The guide for senior citizens in Barnet
• Keeping well • Keeping safe • Staying active • Making friends
…For mainly those people aged 55 or over
Barnet Seniors’ Assembly are delighted to launch a newsletter for those people mainly over the age of 55 in Barnet. This newsletter aims to give older people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to:
- enjoy good health and wellbeing
- help themselves
- stay safe
- maintain their independence
- stay active
- have fun
- meet people
…Hoping to see you out and about in Barnet!
For a paper copy of this newsletter, download and print BSA Newsletter 1 PDF (PDF 372kB, 4 sides A4)
IN THIS ISSUE
- So what’s NHS 111?
- Is your home at risk of fire?
- Dementia support in Barnet
- Community services offered
- Barnet University of the Third Age
- Barnet Seniors Assembly
- Out and About in Barnet
So what’s NHS 111?
by BarnDoc
NHS 111 is a free telephone number set up to help people with urgent, but not life-threatening conditions. It offers people self-care advice or points them to the most appropriate service to help them. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How to get in touch
Call 111. The NHS 111 health advisors will ask callers for their details and about their symptoms and will assess a caller’s symptoms. The advisor may give you self-care advice, or may ask you to come and see a GP at one of our bases, to have a GP visit you at your place of residence or speak to a GP on the telephone then Barndoc will provide this service for you.
Self-Care Advice
The GP or Nurse may be able to advise you on a course of action that you can take yourself, with for example, over the counter medicines. They may on occasion prescribe a medicine for which you require a prescription. The prescription can be collected from one of our Primary Care Centres, and taken to a pharmacy for dispensing.
Face to Face Consultation
The GP or Nurse may recommend you come in to see them face to face. This will be at one of Barnet’s three Primary Care Centres and allows, when necessary, a more detailed consultation to take place. In some instances this means routine tests can be completed, such as analysis of a urine sample.
Home Visit
If you are extremely unwell, or it is difficult for you to travel to a Primary Care Centre because of mobility issues, you may be offered a Home Visit. If you are offered a Home Visit, a GP will come and visit you at your residence.
When is GP ‘out of hours’?
In general, it is out of hours when your GP surgery is closed. We are open between 6.30pm at night and 8.00am the following morning during the week, and 24 hours a day at weekends and Bank Holidays.
Where will you be seen?
If you are given an appointment at one of our four primary care centres, the doctor or nurse will discuss with you which is the most convenient for you to get to. On occasion we may offer you an appointment further away if it means we can see you sooner.
Is your home at risk of fire?
The London Fire Brigade offers free home fire safety visits
What is a home fire safety visit?
The London Fire Brigade will visit you at home to offer advice on how to make your home safe and where appropriate fit a smoke alarm for free (Strobe light and vibrating-pad smoke alarms are available for those who are deaf or hard of hearing).
Who is eligible?
The London Fire Brigade only provide visits to a limited range of people and places, including older people, especially those living alone, those with mobility, vision and hearing impairment, mental health services users and those liable to intoxication through alcohol/drug use. A combination of these factors will significantly increase the risk from fire.
Why request a visit?
If you are concerned that your home may be at risk of fire or know someone who you think needs our help then please arrange a visit.
How do I arrange a free home fire safety visit?
Contact our Home Fire Safety Visit Call Centre on Freephone 08000 284428 or visit the London Fire Brigade Website and complete the on line form at: hfsvwr.london-fire.gov.uk. Please quote “BARNET P1 10”, when asked by the telephone operator or type it in the “additional information” box on the London Fire Brigades web page.
Picture courtesy London Fire Brigade
Dementia advice in Barnet
by Alzheimers’ Society Barnet
Information for people living with dementia and their carers
What is the Dementia Advice service?
If you’re living with or caring for someone affected by dementia, or have a friend or neighbour who might be experiencing problems, Dementia Advisers from the Alzheimers Society in Barnet can give you the information, advice and guidance you need.
How does it work?
You’ll be assigned a Dementia Adviser who will talk through your needs with you, and, together, you’ll plan how to meet these needs. This will include signposting to local services, such as care or support services, and giving you information to help you make informed decisions.
You can contact your Dementia Adviser as often or as infrequently as you want, to make sure you get the right support at the right time for you.
Contact information:
If you’d like to find out more about dementia cafes in Barnet or about the Dementia Advice Service, please contact Alzheimer’s Society’s Barnet office Telephone: 020 8937 7171
Picture courtesy Alzheimer’s Society
Visit a dementia café near you
If you have dementia, or are caring for someone living with dementia, you’ll be welcomed at any of the dementia cafés. Come along to meet others in a similar situation, in a relaxed social setting. You can spend time sharing information and experiences, or simply have a cup of tea and a chat. Friendly staff and volunteers will be on hand to give you information and support, and there will be a range of refreshments available.
Alzheimer’s’ Dementia cafés
Time: Every first and third Monday of the month 2pm – 4pm
Location: Lyonsdown Hall, 3 Lyonsdown Road, New Barnet EN5 1JB
Time: Every last Friday of the month 10.30am – 12.30pm
Location: Eversfield Centre, 11 Eversfield Gardens, Mill Hill, London NW7 2AE
Time: Every second Wednesday of the month 2pm – 4pm
Location: Activity Rooms, Ground floor, Finchley Memorial Hospital, Granville Road, Finchley N12 0JE
Saracens Dementia Club
Time: Every Wednesday (except second Wednesday of the month) 2pm – 4pm
Location: Activity Rooms, Ground floor, Finchley Memorial Hospital, Granville Road, Finchley N12 0JE
Are you a Street Champion?
Become a ‘Street Champion’ and help us to distribute this newsletter by delivering it to 20 neighbours!
Contact info@barnetseniors.org.uk for details.
Picture by Drew Leavy
Community services offered
Barnet-based registered charity ‘Jesus House for all nations’ is offering free community services to help vulnerable people in the borough from 10th -15 August 2015 between 10am and 4pm.
Once a year, under the acronym ‘ACTS’ (A Call To Serve), volunteers from the charity offer services such as hedge trimming, gardening, lawn mowing, de-cluttering, jet washing of pavements, painting and washing of bins to the elderly, lone parents, disabled and the less privileged within our community. Last year, Jesus House volunteers served 32 Barnet homes and they aim to double this figure in 2015.
If you or someone you know living in Barnet fits the above criteria and will benefit from this service, please get in touch with Barnet Seniors’ Assembly (BSA) at bsabarnet@outlook.com as soon as possible with your contact details, full address and what service you require. BSA will then make an “ACTS referral” on your behalf.
FAST FACTS
1965
The Borough of Barnet was formed in 1965 from parts of Middlesex and Hertfordshire
331,500
Barnet has the second largest population of London Boroughs with 331,500 inhabitants
Barnet University of the Third Age (BU3A)
by Judith Kent, Barnet U3A
The guiding philosophy of the U3A movement is that members regard themselves as both learners and teachers – anyone who is no longer in full-time employment can join a U3A and there are no exams or formal qualifications either awarded or required. Members belong for the joy of meeting and learning with like-minded people.
BU3A currently runs over 100 interest groups, each co-ordinated by a member, which meet as frequently as they choose in members’ homes, local pubs, community halls or libraries.
Members may have a lifetime’s knowledge and experience to share or be new to the subject and keen to learn. The range of interest is considerable in BU3A, with groups from Art History to Wine Appreciation. There are several which emphasise health and fitness including Pilates, Tai Chi and Walking, and some for those who prefer a more sedentary approach, such as Chess, Bridge and Mah Jong.
In addition there are social events – quizzes, barn dances and music evenings.
For More Information
Email: barnetu3a@googlemail.com
Web: www.barnetu3a.org.uk
Telephone: 07746 917104 – Text messages and voicemails will be returned, although it may take a few days to do so.
Barnet Seniors’ Assembly
A Voice for Older Residents
Barnet Seniors’ Assembly (BSA) is a local voluntary organisation which has developed from the 55+Forum and the Older People’s Assembly. It believes that by working in partnership with others it can make Barnet a better place for all and improve the quality of life for its senior citizens. BSA works closely with Barnet Council and the NHS in order to influence policy plans and practices. BSA ensures that widely held concerns of older people are put to and kept before the authorities who take the decisions.
BSA holds a number of public events each year as well as two Assemblies, with speakers on topical issues, information stalls and activities. The Assemblies are free including light refreshments, sponsored by the Council, and are open to all.
A social programme of activities links up with other local clubs and organisations. Currently BSA arranges coach outings and includes cultural visits to places of interest, quizzes, social gatherings, walks etc. Monthly meetings are held around the borough with educational or leisure activities and talks on current issues to keep members informed.
BSA groups are working on different aspects of organising and planning and would welcome more volunteers. If you would like to help, please let us know.
For More Information
Email: bsabarnet@outlook.com
Web: www.baseas.org.uk
Tel: 020 3778 0151
Out & About in Barnet
Barnet
Love to Dance Class incorporates various dance styles – Salsa, Line, Cha Cha Cha, Bollywood, Rock ‘n’ Roll and many more at Underhill Baptist Church Elton Avenue, Barnet EN5 2EA Contact: 020 3675 7246 or email annabelhay@saracens.net
Cost: £4.50 Tuesdays 10am—12pm
Burnt Oak
Talkie Walkies – walking group that meets on Tuesday mornings at 9.30am and Saturday mornings at 10am at Watling Park. For more information email us@betterburntoak.org.uk or phone 07909 998463
Make friends with a book – reading group meets every Tuesday at 10.30am at Burnt Oak Library. 07909 998463 for details.
Movie afternoon – every third Thursday at Woodcourt Sheltered Housing. Show time 3.45pm. 07909 998463 for details.
Board Game Club – An afternoon of fun and games every Tuesday at 2pm at Woodcourt, South Road, HA8 0BF. Phone 07909 998463 for details
Free coffee morning. Open to all, just pop in for a chat and to meet new friends. Help with IT (computers) is available. Mondays 10.30am—12pm Burnt Oak Library, Watling Avenue, Edgware HA8 0UB Contact: Amanda on 020 8432 1415 or email amanda.radonich@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Cricklewood
Games Afternoon On alternate Tuesdays from 2pm—4pm St Agnes Centre hosts an over 55s games afternoon. Come along and make new friends while having fun! Refreshments provided and free parking available. At St Agnes Centre, Gillingham Road (off Cricklewood Lane) NW2 1RL Contact: Joan at the Parish Office on 020 8452 2475 or Amanda on 020 8432 1415 or email: amanda.radonich@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Gentle exercise to music group Mondays 10.30am – 11.30am (£3) at St Agnes Centre, Gillingham Road, Cricklewood, NW2 1RL Telephone: 020 8432 1415
East Finchley
Computers and a Cuppa. Help to use the internet for those starting from scratch, or those wanting to improve their computer skills. Tuesdays 2 – 4pm at Homefield Gardens , East Finchley, Wednesday 2 – 4pm at Wilmot Close, Thursdays 10-2pm, East Finchley Library, High Road – residents and non-residents welcome, just let us know if you want to attend or help out. Call EFAB for details: 07909 998453 or us@efab.org.uk
Table tennis. Come and play table tennis for free – all ages and abilities welcome. Tuesdays 2:30-4.00pm Shree Aden Depala Centre, Church Lane, East Finchley. Call EFAB for details: 07909 998453 or us@efab.org.uk
Edgware & Stonegrove
St. Margaret’s Church Coffee morning. Every Wednesday 10.30am – 12noon Truth Hall, St. Margaret’s Church. Free entry.
FREE coffee morning. Open to all. Thursdays 10.30am—12pm Edgware Library, Hale Lane HA8 8NN Contact: Amanda on 020 8432 1415 or email amanda.radonich@ageukbarnet.org.uk
Mill Hill East
Gentle exercise. Fridays 12pm—1pm Mill Hill East Church, Salcombe Gardens, NW7 2NT. Contact: Ken Smith on 020 8922 3464 or email kenjssmith@yahoo.co.uk Cost: £4.00.
50+ fitness Thursdays 5pm—6pm Contact: 0203 675 7246 or email lewissones@saracens.net for details and the cost
Hendon
Make Friends With A Book Mondays 1.30-3pm. Cheshire Hall Community Centre, Fosters Street, NW4 2AA. Contact: Paul Higgins on 07985 718744. Free.
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Ballroom dancing First and third Tuesday of the month, 11am—11.40am Call 020 8202 3794 for details. Cost: £3.00
Zumba Gold Tuesdays 10am—10.40am Call 020 8202 3794 Cost: £3.00
Tai Chi Thursdays 11am—12pm Contact: Lisa or Dawn on 020 8432 1415 or 1418 Cost: £3.00
All at Barnet African Caribbean Association (BACA), Barnet Multicultural Community Centre, Algernon Road, Hendon NW4 3TA
New Barnet
Lunch and social group for older people on Tuesdays and Fridays 11.30am—2pm. A hot meal and place to meet, talk and participate in group activities such as bingo and exercise at New Barnet Community Association. Cost: £6. A social group also runs Mondays 2pm—3.30pm. Cost: 60p. Venue: New Barnet Community Association, New Barnet Community Centre, 48-50 Victoria Road, EN4 9PF Contact: Email newbarnetca@gmail.com
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Love to Dance Thursdays 1pm—3pm Contact: 020 3675 7246 or email annabelhay@saracens.net Cost: £4.50.
Pilates Tuesdays 2.15pm—3.15pm: Contact Contact: 0203 675 7246 or email annabelhay@saracens.net for the cost.
Ballroom Dancing Mondays 8pm—10.30pm Contact: Ken or Barbara on 01707 258 414 Cost: £4.50 per person.
All at Lyonsdown Hall, 3 Lyonsdown Road, (near New Barnet Station) EN5 1JB. Cost includes tuition and refreshments.
TUESDAY LUNCH FOR A FIVER !
Silver Service has now kicked off, with several local cafés and restaurants offering £5 set meal deals to customers over 60 years of age, and their guest, on Tuesday lunchtimes in Edgware and East Finchley. Look out for the Silver Service logo on restaurant and café windows.
CONTACT US
If you have material you would like to include in this newsletter, please email info@barnetseniors.org.uk