Autumn / Winter 2015

BOPF Newsletter

Issue 48

The voice of Bristols over 55s

Bristol Older Peoples Forum CIO

Non party-political

Registered Charity number 1162616

BOPF has a membership of 2844

Princess Campbell
Princess was a woman who literally changed lives
for the better. She blazed a trail in Bristol's history
when black citizens were fighting for real
recognition for their worth, trying to break through
that glass ceiling over their heads.
She paved the way for what seems so normal and
natural for us today. As a member of the
management committee of Bristol Older People's
Forum, Princess continued to fight for the rights of
the BME community - she was fearless and
outspoken, especially about the need for
appropriate diets for people in hospital, and she
went on challenging when she thought things were
wrong. She never gave up.
Judith Brown, chair of BOPF

Financial Appeal 2015

Dear Member,
Once a year we appeal to our members for a contribution to help us deliver our core services such
as newsletters, to strengthen the voice of older people in Bristol. While Forum membership is
free, if you feel you can contribute to our work we would really value your donations as our
Council grant funding has decreased while postage and other costs have soared.
Producing and sending out one issue of the newsletter costs around 3,000, which is our target
for this years appeal. We simply ask you to donate what you can afford, with a guideline of 10
we understand some may not be able to afford that much; while others may be able to afford
more. Dont worry if you are not able to donate anything, you will remain on our membership
mailing list and continue to receive our newsletter, at no charge, 3 times a year as always.
You can simply donate by CHEQUE made payable to Bristol Older Peoples Forum CIO and pop it
in the post to the FREEPOST address below, including your Gift Aid form (please cut out from P20)
if you wish OR you can pay by BANK TRANSFER. Our Unity Trust Bank account details are: bank
account name: Bristol Older Peoples Forum, Account number: 20642504, Sort-code: 16-58-10,
please use the following reference: BOPFAppeal2015.

Our Freepost address is: FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXB, Bristol Older Peoples Forum,
c/o Age UK Bristol, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street, Bristol, BS1 6BY
Thank you for your ongoing help and support for BOPF and all older people across Bristol

Contents
A View From the Rocking Chair.................................................................................. 3
Money, Work, Home Matters .................................................................................... 4
Health Matters .......................................................................................................... 5
Voice & Influence ..................................................................................................... 6
Local Organisations and Useful Numbers................................................................. 10
National Helplines and Organisations ...................................................................... 12
Out & About ........................................................................................................... 14
Dates for your Diary and How to Get Involved ......................................................... 18
Our Contact Details, Gift Aid & Membership Forms ................................................. 20

Bristol Older Peoples Forum:

Vision: All over 55s living in Bristol are happy with their quality of life, have the goods and
services they require, are treated equally, listened to by decision makers, no longer feel
isolated and have the opportunity to participate in the community.
Mission: To give a voice to all over 55s, facilitate their representation into citywide decision
making processes and promote the equality and inclusion of all people over 55 in Bristol.
Aim: Every person over 55 is an equal, valued, and participating member of the community who
can influence the decisions which affect their lives. We will:
Engage: give a voice to over 55s of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religions and
abilities, empowering them to eliminate discrimination and influence the decisions which
affect their lives
Influence: co-ordinate opportunities for all over 55s to engage with service providers in
order to provide fairer services which better meet their needs.
Educate: the public and engage with isolated over 55s by conducting or participating in
research and events to raise awareness of issues affecting over 55s so older people are
better valued and understood by the community.
Our values lie at the heart of everything: Respect, Trust, Commit, Make A Difference
We act Respectfully: we behave respectfully to each other and the rest of the community. By
respect we mean compassion, open mindedness, empathy and self respect.
We can be Trusted: our organisation is run by over 55s for over 55s so our members can trust
that we will always work in their interests.
We are Committed: we are committed to our vision and to those who work with us to achieve it.
By this we mean volunteering, partnership, understanding and friendliness.
We do Make A Difference: by engaging with, empowering and giving a voice to all over 55s.

A VIEW FROM THE

ROCKING CHAIR
The sun is shining gloriously as I write this,
but the Christmas Cards are already in the
shops, and another year has whirled by! Do
you find your life seems on fast forward
sometimes?
As we move towards Christmas, lets see
whats happened since our last newsletter.
The Celebration of Age Festival has come
and gone, with more variety and exhibition
of older talent than ever; the Age Friendly
City Conference (see p6) has just happened,
with such optimism and hope for the future,
(and such hard work ahead!), the Bristol
Ageing Better Aardman Animation, which

Judith Brown (BOPF Chair) receives

Lord Mayors Award for Community Services

took so much of my time this last year as the older person rep on the development team,
featuring some of our own members, has been launched, and is already attracting huge
attention to the issue of loneliness, and BOPF of course has been moving out from the
centre to meet members in other areas of the city and will continue to do so through its
open forum meetings (free for all, details P18) .
So, whats next for us? Now we are a registered charity, we have to bring all our policies
and paperwork up to date, and that will take some doing. The Council, as always, wants
plenty of evidence that we are doing our job, and thats where you can help. We would be
really grateful if, whenever you learn something new at our meetings, or read something
new in our newsletter, or have the chance to make your voice heard, you would let us
know. We shall be putting a little complete the sentence form on your chair at our forum
meetings e.g. BOPF told me about...... or, I asked a question about....or BOPF gave me
the chance to... which you can fill in to help us, and if you cant make the meetings, send
any comments to us using the FREEPOST address (P20). We would love to hear from you!
Thank you so much for responding to the last surveyover 500 members did so and we
are learning valuable information as a result (see page 14) .
The Trustees are getting to grips with the new set up, and we shall be having three
development days over the next three months. If you would like to be a Trustee, or join
our action committee, please get in touch with Karen or Yolanda in the office, or tell me or
any Trustee. Active people are always welcome. And (believe it or not).Happy Christmas!
Judith Brown, Chair BOPF

Money, Work, Home Matters

Digital Money Coaches is a new project by
Bristol Citizens Advice that provides one to one
coaching and aims to build skills and confidence
interacting with technology.
Although there is a broad focus on managing
money online, the coaches are able to tailor the
sessions according to your needs. They can help
you get started on Facebook to keep in touch
with friends and family, as well as help you set
up and use an email account.
For more information, please contact Anne
Sharp, Digital Money Coach Coordinator,
on 0117 9462584 or annes@BristolCAB.org.uk

Bristol Careline
The Bristol Careline is a subscriber service
providing an emergency link, often for people
who live alone. Please note this is chargeable,
other providers of personal alarms are
available. Free demonstrations available.
Brunel House, 2nd Floor, Bazaar Wing Bristol
City Council, PO Box 3176 Bristol, BS3 9FS
emergency.control@bristol.gov.uk
Telephone 0117 922 3269,
Textphone 0117 922 2379

Callers at home:
Please remember this advice: If you are in
doubt then do not open the door. Always ask
to see identification if anyone claiming to be an
official from an agency or utility company, calls
at your home unexpectedly. Genuine callers
will not mind if you ask them to remain outside
while you close the door and phone the
relevant agency to check that they are bona
fide. Remember, do not use a phone number
that they give you, look up the phone number
yourself. A genuine official will also not mind
making an appointment to come back another
time. If you see anything suspicious in your
area, please report it to the police via 101. If
you feel you are in danger call 999
immediately.
Advice via Neighbourhood Watch, who can be
contacted at bristolnhwnetwork@gmail.com

Equality Act 2010 - and Age*

The Equality Act 2010 says that you must not be
discriminated against because:
You are (or are not) a certain age or in a certain
age group.
Someone thinks you are (or are not) a specific
age or age group. This is known as
discrimination by perception.
You are connected to someone of a specific age
or age group. This is known as discrimination by
association.
Age groups can be quite wide (for example,
people under 50 or 'under 18s'). They can also be
quite specific (for example people in their mid40s). Terms such as young person and youthful
or elderly and pensioner can also indicate an age
group.
What is age discrimination?
This is when you are treated differently because of
your age in one of the following situations:
When you are in the workplace.
When you use public services like health care
(e.g. visiting your GP or local hospital) or
education (e.g. your school or college).
When you use businesses and other
organisations that provide services and goods
(like shops, restaurants, and cinemas).
When you use transport.
When you join a club or association When you
have contact with public bodies like your local
council or government departments
The treatment could be a one-off action or as a
result of a rule or policy based on age. It doesnt
have to be intentional to be unlawful.
*The other protected characteristics are
Disability, Gender reassignment, Marriage and civil
partnership, Pregnancy and maternity, Race,
Religion or belief, Sex, and Sexual orientation.
If you think you might have been treated unfairly
and want further advice you can contact the
Equality Advisory Support Service.
Freephone 0808 800 0082
Textphone 0808 800 0084
Freepost Equality Advisory Support FPN4431

Health Matters

Healthwatch Bristol

Bristol Area Stroke Foundation

Anyone can speak to us about their

experiences of health or social care services
(including GPs, hospitals, mental health
services, social care teams) and tell us about
what was good and what wasnt good.
Healthwatch then ensure that service
providers and commissioners hear this
feedback and make changes to their services.

Offer a wide range of groups across the city...

Weekly groups

Monthly groups

Conversation groups

Stroke caf

Gardening groups

Next steps

Stroke of Genius therapy group

ACTion after Stroke
Contact 0117 964 7657 for more information

When someone contacts us, we will: signpost

them to other helpful services , help them to
access advocacy support, record their
feedback and ensure that service users have
their voice heard in decisions about the
running of health and social care services.
0117 2690400 info@healthwatchbristol.co.uk

Memory Cafes in Bristol

Alzheimers Society runs monthly memory cafs
at venues across the city for anyone who has
dementia or memory problems.
Specialist health professionals offer help and
advice and you can meet other families and
carers experiencing dementia. There are
currently venues in Bedminster, Brislington,
Fishponds , Henleaze and Withywood.
Call 0117 9610696 to find out more details

Staying well this winter: advice from

NHS
1.

Get your flu jab

2.

Get early advice if you are feeling unwell

3.

Keep warm. Heat your house to at least

18 degrees, and keep windows shut

4.

Stock your medicine cabinet for winter

your pharmacist can advise

5.

Get repeat prescription medicines early

6.

Look out for others

For more advice, visit nhs.uk/staywell

If you are injured or feeling unwell but aren't
sure what to do, call NHS 111, free, at any time
of day or night.

Health Screening for over 70s

You can ask for screening even when you have
stopped routine screening due to your age, you
can request AAA and breast cancer screening you should receive a letter with details on how
to request an appointment.

Drop-in group for people with aphasia

Where? The Station, Silver St, BS1 2AG. Good
disabled access. All buses to centre
1st and 3rd Monday of the month, 2-4pm
Free to attend, no need to book
Contact: Helen Mann 020 7367 0864
helenmann@ukconnect.org

Get your eyes tested!

People aged 60 or over get tested for
free! Even if you feel your sight is fine, a
regular eye health check can pick up on eye
and other health conditions.

VOICE & INFLUENCE

BOPF Campaigns 2015-2016
Members voted at our AGM in May and we are
focussing on 3 campaigns this coming year:

Transport

Health & Social Care

Effect of cuts on public services

To get involved please come along to one of

our meetings (details P18) or give us a call

Dont lose your right to vote!

In the last few weeks you should have had a
Household Enquiry Form through the post,
sent each year by the Council to update the
electoral roll. You have until 23 Nov to return it,
- any questions contact Electoral Services 0117
922 3400 or electoral.services@bristol.gov.uk

Care Act Watch Survey

Independent Age has launched a new online
public survey to find out about older peoples
(those aged 65 and over) experience of seeking
care and support from their Local authority in
England. They hope the survey will provide
important new insights into how local authorities
are managing to implement the Care Act at a
time when all of us in social care worry about the
impact of under-funding.
They would especially like to hear from carers
and service users who have undergone an
assessment or review for care and support since
April 2015. The survey should take between 5-10
minutes to complete and all responses are
anonymous: http://www.independentage.org/
campaigning/our-campaigns/care-watch/
Although the survey is designed to be online,
people who would like to respond offline can
write detailing their experiences. The address is:
Policy, Independent Age, 18 Avonmore Road,
London, W14 8RR.

So Whats an Age Friendly City then?

Age Friendly City is the name awarded to a city
by the World Health Organisation when the city
can demonstrate certain things. The Bristol
Ageing Better successful lottery bid (in which
BOPF is an member) included getting the Age
Friendly City status among the things it wants
to spend some of the lottery money on.
Why? Because if we succeed the City will be a
better place in which people can live, and BOPF
has been working since 1993 to do just that.
So what does Bristol have to do to be an AFC?
Bristol will have to prove that it has involved
older people in suggesting changes and
monitoring improvements- in a number of
categories, which include Outdoor spaces and
buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social
Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic
participation and employment, communication
and information , and community and health
services. You can see it will be an uphill task in
some categories!
The good news is that the elected Mayor and
the Council have agreed to start the process,
and the Older Peoples Partnership Board
(which consists of 50% older people and 50%
people who work with older people) has been
tasked with helping the process go forward.
The first Conference will have been held when
you receive this, and numbers of BOPF
members who attended will have been putting
their views.
Why should BOPF join in? Bristol Older
Peoples Forum was founded in 1993 in the
European Year of Older People , and we have
been working to make life better for older
people ever since. We have ten places on the
Older Peoples Partnership Board, so carrying
out age friendly city work is really just a
continuation of what we have been doing all
along. Ill be reporting back to you as the work
progresses.

Judith Brown Chair of BOPF and Deputy Chair

of Bristol Ageing Better.

Current Council Consultations include:

Castle Park Improvements

Creating Social Value in Bristol

Community Support Services

Full consultation details (and other chances to

have your say) can be found via askbristol.com
and you can also sign up for email news.
If you would like information on any
consultations in another format, including
paper copies you can telephone 0117 92 22848.

Dennis and Janet

Bishop (Movers
& Shakers)
We always liked
walking and so
when we saw the
brochure
advertising LinkAge walks in our area we went
along to see what it was about. Now almost 3
years later it is part of our lives, we have made
lots of new friends and seen places we didnt
realise were there! We do feel a lot fitter and
while we are walking, taking in whats around
us, socialising and taking in the fresh air, well
we couldnt wish for anything better!
Case study courtesy of LinkAge Bristol. For
details of walking groups in your area contact
LinkAge 0117 353 3042.

Want to get online? Or get more out of

being online?
The survey showed that there are a significant
number of you who are not online but would
like to be. There are various schemes offering
low cost computers. For over 65s, full time
carers, or people with a disability Byteback IT
Solutions offer computers from as little as 50.
Contact them on 0117 3706 375 (supported by
Bristol City Council and Green Capital 2015)
Note computer skills training is offered by Age
UK Bristol amongst others (see details P12).
INFORMATION FOR ALL WITH FREEVIEW
The arrival of Fourth Generation (4G) mobile
phone services in the Bristol area may cause
problems with Freeview TV services, leading to
a loss of sound, blocky images, or loss of some
or all TV channels (those who watch TV via
cable or satellite are unlikely to experience any
problems.).
at800 is the organisation that has been set up
to help overcome any problems AT NO COST
TO YOU. They will send a postcard to those
households which they think may be affected,
advising viewers to contact them for help. If
at800 believes the disruption might be due to
4G at 800 MHz, they can arrange for an at800accredited installer to visit your home, at their
expense. Alternatively, they will send an at800
approved filter to fit yourself, free of charge.
The at800 filters block the 4G signals and
enable viewers to carry on watching Freeview
as normal. They are relatively small, need no
batteries or external power supply, and will
normally plug into the lead between the TV and
the aerial. Each type of at800 filter has been
tested to ensure it works correctly in the UK
and all come with instructions on how to fit
them.
To enable viewers to find out what support is
available and how to access help, at800 have
set up a Contact Centre.
Please call 0808 13 13 800 (Free from landlines
and mobiles) or visit www.at800.tv

Sue Frances
(Wackie-Walkers)

Using technology to stay healthy at home, find

out what SPHERE can do for you
What is SPHERE? SPHERE is an exciting fiveyear research project. It uses sensor technology
in peoples homes which could help solve health
problems in the future including:

Spotting medical conditions for early

diagnosis
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Tracking eating patterns
Predicting falls or detecting strokes

Get involved! We are initially looking for

interested people to become Friends of SPHERE
Youll be able to:

Join us for free social events across Bristol

Find out more about the technology
Tell us what you think - and help shape
the project
Meet like-minded people
Be part of an exciting new project the
first of its kind in the UK

If you are interested in becoming a a Friend of

SPHERE then get in touch! Contact Ben Meller
ben.meller@bristol.ac.uk 0117 3315689

I joined the walking

group after my
husband died; it has
helped me over a
very difficult time.
Now the walking
group is part of my life. Since starting with
the group I have become much healthier.
My diabetes and blood pressure is down to
normal and I am no longer taking
medication for these.
Case study courtesy of LinkAge Bristol
For details of walking groups in your
area contact LinkAge 0117 353 3042.

FALL PREVENTION
Falls are the number one cause for emergency
hospital admissions for older people.
If you have a fall always seek medical advice
and consider a personal alarm or aids such as
as handrails. You may also benefit from
specific exercises. Age UK and the NHS have
advice leaflets (see contact details P10-13)

BCFMs Silversounds programme can be found it at 93.2FM, 10-am 12noon Thursday and Friday.
And they love to hear from listeners! Requests, mentions and feedback all welcome.

Fancy being a radio presenter?

Babbers is a radio programme run by
older people for older people, on at 12-1
every Monday on Ujima Radio 98FM.
We are looking for new presenters! If
youre lively minded, interested in what
goes on in Bristol and ready to speak up
and out.give us a ring! You can shadow
an existing presenter first and before
committing yourself!
Call Bianca on 0117 928 1539

BUS PASS POETS are a small group of Seniors who

write poetry. We meet once a month at libraries
on local bus routes and share our poems with
each other. Its very informal and free!
Please contact Julie 01179.428637 or Text Edith
07758 018768
Friday 13 November 2.30 3.30 , Redland library,
Whiteladies Road. Buses 1,2,3,4
Thursday 10 December 2.30 3.30 at Central
Library cafe, College Green. Buses: all to centre

Lifeskills Safety Programme for Older

People: 2016 dates
Thursday 11th February

Friday 12th February

Wednesday 6th April

Thursday 7th April

Monday 9th May

Tuesday 10th May

Wednesday 11th May

Topics include safety in the home, healthy
eating, fall prevention and more! Held at the
Create Centre, Smeaton Rd, Hotwells, BS1 6XN
FREE! TO BOOK call 0117 9224511

CHRISTMAS!
Marmalade Trust (pictured) are a charity covering
Bristol and surrounding areas, aiming to reconnect
those who are vulnerable to loneliness. They aim to
identify people who would otherwise be on their own
and use volunteers to collect them from home, take them to a Christmas day meal and then return them
home. They are holding 3 events on Christmas day in local restaurants, and invite guests as friends (they
fundraise to ensure the event is free)

North Bristol/South Glos venue to be confirmed

Central Bristol at Future Inn, Cabot Circus

South Bristol The Whitchurch Inn, Whitchurch

Eligibility: Guests would otherwise be on their own on Christmas day and who are able to get into a car
(Wheelchair users can be accommodated, as long as the guest can transfer in and out of a car). For more
information please call a Marmalade volunteer on 07511 630027 www.marmaladetrust.org
Community Christmas collect together information on community Christmas meals and two other results
for Bristol are below. You can search online (www.communitychristmas.org.uk) as more events are added
or call them on 0844 443 0662 (note calls are chargeable).

Salvation Army, Staple Hill, no cost, transport provided, call 0117 956 9733

Christchurch, Clifton (cost and own transport needed) 0117 973 6524

St Mary Redcliffe Church is also offering Christmas lunchyou will need to book, by December 4, please
ring 0117 231 0060.
Contact The Elderly are on a Christmas dirve to increase the number of groups meeting , and you can find
out whats local to you by calling (free) 0800 716543
You may also wish to enquire about seasonal events at your local care home, church, temple or mosque.

Local Organisations and Very Useful Numbersperfect for the fridge door!
AgeUK Bristol (and see p13) 0117 922 5353
Action for Blind People 0117 953 7750
Advice CentreNorth Bristol 0117 951 5751and Community Support at
Home (North Bristol)
Advice Centre - St Pauls (includes East Bristol) 0117 955 2981
Advice CentreSouth Bristol 0117 985 1122
Avon & Bristol Law Centre 0117 924 8662
Avon Fire & Rescue 0117 926 2061 (fire safety visits)
Bristol City Council 0117 9522 2000 (textphone 0117 357 4444) - please note
that all councillors contact details are also available via the council
Bristol Community Transport 0117 902 0157
Bristol Credit Union 0117 924 7309
Bristol dial-a-ride 0845 130 1875
Bristol Drugs (&Alcohol) Project: Older People's Service 0117 987 6016
Bristol Hate Crime Services 0800 171 2272 (to report incidents/seek advice)
Bristol Older Peoples Forum 0117 927 9222 (full contact details P20)
Bristol Citizens Advice Bureau 0344 111 444 or debt advice 0117 946 2588
Bristol Mental Health 0117 919 4670 OR Crisis line 0300 555 0334
British Red CrossBristol0117 301 2606 / 0117 301 2619 (includes mobility
aid loans and home from hospital service)
Bus Passes (Bristol City Council) 0117 922 2600
Care Direct 0117 922 2700 or textphone 0117 903 6689 (Home care service,
also for adult safeguarding concerns or issues)
CarersLine 0117 965 2200 (Carers Support Centre, Bristol & S Glos) - lots of
groups, support and information for local carers of any age
Cruse Bereavement Care Bristol 0117 926 4045 (Mon-Fri 10am-12.30)
Dementia Wellbeing Service 0117 904 5151
FirstBus customer services 0117 244 4040

10

Healthwatch Bristol 0117 269 0400 (details on p5)

Older Peoples Services, Southville (SCDA) 0117 923 1039
Lifeskills 0117 922 4511 (and see course details p9)
LinkAge 0117 353 3042 (offer a large range of local services, events, activities)
MacmillanRe-Enablement Manager (Anne Wilkinson) 0117 353 3042
RELATE (relationship and family counselling)Avon region 0117 942 8444
Royal Voluntary Service (Bristol & Somerset) 0117 204 7540 (befriending in
hospital and at home / home library service / home from hospital service)
Shelter Bristol 0344 515 1414 (advice line)
Shopmobility 0117 955 9083
Stroke AssociationBristol office 01179 119351
Talking Money (previously Bristol Debt Advice) 0800 121 4511
Traveline 0871 200 2233
Volunteer Bristol 0117 989 7733
Walking for Health 0117 352 1283
Wellaware 0808 808 5252
WE (West of England) Care & Repair 0300 323 0700
Contacting the Police:

Contacting the NHS

Call 999:

For immediate, life-threatening

emergencies, call 999.

when its an emergency

a crime is in progress
someone suspected of a crime is nearby
when there is danger to life
when violence is being used / threatened
Textphone 18000 in an emergency
All non-emergencies call 101 or textphone
18001/101
You can also report crimes anonymously by
calling Crimestoppers 0800 555 111

Call 111 (NHS Direct) if:

you need medical help fast but it's not
a 999 emergency
you think you need to go to A&E or
need another NHS urgent care service
you don't know who to call or you
don't have a GP, or you need health
information or reassurance
North Bristol NHS Trust 0117 950 5050
University Hospitals Bristol 0117 923 000

11

AGEUK Bristol: contact details

Information & advice 0117 922 5353 Products and services 0117 928 1555
Telephone befriending 07910 743920 Computer learning 0117 929 7537
New Beginnings Day Centre 0117 987 8406
Footcare service 0117 929 7537
Housing support services 0117 928 1546 / 7

National Helplines and Organisations

ACAS Helpline 0300 123 1100 , textphone 18001 0300 123 1100
ActionFraud 0300 123 2040to report fraud including phone or doorstep
scams
Action on Elder Abuse 0808 808 8141
Action on Hearing Loss (new name for RNID) 0808 808 0123
Age UK (National) 0800 169 6565
Alzheimers Society 0300 222 11 22 (National Dementia Helpline)
Arthritis Care 0800 808 4050
British Lung Foundation 03000 030 555
British Red Cross 0300 456 1981
Cancer Research UK 0800 800 4040
Carers UK 0808 808 7777
Citizens Advice Consumer helpline 03454 04 05 06
Contact the Elderly 0800 716 543 (organise tea parties for groups of older
people)
Compassion in Dying 0800 999 2434
Cruse Bereavement Care 0844 477 9400
Equality Advisory Support Service 0800 800 0082 textphone 0808 800 0084

12

Gas Safe Register helpline 0800 408 5500

Hearing Information Service 0800 488 0106
Home Heat Helpline 0800 33 66 99 - for anyone worried about their energy
bills
Independent Age 0800 319 6789 - advice line for anyone over retirement age
MIND 0300 123 3333 for anyone worried about mental health
Macmillan Cancer Support 0808 808 00 00
Marie Curie 0800 090 2309
MS TrustHelpline 0800 032 3839
National Osteoporosis Society 0808 800 0035
National Pensioners Convention 020 7383 0388national umbrella body for
pensioners groups. Individual membership also available
NHS England 0300 311 2233 / Advice on health costs 0300 330 1343
Neighbourhood Watch - enquiries 0116 229 3118
ParkinsonsHelpline 0808 800 0303
Pension Service 0845 606 0265, textphone 0845 606 0285
RNIB 0303 123 9999
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90
Silverline 0800 4 70 80 90 free confidential helpline providing information,
friendship & advice to older people, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year
Stop Hate UK 0808 801 066124 hour national LGBT hate crime helpline.
Stroke Association 0303 3033 100
SSAFA 0845 241 7141 - support for serving men& women, veterans & families
TV Licensing 0300 790 6073
Warm Home Discount Scheme 0345 603 9439
Winter Fuel Payment Helpline 0845 9 15 15 15
University of the Third Age 020 8466 6139

13

Out & About

LinkAge operates in many areas in Bristol and
activities include new age Kurling (photo
courtesy of LinkAge), walking football, film
clubs, art & craft, chair yoga , dance groups, ping
pong, walking, tai chi and I could go on! They
also offer volunteering opportunities.

Give them a call on 0117 353 3042

HUNDREDS OF BRISTOL-BASED MUSICIANS,

PERFORMERS AND SPEAKERS WILL AMPLIFY
THE SOUND OF THE CITY FOR THEASTER
GATES SANCTUM, TEMPLE CHURCH, BRISTOL
29 OCTOBER 21 NOVEMBER 2015 (FREE)

treefest is a Christmas
Tree festival held in the
beautiful setting of St
Mary Redcliffe Church
8-13 December.
It raises money for
charity and celebrates
the excellence and
diversity of our city. Businesses, schools,
community groups and charitable organisations
are invited to provide and decorate Christmas
trees which demonstrate how imaginative and
innovative they can be!

Avon Federation of Womens Institutes are on

0117 986 4782, find out if there is one near you!

Entry is free and there are various

entertainments and refreshments on offer for
the many visitors who come to the church
during treefest week to admire the trees.

SURVEY FINDINGS
Thank you so much to all those who sent back
the survey included in the last newsletterwe
have had well over 500 replies! We have some
more analysis to do but below are just a few
findings so far:

68% of respondents were female

62% are aged 75+

37% identify as being disabled

46% share their BOPF newsletter

50% do access the internet...

...38% dont access it and dont want to

66% agree they have the amount and

types of social contact they want

26% agree they can influence decisions

that affect their local area

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Live in BS3?

Health and social care for Deaf adults :

WOOP is a new community group in BS3. It

stands for Whats On for Older People. The
Woop Group, average age somewhere in the
60s, is available to give information about clubs,
societies and other activities going on in or near
BS3. These might be just for older people or
they may cater for all ages.

drop in sessions

We dont know everything thats going on, but

between us we know quite a lot. So, why not
come along to one of these sessions and have a
chat?

The Sensory Impairment team is running drop

in sessions for Deaf adults to help with:

Mondays and Fridays, 9.00-12.30pm at RNIB,

10 Still House Lane, Bedminster, BS3 4EB
Thursdays, 9.30-12.30pm at Housing21,
Hillside Court, Batten Road, St George, BS5 8NL

Thursday Nov 12 at Mezzaluna Caf, West St,

(by Tesco) (2-3).
Tues Nov 17, Ashton Vale Youth Club , Silbury
Rd (10.30 to 11.30).
Thurs Nov 26 at Windmill Hill Community
Centre, Vivian St, (2pm-3pm).
Thurs Dec 10 at Mezzaluna caf (2-3).
Tuesday, 12 January at Ashton Vale Youth Club
(10.30-11.30).

translating letters from English to British

Sign Language (BSL)

phoning and booking appointments

paying bills or finding out more information from service providers

contacting any services

If you need more time for several issues, you

may need to make an appointment, which

For more info please contact Ben Barker

benbarker@blueyonder.co.uk or 0117 9633652.

you can do on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Action for Blind People offer many services for

the visually impaired and Blind, including
courses on assistive technology, 0117 953 7750

place for example a caf, or the RNIB

and these can be a home visit or public

offices. Text: 07775 646671

E: sensory.impairment@bristol.gov.uk

Ever fancied joining a choir? Singing is good for you!

There are numerous choirs in Bristol, those below are free and open to allno auditions!
1. Handfuls of Harmony Upbeat Voices Choir

Monica Wills House, West St, Bedminster, Every Tuesday, 6pm-7.30pm

There is no audition or need for previous experience - the idea is
to have fun and make some noise. Free and for all. More info
Sarah Scott 0117 953 8634
2. South Bristol Wellbeing Choir (Just come along and join in! )
Every Thursday 7 8.30pm (term time) at St Michaels and All
Angels Church Hall, Vivian St Windmill Hill, Bristol, BS3 4LW.
3. North Bristol Wellbeing Choir (Just come along and join in! )
7 - 9pm every Wednesday during term-time at the Greenway
Centre, Doncaster Road, Southmead, Bristol, BS10 5PY

15

Bristol Ageing Better (BAB) - latest news

Warning!

Aardman animation has now had over 10,000

viewings (www.bristolageingbetter.org.uk)

BAB has commissioned community

development work in South Bristol and
Southmead

BAB has commissioned 7 projects to help

people with peer and group support

BAB researchers are working in Fishponds now

to find out what is there and what people want

Look out for details of Community Chest

funding towards the end of the year

Microwaved water and other liquids do not

always bubble when they reach boiling point.
They can actually get superheated and not
bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble
up out of the cup when it is moved or when
something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it.
To prevent this from happening and causing
injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two
minutes per cup. After heating, let the cup stand
in the microwave for thirty seconds before
moving it or adding anything into it.

Reporting a near miss involving a cyclistwhether that is you or the other person:
https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/vehicles-and-roads/cycling/report-a-cycling-near-miss/
It is not how old you are, but how you are old
Just remember, once you're over the hill you begin to pick up speed
"I have reached an age when, if someone tells me to wear socks, I don't have to."
PINK HERRINGS is a friendly informal social
group for lesbians predominantly aged 50+.
Contact pinkherrings@yahoo.co.uk

GAYWEST is a longstanding membership group

for the LGBT community covering Bristol and
Bath. Contact 07584696771 or
www.gaywest.org.uk

UK populationdid you know?

The Bristol Festival of Ideas aims to stimulate

peoples minds and passions with an inspiring
programme of discussion and debate
throughout the year. www.ideasfestival.co.uk

There are 11.4M people aged 65 or over

1.5M are aged 85 or overand this is

projected to double in the next 20 years

There are more people aged 60+ than

under 18

36% of people aged 65+ live alone70%

of these are women

1 in 5 people in the UK today will reach

their 100th birthday

There are 2.5M volunteers aged 65+ in

England

Over 50s are around 30% of the

economically active adult population

Individual employer funding People who

employ their own care and support staff
(individual employers) can apply for funding
from Skills for Care to cover the full cost of care
related training for both themselves and their
personal assistants. Whilst Skills for Care does
not directly arrange the training, they can fund
courses and qualifications that meet the
learning needs of the individual employer and/
or their PAs. The training must be started by end
Mar 16. Any questions please call 0113 241
1275 or email funding@skillsforcare.org.uk.

16

An elderly gentleman...
Had serious hearing problems for a number
of years.. He went to the doctor and the
doctor was able to have him fitted for a set
of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman
to hear 100%
The elderly gentleman went back in a
month to the doctor and the doctor said,
'Your hearing is perfect.. Your family must
be really pleased that you can hear again.'
Facebook in real life..?!
This is for those of the older generation who
do not really comprehend why Facebook
exists. Presently, I am trying to make friends
outside of Facebook while applying the
same principles.
Therefore, every day I go down on the street
and tell the passers-by what I have eaten,
how I feel, what I have done the night before
and what I will do tomorrow night. Then I
give them pictures of my family, my dog and
me gardening and spending time in my pool.
I also listen to their conversations and I tell
them I love them. And it works. I already
have 3 people following me: 2 police
officers and a psychiatrist.

The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my

family yet.I just sit around and listen to the
conversations. I've changed my will three
times!'

A new era of retirement is dawning. A

new era of older workers, older entrepreneurs,
older customers, older students, older
community leaders - people in their 50s, 60s,
70s, even 80s who are taking full advantage of
their Xtra10. This is nothing like the narrative of
decline that predominates. There is a massive
disconnect between perception and reality.
(from ageofnoretirement.com)...Let us know
what you think! (contact details on P20)

Celebrating Age Festival

2,400 people visited the launch event on
27 September at M Shed. The feedback
was extremely positive, with 81.5% rating
the event Excellent / Good. The positive
comments were all around the diverse
range of information stands available and
the entertainment. The stand holder
feedback was also very positive.
If you came along, we hope you found it
interesting and any feedback is of course
most welcome.
Photo: our stand and amazing volunteers!

17

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Open Forum & 03/12/2015
Campaign Group 10:30 - 12:30

Broadmead
Baptist Church

Open Forum

04/02/2016
10:30 - 12:30

Open Forum & 17/03/2016

Campaign Group 10:30 - 12:30

Compassion in Dying (CiD) End of Life Care/

Rights, Richard Scheffer Board of CiD & retired
consultant in palliative medicine

St George - Barton Royal Horticultural Society, Kay Clark.

Hill Settlement
Community Outreach Manager

Broadmead
Baptist Church

Community Access Support Service (CASS)

Monira Ahmed Chowdhury - CASS Manager,
Developments within Bristol Mental Health,
including Dementia Services

Open Forum

21/04/2016
14:00 - 16:00

Easton Community Malcolm Kippax, Inspector, Care Quality

Centre
Commission (South Region), Effects of the New
Care Act on Older People

AGM 2015-16/
Open Forum

NEW DATE

Broadmead

19/05/2016
10:30 - 12:30

Baptist Church

Adam Rees, Project Director, Bristol Ageing

Better

VENUES and travel information

Broadmead Baptist Church, Union Street, BS1 3HY, (between Yorkshire BS and Tesco)
0117 929 138, office@broadmeadbaptist.org.uk, www.broadmeadbaptist.org.uk. All city
centre buses.
St George/Barton Hill Settlement, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX,
www.bartonhillsettlement.org.uk
Easton Community Centre, Kilburn St, Easton, Bristol, BS5 6AW, 0117 954 1409
www.eastoncommunitycentre.org.uk
Newsletter Editorial Team:
Judith Brown (Chair), Karen Bowers (Forum Project Manager)
Gillian Seward (Trustee)
All details correct at time of going to press. Please check before making a special journey.
All views expressed are that of the contributor and not of Bristol Older Peoples Forum CIO

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How you can get involved

Value BOPF? Be a trustee!

If you are 55 or over and live in Bristol, you can

become a member for free and you will receive
our newsletter 3 times a year. If you would
prefer to receive by email please use the form
on the back cover to let us know your email
address.

If you are interested in the idea of being a

You can attend any of our Open Forum

meetings where we disseminate information,
invite informative speakers to talk on issues
relevant to over 55s, co-ordinate participation
in consultations, give you the opportunity to
have a say on decisions which affect you and
influence decision makers in Bristol.

Image: Doug Burge (deputy chair) & Zia Haque

trustee for BOPF, please call Karen on 0117 927

9222 for an informal chat..a whole new circle
of friends something to keep me busy giving
something back to Bristol and its older people

Please do get in touch with any ideas, questions

or comments. We are always delighted to hear
from our members.
Our recent speakers - and the opportunity to
have a voice by asking them questionshave
been warmly received by members.
Forthcoming speakers are detailed opposite. If
you have any ideas on who you would like to see
and hear at our meetings, or themes you would
like covered please email us or give us a call
(details on the back cover)
Going on a Cruise?
Members to take advantage of 10% discounts
on cruises in 2016. This is in addition to any
offers already advertised. Bookings must be
direct to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and not
through any booking agents and quote the
unique Club reference of SWSC10. Book by
telephone on 0800 0355 110 or go on line at
www.fredolsencruises.com
(5% of value will come back to South West
Seniors Network)

2016 dates from other equality forums

Bristol Multi Faith Forum will be holding

an open forum focussing on older people
in early 2016

Bristol Womens Voice will be holding a

special event on 12 March to celebrate
International Womens day

Looking for a typesetter

Did you work in the printing process trade?
Were you a compositor, typesetter, any chance
you have ever come across a Linotype machine?
I want to talk to you, interview you about your
experiences, and discover more about the trade
and production process.
Contact Charlotte on 07718074404
charlottebiszewski@gmail.com

19

Bristol Older Peoples Forum CIO

Registered Charity number: 1162616

Chair 2015-16: Judith Brown

Treasurer: Stephanie Batterbury
Forum Project Manager: Karen Bowers Finance & Administration Manager: Yolanda Pot
0117 927 9222
bopf@ageukbristol.org.uk
www.bopf.btck.org.uk
FREEPOST RLTY-EHKU-SYXB
BOPF, Canningford House, 38 Victoria Street
Bristol, BS1 6BY
Help Us Keep Our Mailing List Up-to-Date
If you have received this newsletter through the post, your name (or names) is/are on our mailing list.
However if you know of an older person in Bristol who would like to join, do pass on the form below.
Please also send the form below to update your details e.g. to remove a name, add a partners name, or
to add an email address to your record if you are happy to receive news on email. Please send to the
FREEPOST address above, with your donation and Gift Aid form if applicable.

BRISTOL OLDER PEOPLES FORUM - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION (FREE) / UPDATE

First Name:

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First Name: ...Surname: .
Please add / remove the above name/s (please delete as applicable)
Address: ...
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I/we declare that I am/we are over 55 (sign) ...Age(s): ___________
*Please only give your phone number or email address if you are happy to receive communications
from BOPF by phone or email. We will not share your data and you can unsubscribe at any time.

GIFT AID DECLARATION to return with your donation to the freepost address above.
If you are donating to our appeal (P1) and are a UK taxpayer (paying tax on any income including
savings/pension) we invite you to complete this declaration which will enable the Bristol Older Peoples
Forum to reclaim tax on your donations (to increase the value of donations at no cost to you).
To: Bristol Older Peoples Forum CIO
Please treat as Gift Aid donations all qualifying gifts of money I make today and in the future. I confirm I
have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5
April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs
(CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as
VAT and Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every 1 that I give.
Donors details

Title______ First name or initial(s) _______________Surname_____________________

Home address____________________________________________________________
Postcode _____________________
Signature___________________________
Date ________________________
Please notify BOPF if you: want to cancel this declaration; change your name or home address; or no
longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains.

20