We are sorry to announce that the Barnet Seniors Association is closing down from November 2023. We are keeping the web site on line for reference for the moment. More details on the home page.

Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 19 (July / August 2018)

Barnet Seniors Insider 19 PDF (July / August 2018) is now available to download here (PDF 362Kb, 8 sides of A4).

The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

Contents of Insider 19

  • Staying cool in a heatwave
  • Tips to keep you cool when it’s very hot
  • Hampstead Garden Suburb U3A
  • Topical talks each month. Open day 4th September 2018.
  • NW7hub Charity
  • The charity runs Mill Hill Library, and organises activities there.
  • Age UK Barnet’s Later Life Planning service
  • Growing older doesn’t come with a manual. We support older people, aged 55 and over to manage and plan for the challenges that ageing brings.
  • Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline
  • The people who most often contact us are families caring for someone with dementia, whether that be Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, or one of the rarer types.
  • Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards
  • If someone lacks mental capacity, for example due to having dementia, there may be times when their freedom or independence is restricted in order to keep them safe.
  • Plane Wall
  • An Installation by David Waller and John Waller. Stephens House and Gardens until Saturday 29 September 2018. It is literally a ‘walls of planes’ which offer gentle, visible pathways to the ‘temporary’ sitting rooms and a kaleidoscopic view to the past.
  • Dementia cafés and clubs
  • There are now lots of dementia cafés and clubs in Barnet. A full list of places and times is included.
  • What to do if you have a fall
  • Having a fall could be a sign that something isn’t quite right with your health but often it’s something treatable.
  • Ask Bob
  • What is a Lasting Power of Attorney?
  • #BeScamAware
  • July is National Scams Awareness Month
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.
  • BSA will get FREE donations every time you shop online
  • BSA has signed up to easyfundraising. It’s simple, it’s safe, and it doesn’t cost you a penny.
  • and mentions for…
  • Volunteering with Edgware Child Contact Centre, teaching English at Barnet Southgate College, The Finchley Charities sheltered housing, and The Fremantle Trust care services.

To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 19 PDF.

Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 18 (May / June 2018)

Barnet Seniors Insider 18 PDF (May / June 2018) is now available to download here (PDF 622Kb, 8 sides of A4).

The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

Contents of Insider 18

  • Keep safe this summer
  • The warmer summer months that hopefully lie ahead can unfortunately increase opportunistic crime…
  • Advocacy in Barnet
  • Advocacy in Barnet (AIB) offers free, independent and confidential advocacy services to people aged 50 and over in the borough of Barnet.
  • Dementia Clubs
  • Dementia Club UK, a registered charity, is at present running seven dementia clubs in the Borough of Barnet. People that attend a Dementia Club have either just been diagnosed or are more progressed with dementia.
  • Trinity Stroke Club
  • For people who have suffered a stroke. This is a friendly supportive club which has been running successfully for many years in the heart of Finchley – at Trinity Church Centre in Nether Street.
  • Scams Awareness Service
  • A new service has been launched by Age UK Barnet to tackle the rising problem of financial scams, which are most likely to target the over 55s. https://www.ageuk.org.uk/barnet/our-services/scams-awareness/
  • Crimestoppers
  • Crimestoppers is a crime information collection operation which enables anyone with information about any crime and who wishes to remain anonymous to pass that information to the police. This is done by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
  • Online Watch Link
  • OWL – the Online Watch Link – helps keep communities safe, reduce crime and keep people informed of what’s going on locally. www.owl.co.uk
  • Defensive Planting
  • Nature’s way to beat the burglar. Criminals do not like climbing through prickly plants and hedges. They know that a small item of ripped clothing or blood can help the police identify them. We pick the 8 best prickly trees, shrubs, bamboo and rhubarb.
  • Dementia cafés and clubs
  • There are now lots of dementia cafés and clubs in Barnet. A full list of places and times is included.
  • What does the new financial year mean to me?
  • The main changes to the State Pension you need to know about for the start of the new tax and financial year.
  • Ask Bob
  • Am I more at risk if a relative has cancer?
  • Act F.A.S.T. – Stroke Awareness
  • Call 999 if you notice the signs of stroke: Face, Arms, Speech, Time.
  • Help with one-off practical tasks
  • GoodGym runners want a reason to run so as part of their runs, they stop off to help people aged 60+ with one-off household and garden tasks.
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.
  • Waitrose green tokens
  • If you shop at Waitrose in Chipping Barnet, then please choose BSA as your chosen local charity.
  • and mentions for…
  • Volunteering with Advocacy in Barnet, The Finchley Charities sheltered housing, and The Fremantle Trust care services.

To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 18 PDF.

Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 17 (March / April 2018)

Barnet Seniors Insider 17 PDF (March / April 2018) is now available to download here (PDF 410Kb, 8 sides of A4).

The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

Contents of Insider 17

  • The Space Between Us
  • What would you say to your younger self if you had the chance? A theatre project with young people at Chickenshed.
  • Diabetes UK Barnet Group
  • The aim of the Barnet Group is to provide support, companionship and information for people and their families living with both Type I and/or type II Diabetes in and around the Borough. They hold a bi-monthly meeting on a Wednesday in Finchley. barnet.diabetesukgroup.org
  • artsdepot Over 60s programme
  • Now includes weekly contemporary dance classes for the over 60’s, bi-monthly arts classes for the over 60’s where participants do creative writing or visual arts, and a Matinee Lunch Club which targets socially isolated people aged 75 and over. www.artsdepot.co.uk
  • Stephens House & Gardens
  • Do You have memories of the House and Gardens? Do you have photos you would like to share? Throughout the year Inky’s Place will be collecting memories of your visits. If you have memories to share, please let them know. www.stephenshouseandgardens.com
  • Prevention and Wellbeing Co-ordination Service
  • Looking at how they can build on the positive aspects of peoples’ lives and the communities around them in order to prevent, reduce or delay a person’s health and social care needs from developing or escalating. Come and meet the Co-ordinators.
  • Candles and naked flames
  • Always keep an eye on candles, incense and oil burners to keep you and your home safe.
  • Spotting common scams
  • There is a simple way to protect yourself from fraud. This starts by remembering a simple memorable phrase: ‘My money? My info? I don’t think so’.
  • Online Watch Link Launched
  • Barnet Neighbourhood Watch in conjunction with Barnet Police and The Council have launched Online Watch Link (OWL). OWL assists communities to feel safer, help reduce crime and keep people informed of what’s going on locally. www.owl.co.uk
  • Dementia cafés and clubs
  • There are now lots of dementia cafés and clubs in Barnet. A full list of places and times is included.
  • Have you got a mobile phone?
  • Mobile devices attract thieves. Here’s what you can do to protect it.
  • Ask Bob
  • Telecare, a service for frail people living alone to enable them to alert relatives and friends or the emergency service if necessary.
  • Do you wear NHS hearing aids?
  • Action on Hearing Loss hold FREE walk-in hearing aid clinics for fitting new batteries and new earmold tubing, and information.
  • Are you claiming all the money due to you?
  • Ask Independent Age. www.independentage.org/information/money
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.
  • and mentions for…
  • Volunteering with Citizens Advice, The Finchley Charities sheltered housing, and The Fremantle Trust care services.

To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 17 PDF.

Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 16 (January / February 2018)

Barnet Seniors Insider 16 PDF (January / February 2018) is now available to download here (PDF 1.3Mb, 8 sides of A4).

The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

Contents of Insider 16

  • Getting help for forgetfulness
  • Forgetfulness is common, particularly as we get older. Often this is nothing to worry about.
  • Adult Learning is Within Reach
  • The WEA way is friendly, accessible education on your doorstep. You do not need any previous knowledge or qualifications to join their courses, only a willingness to share with others your curiosity, ideas and experience.
  • Weekday Walks in natural surroundings
  • Weekday walks generally take place twice a week, typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays, some for half a day and some for most of the day being between 5 and 10 miles in length. All the walks are in scenic locations.
  • Learning for Pleasure
  • Art, Books, Bridge, Choir, Computing, Crafts, Photography, Film, Genealogy, Golf, Keep fit, Lunch Club, Poetry, Scrabble, Walking and more with the U3A (University of the Third Age).
  • Join People Bank
  • Each of you offer something unique with your knowledge and experience. Barnet Council and Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group are looking for motivated, interested people who can give feedback about health and social care and help to make real changes to improve services for everyone.
  • I Wish I Could Snatch That Monster Away
  • A poem about dementia by James Hale
  • Dementia Friendly Swimming
  • Swimming is particularly helpful for people living with dementia as the sensation of being in the water can provide a calming and soothing effect. At Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre.
  • Cinememories @ the Phoenix Cinema
  • Dementia friendly screenings will be shown with brighter lighting, quieter sound and an interval.
  • Phone call blockers
  • Protecting consumers with dementia from phone scams.
  • Dementia cafés and clubs
  • There are now lots of dementia cafés and clubs in Barnet. A full list of places and times is included.
  • Reducing Inheritance Tax
  • If you are worried about your Inheritance tax liability you can reduce the value of your estate by making gifts to your loved ones.
  • Ask Bob
  • Why did I pay too much tax on my pension drawdown?
  • Purse Dipping or Pickpocketing
  • Don’t Get Dipped, Keep Your Handbag Zipped. And protect your PIN number.
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.
  • and mentions for…
  • Barnet Carers Centre volunteering, The Finchley Charities sheltered housing, and The Fremantle Trust care services.

To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 16 PDF.

Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 15 (November / December 2017)

Barnet Seniors Insider 15 PDF (November / December 2017) is now available to download here (PDF 602Kb, 8 sides of A4).

The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

Contents of Insider 15

  • Protect your Pension
  • Our pensions are usually one of our most valuable assets, offering financial support throughout our later lives.
  • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Volunteer as a Family Activities Volunteer for Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospice, or volunteer to teach English language with Barnet Southgate College.
  • Love to Move
  • Activity for older people in their local setting, including Pilates, Nordic Walking and Dance in a social environment.
  • HeartLinks
  • Living with a heart condition. The HeartLinks Support Group meets once a month, when a talk is given on an area of interest, and a cardiac rehabilitation specialist nurse is present to give advice.
  • Timebanking
  • Timebanking is the way of spending one hour of time helping someone out and earning one time-credit in return where everyone’s time is equal. For example, you could cook for an elderly neighbour and receive Spanish lessons in return.
  • Dementia Cafés
  • There are now lots dementia cafés and clubs in Barnet. A full list of places and times is included.
  • Chimney Fire Safety
  • To keep you and your family safe from fire you should take care to have your chimney swept regularly.
  • Behind the wheel
  • Make sure that you are familiar with the latest edition of The Highway Code – it’s probably changed since you last read it. To boost your confidence, you can book an experienced driver assessment. Also consider adapting your car.
  • Going home from hospital
  • You shouldn’t be discharged from hospital until the support you need has been put in place. If you have recently left hospital, we want to hear from you about your experience.
  • Support Hubs for people with long-term health conditions
  • The Support Hubs will be in Hampstead and Barnet High Street. They will be run by the Royal Free Charity, and will offer welfare and benefits advice, information on local and national services, and a programme of wellbeing talks and workshops.
  • Ask Bob
  • How do I switch energy supplier?
  • Help in cold weather
  • Fuel bills can be a worry in winter, but it’s important for your health that your home stays warm. Find out if you’re eligible for extra money to help with the cost of heating your home when the weather gets colder.
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.

    To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 15 PDF.

    Barnet Seniors Association Spring Assembly 2017

    Ageing Well in Barnet

    About 100 old people sitting on chairs and holding up their hands
    See the Flickr album of photos

    It was “full house” on the 31st May, when about 220 of our older Barnet residents descended on Woodhouse College, to celebrate another of BSA’s fabulous events.
    Most knew what to expect: excellent speakers, chair exercises, a free lunch and much more. Apart from anything else, it allowed our visitors to meet-up with familiar faces, and make new friends, over a cup of tea/coffee. It was also an essential outing for those who experience loneliness. And the opportunity to browse amongst the many stall holders, to find some much needed information, as well as helpful assistance.

    Our chair, Nila Patel, welcomed everybody and also thanked the stall holders for their contributions. Having then made the introductions, the opening of the Assembly was made by The Deputy Mayor designate, Cllr Valerie Duschinsky, accompanied by Cllr Hugh Rayner. Valerie thanked BSA for their invitation, and gave a short speech in which she mentioned all of the good work being done to an ageing society and the new challenges facing them and those who looked after them.

    Of course, the major part of the event was provided by our dedicated speakers, the main of whom was Dr Catherine Loveday, Principal Lecturer in Cognitive Neuroscience at Westminster University. And her topic was, “Ageing well.” Although Catherine started her research at the age of 21, she feels that it is more relevant now. Having spent four years studying “brain and memory”, and having an elderly mother, she is especially keen in finding out “what helps us to age well?” How does the brain change with age, and how can we help it to do better? She notes important facts, such as that the brain adapts over time; whatever we do, it constantly changes to suit that particular situation. There is actually a balance between genes and environment. The brain progresses and changes rapidly from birth, but through life, there can be some “pruning”; although parts die along the way, there is actually some new growth in old age.

    Catherine repeated, that “memory research is my thing”, and knows that what worries most people is short term memory loss, and possible dementia. Of course, a lot of similar symptoms originate from non-demential sources e.g. old age always shows some forgetfulness, as do some of the pills that we might be taking. That does not automatically mean that we are suffering from dementia. The main theme of her very thorough talk was to consider the five important (in her opinion) attitudes to ageing:
    1. The brain is always changing.
    2. Consider nutrition and physical health.
    3. Sleep and the association of stress.
    4. Training the brain.
    5. Finally, LONELINESS. It’s a killer.
    All of the above items were discussed at great length, and it was a most informative lecture. Having fortified our brains with the above, it was time for fifteen minutes of chair-bound exercises “to music”, with the help of Wendy Nutman, from AgeUK Barnet. I must say that she seemed to wake up most of my body, and it was most invigorating; my joints are still in recovery mode.

    Mid-day was “Reaching Out” time, when Matthew Kendell (Director of Adults and Communities) spoke about Adult Social Care, and commented on some of the items mentioned by Dr Loveday, and stated that in his role, he meets many people and one has to have proper conversations with everybody. It might be personal and include needs from the council. He said that we all have to work together to ensure that Barnet is a good place to age in. And: “less forms and more chat!”. Three speakers were then introduced, who were allowed to speak for ten minutes each, about their particular project:
    Richard Peart spoke about the High Barnet Good Neighbour Scheme which started in 1984, and specializes in transportation; getting the elderly to their clinics, shops, GP’s etc. At the moment, they have about 100 clients and 20 volunteers. There is also a recently commenced befriending section, which can also offer advice, concerning local activities etc.
    Helen Newman was from AgeUK Barnet, and advised us of the numerous areas of assistance that they cover. There are lots of social activities, including tea dances, coffee mornings, exercise classes, etc. Not to forget their “What’s On” newsletter, and informative leaflets. Helen also mentioned that loneliness for the over-75’s was “out of control.”
    Our own Peter Cragg was proud to announce that this was “our tenth assembly”, and said that people sometimes ask him: “What does the BSA do?” “Well, not the usual tea dances, but we believe in working in partnership with others, such as the Council and NHS, to improve conditions for the residents of Barnet. There is no membership fee, but any donation is welcome, small or large. We also distribute 8,000 printed copies of our “Insider” newsletter, plus 4,000 more by email. New volunteers are always needed to help expand the distribution of this popular item”.

    There was then an hour’s break for our delicious, complementary buffet lunch, and networking opportunities: diaries at the ready!

    Many of our visitors stayed-on after lunch to hear the final talk, by Rosy Price, Volunteer Coordinator, from Silver Line. This, of course, is the wonderful “hot line” established by Esther Rantzen in 2013. It is open 24/7; based in Blackpool, but with its HQ in London. So far, they have been mainly funded by receiving £5m yearly from the Lottery, but this might cease. Silver Line deals with the over 55’s, who may be experiencing the loss of a spouse, loneliness, finance problems, friendship, advice or whatever. They are there to help at any time, either by phone or email.

    The day’s event was almost over, but Peter Cragg had allowed four of the stall holders to give a few minutes talk about their organizations, followed by a few questions from the audience. So, we had Janet from “Advocacy Barnet”, Andrew from “JDA”, Ann from “Freemantle” and a representative from “Mind and Mood.”

    Nila Patel thanked everybody for coming and the assembly closed at 2.15, although there were still quite a few people chatting around the stall holders.

    One could sum it up as having been a relaxing, interesting, informative, successful and very worthwhile four hours!

    Melvin Gamp 3rd June 2017

    Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 14 (September / October 2017)

    Barnet Seniors Insider 14 PDF (September / October 2017) is now available to download here (PDF 517Kb, 8 sides of A4).

    The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

    Contents of Insider 14

  • Silver Week 1st – 8th October 2017
  • Come and join us to celebrate Silver Week 2017 – Activities and events occurring throughout the week, starting with one big party. List of events on page 5 and at www.barnet.gov.uk/silverweek.
  • Volunteering Opportunities
  • Volunteer in East Barnet or South Friern Barnet library, or support a stroke survivor.
  • Lawrence Street Allotments
  • Lawrence Street Allotments in Mill Hill is a beautiful, friendly site with its own communal orchards and shared wheelbarrows and mowers. Plots are available at the time of writing.
  • Inclusion Barnet
  • Inclusion Barnet offer a free and independent support planning service, delivered by a team of disabled people, to promote independent living, so that disabled people can have choice and control in their lives.
  • Stroke Association
  • ‘Getting Back to Life’ services. The Stroke Association provides a variety of services that will help you enjoy a better quality of life, return to your community and face the future.
  • Barnet Stroke Services
  • Every year about 500 people in Barnet have a stroke and it is estimated that about 5,000 stroke survivors live in the Borough. There are designated specialist units to deal with stroke: Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASU) provide the immediate response to a stroke and Stroke Units which provide multi-therapy rehabilitation and ongoing medical supervision following treatment at the HASU.
  • Strength Based Social Care
  • Barnet Council are applying a strengths-based approach to social care, the purpose of which is to prevent, reduce or delay a person’s health and social care needs from either developing or escalating. You can get more information from Social Care Direct (phone or email) or by visiting Care Space in Colindale.
  • Ask Bob
  • Is Microwave Food Healthy? (Yes)
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • And mentions for…
  • Stroke Association and Dementia Cafés
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.

    To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 14 PDF.

    Barnet Seniors Insider, Issue 13 (July / August 2017)

    Barnet Seniors Insider 13 PDF (July / August 2017) is now available to download here (PDF 381Kb, 8 sides of A4).

    The Insider contains news for senior citizens in Barnet. It gives people practical information about local services, support, events, places to go and things to do that could interest and help them to live their lives to the full.

    Contents of Insider 13

  • All together now
  • Singing has health benefits – but it’s also fun. Details of three choirs you can join who just sing for fun, where beginners of any age are welcome.
  • Ransackers Project
  • Serious study in later life. Note that the web address should be www.ransackersassociation.org.uk
  • Barnet Hear to Meet
  • Action on Hearing Loss, formerly RNID, hold Hear to Meet groups in Barnet to bring people who have hearing loss together to share their experiences. They also provide a range of information on ear heath, hearing aid care, tinnitus and equipment over a cuppa.
  • Fremantle Trust
  • Founded in 1992, The Fremantle Trust is a registered charity and not-for-profit business providing care and support services for older people and adults with a learning disability.
  • Electrical Safety
  • Electric socket covers are not really safe.
  • Eye Tests
  • Some people have perfect eyes. To help keep them that way it is a good idea to have a regular checkup.
  • Electrical Fires
  • Electrical fires are common. Many electrical fires can be avoided by following seven simple actions.
  • Rogue Traders
  • If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be true. Rogue Traders are conmen who usually call door to door seeking elderly or vulnerable residents.
  • Ask Bob
  • Why do I sometimes find it hard to swallow food?
  • Pension Credit
  • Despite around four million people being entitled to Pension Credit, a third of pensioners still don’t claim it. Therefore, it’s essential to check whether you qualify.
  • Out and About in Barnet
  • Things to do
  • And mentions for…
  • Allotment / Garden Helper wanted by TouchBase South East, and Dementia Cafés
  • Advertise from £120
  • Advertising in Barnet Seniors Insider is welcomed, with priority given to local organisations. Advertising space is limited and contributes towards costs.

    To read the full text of these articles, download the Insider 13 PDF.

    Festive 3 Course Lunch – 12th December

    Venue: Claddagh Ring, 10 Church Road, London NW4 4EA
    Date: Tuesday 12th December 2017
    Time: Please arrive by 12.30 for 1pm start
    Title: Festive 3 Course Lunch
    Cost: Approximately £22 per person. TBC

    BOOKING ESSENTIAL
    For more information or to book a place call Sue on 0203 778 0151 and leave a message (Sue we will call you back) or email bsabarnet@outlook.com.
    Or you can reserve a place via the Contact us General Enquiry form [update: the General Enquiry form has now been removed, this post is retained for historical interest only].

    Charterhouse Tour – 7th November

    Venue: The Charterhouse, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6AN
    Date: Tuesday 7th November 2017
    Time: 1:45pm
    Cost: £10.00

    Charterhouse Tour – Standard tour

    BOOKING ESSENTIAL
    For more information or to book a place call Sue on 0203 778 0151 and leave a message (Sue we will call you back) or email bsabarnet@outlook.com.
    Or you can reserve a place via the Contact us General Enquiry form [update: the General Enquiry form has now been removed, this post is retained for historical interest only].