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
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
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!
