-2.15 pm | Ryefield Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Ryefield Street, Ashton |
| Tuesday | 2.30-3.15 pm | Leesfield Court Sheltered Housing Complex, Henrietta Street, Ashton |
| Wednesday | 11.30-12.15 pm | Windsor House Sheltered Housing Complex, Ashwood Avenue, Windsor Road, Denton |
| Wednesday | 1.00-1.45 pm | Gardenfold House Sheltered Housing Complex, Moorside Street, Droylsden |
| Wednesday | 2.15-3.00 pm | Richmond House Sheltered Housing Complex, Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge |
| Wednesday | 3.15-4.00 pm | Kenyon House Sheltered Housing Complex, Astley Street, Dukinfield |
Let’s ‘Get Crafty’
Get Crafty is an Arts and Craft group that is run by June Burns at William Ford House and Chambers Court Sheltered Housing complexes in Mottram, on Friday afternoons. The Opening Doors for Older People project helped Get Crafty with a grant to purchase storage equipment for craft materials, as June had previously had to transport materials on the bus between the two centres.
As well as providing the opportunity to learn new craft skills such as card making, tie-dye and glass painting,
Get Crafty offers the opportunity for local residents to get together socially and to make new friends. June tells us that “the difference I have seen within the two groups and the friendships that have formed is fantastic, the girls are working hard in trying to involve some of the men, who at the moment can’t grasp why we make cards and paint glass when you can just go and buy them. But a couple have been sitting in on the sessions – progress!”
The group at Chambers Court is now run by a volunteer, who is in her 70s. This means that June can now concentrate on building up the group at William Ford House.
If you would like to know more about how to Get Crafty, contact the Warden at William Ford House on 01457 763525 and Chambers Court on 01457 764018.
Tameside Stroke Awareness Support Group
Tameside Stroke Awareness Support Group runs from Dukinfield Community Centre on Town Lane, every Wednesday from 10.00 – 12.00. It is a social support group for people who have had a stroke, but also for people who have long-term medical conditions, and their friends and carers.
The group gets involved in a range of activities, such as painting, arts and crafts, card making, dominoes, puzzles and jigsaws, as well as trips and meals out. A grant from the Opening Doors for Older People project means that the group can now extend the range of activities it is able to provide, to include things such as indoor bowls and skittles, which are good ways of helping regain strength and movement.
The aim of the group is to make sure that older people can get out, socialise and have some fun. Their message is “don’t stop behind closed doors, our door is open to you!”
The group is always looking for more members, so if you would like to know more about what they have to offer, contact Olive Turner on 077888 16890 or Carole Houghton on 0161 624 9587.
Mossley Methodist Community Day Centre
Mossley Methodist Community Day Centre offers a warm and friendly meeting place for people aged 65 and over, living in the Mossley area. Members meet every Wednesday at the Methodist Church, where they can renew acquaintances, make new friends and enjoy a home made lunch.
The Opening Doors for Older People project is helping the Day Centre to provide transport for members, to and from the centre.
The group is still looking for new members, so if you or someone you know is interested in joining in, contact Valerie Smith on 01457 835187.
NHS Foundation Trust
Are you interested in the future of Tameside Hospital?
Do you or someone you care for attend appointments or receive treatment at Tameside Hospital?
Are you interested in having your say about the future of your local Hospital?
What is an NHS Foundation Trust?
NHS Foundation Trusts are a new type of NHS organisation. They operate in a way that values and encourages the involvement of local people and staff. NHS Foundation Trusts are bound to uphold the quality standards and principles of the NHS - providing free care at the point of delivery based on need, not ability to pay. In having greater freedom to run their affairs, NHS Foundation Trusts are more responsive to local needs and priorities.
How can you help?
By becoming a member of Tameside Hospital NHS Foundation Trust you can contact your member of council to discuss any issue which may affect you or those that you care for and help to influence future decisions. You may want to become involved in groups or committees operating in the hospital.
Latest news
The Trust has had the final approval for the £112m re-development of the hospital site, known as the HIT (Health Investment in Tameside) project. Work has already begun on the construction of a new access road. Once complete in 2011, there will be new wards, theatres, outpatients and X-ray departments. In addition, as a Foundation Trust we will be in a stronger position to provide some important new services. Examples of possible service developments include cardiac catheterisation (a service for investigating and treating heart problems) and expansion of our outpatient services.
Joining
There are several ways to join. Either contact the membership office on 0161 922 4175, fill in a form at the Hospital or you can sign up online at www.tamesidehospital.nhs.uk/pages/FoundationTrustApplicationForm.asp