2015-11-06



Age-friendly Manchester E-bulletin
An electronic publication bringing you news and updates from the Age-friendly Manchester team and our partners

News Alert:
The next edition of the AFM e-bulletin will be dedicated to our “Age Friendly Winter Warm campaign”. In addition to the usual content we are very keen to share messages from partners about projects, activities and plans in terms of supporting older people through winter. We’ll be sharing some national messages from organisations such as the NHS and Age UK and also Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.
In order to provide some balance to these often high profile safety messages it would be great if we could share as much “What’s On” news as possible, enabling us, on your behalf, to encourage older people to maintain, where possible, their social contacts. We look forward to receiving your contributions and thank you to those who have supported this issue.

Issue 120 – November 2015

About this e-bulletin
Welcome to the November 2015 edition of the Age-friendly Manchester e-bulletin – a monthly update, with 1600 direct recipients in Manchester and further afield, featuring brief articles on local and national news, events and information that relates to older people.

Please send all copy, comments and suggestions to
agefriendly@manchester.gov.uk

News from Age-friendly Manchester and our partners:

Age-friendly Manchester team
We are delighted to have recently welcomed two new members to the Age-friendly team. Tim Keeley has joined the core team as a project manager for the new few months, and will be focusing on the programme’s communications work. Claire Cowell has started in post as the Age-friendly Culture Coordinator, and will be based at the Whitworth Art Gallery. Contact details for Tim, Claire and the rest of the team are listed at the end of this bulletin.

The Age-Friendly Manchester Older People’s Charter
The Older People’s Forum event on 1st October saw the launch of the Age-Friendly Manchester (AFM) Older People’s Charter.  We want to make our city a better place to grow older and in turn improve the lives of older people and the Charter reinforces the principles required to make this happen.  It has been developed in collaboration with members of the AFM Older People’s Board.

Now that the Charter has been launched the AFM Older People’s Board and team are on hand to work with organisations in the city that would like to adopt and implement the charter – for example by putting forward an age-friendly pledge.

A copy of the Charter can be downloaded here: http://www.manchester.gov.uk/

downloads/download/6328/age-

friendly_manchester_older_

peoples_charter

For more information please contact Tim Keeley on t.keeley@manchester.gov.uk or 0161 219 6759

Strategy Consultations
The Age-Friendly Manchester (AFM) Older People’s Board has provided official responses to two recent consultations: the Manchester Strategy and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) Vision 2040.  The AFM Older People’s Board discussed the draft strategies at two formal meetings, and also consulted with the city’s Older People’s Forum.  The Forum comprises over 100 registered members, including residents and service providers.

Further information regarding the Manchester Strategy can be found here:
www.manchester.gov.uk/

MCRstrategy

Further information regarding the TfGM ‘Greater Manchester Transport Strategy 2040: Our Vision’ is available here:
http://www.tfgm.com/2040/

North City Nomads
Great Days Out for older people living in north Manchester Residents
Tuesday 24 November
Membership to this group is open to residents of north Manchester or those who attend social groups and classes across the area. The group was set up earlier this year and has attracted high numbers of people, all keen to meet new friends and enjoy a great day out.  The project was developed by the North Manchester Age Friendly Locality Networks as a practical way of addressing some of the very profound issue of loneliness amongst older people. There are now approximately 450 members and the Nomads are set to embark on their third excursion of the year, this time to Chester Christmas Markets, on the 24th November. If you or someone you know wants details about joining the group, registration forms for participation on trips in 2016, can be obtained from Tracey Annette on 0161 234 4299 or t.annette@manchester.gov.uk

Volunteering and Training Opportunities

Can you help our students?
We need volunteers to sit as patients for optometry students at Manchester University, Carys Bannister building, Dover Street. M13 9PL. Anyone over 50 years old, with reasonable eye sight and health, is welcome. The sessions run from October to May, except during holidays.
You would sit whilst they practice their techniques and learn new skills, under the supervision of fully qualified staff.
For each half day attended (around 3 hours) you would receive £22.00 expenses to cover travel and parking costs.
For more details contact Hilary Marsh on 0161 306 3863 or e-mail hilary.marsh@manchester.ac.uk

Ambition for Ageing: Manchester Age Friendly Neighbourhoods
Job Opportunities: Project Coordinators and Project Assistants

The five year, £10m Greater Manchester Ambition for Ageing ‘Big Lottery’ project targets the reduction of social isolation amongst older people. A research team from the Manchester School of Architecture at MMU (led by Dr Stefan White with partners Southway Housing Trust) have won the tender to act as Local Delivery Lead in Manchester City. The partnership is recruiting for the role for AfA project co-ordinator and project assistant.These roles will give you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to the lives of older people in Manchester.
You will work for a leading university, Manchester School of Architecture (MMU), working as part of an Age Friendly Neighbourhood Partnership (AFN) team that work within a number of communities in Manchester, contributing to the development, implementation and evaluation of a range of life-changing ‘age-friendly’ projects. Predominantly based on-site in our partner organisations, you will help to empower older people in the areas of Moston, Burnage and Hulme and Moss Side in Manchester.
We are interviewing for two positions for each role. Applicants who are interested in a fractional contract or job share will be considered. For more information about the roles, contact Dr Stefan White, s.white@mmu.ac.ukmailto:s.white@mmu.ac.uk
To apply visit: http://www2.mmu.ac.uk/jobs/

vacancies/
Application deadline is the 5th November, interviews will be held on the 17th and 18th of November.

Free wellbeing course for people with diabetes, heart disease or arthritis
Living with a long-term condition can be stressful and we don’t always get the support that we need. The Building a Healthy Future course take place over six weeks, for two hours a week. Learn how to handle stress, how to relax more, make new friends, boost your confidence and improve your overall wellbeing. Our next courses start in November in Benchill, Harpurhey, City Centre or Cheetham Hill.  Contact bahf@manchestermind.org or callRuth on 07527 127 786 to book your place or to refer someone you know who you think might benefit. Visit:http://manchestermind.org/

Building_a_Healthy_Future.php for more details. No minimum or maximum age! Everyone can benefit from this course!

Volunteer Centre Manchester
Provides information, support and training to Manchester residents who want to volunteer. VCM also supports organisations who want to recruit volunteers, need help and advice to develop new roles, introduce/update policies and procedures or have a training need. Whether you are looking to lend a hand on a one off basis or for a longer period of time, Volunteer Centre Manchester can bring you the most current selection of opportunities across Greater Manchester and assist with your application. For further information and to register with Volunteer Centre Manchester visitwww.

volunteercentremanchester.co.

uk and direct your attention to the ‘I want to Volunteer’ section. Alternatively you can phone 0161 830 4770 or email info@

volunteercentremanchester.co.

uk

INTERGEN Chorlton
Have fun, make new friends, be useful, use your skills and expertise and have fun! INTERGEN offers you the opportunity for all this by volunteering in a local primary school in Chorlton (Barlow Hall or Chorlton Park ).  Check out the Intergen website (www.fromgeneration2generation

.org.uk) and contact Estelle on 0161 264 0089 or 07798 707795 or estelle.longmore@intergen.org.

uk for a chat about how this might be the right thing for you and some local children.

Volunteer Opportunity – Volunteer Handyperson
Care & Repair are on the lookout for a Volunteer Handyperson. Volunteers will complete tasks alongside our HandyHelp Safety Operatives. These include the fitting of safety equipment, minor plumbing jobs and joinery work. This role would suit someone who has DIY or trades skills and you must have your own car. All out of pocket expenses are fully reimbursed. If you’re interested, please call Manchester Care & Repair on 0161 872 5500. For more details, visit http://www.careandrepair-

manchester.org.uk/support-us/

volunteer/

People First Volunteer Befriending Scheme
We are recruiting volunteer befrienders for our scheme in Hulme and Moss Side. Our volunteers visit adults aged 55 years and over to help reduce loneliness and social isolation.
We provide a full training package, reasonable out of pocket expenses and support to find permanent employment or other volunteering opportunities.
Due to working with vulnerable adults we will ask you to complete a full DBS, which we will pay for. Previous experience is not required.
For more information please contact Wesley Langley – Scheme Coordinator on 0161 235 6900 or email:wesley.langley@pfha.co.uk  or website: www.peoplefirsthousing.co.uk

Would you like to be the first to know?
Are you aged 55-74 years old? A smoker or an ex-smoker? Someone who’s not had lung cancer? Registered with a GP in Manchester?
If this is you, we would like to ask you about a new Lung Health Check service that will be offered next year in Manchester. Your feedback will help us plan the new service. We would like to invite you to a discussion group and if you are interested in attending call 0161 765 4004 or email talkinghealthmanchester@nhs.

net Travel expenses will be refunded.

What’s On

Events Coming Up

Southway Annual Winter Warmth Events
Thursday 5th November at Burnage Community Centre
Thursday 19th November at Barlow Moor Community Centre
Thursday 3rd December at St Christopher’s Church Hall, Old Moat
The three events are 11am-2pm
Aimed to engage with older people in our communities the events provide information and advice on health, safety and social issues in preparation for the winter months ahead. There will be a range of information stalls, free hot lunch, free electric blankets testing and all attendees will receive a Winter Warmth pack containing essential items.
Attendees can just turn up – If you would like to hold a information stall please contact Catherine Morris onc.morris@southwayhousing.co.uk
or tel 0161 480 4281.

Launch of Digital Salford: Opening the City’s Photo Album
Exhibition runs from 3 October – 6 December at Salford Museum and Art Gallery, Peel Park, Crescent, Salford M5 4WU
Over the last two years, volunteers have been digitising thousands of images from Salford’s 70,000-strong local history photograph collection. People from across the city and beyond have chosen photographs of the streets, buildings and events that mean the most to them. Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, these will shortly be accessible online for the first time, with the launch of our new searchable website, www.salford.photos. An exhibition will also be opened on 3rd October to mark some of the creative ways in which the people of Salford have responded to these photographs, including photography, visual art and animation. For more information call0161 778 0800 or visit www.salford.photos

Collection Bites: The Briton and the Animal Mummy
Adults, Book, www.manchester.ac.uk/museum
Thursday 5 November, 2pm – 3pm
This talk will discuss the current Manchester Museum exhibition, ‘Gifts for the Gods’, introducing the practice of votive animal mummification in ancient Egypt. Using examples from the Museum’s animal mummy collection, the role of the British and their involvement with the discovery, excavation, romanticisation, collection, curation, scientific study and conservation of animal mummies, will be explored. Current research taking place at the University of Manchester will be explained, giving an insight into the ways in which modern scientific techniques can help to investigate mummies.

Greater Manchester Devolution: Implications for Dementia Services Thursday 5 November, Seminar 10.15am – 11.45am
This event forms part of Policy@manchester week and is brought to you by MICRA andDementia@Manchester

Kanaris Lecture Theatre, The Manchester Museum, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL

Panel Members:

Professor Maxine Power (Director of Innovation and Improvement Science, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust)

Professor Nigel Hooper (Director of Dementia Research, University of Manchester)

An opportunity to be updated on the Dementia Pilot within the devolution of the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care budget by project lead, Maxine Power from Salford Royal. Work is ongoing to define the next steps and key deliverables for dementia, to consider how to engage the wider Greater Manchester system to determine what a wider transformational programme on Dementia could achieve. Nigel Hooper, lead for Dementia Research at the University of Manchester, will respond on how research can inform the plans, followed by an opportunity for input and feedback from the audience.

Please register online for this free event

People’s History Museum
Sunday 8 November, 1.15pm – 2.00pm
Living History performance: Baddies – Conscience & Conflict During World War I
This performance looks at life during World War I through the eyes of two brothers, Dougie and Arthur – one is a soldier, the other a conscientious objector.  For Remembrance Day.
Family Friendly event, suitable for over 9s to adults
Booking required via Eventbrite – http://baddies.eventbrite.co.

uk
In order to keep our events programme affordable to everyone, please make a donation.  Suggested donation £3
For further information, please contact the museum on 0161 838 9190 or info@phm.org.uk

Magic Lantern Tales
Wednesday 11 November, 7.30pm – 9.15pm
Imperial War Museum North, Trafford Wharf Road, M17 1TZ
Tickets £12, £10 Concession. Booking essential via quaytickets.com or at IWM North Admission Desk
A not-to-be missed evening of storytelling, photography and poetry, from poet and broadcaster Ian McMillan and documentary photographer Ian Beesley.

Set in IWM North’s unique building which houses IWM’s national collections, Magic Lantern Tales tells a story of the First World War from the point of view of men and women who survived it. Featuring original photography by Ian Beesley – who in the 1990’s photographed and interviewed men and women who had experienced the First World War, to capture their final memories and reflections on the changing world they had lived through and grown old in.

Their stories are brought to life using a genuine antique magic lantern projector and glass slides – alongside live poetry and spoken word by Ian McMillan, created specially in response to each individual’s story.
Book tickets http://www.iwm.org.uk/events/

iwm-north/magic-lantern-tales

What makes an age-friendly city?
Friday 13 November 2015, Seminar 10am-4pm (registration from 9.30am)
Meeting rooms 1 & 2, The Nowgen Centre, 29 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9WU
This seminar forms part of the ESRC Festival of Social Science and is brought to you by MICRA
International perspectives on policy and practice. One day seminar exploring the ways in which urban and city environments can contribute to ‘healthy’ and ‘active’ ageing.The aim of the day’s events will be to illustrate how social science research can contribute to creating age-friendly urban environments from the perspective of older people, policy makers and businesses. We will bring together researchers from a range of disciplines, such as urban sociology, social gerontology, urban planning and architecture, policy makers and representatives of older people’s groups and businesses to present and discuss findings from the most up-to-date research. Our target audience will be people who are working to develop age-friendly environments within the UK. This will include local government, housing trusts, community organisations, voluntary sector and private sector organisations as well as older people themselves.

Speakers include:

Dr Sophie Handler, Research and Planning Officer (Age-friendly Cities), University of Manchester/ Manchester City Council and Chair of the RIBA working group on Research and Ageing

Professor Chris Phillipson, Social Gerontology and Sociology, The University of Manchester

An-Sofie Smetcoren, Belgian Ageing Studies, Free University Brussels

Dr Martin Hyde, Sociology, The University of Manchester

Andrea Winn, Curator of Community Exhibitions, The Manchester Museum

Co-researchers, the Manchester Ageing Study

Chris Ricard, Whalley Range Community Forum and Age-Friendly Whalley Range Steering Group

Further details and full programme to follow

Please register online for this free seminar

Discovering Animal Mummies
Saturday 14 November, 10am – 4pm
Free, Book, www.manchester.ac.uk/museum
Millions of animal mummies have been discovered all over Egypt. British archaeologists have been among the leading excavators and interpreters of these intriguing finds. This free study day will explore the collection, excavation and acquisition of animal mummies now in UK museum collections.
Speakers include Prof. Paul Nicholson (Cardiff), Dr Chris Naunton (Egypt Exploration Society) and Dr Ashley Cooke (Liverpool Museums), Dr Lidija McKnight & Dr Stephanie Atherton-Woolham (University of Manchester), Dr Campbell Price (Manchester Museum)
Kanaris Lecture Theatre

LARKING OUT AND ABOUT
Monday 16 November and 14 December, 2.00pm – 3.30pm (singing, then refreshments)
Pavillion Lodge, Edgbaston Drive, Stretford M16 0JN
Singing for fun for older people
Come and sing songs from different eras and in a range of styles. Join in with some old favourites, learn some new songs, or just listen if you want to. There are no instruments – just voices together in harmony. No experience necessary. No written music – we learn the songs by ear. And no such thing as a wrong note – just a new harmony! Lots of fun… new people… great songs… and delicious homemade cakes!
Next sessions:
There is no actual fee. A donation of up to £3.00 will help towards general costs, including refreshments, but do come along even if you can’t pay this.
If you need help getting there, call Faith Watson on 0161 881 0855 to arrange a lift.
More details at www.singingforlarks.net (follow the link to Regular Groups)

People’s History Museum
Tuesday 17 November, 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Women in Democracy – Discover Parliament
Black, Asian and other ethnic minority women are drastically under-represented in parliament.  Find out how decisions that affect you, your family and community are made and how to get yourself heard in this interactive workshop led by the Parliamentary Outreach service.  Includes a special Women in Democracy guided tour of PHM.  Delivered in partnership with Breaking the Cycle UK.  Part of Parliament Week 2015.
Suitable for adults and young people.  Please note that this event is aimed at women from black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Booking required via Eventbrite – http://womenindemocracyphm.

eventbrite.co.uk
In order to keep our events programme affordable to everyone, please make a donation.  Suggested donation £3
For further information, please contact the museum on 0161 838 9190 or info@phm.org.uk

This Is Me, Elders Company
Wednesday 18 November, 6pm. Royal Exchange Great Hall (café end). FREE event
THIS IS ME is a personal insight into the lives of 16 performers all members of the Royal Exchange Elders Company. THIS IS ME is part theatre, part happening. Combining storytelling and poetry, the voices of the Elders will take over the Royal Exchange Great Hall as they share their stories, passions, hopes and feelings – all to give a glimpse into who they are, where they have come from and what they care about in the world today. No need to book, just come along.

People’s History Museum
Thursday 19 November, 5.30pm – 7.30pm
Death or Liberty – film screening and panel discussion
Join the UK premiere of an exciting new dramatised documentary about the rebels, radicals and reformers exiled as convicts to Australia.  Featuring an original folk-punk soundtrack performed by Billy Bragg, Mick Thomas and Lisa O’Neill.  Based on the book by Dr Tony Moore, Death or Liberty tells the story of political prisoners convicted in Ireland, England, Wales and Canada and transported to the fatal shore in chains.  Screening followed by panel discussion with director Keith Farrell, author Dr Tony Moore and third speaker TBA.  Part of Parliament Week 2015 and the Salford International Media Festival.
Suitable for adults and children 10 years and over with parental guidance
Booking required via Eventbrite – http://deathorliberty.

eventbrite.co.uk
£6
For further information, please contact the museum on 0161 838 9190 or info@phm.org.uk

The Young Foundation and Macmillan
Creative Workshop
18 or 20 November 2015
Are you over 65 with experience of cancer? Do you provide services or support to those who are? Join us! The Young Foundation and Macmillan are holding a creative workshop to develop and test ideas for improving services for older people with cancer. The workshop will focus on the transition out of active treatment and what services are available once treatment is finished. The short workshop will be held on either 18th or 20th November, travel expenses will be paid and refreshments will be provided.
If you’re interested, or can offer space to host the workshop, please get in touch with Susie Finlayson on02089 806263 or email Susie.finlayson@

youngfoundation.org

Royal Exchange Elders Monthly Sessions
Wednesday 25 November 11am-1pm at the Royal Exchange.
The Elders Company is for everyone aged 60+ who wants to take part in practical drama activities, feel connected to new people and ideas, develop performance skills and make boundary-pushing theatre that challenges negative stereotypes of ageing. There are different ways to become involved including attending one of our Elders Monthly taster sessions. Price £6. To book please contact Box Office on 0161 833 9833.

People’s History Museum
Friday 27 November, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Show Me the Money exhibition tour for the visually impaired
Come along on a fascinating tour of our latest changing exhibition Show Me the Money and explore representations of finance from 1700 to the present.
Suitable for adults and young people with a visual impairment
No booking required, drop in event
Please ask at the Info Desk on arrival and a member of the team will show you round the exhibition
In order to keep our events programme affordable to everyone, please make a donation.  Suggested donation £3
For further information, please contact the museum on 0161 838 9190 or info@phm.org.uk

FREE NHS HEALTH CHECKS – including Glucose and Cholesterol levels
Saturdays 7, 14, 21, 28 November 9.30am – 4.00pm (closed for lunch 1.00 -1.30pm)
Beswick Library, 50 Grey Mare Lane, M11 3DS
Wednesdays 4, 11, 18, 25 November 3 – 7.30pm
Brooklands Library, Moor Road, M23 9BP
Mondays 30 November 7, 14, 21 December 12.30 – 6.30pm
Longsight Library, 519 Stockport Road, M12 4NE

Feeling good? Keep it that way and treat yourself to 20 minutes that could add years to your life!
The NHS Health Check is an excellent way to listen to your body to check if it needs a little extra attention to keep it happy and running smoothly. There are few conditions, so if you are –

aged between 40 and 74

registered with a GP within the city of Manchester

not already being treated for heart problems or diabetes

not already had this check in the last five years

Please come and visit our friendly healthcare team at one of the venues listed below.   You will receive a full NHS Health Check which checks your height, weight, blood pressure, pulse and by taking a very small finger prick blood sample, your glucose and cholesterol levels will be known within minutes, so no having to return for results.  You will then have time to discuss your results and ask any questions.

Age and the body: Identity and image in later life
Friday 4 December 2015, Seminar 2.00pm – 4.00pm (free networking lunch from 1.00pm)
Meeting rooms 1 & 2, The Nowgen Centre, 29 Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9WU
Speakers:

Professor Julia Twigg, Professor of Social Policy and Sociology, The University of Kent

Professor Julie-Marie Strange, Professor of British History and Dr Sasha Handley, Senior Lecturer History, The University of Manchester

Chair: Professor Chris Phillipson, Professor Sociology & Social Gerontology, The University of Manchester

Since at least the eighteenth century, consumer markets have responded to the needs of ageing populations. Some of these aids have had practical functions, such as walking sticks, pain relief, or commodes, while others have addressed issues of personal appearance, such as hair dye, ‘anti’ ageing cosmetics or false teeth. At this seminar, Professor Julia Twigg (Sociology, University of Kent) and Dr Sasha Handley and Professor Julie-Marie Strange (History, University of Manchester) present research on how men and women respond to changes in ageing bodies today and in the past. Drawing on case studies, the presentations consider how changes in the ageing body’s appearance and function can challenge our personal identities and afford opportunities to develop our image and identity in new ways. The second half of the seminar will invite discussion with a panel on the issues raised around identity and image in later life with representatives from Age UK, the Whitworth Art Gallery and the independent living/mobility aid industry.

Please register online for this free seminar

Christmas Carols in the City
Monday 14th December 2015
Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital Charity proudly presents its second annual Christmas Carols in the City concert, held at Manchester Cathedral.
Hosted by Richard Madeley, the evening will feature readings from the charity’s celebrity patrons, performances from the choirs of Manchester High School for Girls and The Manchester Grammar School and is sure to leave you feeling festive.
Tickets are £11 per adult, £6 per child/concession or £30 for a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children). You can buy tickets here: http://www.rmchcharity.org.uk/

events/christmas-carols-city or contact the charity team on 0161 276 4522.

Advice, Support and Information

Retirement living for the over 55’s at Auden Court in Clayton
Within 2 miles of Town Centre
•       Local amenities close by
Benefits include:
•       Scheme Manager
•       Emergency call system
•       Communal gardens
•       Guest Room
•       Residents lounge
•       Car parking
•       Lift
•       Walk-In shower (in some flats)
•       Secure door entry
For more information or to arrange a viewing call
0161 370 1876/0303 123 1890, website www.guinnesspartnership.com

Reducing Isolation and Loneliness Grant funding programme.
Social Isolation and Loneliness has a serious negative impact on older people’s health and wellbeing. The three Manchester Clinical Commissioning Groups have invested in a grants programme to tackle this problem. Manchester’s three Clinical Commissioning Groups have awarded funding to 29 projects across Manchester to provide social activities for people over 50 years old. Projects offer a variety of activities, skills and support. A hobby journal is available detailing all funded projects and how to contact them. Copies are available by contacting Anna Tate at Anna@macc.org.uk or for more information log on to https://www.

manchestercommunitycentral.

org/reducing-social-isolation-

and-loneliness-grant-fund-

2014-2015

24-Hour Mental Health Crisis Line
Following the overwhelming success of our existing all-night mental health crisis services, Self Help has been commissioned to provide 24-hour mental health crisis support to residents across Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Tameside & Glossop. The Sanctuary is a 24-hour service offering a new telephone crisis line during the day, from 6am – 8pm, alongside an existing night time service, from 8pm – 6am, when clients can attend in person. The overnight services assist people who are dealing with emotional crisis, out-of hours, experiencing: anxiety, panic attacks, depression or suicidal thoughts. During the night, we also offer face to face visits at our site in Central Manchester and transport can be arranged where required. For more information or to speak to one of our specially trained team, please call us on 0300 003 7029.

People First Dementia Support Service
Free support available to people aged 55+ living in Manchester who are exhibiting signs of dementia, memory loss or confusion. The service provides support in a range of areas including independent living, claiming benefits, assistance in liaising with other agencies including health and social care.

To make a referral or obtain further information about the project, please contact: People First Dementia Support at People First Housing Association on 0161 235 6900 or visit our website athttp://www.peoplefirsthousing.

co.uk/support.html

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
GMFRS wants everyone to enjoy the autumn months safely.  The annual Treacle Campaign is a Greater Manchester wide, multi agency approach aimed at preventing, tackling and protecting against bonfire and firework injuries, anti-social behaviour and criminal damage during the Halloween and Bonfire period.  Visit www.safe4autumn.com for further safety information and to find out details of organised Halloween and Bonfire Night events taking place in your local area.  Please HAVE A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE HALLOWEEN AND BONFIRE NIGHT.

Donate Your Unwanted Furniture and Support ‘Care & Repair’
Thinking of buying new furniture but don’t know what to do with your old items? Moving home and need to get rid of anything? Care & Repair have teamed up with CT Home to offer you FREE COLLECTION of your quality used furniture and household appliances. If you are interested in donating, please call 0161 745 7588 and quote Care & Repair. CT Home will collect anywhere across Greater Manchester and sell the furniture at their warehouse in Salford.

Fancy learning new practical skills? Interested in bikes?
Courses last for 4 weeks, running on Tuesdays and Wednesdays each week 10am – 5pm
Why not take part in the FREE bike maintenance courses that are running at the National Cycling Centre in east Manchester from November. The courses are great for absolute beginners, and are open to all adults regardless of their experience.. There are courses in November, January, February, March, April and May. To find out more please contact Clare on
07703528806, email c.goatman@

manchestersportandleisure.og or visit the website http://www.

nationalcyclingcentre.com/

news/free-bike-maintenance-

courses/

Do you love to read but can’t get to your local library?
Would you like a friendly volunteer to read with and talk about all things book?
Try Books to Go – Home Delivery Service
Books to Go provides a home delivery service for Manchester residents who have limited mobility, a visual impairment or any difficulty leaving their home and visiting their local library.  When you join you will be asked if you prefer audio books, large print, DVD’s or ordinary print. Also what types of book you enjoy.  Our experienced staff will choose books to you preference and deliver them to your own home free of charge.
Ask at your local library or call 01612273800

Big Energy Saving Network Events – Manchester Care & Repair
Care & Repair have been awarded funding from the Big Energy Saving Network to deliver an extensive programme of outreach to vulnerable consumers, focused on helping them reduce their energy costs and consumption. Our ‘Energy Champion’ Karen Kennedy will deliver talks throughout Manchester to a range of community groups where attendees will be invited to bring along their latest energy bills so we can advise on any potential savings.
If you belong to a community group and would like to book a talk please call Karen Kennedy on0161 874 1658 or email kkennedy@careandrepair-

manchester.org.uk

Care and Repair Handyperson Service
Manchester Care and Repair’s handyperson service is available for small works to help an older person keep their home safe and warm. The service is free and is usually able to respond with a couple of weeks (the service does not cover the cost of materials). Call 0161 872 5500, 9am – 4pm.  For more information visit http://www.careandrepair-

manchester.org.uk/manchester-

services/handy-help/

Home Repairs Support
For larger repair and energy efficiency works, Care and Repair can direct you to vetted contractors and/or help older owner occupiers to access the Council’s interest-free and low cost loan assistance. Call 0161 872 5500, 9am – 4pm. For more information, visit http://www.careandrepair-

manchester.org.uk/manchester-

services/hrst/

Independent Living Support Service
The Care & Repair caseworker service has recently been awarded funding by the Big Lottery Fund to expand its service in Manchester. This free home-visiting service provides short term assistance, benefits checks and applications, signposting and information to older people of any housing tenure who want to remain in their own home. For more information on how we can help, call 0161 872 5500. For more details, visit http://www.careandrepair-

manchester.org.uk/manchester-

services/independent-living-

service/

Home from Hospital Service
Care and Repair offer low level support to any older person (over 60) who has recently been in hospital or atten

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