What support is on offer for people over 55 in Richmond? How long have you got…?!

On 28th May, Mamta attended the launch of the Teddington and Hampton Community Partnership which promises to be a one point of contact for residents who are older, disabled or facing long term health conditions. This means that instead of a resident calling around a heap of organisations to seek support; they will need only call one number now (0208 8316464). Once the resident’s details are recorded, the advisor (now known as the Information Navigator) will come back to them with details or answers to their questions. For those living in Richmond, Kew, Ham and Petersham that number is 02036934000 and for those living in Barnes, Mortlake, East Sheen, Twickenham and Whitton that number is 02089731877 for the Go Local team.

These new networks are part of the Community Independent Living Service (CILS) which aims to help people live as independently as possible within their community.  Through information, advice, signposting, support groups, social education, cultural events as well as exercise, fitness and training opportunities, CILS is delivered through 'Go Local' and the 'Community Partnership'. For those using these services, they will not notice anything different. If you’ve always gone to a day centre for a hot lunch on a weekday, you will still get the same experience you’ve always had. It’s for those starting this process anew: CILS promises to deliver a seamless experience.

We think this new service is essential, as there are a lot of services provided for Richmond residents – so many in fact that it’s sometimes hard to work out where to start. In this post, we take a look at some of them.

Hamptons and Teddington Community Partnership

Linden Hall on Linden Road in Hampton runs services on all days except Wednesdays. They offer a freshly cooked hot meal at midday (£5.00 for members and £6.00 for non members). From a hairdressing and chiropody service to gentle exercise, word puzzles, Hoy, Bingo and coffee mornings, Linden Hall offers older residents a place to meet friends, old and new. Tel: 020 8941 2373

The Greenwood Centre is a vibrant community hub on School Road in Hampton Hill, offering a venue to various charities and community groups. At its heart, there are two services that reach out to isolated residents in the community: the befriending service and transport service. With the help of these two, residents can connect with local activities and services. The befriending service offers a one to one reliable relationship to those who are living on their own, helping to relieve their loneliness and to build their confidence to become more independent. The transport service, for instance, picks up older residents to bring them to Linden Hall for a hot lunch or takes people on shopping trips to Sainsbury’s. (02089799662) 

Elleray Hall in Teddington describes itself as a lively social club for older people where they can have a coffee, chat with friends and have a hot home cooked meal. With a range of activities, entertainment and outings, Elleray Hall members have a busy calendar! Through their voluntary care group, members can benefit from support to attend a GP appointment, or help to collect prescription and even shopping trips to the local supermarket.

Richmond, Kew, Ham and Petersham Community Partnership

The Avenue Club (in Kew) provides a social base for the Over 50’s who want to get the most out of life.  There is so much going on here every day; you can join the Choir led by talented choirmaster Michael McLauglin, play Bridge or indulge in one of the many Services and Therapies on offer such as hairdressing, manicure and hand massages or try Aromatherapy, Reiki or Reflexology!  You can join day trips out and take exercise classes like Pilates,Yoga or the ever popular Line-dancing.  

Running from the Woodville Centre, Ham and Petersham SOS helps older or disabled people with shopping trips, doctors visits and social outings. The very enthusiastic Sam Payne keeps everything organised, and is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. You can get in contact through the website, or give them a ring on 020 8948 1090

Go Local partnership

Age UK Richmond has several services for the older resident. They have an outreach service that

offers telephone befriending, introduction with the help of volunteers to social clubs and digital support tuition.  Their objective is to encourage people to enjoy a healthy and rewarding life that makes living longer a real cause for celebration. They run the Twickenham Wellbeing Centre on Arragon Road. The name doesn’t give much away, but there is a very comprehensive programme of activities on offer including computer courses, exercise classes, yoga, pilates, art classes, discussion groups and outings to interesting places as well as providing a friendly place to meet friends or just drop in for a coffee or tea and chat. They also offer subsidised services such as chiropody, hairdressing, therapy and beauty treatments.Give them a ring to find out more  020 8538 9254.

Age UK Richmond also run Whitton Social Centre (111a Kneller Road), a lively community resource that offers a range of activities and outings. Here they encourage people to enjoy a healthy and rewarding life that makes living longer a real cause for celebration.

Barnes Green Centre (on the green, in Barnes!)  is a fantastic centre that offers a wide range of attractions for people over 50.  It is definitely worth popping in to take a look at what is on offer, and while you’re there say ‘hello’ to the wonderful Alan who runs it

As well as general advice on health and wellbeing you can have monthly confidential health checks by a registered general nurse, or give Pilates, Tai Chi or Yoga a go!  The Centre always smells lovely with tasty home cooked hot lunches available every day, as well as lots of social activities, talks and trips to go on.  There is always something on at the Barnes Green Social Centre! (Telephone: 020 8876 2377)

More services in the borough

Hampton on Thames Community Centre offer social, recreational and educational activities to young and old in the Hamptons and nearby areas. You can find them at The White House, 45 The Avenue 020 8979 1884.

RHP’s Dean Road, Extra Care Scheme is the borough’s flagship independent living scheme for older residents. Dean Road managers are keen to have residents from the local area attend their Wednesday Open Days from 10:30 which are run in partnership with Linden Hall’s outreach service. Coffee morning, bingo and subsidised hairdressing, chiropody and beauty treatments are all offered here. Denise Estick is the scheme Scheme Manager and you can contact her on 020 8941 8951 or by email Denise.Estick@rhp.org.uk

Mortlake Community Association encourages local people to get involved in community life. With many activities for people of all ages and interests, you can join in activities such as Healthy Cooking on a Budget, join the Positive Living Group, try some Gentle Exercise or spend the afternoon doing some Social Dancing!

However basic or advanced your computers skills are there is the Computers for Everyday Life group or why not give the Mind Music Group a go?  The popular Reminiscence Group is always looking for people to bring their stories and tales of life in and around Mortlake. If you have any ideas or want to start a new group or try something different, then contact Mary, the MCA Manager who will be delighted to discuss your ideas with you. (020 8878 7256 )

The Cambrian Centre at Caplan Court in Richmond is run by the community, in the community, for

the community.  There are so many interesting things going on, including Life Drawing, Line dancing, Tai Chi and Pilates, or if you’ve ever fancied learning Bridge then why not give the Bridge Group for Beginners a go? You can relax with the Meditation class run by Samantha – a traditional Buddhist breathing-mindfulness practice that develops concentration, inner strength and wisdom.  There are also support groups that run from the centre including for those who have a hearing impairment Parkinson’s People, a group that supports people with Parkinson’s Disease. The Cambrian Centre is also home to the Community Gym - a very friendly fitness and exercise facility offering a low cost option for users of all abilities in an informal and comfortable atmosphere.

In Barnes, the Castelnau Community Project not only looks great since the refurb, it has excellent facilities, with a large hall with a stage, café area, computer room and lots of fantastic activities for the over 50’s. What about ‘Goldies Exercise’ – a gentle chair based exercise or if you’re feeling a bit more lively have a go at Zumba Gold - the classic Zumba class but gentler!  If you are looking for work there is a Job Club that offers support, information and advice sessions.  If you’re feeling peckish pop into the daily café or join the monthly Community Lunch group where good food and good company are guaranteed!  You can also take part in Day Trips or if you are interested in non-specific Over 50s activities, there is a lot more on including furniture recycling classes and a theatre group.  You could even become a volunteer - get to meet new people, have fun and maybe learn something in return!

FiSH Neighbourhood Care provides voluntary help for the residents of Barnes, Mortlake & East Sheen with the aim of combating loneliness and providing practical support.  FiSH is run from the Barnes Green Centre and put on lots of activities that you can take part in including; the FiSH Choir, weekly talks, accessible shopping trips to local supermarkets, FiSH 'n' Chats, movies at the Olympic Cinema as well as Dementia Friends training.  It really is worth popping into the centre to see what is on offer.

 London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Specialist Day Centres

Sheen Lane Day Centre is a Centre of Excellence for Richmond residents aged over 60, with long term physical ill-health, who might otherwise be isolated in the community. The Centre is a great place to socialise and meet new friends, offering support for those with higher care needs based around individual care plans and an allocated key worker. The Sheen Lane Day Centre runs classes on flower arrangement, art and poetry and much more. They have rehabilitation support to improve mobility, living skills and referrals to occupational therapists and physiotherapists. 74 Sheen Lane, TW11 8EZ. To receive information about the service, fill in this online form.

The Woodville Centre in Ham is for older people diagnosed with dementia. It is highly regarded and offers a safe and friendly environment. Clients are encouraged to move around freely and enjoy all of the facilities available. There are even some pets to make friends with!

The services are designed to support individuals who need specialist care and offer respite to their carers. They run group activities which encourage social interaction and provide an opportunity to meet new friends.

The Access project is run by Richmond Council for adults with a disability or sensory loss.

They offer a wide range of activities in a fun social environment in Whitton. It’s easy to pop along to meet up with friends or make new ones, you can build confidence by taking part in group discussions, or learn a new skill such as photography. Importantly, anyone using the service will be given a key worker who can offer you advice on a range of issues such as employment, education or welfare.

We found putting this list together really helpful for our own understanding - but we're sure we've probably missed something, or someone! Get in touch if you know of a service or group that we should be aware of. We can't list them all here, but we'd like to know about them!