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staywell news
a local, independent charity providing services that change lives

This issue:

KCF new shop page 2

Scam savvy page 5

Meet our Chair page 4

Dementia remains the biggest health

concern of people aged over 55.
With an unacceptable stigma still
surrounding the condition, people with
dementia continue to be affected by
discrimination. However, attitudes are
starting to change.
Angela Rippon and Joan Bakewell are
two of the well-known broadcasters
who have recently fronted TV and radio
programmes on the subject, and acting
couple Timothy West and Prunella
Scales openly share their experience
of living with dementia.
The condition has even featured in
soaps, with a storyline in Eastenders
following the character Sylvie Carter,
returning to The Square with news of
her Alzheimers diagnosis.

Charles Fearn

Talking about dementia

Prunella Scales
and Timothy
West enjoying
their great
canal journey
through Venice

Singing

Misconception
While the disease is being more widely
talked about, there is still a common
misconception that dementia is an
inevitable consequence of ageing,
and this simply isnt true.
Dementia describes different brain
disorders that trigger a loss of brain
function, from memory loss to
confusion and difficulties with speech
and understanding. While theres
currently no cure for dementia, research
shows that staying socially, mentally
and physically active can help.
The evidence that staying physically
fit keeps your brain healthy into old
age is compelling, and most concrete
is the link between aerobic fitness and
cognitive preservation. Brisk walks of
3045 minutes three times a week can
help fend off mental wear and tear,
and may delay the onset of dementia.
Its recognised that dancing can have a

coordination and muscle function. As

in our early years, when rhythm helps
learning and memory, for people living
with dementia, it can aid recall and
physical movement.

restorative effect on the brain too, as

the physical and social stimulation can
bolster cognitive wellbeing.

Uplifting
Staywells Fit as a Fiddle programme
recently featured a dance course
specifically designed for people living
with dementia and their carers. The
dancers found it was an uplifting way
of meeting people and being in the
moment, with one couple commenting,
It was a great opportunity to meet
people with something in common,
and have a bit of a laugh!
Increasingly, classes like aerobics,
Zumba Gold and Tai Chi are being
aimed at seniors all over the country,
giving us access to exercise at a level
thats welcome.

But its not just physical exercise that

boosts our brains. Research shows that
musical memory survives relatively
well in dementia. Rhythm acts as a
kind of sensory timer, helping the part
of the brain that controls timing,

Music learned earlier in life can bring

access to memories and the language
to talk about them, and in a small way
helps people with dementia to function
better in general. Veteran MP Dennis
Skinner, recently spoke about this with
Jeremy Vine on Radio 2. When his
mother was in the grip of dementia and
no longer recognised him, she was still
able to sing along to one of his Desert
Island Discs.
We now know that by keeping
socially, physically and mentally active,
we can help delay the onset, or reduce
the progression of dementia, and
mitigate its effects. Social centres are a
great way to get started if you feel you
could be more active in this way. Go to
staywellservices.org.uk to find the
centre nearest to you and contact us
for a look around.

l There are currently 850,000 people with dementia in the UK, with numbers
set to rise to over 1 million by 2025, to 2 million by 2051.
l 1 in 6 people over the age of 80 have dementia.
l There are over 40,000 people under 65 with dementia in the UK.
l Research shows the percentage of people with dementia is now decreasing,
but numbers are rising due to people living longer.
l Unpaid carers supporting someone with dementia save the economy 11
billion a year.
l Dementia is one of the main causes of disability later in life, ahead of cancer,
cardiovascular disease and stroke.
l Delaying the onset of dementia by five years would halve the number of
deaths from the condition, saving 30,000 lives a year.

Issue twenty-nine l Autumn 2016

A new Dementia Development programme has been

launched, aimed at achieving the local vision for the
borough, whereby people with dementia and their carers
and families feel Kingston is a place where they can live
well in the community, and is one of the best boroughs in
the country for dementia care and support.
The creation of dementia friendly communities has been
declared by the UK government to be a national priority.
Indeed, this is a global movement which recognises that if
more people are going to be living with dementia for
longer, then in local communities we have to adapt and
respond to meet the needs of those people to make sure
we can all enjoy a decent quality of life.
Working with a new Dementia Action Alliance, made up
of local care providers, voluntary sector organisations and
businesses, and with funding from Kingston CCG, Staywell is
putting plans in place to establish Kingstons status as a
Dementia Friendly Borough.
New Dementia Development Workers, Lene Wood and
Ellie Evans, will work with the community and the Alliance
to educate people and to foster a borough of understanding
and tolerance.

Awareness

How to contact us:

Staywell, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden, KT3 5EA
t: 020 8942 8256
e: hello@staywellservices.org.uk
w: www.staywellservices.org.uk
staywell news email: staywellnews@staywellservices.org.uk
The views expressed in staywell news are not necessarily those of the trustees,
staff or volunteers.
Published by Staywell (Age Concern Kingston upon Thames )
Registered charity no. 299988 Company no. 2272550

Design: Eileen Higgins, e: ehdesign@virginmedia.com

Print: Full Spectrum Print Media Ltd, t: 01268 288637.
Printed on 100% recycled paper

2 l Issue twenty-nine

In June, Kingston
Community Furniture (KCF)
threw open the doors of
its first shop. Located on
Kingston Road, its easy
to find. MP Zac Goldsmith
was there to declare
the shop officially open,
later tweeting: Really
impressive. Staywell is a
phenomenal charity.
The spacious furniture
shop sells everything from
wardrobes and sofas to
Manager, Adrian Collins, and staff in the new KCF shop
cookers and fridges, all fully
tested and ready to be collected or delivered. Discounts may be available for those who are
unemployed or on a tight budget.
Its a great next step for KCF and a personal dream come true. Im proud to have played a
part in it, commented Service Manager Adrian Collins.
Shoppers seemed impressed. All the stock is in fantastic condition, commented Janet of
south Kingston, some items have been restored or upcycled, so its great for finding
something a little different at a good price.
If you are looking for something for your home, pop down and take a look for yourself.
We are still recruiting volunteers to work in the shop or help out in the warehouse, so if youd
like to be involved with this fresh new project, get in touch today.
Visit the new shop at 13 Dollary Parade, Kingston Road, Kingston upon Thames, KT1 3PD
tel: 020 8942 5500 email: support@kcfurniture.org.uk

Cuts to social care budgets

The latest national survey of local authority social care budgets by the Association of Directors of
Adult Social Services (Adass) says that on average adult social care funding will be reduced by 7%
this year, 2016/17. Adass is not disguising the fact that older and disabled people are being hit.
This is set against rising demand for care from the ageing population. Nationally at least 24%,
or 226m, will come from cutting services or reducing peoples personal budgets.
NHS England Chief Executive, Simon Stevens, recently said that any extra cash available
should be going to social care rather than the NHS, because underfunding the former simply
overstretches the latter.
All the while, though, the scale of the challenge for local government is growing. Perhaps the
most depressing finding in the Adass survey is that councils will this year spend 4% less than
last on preventive services to help people avoid needing costly care at a later stage.

Who we are

One of the ways they will do this is by initiating dementia

awareness training for businesses, emergency services,
healthcare workers and other civic employees, to help them
understand some of the barriers that make life harder for
those living with dementia.
This would really help enhance the lives of people living
with dementia, commented Staywells Community Support
Manager Alison Wakefield, For example, if employees in
Kingstons banks and retailers received this training, they
would be able to assist someone who seems confused or
distressed, in a helpful and supportive manner.
Another key aim is to improve information about
dementia services, and provide equal access to support
services across the borough.
For more information on dementia and available services,
call our advice line 020 8408 8170 or email advice@
staywellservices.org.uk. If you run a local business and
would like to get involved in the development of Dementia
Friendly Kingston, call Lene on 020 8942 8256.

Kingston Community Furniture

opens new high street shop

stay well

services that change lives

Staywell is an independent charity, based in New Malden.
We have 70 years experience of supporting people to live safely
and independently in their own homes and over the years have won
awards for this, the most recent being the 2013 Charity Award for
Social Care and Welfare.
Our vision is to make your life a greater life. We have a history of working in innovative ways
with local people to deliver the services that they want, and of working in partnership.
We provide a range of community-based services which help and support people to live in
their own homes. These include information, advice and advocacy; practical help in the home
(e.g. handyperson services, cleaning and domestic help, shopping, support after a hospital
stay) and social activities (social centres, lunch clubs, telephone befriending, dementia club).
These services are accessed by hundreds of people each year.
Our staff are supported by over 120 trained volunteers who add value and huge
commitment to all the services we provide.

Gareth Harmer

Dementia friendly Kingston

What a celebration!
On a balmy evening back in
the summer, Staywell
welcomed 200 guests to help
celebrate 70 years of working
in the community. Staff and
volunteers were joined by
partners from community
health services and Kingston
Council, the local MP James
Berry, Deputy Mayor, Councillor
Rowena Bass, and many friends
and supporters.
The Deputy Mayor
opened the speeches with
congratulations, and Chief
Executive Shane Brennan
went on to remind everyone
about the achievements of
the last 70 years. Over the
last seven decades, we have
evolved and grown while
remaining dedicated to the
aims established in 1946,
of supporting people to
live independently and be
connected with their
communities, he said.
In our 70th anniversary year,
we have many achievements

to celebrate. For the 15th

consecutive year, Staywells
free Information, Advice and
Advocacy service has been
awarded the Advice Quality
Standard. We were also
awarded the Kingston Quality
Award by Go Kingston
Volunteering, demonstrating
our commitment to principles
of good practice. In April this
year, we took over the
management of three
community centres in Reigate
and Banstead, providing the
older people of that borough
with activities and
companionship.
We have much to celebrate
at this great milestone, and
as more people live longer,
we look ahead to developing
and shaping the services
of tomorrow.
With authentic paella freshly
prepared al fresco by Spanish
Food, live music from The
Honest Lawyers and the
opportunity for capturing the

Happy Birthday Staywell!

moment in the Shiny Arts

Photographys photo booth,
the party was described by
long-standing Bradbury
volunteer Brian as the best
one yet.
Our thanks to Hillsong Church
in Guildford for providing
spectacular hampers for the
free raffle, and to Bradbury
volunteer Maryam Khan for a
stunning birthday cake.

Be part of our future

We are always looking for volunteers, so if you would like to play a part in the development
of our services, and have some time to give be it a few hours a week or an hour a month
- please call us today. There are many different types of role available, but we urgently need
volunteers to befriend lonely and isolated people in their homes, and volunteers to help
complete applications for Blue Badges and Attendance Allowance. No experience is
necessary as well give you all the training you need. Call 020 8942 8256 or email
hello@staywellservices.org.uk for more information.

High praise for Help@Home service

As part of Help@Homes ongoing programme of service
reviews, we visit clients at home to chat about their experience.
Mr Arnold* rated the service as 10 out of 10 and was keen
for us to understand how highly he thought of the team and
the way they went about their business. You have some lovely
people who are all so friendly and helpful. Nothing is too much
trouble and they all work so very hard, doing anything we ask.
Everything is done to such a good standard.
He highlighted the importance of the social aspect of their
visits, particularly to Mrs Arnold, Its important for my wife to
have someone else to talk to. Although her short-term memory
is poor, he daily sees the positive effect the teams interactions have on her.
He also mentioned the consideration and attention to detail that have been shown over time,
such as on shopping trips, the Help@Home worker always scrutinising the sell-by dates to
ensure he gets the freshest product.
Help@Home Manager, Marion Caldwell, said, The team works hard to provide an excellent
service, so this feedback is truly rewarding. It really demonstrates that its not just what you do,
but the care you put into doing it.

*For the purpose of privacy, the clients name has been changed

editorial

The Brexit agenda

After the referendum in June, we now have a new prime
minister and essentially a new Government, whose main
focus will be Brexit.
Everyone agrees that leaving the EU will be neither quick
nor easy. Indeed, it is likely that when a deal is finally struck
and this will be some years away a general election may
be needed to ratify the merits of the arrangement. As with
all deals therell be compromises, so there is a fair chance
many people will not be satisfied.
With the removal of George Osborne, the policy of
austerity may have been dropped; however it is pretty
certain that central government funding constraints will
continue. In general the foreseeable future is one of
uncertainty until there are clear plans as to how, and
when, changes will take effect.

Detrimental
Being outside the EU is unlikely to take to us to a place of
prosperity, growth and where everything is sound. Indeed,
it can be argued that being outside the EU solves nothing;
the focus on Brexit, the effort, energy and time and cost
expended in sorting it all out could ultimately be detrimental
to the overall good of the country.
Even if the UK got everything it wanted out of a new deal
with the EU and this is very unlikely this still would not
solve the issues and challenges that face the country, as
many have been led to believe.
This matters, because the Brexit agenda is a huge distraction
from all the existing major domestic challenges that face
Britain. For example, the NHS which is increasingly
becoming financially unviable and adult social care, where
funding has been already reduced by 5bn since 2010,
causing a big impact on local authorities who face the huge
challenge of dealing with the UKs increasingly ageing
population. This, along with other areas such as housing,
will now play second fiddle to the Brexit agenda.

The impact of dementia

In this issue of staywell news you will read about dementia
and its impact on individuals and their families. It is clear
that many people are fearful of dementia.
This is because many people hear stories, or have direct
experience of looking after a relative with the condition,
and many of these experiences, to say the least, are not
good. Nationally there is little support and help. When it
comes to dementia, we need more than empathetic words
from the Government.
Much more needs to be done to ensure people get the
help and support they need like access to respite services,
and help with the costs of care. Small amounts of money
periodically thrown at awareness campaigns, simply isnt
good enough.
Local authorities need support from central government
to enable them to work effectively with the NHS, ensuring
that individuals and their families affected by dementia,
get the right level of help and support they need. This
must be a priority.

Issue twenty-nine

l3

staywell interview

Meet our Chair Debbie Stinson

Dr Deborah M. Stinson is Chair of Staywells Trustee Board. Joining the Board in October
2013, she was elected Chair the following March. A practising clinician working in the
London Borough of Sutton for over 20 years, Debbie, as she prefers to be known, has been
a Consultant Psychiatrist in Older Peoples Mental Health Services since 1991 and sees
patients living with dementia daily.
staywell news met with Debbie to find out a little more about her, and her views on
ageing and retirement.
How did you first hear of Staywell?
I was invited to visit Staywells centre for
active seniors, The Bradbury, as a part
of a national event relating to health
and social care. I was very impressed by
what I saw, and how elevating it was
for people to have a modern, lively
place they could visit that offered
opportunities to make new friends
and engage in a variety of activities.

How did you progress from first

impressions to being Chair of
the Board?
Id been very involved in clinical
management, and when I stood down
from that I started to think about what I
might do in retirement. I was invited to
meet the Chief Executive of Staywell,
Shane Brennan, as they were looking
for volunteers with my type of
professional background. Up to this
point, Id only seen The Bradbury, and
this meeting really opened my eyes to

all the remarkable services Staywell

offers. I was struck by the vibrancy of
Raleigh House and its staff, and felt this
really was a lively and progressive
organisation. Shane mentioned they
were looking for volunteer Trustees,
and I was delighted to be invited to join
the Board at such an exciting time in
the charitys development. Six months
later I was honoured to accept the
position of Chair.

What do you consider to be the

greatest challenges for people as
they get older?
Research has shown us that the thing
people over 55 fear the most is the
onset of dementia. With the continued
reduction in statutory adult social care,
one of the greatest challenges we face
is how to manage this downturn in care
with an increase in the number of
people living with this long-term
condition. Although evidence shows

Staywells trustees
Staywells trustees, as with all charitable
trustees, are the people who share
ultimate responsibility for the
organisation. The executive is responsible
for the day to day operations and reports
to the trustees at regular board meetings.
Our trustees, who are all volunteers, come
from a wide range of backgrounds, social
care, health and business, bringing with
them their experience and knowledge to
help ensure Staywell continues to evolve
and provide great services.

4 l Issue twenty-nine

the percentage incidence of dementia

is decreasing, the actual number of
people living with the condition is
rising due to the fact that people are
living so much longer. The key
challenges therefore, are how we
manage to keep people with dementia
living independently and safely in their
own homes, while receiving the
support they need. More centres like
Raleigh House will be needed to fill
increasing gaps, and our dependence
on volunteers, and support from the
wider community, will grow.

case, we should find that quality of life

for people living with dementia
increases. There is great potential for
older people to be major contributors
to their communities, and as people
stay stronger and fitter longer, they will
have even more to contribute.

What do you feel are positive

aspects of growing older?

What do you feel is the key to a

happy, greater, later life?

We recognise the percentage incidence

of dementia is decreasing as people are
more physically, mentally and socially
active into older age than ever before.
Theres also evidence to show that
healthier diets are contributing to this
decrease. As this continues to be the

I agree with all the evidence that points

to being physically, mentally and
socially active. We need to feel engaged
with the wider community, have a real
sense of purpose and feel valued.

You mentioned youd been

thinking about retirement
do you have any plans?
Retirement is very much a shifting goal
post for me. Ive always said, never
retire, just do something else. And for
all those reasons relating to a happy
later life, Im most likely to be looking
for something different to do rather
than retiring.

In our last issue, we wrote about

the feats of several inspiring
people in their 70s and 80s thats
still a long way off for you, but what
would you hope to be doing at 80?
I have recently taken up cycling, so if I
could cycle from my home to Kingston
at 80, I would be delighted!

Advice Line l 020 8408 8170

Staywells telephone advice service, open Monday to Friday 10.00am 4.00pm

Be scam savvy
Recent national research finds
scammers are using a variety of tactics
to get people to part with their cash,
with people losing an average of
2,500 across all types of scam.
Methods include vishing whereby
scammers cold-call people in a bid to
get their bank details, and offers of
fake services, such as telling people
their computer has a virus which they
can fix remotely.
Investment scams carried the highest
price tag, with people investing in fake
diamonds or bogus stocks and shares
losing on average 20,000 each.
So how can you avoid becoming a
victim of the fraudsters? It can be tricky
to spot when something is a scam, so if
you come across something that seems
suspicious, seek advice so you dont put
yourself at risk
A scam, also known as fraud, hoax,
con or swindle, is a scheme to con
people out of their money or personal
information. Much more than just a
minor inconvenience, scams can cause
great distress and misery, and in some
cases ruin lives. Being scam savvy
will help you to question whether
something is genuine or not, and
how to report it if you suspect a scam.
Being sceptical could save you a lot of
heartache and possibly your life savings.

Scams checklist
If you are being offered something that
seems too good to be true, it probably
is. If you answer yes to any one of
these questions, contact Citizens
Advice Consumer Service to report the
offer as a scam:
l Was the offer unsolicited? Companies
shouldnt need to cold call you for
trade. Most property repair
businesses are kept busy by repeat
customers or recommendations.
l Do they want you to respond quickly?
Ask yourself, whats the rush?
l Do you have to pay for a prize or
free gift?
l Have you won a lottery/competition
that youve not entered?
l Are you being asked to pay an
advance fee so that money can be
transferred to you?
l Do you have to ring a premium rate
number, i.e. one starting with 09?
l Are you being asked for your bank
or credit card details?
l Is the business reluctant to give you
its address or contact details?
l Are you being asked to keep the offer
confidential, a secret? Take advice
before making a decision to buy or
invest. Talk to family/friends, or if
youre thinking of investing, contact
your bank.

Remember, no bank will ask for your account details over the phone

l If you are getting to know someone

online, are they asking for personal
information while revealing very little
about themselves?
l Trust your gut feeling its very
often right.

What to do if you have been

scammed
Being aware and having a little
scepticism could save you and others
from falling prey to scammers. If,
however, you feel you have been
scammed, dont be embarrassed about
reporting it. There is no shame in being
deceived, it can happen to anyone and

Useful contacts
Action Fraud 0300 123 2040
actionfraud.police.uk
The UKs national reporting centre for fraud and cyber-crime where you should report fraud if you have been scammed,
defrauded or experienced cyber-crime.

Citizens Advice Consumer Service

03454 04 05 06

adviceguide.org.uk

Information and advice on consumer issues including tips on avoiding scams.

Kingston Neighbourhood Watch

Kingston.nhw@met.police.uk

Free to join, alerts on crime and invitations to crime prevention talks.

Metropolitan Police met.police.uk/fraudalert

The Met Police produce The Little Book of Big Scams highlighting a range of scams and dubious practices. An audio
edition is available.

Staywell 020 8408 8170

staywellservices.org.uk
Specialist advice for older people on a range of issues including scams.

Met Police crime prevention talks

Saturday 24 September: Burglary reduction Saturday 1 October: Beating the scams Saturday 19 November: Staying safe
Email: kingstonnhw@gmail.com for details and to book a place.

by reporting it you could help stop

someone else being conned. Contact
the Citizens Advice Consumer Service
for advice.

Keeping abreast of current scams

The Met Police are running a free
Beating the scams talk on Saturday 1
October at 10.00 a.m. in New Malden.
At this interactive one-hour session,
led by Chief Inspector Gary Taylor of
Kingston Police, you will learn about
current scams in operation, and what
you can do immediately to increase
your chances of beating the scammers.
You can book a place by emailing
kingstonnhw@gmail.com or write
to Alison McWhinnie, Kingston Police
Station, 5-7 High Street, Kingston upon
Thames, Surrey, KT1 1LB.
The Met Police run a series of crime
prevention talks, so do contact them to
find out what else is on offer. You will
be automatically invited to these if you
join the Kingston Neighbourhood
Watch (free). It will also alert you to any
crime happening in your area.

Volunteer needed
Staywells Information, Advice and
Advocacy service needs a volunteer to
help complete application forms for
Blue Badges and Attendance
Allowance. If you would like to help
and have a good eye for detail, please
contact us on 020 8942 8256 or email
hello@staywellservices.org.uk.

Issue twenty-nine

l5

Raleigh House
Raleigh House provides a warm and friendly
environment for those who are seeking companionship
and daily activity.
You can choose to attend for a full day, including a hot
lunch, or half a day. Transport is available every day to
and from the centre for those who need it, or we can
help you access alternative transport.
The centre is spacious, with a large lounge and dining room, an arts and crafts
room, a coffee lounge, a hairdressing salon for men and women, an assisted bathing
facility and a pleasant courtyard garden and terrace. One-to-one computer lessons,
podiatry and holistic therapies are also available for members and non-members.
Opening times: Monday Friday 9.30am to 3.30pm for social activities.
Manager: Cathy Weight, Raleigh House, 14 Nelson Road, New Malden KT3 5EA
Telephone: 020 8949 4244 Email: raleigh@staywellservices.org.uk

Dog joins work experience day

In the summer, Southborough High
School student, 14 year-old Guy Parkin,
brought his dog Puzzle to Raleigh
House for a days work experience.
The aim was to add interest to Raleigh
members day and to gain an insight
into working with older people.
Guys day started with a warm
welcome and a mini induction, covering
health and safety, risk assessments and
general housekeeping. He said this was
a real insight into the working world,
and hadnt expected such a
comprehensive introduction.
Guy made his way round the
members, introducing Puzzle and
letting them all make a fuss of him. He
spent time chatting to people, helping
them to get comfortable, and provided
an extra pair of hands at lunchtime.
Guy only spent a day at Raleigh House,
but what he noticed and learned was
far greater than he expected.
One of the key things Guy commented
on was how kind and thoughtful all the
staff were to all the members, making
sure each and every one had a good
time. I was impressed by how the staff
treated all the members with the same
respect, despite their differing needs,
which included things like dementia and
Parkinsons Disease.

The Bradbury offers a lively, vibrant and friendly

atmosphere, with a wide range of activities from tai
chi and yoga, to dancing classes or computer
lessons. Just a ten minute walk from Kingston town
centre, The Bradbury is a good place to come for a
bite to eat. Our caf serves drinks, snacks, lunches
(including a roast lunch on a Monday and
Wednesday) and plenty of homemade cakes. When
the weather is good you can enjoy our pleasant patio garden and summer house.
Opens at 10.00am Monday Friday (varying closing times).
Manager: Laura OBrien
The Bradbury, 37b Grange Road, Kingston KT1 2RA
Telephone: 020 8549 1230
Email: bradbury@staywellservices.org.uk

Bradbury members take to the stage

12 Bradbury members put on their dancing shoes in the summer and
performed in front of a 400-strong audience, opening the third Ignition
Dance Festival at Kingstons Rose Theatre.
Guest choreographer, Simona Scotto, who has worked with top artists
such as Matthew Bourne and Richard Alston, specialises in dance
education and performance for the over 55s. Working with Simone, the
Bradbury group created a contemporary dance routine. A celebration of
community as well as dance, the group then joined with Tamil Elders and
young people from west London, creating a three-part work.
At 86, I was the oldest in our group, commented Gladys Fitzsimmonds.
It was a great experience having a dressing room and dancing on stage
in the spotlight.

Getting ready for the Raleigh House visit

It felt so good to see how well people

with dementia can cope with the help
they get from Raleigh House, he said.
And the staff are all such good people
who make it fun!
Guy found a warmth and sense of
caring he hadnt quite expected. He was
so inspired by the experience, even his
mum commented, I have not known
Guy so animated and chatty in a long
while! And as for Puzzle, he conked out
completely as soon as we got him home!
If you are interested in gaining some
work experience at Raleigh House, call
Cathy Weight on 020 8942 8256.

Birthday thank you from the Queen

On the Queens birthday, Raleigh Houses art group
volunteer, Layla, helped a prospective new member, Betty,
make a special birthday card for the Queen, and sent it off
to the Palace. Unexpectedly, Layla received a personal
thank you letter from the Queens Lady-in-Waiting and
two thank you cards from the Queen (one for Layla and
one for Betty).

6 l Issue twenty-nine

The Bradbury

The Bradbury good times

Stewart Hyde is well known at The
Bradbury for dressing up for special
events, initiating trips out and getting
thoroughly involved, but it wasnt
always like that.
Two years ago, Stewart lost his wife
very suddenly. They had been married
for 42 years and he was absolutely
devastated. Stewart broke down and
truly felt there was nothing to carry on
for. A friend stopped by one day, and
recognising his despair, fixed up an
appointment at the doctors. The doctor
prescribed some medication to help him
through this tough time and his friend
called back a few days later. The friend
Stewart: The Bradbury has done me the
talked to him about The Bradbury, so
world of good.
they walked round to take a look.
They made me feel so welcome, commented Stewart. I was taken round and
introduced to a few people. They were all so friendly and kind.
Centre Manager, Laura OBrien, had seen some of Stewarts photographs from
when he had visited his son in America. Needing a Bradbury photographer,
Laura asked him if he would like the role. Stewart gladly accepted and gets great
fulfilment from being useful.
The Bradbury has done me the world of good. I feel a different person and
have really come out of myself. Theres lots of fun to be had and sharing of good
times. I feel I have everything to live for.

More than just a

furniture shop
In the summer, award-winning
Kingston Community Furniture (KCF)
opened its first shop on Dollary
Parade, Kingston Road. This new, easily
accessible premises has resulted in
record sales and a fast turnover of
stock. With fresh deliveries every day,
theres always something interesting
and different to find.
Unlike most retailers, KCF works to
support families in need, whilst helping
the environment by saving waste. All
furniture thats collected is either
restored and sold on, or broken down
into parts to be recycled.
We appear to be a business that
deals with furniture, but really, first and
foremost, we are about helping families
in need, followed closely by boosting
the environment, comments Service
Manager, Adrian Collins.
Lucy* first came to KCFs attention
through her mother, who is a longstanding customer. At that time, Lucy
was living in Suffolk, existing on Income
Support and struggling to detach from
an abusive relationship. Restraining
orders were not being adhered to, so
she felt her only option was to leave the
area with her two young children, one
of whom is severely autistic.
Lucy received support sourced from
her local council to relocate, but was
given only two days notice to leave.
Working outside normal hours, KCF
sent a van and driver to Suffolk,
collected some belongings and
deposited these in local storage, while
the young family was seen safely
lodged with Lucys mother.

Diary Dates
The Bradbury
September: Tues 20 Film Club: My House in Umbria with Maggie Smith and
Ronnie Barker, 2.00pm
October: Tues 4 Autumn Quiz and Afternoon Tea, 2.00pm, Tues 6 Paper
Crafting, 11.00am, Tues 18 Live Classical Music and Cream Tea, 2.00pm,
Thurs 26 Country Drive & Pub Lunch, 10.30am3.30pm
November: Tues 1 Autumn Quiz, 2.00pm, Tues 3 Paper Crafting, 11.00am,
Fri 11 Fish n Chip Friday, Tues 22 Film Club: Dads Army, 2.00pm
December: Tues 6 Bradbury Christmas Party, 2.00pm, Thurs 8 Coach Trip:
London Christmas Lights with fish n chips, Weds 14 Bradbury Christmas
Dinner, 12.00 noon
January: Tues 3 Film Club: The Secret Life of Pets, Fri 13 Fish n Chip Friday
To book onto any of these events, call The Bradbury on 020 8549 1230
or email bradbury@staywellservices.org.uk

Raleigh House

Check out the ever changing

stock at KCFs new shop

Once rehoused, KCF helped the

family with moving items from storage
to the new home and also supplied a
number of electrical appliances and
essential items of household furniture.
Clearly very relieved, Lucy comments,
Its been a really difficult time and I
cant thank KCF enough for the support
they have given us. Theyve done so
much more than moving us and selling
us furniture we really couldnt have
done it without them.
If you need a bit of extra help with
furnishing your home, or have furniture
you have loved but no longer need,
contact Kingston Community Furniture
direct on 020 8942 5500 or visit
staywellservices.org.uk/
kingstoncommunityfurniture for
more information.
*For the purpose of privacy, the clients name has
been changed

Kingston Coordinated Care

Kingston Coordinated Care is a new ground-breaking programme which
will provide local people with better, more joined up and more effective
care. It involves GPs, community health services, hospitals, mental health
care providers and groups such as Staywell all working together to deliver
a better combined service.
For older people this should mean a big change, as often their views and
opinions are not heard when professionals are working with them. Shane
Brennan, from Staywell, said, This new model of care should make a real
difference in how care and support services are provided. All those who
provide care and support need to work much better together and KCC will
enable this to happen.

Enjoying Later Life event

Weds 28 September, 3.30pm 5.30pm. Open afternoon at Raleigh House
with FREE pamper sessions, including hand massage and Indian Head
Massage, followed by FREE afternoon tea. Come and see what Raleigh has to
offer. Spaces are limited so call 020 8942 8256 to book a place.
Christmas parties
These will take place on Thursday 15 December, Friday 16 December, Monday
19 December, Tuesday 20 December and Wednesday 21 December.
The parties will start at 12 noon with a festive lunch, followed by
entertainment from 1.00pm 2.00pm.

Free 6-week Fit as a Fiddle courses

Are you over 50, live in the borough of Kingston, and want
to get fit, lose weight and improve your wellbeing? Why not join a free
six-week course!
Nordic walking: Richmond Park
Body Balance: Worcester Park Baptist Church
Chair based: St Pius Church, The Triangle, Norbiton
All courses include healthy lifestyle/weight loss workshops. To find out about
November dates and reserve your place, please contact Grace: 020 8942 8256.

Enjoying Later Life Week

26 September 2 October 2016

The Senior Living Network is launching a series of open days and events
during the Royal Borough of Kingstons Enjoying Later Life Week. Come and
join in something new, and meet some new friends. Details of events can be
found at staywellservices.org.uk.

Free legal advice surgery

Available to Kingston borough residents only, the following areas of law can
be covered:
l Wills and probate
l Free wills
l Estate planning
l Court of Protection
l Property issues
l Community Care
l NHS Continuing Healthcare
4 x 30 minute appointments are available between 1.30pm 3.30pm, on each
of the following dates: Tuesday 4 October and Tuesday 8 November.
2017 dates to be confirmed please see our website.
Call the advice line to make an appointment 020 8408 8170.
Please note, advice cannot cover family law or criminal law.

Issue twenty-nine l

stay well
Friendly practical support
in and around the home
services that change lives

Help@Home
With our Help@Home service youre in the driving seat.
Our purpose is to support your independence, not take
it away. We can assist with housework, shopping and
household tasks as well as companionship, conversation,
outings and appointments.

Thank you for

such a good
service and
making things
so easy.

We pride ourselves on the personal touch. Our team of

friendly, reliable, fully trained staff, who are security
checked and supervised, give that little bit extra where
and when you need it, making all the difference. Our
Home Helpers are supported by our friendly team in the
office and will make sure you can benefit from other
services provided by Staywell if needed.

The handyperson
was polite and
friendly and
the whole
experience was
very pleasant.

Handyperson
Our Handyperson service can carry out small repairs,
maintenance and adaptations around the home. We
aim to ensure that our customers feel safe, warm and
happy by completing jobs like fitting grab rails and
curtain rails, changing light bulbs, putting up shelves
and fitting key safes. We also provide help with
computers, televisions, etc.
If our Handyperson is unable to carry out the work you
need we will always aim to put you in touch with one
of our Trusted Traders. Get those practical tasks sorted
out with the reassurance of a security-checked helper
from a reputable charity with 70 years experience of
supporting people.

Affordable services from a trusted local charity

For further information please contact us:
020 8942 8256
hello@staywellservices.org.uk

www.staywellservices.org.uk
Charity no. 299988