Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

36
age matters Issue 39 free! Winter 2015 For Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 Celebrating Volunteers Meet Trustee Derek Skingle Pat and Anne’s 25 Years of volunteering Friends and fun At our 10 to 3 Clubs Information and Advice Happy 5th Birthday Help in the Home Mid and North Herts Fabulous fundraisers St Catherine’s School and Carpenders Care Pension Scams How to avoid them

description

Quarterly magazine published by Age UK Hertfordshire aimed at helping older people in Hertfordshire get the most out of later life

Transcript of Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Page 1: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

agemattersIssue 39

free!

Winter 2015

For Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

Celebrating Volunteers

Meet TrusteeDerek SkinglePat and Anne’s 25 Yearsof volunteering

Friends and funAt our 10 to 3 Clubs

Information and Advice

Happy 5th BirthdayHelp in the Home Mid and North Herts

Fabulous fundraisersSt Catherine’s School and Carpenders Care

Pension ScamsHow to avoid them

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 1

Page 2: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 2

Page 3: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 03

The inclusion of an insert or advertisement feature in agematters does not imply endorsement by Age UK Hertfordshire ofany product or service advertised.

Registered charity number 1116662

In this issue

Age UK Hertfordshire Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 Email: [email protected] www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire Head Office Tel: 01707 323272

Acting Chief Executive: Dr Jan Gough

Editor: Alison SmithTel: 01707 323272Email: [email protected]

Advertising: Phil MartinTel: 01707 386070Email: [email protected]

Distribution: Lee RegisTel: 01707 323272

Designed by: Michael HarrisonEmail: [email protected]

Printed by: Precision Colour PrintingTel: 01952 585585Web: www.pcpltd.net

20-21

9

Where to get your copy of agemattersYou can get your copy of agematters from your local library,GP surgery, Age UK Shop, local Age Concern group, Age UKHertfordshire 10 to 3 clubs and day centres, other Age UKHertfordshire schemes, Wiltshire Farm Foods and selectedoutlets including some residential and sheltered housingschemes and local clubs or online atwww.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire

5 Meet Derek SkingleFrom the Editor

7 Gifts in Wills9 Fundraising10-11 HertsHelp13 Gardening - Green Aiders15 Home and Hospital Support Service 16-17 Pension Scams18-19 Information and Advice20-21 Help in the Home22 NHS Stay Well this Winter23-27 Active Ageing29 Visiting Scheme31-34 Volunteering

5

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 3

Page 4: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 4

Page 5: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

It is winter and the nights are drawing in. Thehedgerows are dotted with red berries and ourgardens are full of colourful birds.

In this bright new issue we’re celebrating volunteering.Derek Skingle, who is on our front cover, gets greatsatisfaction from his role as a Visiting Scheme Volunteerand fulfilling the vitally important function of Trustee.We meet Pat and Anne who have volunteered for AgeUK Hertfordshire for an impressive 25 years! Pat hasenjoyed assisting clients at our 10 to 3 Club inCodicote whilst Anne, a Visiting Scheme Volunteer,has helped countless older people feel less lonely. JanGough, Acting Chief Executive, adds “I am very proudthat our organisation attracts and retains so manywonderful volunteers like Pat and Anne, whocontribute so much to the success of the charity.Many congratulations to you both on such a brilliantachievement.” Michael Freeman, another of our

volunteers, has researched anexcellent article on the subject ofPension Scams. It includes some usefultips on how to protect your money.

Vicky Kelly, Head of Active Ageing,introduces us to members of theHealthwise Steering Group who arehelping to ensure our clients get the very best from thisservice. Our Information and Advice Service welcometwo new and enthusiastic members to their Team anddiscuss the support they offer. We have a wealth ofstories about how our services are benefiting olderpeople and how we are working with organisations toensure that our clients get the best support available.

So keep warm and well and enjoy another brilliantissue of your favourite magazine.

agematters winter 2015 – bright as a berry.Alison Smith EditorTel: 01707 386070 Email: [email protected]

It has been said by some that theway a community cares for its sickand its older people, defines us asa community and as a society.

As a volunteer, the personalsatisfaction and fulfilment I getfrom volunteering, is easily defined.

As both a volunteer for the Visiting Scheme, and alsoas a Trustee, my satisfaction and fulfilment is that Inot only actively participate with the older community,but I also have the ability to be part of the shaping ofpolicy and values within Age UK Hertfordshire.

Volunteers support the charity in a variety of roleswithin Age UK Hertfordshire. One of the lesser knownvolunteer roles is that of a Trustee who sits on theorganisation’s Board of Trustees.

The Chief Executive and Senior Management Team reportto the Board of Trustees, which is comprised entirely ofvolunteers, who are intentionally diverse as a group.Operationally, the Senior Management Team deal withthe day to day management of Age UK Hertfordshire,and the Board of Trustees oversee this and work withthe Chief Executive, offering guidance and support.

The Board is responsible for establishing the essentialmission of the organisation. They are also responsiblefor guarding its vision, values and finances.

The Age UK Hertfordshire Board is comprised of aChair, Vice Chair and other trustees, who also sit onvarious sub-groups/committees that cover Scrutinyand Audit, Health and Wellbeing and Fundraising andMarketing. The Board comes together, along with theSenior Management Team, four times a year and alsoan Annual General Meeting is held once a year. Subgroups/committees meet around three times a year,with policies being approved at Board level.

Potential Trustees apply for the role and undergointerviews, and also a selection process to ensuresuitability. It is vital that the Board is seen to be asdiverse as possible, with people from variousbackgrounds and walks of life being represented.As a Trustee representing the 500+ volunteers in AgeUK Hertfordshire, my role also provides a voicesupporting the views of other volunteers, at Board level.

Derek SkingleVice Chair, Board of Trustees

From the Editor

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

WelcomeWhy volunteer, and why become aTrustee with Age UK Hertfordshire?

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 05

If you would like to volunteer for Age UKHertfordshire contact our Volunteering Team Tel: 01707 386060. For information aboutbecoming a Trustee please call Dr Jan Gough, ActingChief Executive on Tel: 01707 323272

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 5

Page 6: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 6

Page 7: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

It’s a common misconception that only the rich andfamous leave money to charity after they’re gone.The reality is that without gifts left in Wills by peoplelike you and I, the charities that we know and lovemay not exist.

Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful and positiveway to leave a lasting legacy and to support a charityclose to your heart. There are a number of differentways to leave a gift in your Will and we explain someof the most commonly used terms below.

A residuary giftThe amount of money that is left in your estate afterall debts, expenses and taxes have been paid, andafter any pecuniary and specific legacies that areincluded in your Will have been distributed, is knownas the residuary estate (from the word residue).Therefore a gift of the total (or a proportion) of yourresiduary estate, is called a ‘residuary gift’. This isoften the preferred way of defining a legacy becauseit is the easiest way of making sure that all of yourestate passes to your chosen beneficiaries.

A pecuniary gift Leaving a specified amount to a specific beneficiary isknown as a pecuniary gift. The value of pecuniarygifts will decrease over time, as the cost of livingincreases.

A specific gift of an item or assetYou may have something valuable that you would liketo gift in your Will, such as items of jewellery, sharesor even a property and these can be specifically giftedto a beneficiary in your Will.

Did you know?• There are now 14.9 million people aged 60 or

over in the UK1

• The number of people aged 60 or over is expected to pass the 20 million mark by 20302

• Nearly one in five people currently in the UK will live to see their 100th birthday3

While it is great news that people are living longer, itdoes also increase the amount of older people thatmight face isolation and loneliness in the future. After you have remembered those closest to you suchas family and friends, please consider leaving Age UKHertfordshire a residuary or pecuniary gift from yourremaining estate. A gift in your Will to Age UKHertfordshire will help us to continue to provide vitalsupport to older people throughout the county andhelp isolated older people to live more activelifestyles and maintain their independence.

So, you don’t have to be rich and famous to make adifference, we can all do something amazing for ourlocal community, by remembering Age UKHertfordshire when making a Will.

1 Mid-2014 Population Estimates UK Office for National Statistics, 20152 National population projections, 2012-based, Office for NationalStatistics, 20133 Department of Work and Pension estimate based on ONS populationprojections, DWP press release, 30 December 2010

Gifts in Wills – support for yourlocal charityPhil Martin, Head of BusinessSupport, discusses how youcan do something amazing

Please contact Wendy, Carole or Phil in ourLegacy Team if you would like to discuss leavinga gift in your Will to Age UK Hertfordshire.Tel: 01923 252947Email: [email protected]

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 07

Image copyright©Age UK

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 7

Page 8: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 8

Page 9: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 09

St Catherine’s (C of E) Primary School inWare chose Age UK Hertfordshire as theircharity of the year 2014-15

Back in September 2014, the student council of StCatherine’s (C of E) School were given a choice oflocal charities to select as their charity of the yearand decided to choose Age UK Hertfordshire.

For the next year the students took part in variousactivities in order to fundraise for the charity. Many ofthe students created and sold items at a ChristmasBazaar, including decorative tea light holders, and socksnowmen. Baking and selling cakes was anotherfundraising initiative that a lot of the students took partin, but the fundraising did not stop there. Severalstudents organised and took part in a 5 a side footballtournament charging a 50p entry fee.

Other students showed some real entrepreneurialskills by making loom bands and Christmas wrappingpaper and tags and selling them to family andfriends. In total the students raised an inspiring £930for Age UK Hertfordshire which will help us to supportlocal older people.

On the 7 October Phil Martin, Head of BusinessSupport and Derek Skingle, Age UK HertfordshireTrustee, were invited to the school’s assembly to hear

all about their busyyear of fundraising.Derek Skingle said “Iwas really impressedwith the enthusiasm of all of the students andenjoyed hearing about what they had undertakenthroughout the year to fundraise; you could tell theywere proud of their achievements. I am really pleasedthat a group of schoolchildren chose to fundraise fora charity for older people; I think it goes to show thatthey are engaged with the older generation.”

A very big thank you to all of the students andteachers at St Catherine’s (C of E) Primary School forchoosing Age UK Hertfordshire as their charity of theyear and for all of their hard work over the past 12months, well done!

Carpenders Care held a ‘Picnic in the Park’to fundraise in aid of Age UK HertfordshireOver the summer, Carpenders Care held a ‘Picnic inthe Park’ at Pinner Memorial Park in order tofundraise for Age UK Hertfordshire. Every yearCarpenders Care holds an event locally andchooses a charity to fundraise for. This year theyselected Age UK Hertfordshire and put on a funfamily event packed with live music, food stalls, abouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and muchmore. The event was a great success andCarpenders Care raised an impressive £576 for AgeUK Hertfordshire. Thank you to the team atCarpenders Care for choosing Age UK Hertfordshireand for putting on such a great event.

Pupils give fundraisingthe thumbs upPhil Martin, Head of Business Supportreports on the latest fundraisingactivities in aid of Age UK Hertfordshire

Are you planning to take part in a challenge orevent for charity? If so, why not do it in aid ofAge UK Hertfordshire? Participating in achallenge or event can be really rewarding andalso great fun. By fundraising for Age UKHertfordshire you’ll be helping older people inyour local area get the vital support they need.Interested? Please get in touch as we wouldlove to hear from you. Tel: 01707 386070Email: [email protected]

Giving fundraising the thumbs up - Derek Skingle and Phil Martinwith students from St Catherine’s (C of E) School

Playing ball for charity –St Catherine’s (C of E)School football team

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 9

Page 10: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

10 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

We often find it difficult to find our wayaround the many and varied local health,social care and voluntary services thatare there to help us. Hertfordshire CountyCouncil, working in partnership with theNHS and a range of community andvoluntary services created HertsHelp inresponse to the Government's call forcentral information, advice and supportservices for residents.

One of the first of its kind in the country,HertsHelp offers free, independentservices to everyone who lives inHertfordshire. It provides a single routeinto the wide range of expertise, supportand resources offered by a network of organisationsacross the county including Age UK Hertfordshire.HertsHelp has provided this service for over fouryears giving advice, information and support tothousands of residents across Hertfordshire.

Friendly advisors take time to talk through the rangeof support on offer, to make sure you get the help youneed when you need it most. For example HertsHelp,Age UK Hertfordshire and the British Red Cross workclosely together to deliver Home and Hospital

Hertfordshire has a wealth of voluntary servicesbuilding strong partnerships to support residents tolive independently in their own homes. The followingcase studies help to illustrate how HelpsHelpsupports Hertfordshire residents to stay healthy andsafe in their own homes. Working together we canHertsHelp you!

If you need help and don’tknow where to turn, thenlook no furtherSusan Carter,HertsHelp ProjectManager reports on how working inpartnership isdelivering betterresults for residents

Susan Carter

Support Services to aid safe hospital discharge andprevent readmission to hospital.

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 10

Page 11: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Helping Gordon get back on his feetGordon* was referred to the service following astroke and now needed a frame to walk. His homewas full of clutter and he was at risk of tripping sohis discharge from hospital would be delayed.

The overgrown path and brambles were cleared andhelp was provided to pack away items in the housemaking it safer for Gordon and allowing him to bedischarged from hospital much sooner.

He was also put in touch with a Help in the Homeservice and Community Meals and given support toaccess benefits, gardening services and carersupport services.

Keeping Doris safe at homeReg* was worried about the fast failing eyesight ofhis wife Doris* and how this would affect their lives.As a result of his call to HertsHelp, Reg was providedwith adaptations including grab rails and a stair gateto keep Doris safe at night.

Reg now worries less about Doris’ safety at home andtheir quality of life has improved as a result of thehelp they received. Reg said “I sleep better at nightbecause Doris is safe; our whole lives have beenimproved simply by contacting HertsHelp.”

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 11

The HertsHelp information helpline hasqualified staff waiting to offer independentinformation and advice for you.

To get in touch, call 0300 123 4044 oremail: [email protected]: 0300 456 2364Text hertshelp to 81025Skype: HertsHelpHertsHelp is open Monday to Friday 8am-6pm

For further information visitwww.hertsdirect.org/hertshelp

Staff from Age UK Hertfordshire and the HertsHelp Team working in partnership. L-R Jan Gough, Ruth Horn, Dawn Martin, Susan Carter and Kim Ho

* Names have been changed

How can we help you?• Do you want to be more active?

• Would you like to meet more people?• Need advice on benefits and debt?• Are you caring for someone?• Are you going through a crisis?• Do you need independent financial advice on

funding your care?• Can we support you to stay safe and

independent at home?

If you need help and don’t know where to turn, withour network of over 500 community and voluntaryservices, HertsHelp makes getting the right supporteasy in Hertfordshire.

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 11

Page 12: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 12

Page 13: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 13

Groundwork is the community charity with a greenheart. Our Green Aiders project, funded by HertfordshireCounty Council, helps older people and disabledresidents across the county to regain control of theirovergrown or unruly gardens, helping them to continueto live in their own homes (and enjoy their gardens!).

The project provides opportunities for local volunteersto undertake work that provides regular exercise, andto gain confidence and skills, by completinggardening tasks while supervised by experiencedGroundwork staff. Residents usually receive oneGreen Aiders visit, focused on larger or more difficulttasks. As a result of this visit, the garden is returnedto a condition that enables the resident to manage ithim/herself, or that allows a private gardener tomaintain it inexpensively for the resident.

The service reduces residents’ social isolation throughvisits by friendly local volunteers. There is also clearevidence that well maintained gardens can reducethe threat of burglary and doorstep crime, simply byensuring that homes look lived in. The project canalso help to prevent trips and falls, (and even visits tohospital) as a result of unruly brambles and othervegetation along paths. Groundwork asks recipientsof the service to evaluate whether it has:

• Reduced their risk of having a fall• Enabled them to be more active / take

more exercise• Improved their mental wellbeing / mood • Reduced their social isolation

As part of the service, Groundwork discusses anyadditional needs the resident may have, and assistsin referring them for other home support servicesprovided by local authorities, housing associations,police and fire services, local charities like Age UKHertfordshire and other organisations.

After the visit, Green Aiders’ clients can begin to enjoythe benefits of being outdoors. To help clients

maintain their garden and to ensure that problemsdon’t resurface, Groundwork’s Project Officers givethem advice and tips for future support.

“Before the Green Aiders visit, I considered moving asa result of the garden. In a little over two hours, [the]Green Aiders tamed the garden by trimming theperimeter hedges, trimming and mowing the lawn,and weeding and digging over the flower beds. Thecompleted work looks fantastic and it’s reduced myrisk of having a fall. It’s made me feel like I fit with thecommunity and the other gardens on the street.”Lucy, a resident

“The ladies were happy, cheerful and left everythingneat, tidy and very smart” Mrs Doe, a Watford resident

“This is a great opportunity for vulnerable and olderresidents to get their garden back to a space they canenjoy and be proud of, thanks to the help ofcommitted local volunteers”. Daniel Du Gard, Community Team Manager, Groundwork East

Green Aiders – TransformingGardens Changing LivesBy April Cowen, Senior Marketingand Communications Officer for Groundwork

If you or someone you know would benefitfrom a Green Aiders visit, please contactDaniel Du Gard, Community Manager Tel: 01707 260129 Email: [email protected] Visit: www.groundwork.org.uk/east

Green Aiders

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 13

Page 14: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Advertisement Feature

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 14

Page 15: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

During winter life can seemmuch harder for some ofour older clients and it’soften the time when theyneed our help the most.They may be moresusceptible to illnesses,there is an increasedlikelihood of having a falland sometimes it is astruggle just to staywarm. However, our

Home and Hospital Support Service can provide theextra help that you need as Alan* discovered.

“I feel everything is really coming together for me now” Alan Alan was referred to our Home and Hospital SupportTeam by the nursing staff at Lister Hospital followingan admission for recurring falls and various otherhealth problems.

Alan has Type 2 diabetes and was neglecting his diet.His living conditions were very poor: his house was inneed of a deep clean and was very cluttered and hisgarden was completely overgrown. Alan was on avery limited income, had no family or friends thatcould help him and was feeling really down.

Louise Casey, Home and Hospital Support ServiceCoordinator, visited Alan several times on his ward todiscuss his options with regards to deep cleaning hishome and gardening services. Louise accompaniedhim to the hospital cash point where he was able tocheck his bank account; she worked with theintegrated discharge and social work teams at theLister Hospital to prepare for his return home and thesupport that the team could provide, in partnershipwith other service providers in his local area.

When Alan arrived home Louise was there to meethim and help him settle in. She cleaned out his fridge

and stocked it up with fresh food, including somemicrowave meals, so he could have a hot dinnerduring the day.

Louise contacted Social Services who arranged for adeep clean and declutter of his house. She referredAlan to Age UK Hertfordshire’s Information andAdvice team for help with sorting out his bills andapplying for Attendance Allowance. She thencontacted HertsHelp who will support him withongoing help with paperwork and bills and put him intouch with a gardener. Louise also gave Alaninformation about Hertfordshire Action on Disability(HAD) who can help with any equipment he may needand also Hertfordshire Independent Living Service(HILS) if he wants a hot meal delivered each day.

Over the next few weeks Val, a Home and HospitalSupport Service Volunteer, kept in touch with Alan,taking him shopping and making sure that otherservices were in place and supporting him. He startedgoing to the shops on his mobility scooter again andVal would meet him there to help him with hisshopping and then help to pack it away at home.

On Louise’s last visit to Alan he was in a very positivemood. The deep clean and decluttering of his homehad taken place and he was very pleased with hisnew living conditions.

Alan said how grateful he was to the staff andvolunteers of the Home and Hospital Support Team: “Ifeel everything is really coming together for me nowand that is down to the support that I have receivedfrom Age UK Hertfordshire. Thank you so much”.

*Name has been changedImage copyright©Age UK

Dawn Martin, Head of Healthand Wellbeing, explains howthis invaluable service can help

If you have recently been in hospital or feelingunwell and are struggling to manage, pleasegive our Home and Hospital Support ServiceTeam a call:Tel: 01707 386076 Monday - FridayTel: 01438 285300 Saturday - Sunday

Regain your independence with theHome and Hospital Support Service

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 15

Hertfordshire

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 15

Page 16: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Types of pension scamsSince April 2015 there are now more choicesavailable to pension savers when accessing theirpension. However, the increase in interest aroundpensions has meant scammers are now usingthese new options as a way of persuading peopleto enter into high risk or illicit investments. Theydo this by getting them to transfer their pensioninto illegitimate pension arrangements orunrealistic ‘once in a lifetime’ investments, wheretheir money is misappropriated and unfortunatelylost. To spot the scams, you should watch out forunsolicited calls or adverts claiming to offer freepension reviews or no obligation consultations.Scammers typically:

• Promise extra tax savings and/or very high returns from overseas, or new/ ‘creative,’ investments

• Talk about ‘legal loopholes’ that allow you to get more than the usual 25% tax free cash

• Offer help to unlock your pension before age 55• Encourage you to transfer your pension

quickly, sending documents for signing by courier

If you are under 55 you can only access your pensionin exceptional circumstances, such as ill health. Takingyour pension savings early can result in tax charges ofup to 55% of the value of your pension. This is inaddition to high charges, typically 20% to 30%, forentering into these types of arrangements, as well asyour remaining pension savings being placed into highrisk investments.

Common signs it’s a pension scam• Unsolicited phone calls, text messages or

personal callers

• Creating a false impression of legitimacy by referring to being part of a government initiative

• You feel pressured into making an immediate decision

• The only contact details given are on their website, a mobile number and a PO Box address

• When a firm doesn’t want or allow you to call them back

Scammers are sophisticated and may have convincingwebsites. Some may imply that they are part of thegovernment backed Pension Wise service or callingfrom the Pensions Advisory Service. Neither ThePension’s Advisory Service nor Pension Wise willcontact you first. If you receive a call claiming to befrom them or a government initiative on pensions, put

16 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

A Lifetime’s Savings Lostin a MomentMichael Freeman, Age UKHertfordshire Volunteer, discusseshow to avoid pension scams

Copyright©Age UK

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 16

Page 17: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

the phone down. For more information on scams, visitwww.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk or the officialPension Wise website www.pensionwise.gov.uk.Remember, once you have transferred your pensionor handed over your pension savings, it is too late.Victims have lost all their savings and/or ended upwith a large tax bill.

Oliver's StoryOliver* is 45 and has been in a company pensionscheme for 15 years. He gets a call from Paul* whosays he is a financial adviser authorised by thegovernment. He asks if Oliver would like to make hispension money work harder – as well as releasingsome funds for Oliver to spend. Paul says he couldget Oliver an initial cash back bonus of 30% of thevalue of his pension, and a much better return on hismoney – around 8%. All Oliver needs to do is sign adocument saying he wants to transfer his pensioninto another scheme, and the money will get investedin a hotel complex in Cape Verde.

Paul tells him that if agrees to be locked in to theinvestment for 10 years; he will get an annual cash backpayment of £1,000. Oliver is keen to make the most ofhis money – he’s heard that he will be able to do what hewants with his savings when he’s 55, so he thinks thiscould be a good way round current low interest ratesthat mean his pension pot isn’t growing very quickly.

Oliver is concerned that the offer sounds too good tobe true, but Paul reassures him, promising to sendover some marketing material and encouragingOliver to check the website. Paul tells Oliver that it’s atime limited offer, so he should act quickly.

A brochure arrives next day which looks professionaland the website appears legitimate. Paul calls backthat afternoon, he seems very credible, and Oliverdecides to go for it. Within hours, a courier arriveswith papers to sign. When Oliver looks through themhe is surprised to see that he is named as a companydirector and trustee of his pension scheme. Hedoesn’t recall Paul mentioning making him acompany director but he keeps thinking of the timelimited offer so he signs them.

When Oliver later checks up on his investment thephone line is disconnected. After trying to locate hismoney and Paul, Oliver calls the police. He realisesthat he has probably lost all of his pension money. Bysigning the papers and becoming a company director,

he has taken on new legal duties with CompaniesHouse and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) that hedidn’t know about. This leads to HMRC fining him fortax related offences. Not only has Oliver lost 15 years’worth of savings – he also has to pay thousands ofpounds in fines.

What should Oliver have spotted?• Cold call• Claims of adviser being authorised by

Government • Promises of cash back under the age of 55• Unrealistic returns of at least 8%• Promises of higher returns if he agrees to

being ‘locked in’ to a single investment for a number of years

• Being rushed into signing couriered documents with promises of a time limited offer

• Documents naming him as a company director and trustee of the pension scheme

Article reproduced from the official Pensions AdvisoryService website.

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 17

What to do if you think you are being targeted• Never be rushed into making a decision.

Before you sign anything, always contact the Pensions Advisory Service (TPAS) on 0300 123 1047

• Make sure the firm is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) before you agree to anything. Use the FCA’s online register or call 0800 111 6768

• Look at the FCA’s Scamsmart warning list – this will tell you the names of known investment scheme scams: www.scamsmart.fca.gov.uk

• Visit the Pensions Regulators website www.thepensionsregulator.gov.uk for more information about how to scamproof your savings.

• If you have accepted an offer or think you’ve detected a scam, raise the alarm by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040or go to www.actionfraud.police.uk

It is important to check the facts before youmake any irreversible decision or you couldlose all your savings.

*Names have been changed

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 17

Page 18: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Simply put, the aim of Age UKHertfordshire’s Informationand Advice service is to makepeople aware of their rightsand entitlements, and toprovide support to those whoneed help to access them.This could be in assessing aperson’s eligibility forbenefits and helping with anapplication or makingpeople aware of how toaccess statutory supportand what type of servicethey should expect.

Our locally based Information and Adviceservice can help advise people in areas such ashousing, social care, benefits and grants, educationand leisure opportunities as well as providinginformation on other services which can offeradditional support such as transport, gardening,handyperson services and help for carers.

Getting support after beingdiagnosed with Alzheimer’sMr and Mrs Cook* came to one of our regular advicedrop in sessions with concerns over their situation.They were reluctant to come as they felt that therewouldn’t be any support available to them. Thecouple had been married for over 50 years and MrCook had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.Mrs Cook was concerned about their finances andwanted to know what help was available. After aninitial assessment we found that Mr Cook had astrong case to qualify for Attendance Allowance (anon-means tested benefit for people over 65 whohave difficulty with managing daily living tasksindependently). We arranged to provide a home visitto help with the application, which led to an award ofthe higher rate of Attendance Allowance (currently£82.30 per week, tax free). After a follow updiscussion about other benefits, we established that

their income from State Pensions, Private Pensionsand their savings took them over the limit for PensionCredit and Council Tax support (both means testedbenefits). However, because Mr Cook had a formaldiagnosis of cognitive impairment (Alzheimer’s) andnow received Attendance Allowance, he would bedisregarded for Council Tax purposes and so theywere eligible to apply for a 25% discount on theirCouncil Tax bill. Annually their bill for Council Tax wasover £2,000 and so a 25% discount made asignificant difference to their budget. We advisedthem on how to apply and helped them with theapplication. Through further discussion we referredthem to our Healthwise service (Tel: 0300 345 3446for information about joining) which helps peoplewith early stage memory impairment through classesof chair based exercise, healthy eating advice,computer skills and social interaction. Mr and MrsCook have really benefited from making the initialcontact with our Information and Advice service andwere very grateful for our help.

Providing support when andwhere you need itYou can now get the support you need from us fromwherever you live in Hertfordshire, by phone, via

The Information and Advice ServiceTel: 0300 345 3446Mark Hanna, Head of Information and Advice, discusses thesupport on offer

18 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

The Information and Advice Team

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 18

Page 19: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

email, through Skype, by post, through a drop inadvice session or by requesting a home visit. Wecarry out thousands of home visits each year helpingpeople with:

• Application forms for benefits• Housing• Blue badges• Lasting Powers of Attorney

Help with computer skillsWe also frequently visit people to help them withcomputer skills training. This has proven to be verypopular as it helps people who have no, or very basic,knowledge of computers, to learn how to use them.The number of services that are available online isincreasing and the aim of this service is to increasethe number of older people able to use theseservices. We do this by supporting older people whohave little or no experience of using computers orthose who lack confidence by providing the access toget the support they need.

We are on SkypeWe have recently added Skype to the ways in whichpeople can contact us, as we have found that wereceive an increasing number of calls from peoplewho live abroad and who are concerned about theirolder relatives in Hertfordshire. By using Skype we cansave these people the cost of using their phone and somake our service more accessible to those who needto speak to us over long distances. Skype is offered toanyone, not just those living abroad, wishing tocontact our service and speak to our advisers withouthaving to use their telephone, as the conversation ismade possible through the person’s internetconnection. If you are unfamiliar with Skype and howto use it please contact our team via one of the othermethods listed above and we will talk you through it.

The Information and Advice service has alsoincreased its hours to help more people. We are now open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday as well asSaturday mornings between 8am and 12pm, toenable people to contact us at a convenient time to them.

Meet our new Information and Advice Coordinators Since the autumn issue of agematters we are pleasedto welcome two more members to our team.

Leila WardI am keen to make adifference to olderpeople’s lives in my newrole with Age UKHertfordshire. I havepreviously worked for theNHS as an OccupationalTherapist, and withanother charity, helpingolder people and peoplewith disabilities to be as

independent as possible. I was keen to work with AgeUK Hertfordshire in a service that would enable me tocontinue to work directly with older people and I lookforward to building on my skills and experiences.

Jana KycinovaAhoj (that’s Slovakian forHello!). My career beforejoining Age UKHertfordshire was in theService and Hospitalitysector includingmanaging front of houseservice at a Michelinstarred restaurant andrunning a busy high streetcoffee shop. One of my

absolute passions is dealing with the public andensuring that they receive a first class service and amemorable experience. It is these skills that I wantedto use in a more meaningful way, to give somethingback to the community and help people have a betterquality of life, hence my attraction to working for AgeUK Hertfordshire. I am really excited and motivatedto not only offer practical help and support to peopleover the course of the project, but also to let themknow that there are people here that genuinely care.

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 19

*Names have been changed

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 19

Page 20: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 20

Page 21: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

In November 2015 Age UK Hertfordshire celebratedthe 5th birthday of the Help in the Home Service inthe Mid and North Herts area and to mark theoccasion I thought I would share some stories of ourHome Helpers and the clients they visit.

In November 2010 Age UK Hertfordshire signed up itsfirst client in the Welwyn Hatfield area and todayabout 80 Home Helpers clean the homes and helpwith shopping for over 300 clients, stretching fromPotters Bar to Royston (the Help in the Home servicehelps over 1000 clients countywide). Although thenumbers are impressive, it is the satisfaction we getfrom knowing we have helped each individual personthat gives us most pleasure.

Lorna was one of our first Home Helpers and stillvisits one of her original clients. The familiaritybetween them has meant she could support himthrough a major transition in his life, when his wifewent into a care home. Lorna was there to help himto readjust to living alone and set up a new routinefor him so he could look after himself and his home.

Another Home Helper, Hannah, still treasures a notesent by a client after the lady moved to be nearer toher family. The client said “The cleaning aside, youshowed care and concern for me on each visit.” Theclients family added “You really made it possible forher to live in her own home for a while longer.”

We can help people in other practical ways aroundthe home as well. For example, Brian* was strugglingto cook a hot meal. His Home Helper, Fay, talkedthrough the problem and they decided that if hebought a microwave oven and a mini fridge/freezerhe could buy himself ready meals. He said that it hasgiven him a new lease of life and that he couldn’thave done it without Fay’s help.

By working with Age UK Hertfordshire’s other schemeswe offer an all round service. For example we firstmet our client, Violet*, when Trudie Harrington,

Visiting SchemeTeam Leader,went to visit herwhen shereturned homeafter a hospitalstay. Trudie didsome shoppingand arranged forour Informationand AdviceTeam to reassess her benefits and she now receivesthe higher rate Attendance Allowance which helpstowards the cost of her Home Helper. The other weekViolet was very grateful when she realised she didn’tneed to worry about how to operate her newlyinstalled stairlift as her Home Helper, Grace, wascoming the next day and she knew she would be ableto help her work it out, which she did.

What our clients are mostly looking for is a goodcleaning service, someone who will turn up whenthey say they will, be friendly and polite, completethe jobs they are asked to do but also to show someinitiative and make suggestions. What they get inaddition is a trusting relationship, always professionalbut with a friendly face, someone who can maybehelp with a problem in a practical way - as well askeeping their home sparkling.

Help in the Home – making life easier for you.

Happy 5th Birthday Help in the HomeService in Mid and North HertsSarah McKie, Help in the Home Coordinator,says “there is much to celebrate”

Image copyright©Age UK Hertfordshire *Names have been changed

If you are interested in our service or would liketo be a Home Helper please get in touch withour Help in the Home Service in your areaMid and North HertsTel: 01707 386066South West HertfordshireTel: 01923 224472East Herts and Broxbourne Tel: 01992 747959St Albans City and District Tel: 01727 477970

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 21

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 21

Page 22: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

22 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

This campaign is aimed at helping people stay wellduring the winter months when people are oftenmore vulnerable to becoming unwell. The campaignis particularly aimed at those with long term healthconditions, people over 65, pregnant women andparents of young children.

The NHS are supporting the campaign here inHertfordshire and encouraging people to:

• Seek immediate advice and help from a pharmacist as soon as you feel unwell, before it gets more serious

• Make sure you get your prescription medicines well before pharmacies close on 24 December

• Always take prescribed medicines as directed• Keep yourself warm - heat your home to at

least 18°C (or 65°F)• Get your flu jab if you are eligible• Keep an eye on older people or frail friends,

neighbours and relatives• If you need medical help fast or you are not sure

where to go, call NHS 111

The campaign activity will raise awareness sotogether we can help everyone stay well this winter.

Stay Well This WinterA national Stay Well This Winter campaign launched in October 2015

Visit the website at: www.nhs.uk/staywell

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 22

Page 23: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 23

When Jean* enquired about joiningthe 10 to 3 Club in Hitchin, she wasquite nervous and lacking inconfidence because she hasmobility issues. However, Jean wasvery keen to get out and meet newpeople so, with the encouragementof a friend, she made the firsttentative steps.

Farida, 10 to 3 Club Supervisor,went to visit Jean at her home andquickly put her at ease. Theydiscussed Jean’s likes and dislikes and what she washoping to gain from joining the 10 to 3 club. Faridatold Jean all about the different activities on offer atthe club such as: board games, talks andinformation sessions, seated ten pin bowling andcake and biscuit decorating. After their discussionFarida invited Jean to visit the club for the day tosee if she would like to join. Farida organisedtransport which meant Jean was picked up from herhome by one of the friendly drivers and met by amember of staff at the club.

During Jean’s first day at the club, Farida welcomedher with a cup of tea and introduced her to the clubmembers who then discussed what activities theywould like to take part in for the day. At lunchtime,Jean enjoyed a tasty hot meal and some socialisingaround the dinner table. In the afternoon she joinedin with a quiz and some chair based exercises. Atthe end of the day, Farida caught up with Jean tosee if she had enjoyed being at the club as much asthey had enjoyed her company for the day. Jeansaid that she had “loved every minute” and that shewas really looking forward to becoming apermanent member.

Since this first visit, Jean has become a valuedmember of the 10 to 3 Club at Hitchin and has madesome great new friends. Jean joins in with theactivities and enjoys “all the laughter and fun” thatshe shares with fellow members and says that herconfidence has really grown by attending the 10 to 3 club.

It is wonderful to see the remarkable transformationthat has taken place in Jean from her first phone call,when she was so uncertain, to the friendly andenthusiastic 10 to 3 Club member she now is.

Jean’s never looked back sincejoining Hitchin 10 to 3 ClubHelen Grant, ActiveAgeing Team Leader,reports on a lifechanging experience

If joining a 10 to 3 Club could make a realdifference to you or someone you know,please do get in touch with your nearest 10 to 3 Club Supervisor.

East Herts and Broxbourne Telephone: 01992 747956 North Herts and Welwyn HatfieldTelephone: 01462 420911

Image posed by model. Copyright©Age UK *Name has been changed.

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 23

Page 24: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre is located in South Oxhey near Watford and itssuccess is testament to the strong workingrelationship between Age UK Hertfordshire andSanctuary Housing.

The centre itself is light, airy and staff andvolunteers offer everyone a warm welcome. Areal hub of activity within the local community,there is always so much going on, such as:

• Exercise sessions• Coffee mornings• Entertainment days• Games and quizzes• Health and wellbeing sessions• Information sessions and speakers• Computer lessons within our on site

computer suite • Chiropody sessions

Age UK Hertfordshire continues to build strong linkswithin the South Oxhey Community, working inpartnership with local schools in creatingintergenerational opportunities and also othercommunity support providers such as NeighbourhoodWatch, Hertfordshire Trading Standards and localarea Police Community Support Officers.

The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre alsooperates a lunch / activity club, five days a week. The club runs Monday – Friday, from 10am – 2pm andattracts members from all over the Watford andThree Rivers area, offering a daily programme ofactivities and entertainment. It is an opportunity tosocialise, have fun, gain information on a variety ofinteresting topics, make new friends and trysomething new.

The Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre is not theonly location for the lunch club as day trips and visitsare arranged to other locations throughout the year,with transport included.

Men in ShedsThe Age UK Hertfordshire Men in Sheds project hastwo sessions each week taking place at the ClitheroeHealth and Wellbeing Centre on Monday andThursday from 10am to 12pm. The Men in Shedsproject is a great opportunity to meet new friends,share knowledge and learn new skills.

This exciting and innovative project was initiallyfunded by Three Rivers District Council and we arepleased that Thrive Homes will be funding thecontinuation of Men in Sheds for another year.

If you would like to learn more about theClitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre, theMen In Sheds Project or arrange a visit, thenplease call our team on Tel: 01923 256360

24 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

Vicky Kelly, Head of ActiveAgeing, reports on ClitheroeHealth and Wellbeing Centre

copyright©Age UK

A great place to socialise

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 24

Page 25: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 25

Douglas Tilbe House Health and Wellbeing Centre is abrilliant venue where older people can socialise, enjoya hot meal and / or take part in a variety of activities.

The centre is open on a Tuesday, Wednesday andThursday between 9.30am and 4pm. Volunteers andstaff arrive at the centre as soon as it opens to startpreparing for the day ahead. They set up morningactivities, arrange the rooms, write up the lunchmenu, brew a few pots of tea and ensure that thecentre is ready to welcome its members for the day.Shop volunteers also prepare the on site charity shopby making sure all stock is arranged attractively andthat the shop looks neat and tidy.

From 9.45am minibuses start arriving with ourmembers on board. The drivers are very helpful andwill assist members into the club. Members will oftensettle themselves in the lounge area where staff andvolunteers serve tea and biscuits.

Once members have finished their drinks theactivities begin. Douglas Tilbe House offers a widerange of activities for members to participate in:from quizzes and crafts to dancing and singalongs.All of our members have a say in which activitiesthey would like to have at the club and which theychoose to take part in. During the week we run chairbased exercise classes which many of the membersreally enjoy and find extremely beneficial. Chairbased exercises are a great fun way to increasemobility, help keep muscles supple and improvegeneral health and wellbeing. Douglas Tilbe HouseHealth and Wellbeing Centre members also enjoylistening to guest speakers from organisations thatwe feel will benefit and entertain members. Ahairdresser visits the centre once a week and thereare monthly visits from a chiropodist.

We host regular legal surgeries, which includes a freesession with a local solicitor for any legal advicemembers may require. If you would like to book anappointment at the legal surgeries or with either thehairdresser or chiropodist please call the centre onTel: 01707 334564.

After the morning’s activities, members make theirway into the dining area. A hot meal is providedduring the club day and is usually served at12.30pm. In the afternoon another activity takesplace. It is usually something a little less strenuousbut equally as interesting. If it is one of the monthlyentertainment days members will enjoy fish andchips for lunch followed by some fabulous local acts.Entertainment days are always very popular somembers are encouraged to book early.

Transport arrives at the club at around 2.45pm andmembers are assisted onto the buses for the returnjourney home. After the members have left, staff andvolunteers are busy ensuring the centre is clean, tidyand ready for the next day’s activities.

Douglas Tilbe House is the perfect venue to meetpeople, make friends, try new things and have funwhilst receiving support from our fantastic anddedicated team of staff and volunteers.

So much can happen in one dayat Douglas Tilbe HouseHelen Grant, Active Ageing Team Leader,guides us through a day at this vibrantHealth and Wellbeing Centre

If you’re interested in joining this brilliantand vibrant centre please get in touch on:Tel: 01707 334564 We look forward to meeting you.

We are always looking for volunteers to helpout at Douglas Tilbe House Health andWellbeing Centre. If you are interestedplease contact our Volunteering Team:

Tel: 01707 386060Email: [email protected] online at:www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire

Image copright©Age UK Hertfordshire

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 25

Page 26: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Age UK Hertfordshire’s Men in Sheds project providesa friendly and supportive environment where olderpeople aged 50+ can learn new hobbies, pass on skillsand have the opportunity to socialise.

A change in circumstances such as becomingunemployed, caring for someone or retiring can havea real impact on a person’s life. People often feellonely after a lifetime at work; they miss theircolleagues and may experience a loss of purpose. Itcan be a particularly challenging time for men whomay have limited social networks. It is these peoplethat Men in Sheds was set up to help.

Keith and Graham reflect on theirexperience of Men in Sheds at ClitheroeHealth and Wellbeing Centre in SouthOxhey. Both men come from differentbackgrounds but share a commoninterest of model making.“I have been coming to Men in Sheds for a couple ofmonths on both a Monday and Thursday”, saidKeith, “I read about the project in agematters. Itcoincided with my wife, who has dementia, going toanother club. It gives me a break and Men in Shedsis open to anyone aged 50 and over.” Keith saidthat what he really likes about attending the club is,“meeting other people and relaxing. I wouldrecommend other men joining the club forconversation and friendship”.

Graham is retired, but, along with his wife, has thefull time responsibility of looking after two younggrandchildren. Graham reflects on his experience ofMen in Sheds, “I enjoy the friendship and speakingto people of my own age and younger. At themoment we have a core of model makers at ourclub, but also some artists and sketchers.

26 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

If you would like to join Men In Sheds or wouldlike more information about this innovativeproject we would like to hear from you. Pleasecall Kerry James, Project Lead at ClitheroeHealth and Wellbeing Centre:Tel: 01923 256360

We chat and have a laugh. I would say to anyonesitting at home to get out of their chairs and comealong to try something different. We are open to newideas and other table top hobbies.”

Men in Sheds is a new venture with a loyal but growingfollowing and we are keen to attract new members atboth our Monday and Thursday sessions. Modelmaking, art and small craft projects currently form thecore activities, but we welcome new ideas with respectto the hobbies that members want to take part in.

Like Keith and Graham, you may be a carer in need ofsome time out, or simply someone looking to makenew friends or in need of some company; whateveryour situation you are very welcome to join us – noprior skills are necessary.

Men in Sheds meet on Monday and Thursdaymornings 10am to 12pm at Age UK Hertfordshire’sClitheroe Health and Wellbeing Centre in South Oxheynear Watford.

Kerry James, Project Lead atClitheroe Health and WellbeingCentre, talks to clients Keith andGraham about Men in Sheds

“I enjoy the friendship. Wehave a laugh”

copyright©Age UK

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 26

Page 27: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 27

Healthwise is a countywide service designed toimprove the health and wellbeing of people 50+ whohave depression and / or early stage dementia.Healthwise aims to make a positive difference toclients, promoting empowerment and the retentionof independence. Each set of Healthwise sessionslasts for 10 weeks and includes:

• Healthy eating• Gentle exercise• Digital inclusion• Social interaction

As part of the Healthwise project there is a steeringgroup that meets quarterly. The steering group has adiverse range of members consisting of clients, AgeUK Hertfordshire volunteers, staff and trustees andrepresentatives from other organisations who haveworked in partnership with Healthwise, such as theAlzheimer’s Society.

All the members of the steering group have a vested interest, not only in the success of theHealthwise project but also in ensuring that theservice fulfils its aims, in terms of who we reach andhow we reach them, and achieves successfuloutcomes for our clients.

The role of theHealthwise SteeringGroup is invaluablebecause as well asbeing an opportunityto reflect andevaluate on the workthat has been done itis also a forum totest out and discussnew ideas, such aspublicity and thesession activities.Not only does thesteering groupoversee the currentwork of theHealthwise project, it

is also an opportunity to input and influence thefuture direction of this person centred service.

The quarterly meetings usually last forapproximately two hours and provide a balancedoverview of the project from the varied perspectivesof all members. They take place at Age UKHertfordshire’s Head Office in Welwyn Garden City.The meetings are structured with a relaxed friendlyatmosphere and work to an agenda.

Having the opportunity to share views andexperiences is a brilliant tool not only for the serviceand its aims but also having the forum for directfeedback is a great source of motivation for staff and volunteers.

Evaluating HealthwiseVicky Kelly, Head of Active Ageing, reports on the workof the Healthwise Steering Group

If you are interested in finding out moreabout Healthwise or the work of theHealthwise Steering Group, then pleasecontact our Information and Advice Line:Tel: 0300 345 3446

Vicky Kelly, Head of Active Ageing, left, with members of the Healthwise Steering Group

Hertfordshire

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 27

Page 28: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Advertisement Feature

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 28

Page 29: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Age UK Hertfordshire’s Visiting Scheme is 37 yearsold and is a well respected provider of volunteerbefrienders who visit lonely, and often, isolated olderpeople in their own homes. As well as providingfriendship, Visiting Scheme volunteers can also helpclients in other ways.

Doris – getting out and meeting new people Doris* lives in a village and sees her family at theweekend, but she spends a lot of time on her ownduring the week. Doris told me that she had beenvery unwell for quite some time earlier in the year.However, she felt that she was slowly recovering andpotentially now able to get out and about.

Doris explained that she would like to meet otherpeople but that, as far as she knew, the village didn'thave any social clubs for her age group. I made a fewenquiries and discovered that a sheltered housingscheme in the village held a coffee morning once aweek and that the scheme manager was happy fornon residents to pop in.

I introduced Doris to a Visiting Scheme Volunteercalled Elaine*. They immediately hit it off and havesince become great friends. Elaine took Doris alongto the coffee morning where they got chatting to acouple of the residents. They found out that, as wellas the coffee mornings, weekly bingo sessions areheld at the scheme and so Doris and Elaine havebeen along to these as well.

The sheltered housing scheme is about five minuteswalk away from Doris’ home and we hope thateventually she will feel able to go there on her own.So the Visiting Scheme has not only brought a newfriend into her life but also broadened her socialcircle, in a way that she can build on.

Peggy – getting support and finding friendshipPeggy* has poor mobility and poor eyesight causedby a stroke. As a consequence she felt rather isolatedand was struggling to deal with some of thepracticalities of life. The Stroke Associationcontacted Age UK Hertfordshire and asked ifsomeone could pay Peggy a visit.

I arranged for a volunteer called Michelle* to visither. Since Peggy isn't able to get out much she oftenshops by mail order. Occasionally, purchases need tobe returned and Michelle takes them to the PostOffice for her. By offering this kind of help there is abenefit for her family too, as their visits don't have tobe all about offering practical help. Given Peggy’ssight problems I also felt that she might benefit fromspecialised advice to make her life athome easier to manage. A homevisit from The Hertfordshire Societyfor the Blind has now been arranged.

Meeting new peopleand making friendsJackie Noonan, Visiting SchemeCoordinator, discusses how theservice helped two clients

If you are a lonely older person or you knowsomeone who would benefit from a weeklyvisit or telephone call please contact yourlocal Visiting Scheme Coordinator.

North Herts and Stevenage Tel: 01462 446095

Watford and Three Rivers Tel: 01923 256361

Welwyn HatfieldTel: 01707 375814

East Herts and BroxbourneTel: 01992 631989

St Albans, Harpenden and HertsmereTel: 01727 859583

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 29

copyright ©Age UK

*Names have been changed.

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 29

Page 30: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 30

Page 31: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 31

Pat Smith is a very familiar face at Age UKHertfordshire’s 10 to 3 Club at Poynders Meadow, asheltered housing scheme in Codicote. This year, Patcelebrates her 25th year of volunteering at the club.

Pat started her journey with Age UK Hertfordshireback in 1990 when she was part of her local church’sPastoral Care Team. A social worker contacted thevicar of the church looking for volunteers to providesupport to a group of lonely and isolated olderpeople. Many of whom were experiencing difficultiesgetting out and about and Pat wanted to help. Thislead to Pat becoming a permanent part of the 10 to 3Club Team at Poynders Meadow where she hasenjoyed supporting and enabling many differentmembers and working with lots of fantasticvolunteers and staff.

Pat says that some of her fondest memories ofvolunteering at the 10 to 3 Club include the Christmasentertainment that the staff and volunteers have puton for club members and all the wonderful festiveoutfits they have worn. The club has welcomed manydifferent speakers over the years and Pat recountshow they once had a visit from an owl keeper whogave a really interesting talk and introduced membersto his friendly feathered companion.

As a 10 to 3 Club Volunteer, Pat has enjoyed a varietyof responsibilities including booking theentertainment for the club. These days she focuseson supporting members through socialising,assisting with activities and lending a friendly ear toanyone who feels like having a chat.

Pat feels that the support, strength and friendshipshe has received whilst volunteering for Age UKHertfordshire has been a very important part of herlife, as well as all the laughs and fun times she hasexperienced. Pat’s dedication over the years has been phenomenal, especially as she has continued to

volunteer throughout a serious illness. Pat always hasa warm smile and a kind word to offer and all themembers, staff and volunteers at the 10 to 3 Club atPoynders Meadow are very fond of her indeed.

On behalf of Age UK Hertfordshire I would like to saya very big ‘thank you’ to Pat for her incredibleachievement and selfless dedication. We hope thatshe enjoys celebrating 25 years of volunteering withour charity.

Celebrating 25 years ofvolunteeringPat Smith, 10 to 3 Club Volunteer,shares her memories ofVolunteering with Helen Grant,Active Ageing Team Leader

If you would like to join one of our 10 to 3 clubsplease contact your local supervisor:

East Herts and Broxbourne Tel: 01992 747956 North Herts and Welwyn HatfieldTel: 01462 420911

We are always looking for volunteers to assistat our 10 to 3 clubs and if Pat’s story hasinspired you please get in touch by contactingthe Volunteering Team:Tel: 01707 386060Email: [email protected] online at:www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshire

Pat, left, enjoys her celebratory cake with fellow10 to 3 club volunteer Margaret

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 31

Page 32: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Maureen Leman, VisitingScheme Coordinator, discussesthe benefits of volunteeringAmong the many services provided by Age UKHertfordshire, the Visiting Scheme is designedspecifically to give social support to those over 55,who live alone and may be feeling isolated. They mayfind it difficult to get out and have little other socialcontact and support at home.

Volunteer befrienders are carefully matched with theservice users. This is achieved by looking at mutualinterests, hobbies, and any special requirements oneither side. Usually the volunteer will visit for aboutone to one and a half hours per week and soon amutually beneficial friendship is established. Wecurrently have over 339 volunteers providing thisvaluable service across the county.

As a coordinator of this scheme, in East Herts andBroxbourne, I am sometimes asked about thebenefits of volunteering. Our experience has shownthat older people benefit from social support.Alleviating loneliness and social isolation can help toprevent a decline into depression.

What is not normally recognised is the enormouspleasure that volunteers gain from this newfriendship. Anne Shields has been a volunteer for theVisiting Scheme for over 25 years so I asked her toexplain her motivation.

“When I first heard about volunteering it was througha slip of paper in my letterbox back in 1990. I thoughtthat it seemed like a very nice thing to do and itwould fit in with my, then, young family. I have neverlooked back. Over these 25 years I have visited sevenolder women and my weekly visits to them have beenmutually enjoyable.”

“I have always enjoyed the company of older peopleand I have gained great satisfaction in the knowledge

that I have given these people friendship and support.I feel very privileged to have been welcomed into, andbecome, a part of their lives.”

Anne and her husband are about to move to Norfolkso sadly she will be leaving Age UK Hertfordshire toenjoy a well earned retirement but she has alreadycontacted Age UK Norfolk about becoming avolunteer visitor for them. Anne will be greatly missedand on behalf of Age UK Hertfordshire I would like tosay a very big ‘thank you’ to Anne for all her hardwork and unstinting support over the years.

There are many other volunteers who will share Anne’ssentiments but perhaps it has been best said by theAmerican poet Ralph Waldo Emerson “It is one of themost beautiful compensations of lifethat no one can sincerely try to helpanother without helping himself.”

“I feel very privileged to havebeen welcomed into their lives”

Anne Shields

If you can spare a little of your time, pleasecall our Volunteering Team:

Tel: 01707 386060Email: [email protected]: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshireFor details of all of our volunteeringopportunities and to apply online

32 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Age UK Hertfordshire

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 32

Page 33: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446 agematters 33

Robert Coleman discusses hisexperience of volunteeringVolunteering can be a really worthwhile thing to do asit opens up a whole new world of opportunities toyou. It is so easy when you find yourself alone duringthe day, to worry about everything and anything, andthe more you do so the worse things appear to be. Bybecoming a volunteer you get the chance to workwith others and at the same time make new friends.When this happens you are taken out of yourself andany long term worries that you have had and any lackof self confidence you may initially have felt, soondisappears. I have noticed this myself when someonewho had recently joined as a volunteer initiallyseemed very withdrawn and barely said a word. Thenafter a short time, they became much more relaxedand friendly towards the other members of the team.

Becoming a volunteer has changed my worldcompletely as it has given me the opportunity to dosomething positive with my life and at the same timeprovide help and support to the local community.One of the many good points about volunteering isthat it encourages people of all ages and from allwalks of life to get involved and work as a team. Whena group work together on a project and see it throughto its final successful conclusion there is a tremendousfeeling of achievement felt by all.

Volunteering boosts self confidence as more oftenthan not you will be working with like minded peoplewho have a common interest and the effort that youput in will be appreciated by everyone.

There is almost a never ending range of volunteeringopportunities available to you, so whatever yourinterests there is something out there that will suityou. However, another great advantage to becoming avolunteer is the fact that you can learn a completelynew skill, which may well be of help if you areconsidering a new career.

If travelling any great distances presents a problem toyou, then don’t worry as there are volunteer

opportunities right across Hertfordshire. This meansthat you could well find something that suits youwithin a few miles from where you live.

“Becoming a volunteer changedmy world completely”

At this point I would draw your attention to Age UK Hertfordshire, which has a number ofcurrent volunteering roles across the county.

If you can spare a little of your time, please contact their Volunteering Team: Tel: 01707 386060Email: [email protected]: www.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshireFor details of all of the volunteeringopportunities and to apply online

You may also like to try Volunteering Herts, thenetwork of accredited Volunteer Centres inHertfordshire, which can be found by visiting:www.volunteeringherts.org.uk

If you would like to find out more about myown volunteering experiences with the WasteNot Want Not Garden Nursery in Stevenage orwould like me to research a particular subjectfor you online, please visit my communitywebsite at:www.volunteeringherts.org.uk

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Age UK HertfordshireImage posed by models

copyright ©Age UK

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 33

Page 34: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

34 agematters Information and Advice Tel: 0300 345 3446

To find out more and to apply online visit the ‘Volunteer for us’ pages on our websitewww.ageuk.org.uk/hertfordshireAlternatively: Email [email protected] Tel: 01707 386060

Join our team of volunteers helping local older people

Home and HospitalSupport Scheme

VolunteersProvide short term, practicaland emotional support to an

older person in their home(not personal care)

1-2 hours or more a week Weekdays and/or weekends

Urgently needed in NorthHerts, Stevenage, Welwyn

Hatfield, East Herts,Broxbourne and

surrounding areas For more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

Visiting SchemeVolunteers

Approx 1-2 hours a week ona regular basis

In all parts of the countyYou can make a huge

difference to the lives oflonely older people by simply

popping in for a chat For more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Age UK Hertfordshire @AgeUKHerts

Clitheroe Health and Wellbeing

Centre in South Oxheyneeds Driver Escorts

Approx 6 hours a weekWeekdays

Ideally based in Abbots Langley/Garston area

For more information call Joy or Lynne

Tel: 01707 386060

Information andAdvice, Benefits

Outreach andTelephone Advice

VolunteersHelp older people access

the information, advice andsupport they need

In all parts of the county Flexible weekday hours

availableFor more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

HospitalDischarge Scheme

VolunteersProvide short term, practicaland emotional support to an

older person in their home(not personal care)

1-2 hours or more per week Daytime weekdays

Urgently required inSt Albans, Watford and

Three Rivers For more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

Do you speak Punjabi? If so we need volunteers at our

friendly and vibrant

Asian 10 to 3 Clubs in Hitchin on Tuesdays from

9.30am – 3.30pm andLetchworth on Tuesdays,

Wednesdays and Thursdays from10am – 3pm

For more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

10 to 3 ClubVolunteers

Urgently needed4-5 hours each week

between 10am to 3pmTo help deliver our

programme of activities at the following clubs:

Ware and Letchworth onMondays, Great Offley,

Baldock, Codicote, Hitchinand Cheshunt on Tuesdays,

Royston on Wednesdays, Hertford and Whitwell on

Thursdays and Letchworthon Fridays

For more information call Joyor Lynne Tel: 01707 386060

Do you live in WelwynGarden City?Would you like to

volunteer on a Tuesday, Wednesday

or Thursday? 10am-3pmHelp older people socialise

at Douglas Tilbe HouseHealth and

Wellbeing Centre Assist with activities at this

friendly and welcoming club.

We also require

Kitchen Volunteerson Tuesdays,

Wednesdays and Thursdays10.30am-2pm

To serve lunches and helpwith kitchen tasks

For more information call Joy or Lynne

Tel: 01707 386060

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 34

Page 35: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 35

Page 36: Age UK Hertfordshire agematters winter 2015

Say hello to Hertfordshire’s newest,most friendly mobility specialist

Open Mon - Sat 9,00am - 5pm • Tel: 01992 44 38 44

www.lifeswonderful.co.uk

AGE UK (WINTER 2015).qxp_Layout 1 20/11/2015 10:44 Page 36