Information and services for Nottingham residents aged 50+

Nottingham City Council sent this bulletin at 30-07-2020 01:14 PM BST

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What is Age Friendly Nottingham?

Age Friendly Nottingham (AFN) is a cross-sector partnership that focusses on supporting local people aged 50+ to have fulfilled lives – feeling valued by all sections of society, living as independently as possible and being encouraged to contribute to their local communities. AFN leads the implementation of Nottingham’s Older Citizens’ Charter but is also a part of a much larger movement. We are a World Health Organisation Age Friendly City and a member of the UK Age Friendly Cities Network. AFN works closely with the Centre for Ageing Better who develop policy and practice informed by evidence of what works to improve employment, housing, health and communities.

For more information or to join Age Friendly Nottingham email healthandwellbeing@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

TV Licences and those aged 74+

On 1 August, the BBC will be scrapping the free TV licence for older people – a licence is needed to watch live TV on any channel. Only those who are over the age of 74, and receive Pension Credit will be eligible for the free licence. In Nottingham, we know that thousands of older residents are entitled to Pension Credit (and consequently a free TV licence) but have not applied for it.

You can apply for Pension Credit online, by phone or by submitting a paper application.

Local sites and history

If you are interested in local history, you may like to download an app that allows you to discover Nottingham’s unique history revealed through historical images, posters, news articles and ephemera held in the Nottingham Local Studies library.

The app is free and enables you to discover more about Lord Byron, Nottingham’s celebrity poet; the legend of Robin Hood; the changing face of transport in Nottingham and the history of Nottingham Forest Football club. Plus much more...

Have you tried your hand at online jigsaws?

There are a range of different jigsaws featuring Nottingham sites that are available free here.

Feeling lonely?

The Silver Line is a free confidential helpline providing information, friendship and advice to older people. It’s open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, so if you are 55 or over, call for a cheerful chat on 0800 470 80 90.

There are also befriending groups in local communities such as Good Companions in Clifton.

Good Companions is a small charity which supports isolated, vulnerable and lonely older people in the Clifton, Wilford and Silverdale areas of Nottingham through friendship groups and a Home Visiting Scheme. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March service users have received regular contact calls, and collection of food shopping and medication and access to a phone befriending service. On 1 July, fifteen volunteers distributed just under 150 boxes of home-made afternoon teas to Good Companion members. The idea of 'getting together for tea' allowed everyone to enjoy afternoon team 'together' in their own homes. The theme for the August newsletter parcel is 'exercise and relaxation'.

If you would like to receive regular contact with one of their phone befrienders, or to make a referral for an older relative or neighbour to receive support or a newsletter, then contact Good Companions on (0115) 878 6182 or email info@goodcompanions.org. Likewise, if you wish to volunteer or make a donation Good Companions would love to hear from you.

Are you feeling depressed or anxious?

If you are feeling depressed or anxious, please do not suffer in silence as free support is available at the end of a telephone or by email:

Turning Point are running the local Mental Health Helpline on 0300 5550730 – it’s free to call from 9.00 am to 11.00 pm, 7 days a week.
Relate Nottinghamshire are offering 30-minute counselling sessions to anyone who has been affected by Covid-19. To book a session email support@relate-nottingham.org.uk or visit t heir website for further information

Wear a face covering to protect others

For most people it is now mandatory to wear a face covering in shops as well as on public transport. A face covering is something which safely covers the nose and mouth. You can buy reusable or single-use face coverings. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth covering but these must securely fit round the side of the face.

There are some circumstances, for health, age or equality reasons, where people are not expected to wear face coverings. You can find out more here.

However please be aware that people who are deaf or have hearing loss may struggle to communicate if people wear face coverings. This is because they rely heavily on visual cues, including facial expressions and lip-reading.

When you wear a face covering make sure you:

Fully cover your nose and mouth
Don't touch the front of it
Wash your hands before and after putting it on or taking it off
Wash the face covering regularly with your normal laundry

For more information visit Face coverings: when to wear one and how to make your own

Worried about money this summer?

If you or anyone you know is worrying about the summer and household finances there is help available

Advice on household finances - The Ask Lion website has put together a page of information to help people manage their finances – Financial Help and Well-being during COVID-19
Food Banks and Social Eating projects across Nottingham
The Council’s Welfare Rights Service offers free, confidential and impartial advice and advocacy on claiming benefits and tax credits and tackling household debt. Contact the on 0115 915 1355, Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:50 pm or email welfarerights@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

What's happening locally

The Nottingham Arrow

The next edition of the Nottingham Arrow is now out. To save money a digital version of the Arrow is being trialled – so it won’t be delivered through your doors but if you prefer a paper copy, it is now available in libraries. The Nottingham Arrow is the City Council’s magazine for residents. It’s published four times a year and gives you all the latest news and information about your council and your city. The latest edition is available here Arrow Summer 2020. Sign up here to receive the latest issue straight to your inbox!

Inspiring activities this summer

Visit Staying HOME this summer for inspiration on what's available locally. This fantastic resource has been made possible with help from partners across the city, as well as national organisations. This library of resources will keep growing over the weeks and months so please check by regularly.

Al-fresco dining area in the city centre

Additional funding from a Government scheme and from the European Regional Development Fund has been secured to develop an Al-fresco dining area in the Old Market Square. From Friday 31 July, people will be able to buy items in nearby cafes, coffee shops and restaurants, which they can then consume in the square, to help give the city-centre businesses a boost.

Travelling in and around the city

From 2 August 2020, Victoria Bus Station will re-open to both boarding and alighting passengers.
Please keep your distance and wear a face covering when in the bus station and on-board your bus.
From 8 August 2020, Collin Street will be closed to traffic, which will affect several bus stops. Please see the information below detailing the changes that will be taking place.

Nottingham's Libraries are beginning to reopen

The first handful of libraries have reopened as part of a phased return throughout July and August. There are a number of new measures introduced to continue to help control the virus and keep local people safe. For the safety of staff and all customers, we are asking visitors to:

Keep a safe distance from each other
Use hand sanitizer provided
Use self-service machines
Pay charges online where possible.

Face coverings are not mandatory in libraries but we are strongly encouraging people to wear one in our libraries. Likewise our library staff will be ensuring they clean surfaces regularly, book computers at the desk or by phone, safely store returned books for 72 hours and sometimes limit customers time in the library. To keep updated about what libraries are opening when and for more information please visit the Nottingham Libraries webpage.

Dementia

Alzheimer's Society Update

People affected by dementia can call on 0115 934 3811 and access the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Service in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire providing support and guidance over the phone. We are also running some virtual activities including virtual carers’ groups, dementia cafes and Singing for the Brain groups.

Phone support is also available by contacting our national Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.

If you’d like to talk with other people affected by dementia, you can visit the Alzheimer’s Society online community Talking Point.

Information on Coronavirus and living with dementia is available on the Alzheimer’s Society website

Dementia UK Update

Dementia UK has developed a useful site giving advice for families looking after someone with dementia.

Dementia specialist ‘Admiral Nurses’ are there to provide support on Dementia UK’s Helpline on 0800 888 6687.

Foundations in Dementia

Foundations in Dementia is a free online course suitable for health and social care professionals, students and the family members or carers of people with Dementia. With access to engaging resources and the opportunity to share ideas with others over a six week period, this training is designed to provide knowledge and skills regarding the care of people with Dementia and will cover the following topics:

Week 1 - Inside the brain
Week 2 - Assessment and treatment
Week 3 - Law and ethics
Week 4 - Communication skills
Week 5 - Family and Friends
Week 6 - Living well with Dementia and end of life care

British Red Cross Mobility Aids Service

The British Red Cross are still able to offer the short term hire of wheelchairs and commodes from their Nottingham Office at Phoenix Park, but in the current circumstances it is by appointment only. Please ring 0115 852 8029 to discuss the collection (or delivery) of equipment on short term hire.

If your equipment has been supplied by the Red Cross on behalf of the NHS, for example hospital beds, or toileting equipment, then the number for Community Equipment Services is 0345 127 2911.