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Hackney Senior
By older people, for older people • spring 2019
LIFELONG LEARNING
Free public lectures
HACKNEY DEMENTIA
FESTIVAL
16 May – 29 May
COOKING AT HOME
Eating well & healthily
ST JOSEPH’S HOSPICE
Compassionate
neighbours
WHAT’S ON
Your guide to Hackney
“Love and health are most
important. So love each other and
enjoy a simple life in peace and
friendship.” Helena Porębska
Real-life stories
and reports
by Hackney
over 50s
CONNECT
HACKNEY
ageing better
See page 14 for more details
Contents
There’s no such thing as a
typical older person 4
Putting the focus on
lifelong learning 6
Ageing better in Poland 8
Cooking has been my salvation 10
Quietly slipping into disrepair 12
Compassionate Neighbours 13
Hackney Dementia Festival 14
Connect Hackney projects 16
About us
Hackney Senior is produced as part of
Connect Hackney – one of 14 programmes
in England funded through the National
Lottery Community Fund’s Ageing
Better programme.
Connect Hackney commissions services
and social activities from local charities
and community organisations for
residents aged 50+. The services and
activities are provided to help older
people stay connected and active and
lead fulfilling lives.
Find out more at:
www.connecthackney.org.uk
The Senior Media Group
This magazine is produced with the
Connect Hackney Senior Media Group. To
get involved, e: zelina@connecthackney.
org.uk With thanks to everyone who
contributed to this spring edition of
Hackney Senior.
Tell your story
If you have a story to tell, e: matt@ Photos from Immediate Theatre’s Christmas panto, Ciny
connecthackney.org.uk or send by post Rella! Immediate are providing a year-round programme
to Matt Bray, Connect Hackney, The Adiaha of theatre workshops and performances for older people
Antigha Centre, 24 - 30 Dalston Lane, as part of Connect Hackney. See more about our projects
London, E8 3AZ. on p.16/17. Photo © Joe Hart.
All articles represent the views of their authors and not
necessarily those of Connect Hackney or its partners.
Hackney Senior | 3
There’s no such thing as
a typical older person
Interview / Connect Hackney
Development Lead, Judy Harris Q. Connect Hackney has
recently been commissioning
Q. Please tell us about your new projects for Hackney
work with Connect Hackney. residents aged 50+. Could you
JH: Connect Hackney does tell us more about them.
from black and minority ethnic
lots of different things – we JH: We are currently receiving communities are at higher risk
fund projects for older people, applications from organisations of isolation.
evaluate them to see what who want to run new projects
works and aim to influence local for people with dementia, Q. What have Connect Hackney
strategies and policies. mental health problems, people learnt over the past few years
who find it difficult to leave about working with Hackney’s
I work with the Older People’s
home regularly and people older residents?
Committee to ensure that older
from black and minority ethnic JH: We’ve learnt that there’s no
people are part of all we do
communities. Most of these such thing as a typical older
and the decisions we make. My
areas were suggested by our person. It’s true that there are
work also involves focusing on
Older People’s Committee and all specific challenges that come
learning to make sure that the
of these situations make people with ageing, but even when
programme learns about the
likely to become isolated. facing difficult situations older
causes of isolation and possible
solutions so we can make strong Research shows that many people should be treated as
recommendations about how people with dementia find individuals with skills and
to improve things. This includes it challenging to keep their interests and the ability to make
looking at what we call structural friendships going, while people friends and enjoy themselves.
issues – transport, how services with mental health problems can In one of our focus groups
are run, the impact of funding isolate themselves due to stigma someone said ‘when you’re older
cuts, and personal barriers such and feelings of low confidence there’s no time for fun’ – as a
as mental health problems, brought on by depression. society we mustn’t accept this
coping with bereavement, Not being able to get out as a fact. However, there’s a lot
adjusting to retirement. regularly means that you can’t of work to do to build a society
Structural issues and personal meet people and are at high where it’s much easier for older
struggles are often deeply risk of isolation. We know that people to have fun, make friends
connected. there is evidence that people and stay connected.
Loneliness and isolation
Interview / Researcher-in Residence, Dr Darren Miguel Sharpe
Dr Sharpe recently joined the from Connect Hackney, particularly
Connect Hackney team to evaluate in relation to ageing, loneliness and
Connect Hackney’s impact and connections to community. “We need to
potential legacy. tease out what
Q. How will you evaluate
Q. Please tell us about your work Connect Hackney? the ageing
with Connect Hackney. DS: Nationally, the fourteen Ageing population really
DS: My role is to collect evidence Better programmes are using one needs.”
about the impact and change resulting standard method called the Common
4 | Spring 2019
CONNECT HACKNEY INFOGRAPHICS
ut
don
2015 – March 2019 Who got involved?
60-64
Connect Hackney runs a range of social
16% 65-69
activities and projects for local residents aged 55-59
192
16%
13% 194
50+. What have we achieved? 167
50-54
5% Age 14%
64 173 70-74
2,761 older
people got involved in
Under 50
1% (8)
Not stated
13%
159
10%
12%
148
1% (12) 85+ 121 75-79
Connect Hackney projects Not stated 3 people 80-84
569 people have
volunteered – mostly White
older people 41%
502
29% Black
Stayed
Impact 80%
of older people
Ethnicity the356same
Local residents aged 50+ who have taken Not
said they stated
saw
4% (45)
8%
part tell us that: people socially 16% 2%
102
more or the 204 Asian
• Their quality of life has improved
29
same amount Other
• Their health and wellbeing has improved Mixed
“I wanted to feel a sense that I am doing
something worthwhile for myself and
my community.”
28% Male
Stayed
We are now in phase 2 of Connect Hackney
and have new activities and services for
80% Female
of older people
70%
862
Gender the353same
2%
23
residents aged 50+. Find out more on said they saw
people socially Not stated
pages 16-17. more or the
same amount
Measurement Framework (CMF), so our evaluation Q. Why is it important that we evaluate
isn’t happening in isolation. The framework is a Connect Hackney?
set of basic measures looking at mental wellbeing DS: It’s all about sustainability. We need to tease out
and social connectiveness. Everyone who accesses what the ageing population really needs – people are
a Connect Hackney activity is asked to complete a
living longer but not necessarily living healthier. We
Stayed
80%
CMF questionnaire.
need local solutions to local problemstheandsame
we need
Locally we are also doing a deep dive; we are using tooftailor solutions to what people say they need.
a variety of methods to look behind the quantitative older people
said they
That’s thesaw
value of this kind of investment of time
data. What does loneliness and isolation for the people socially
ageing population really mean for different groups and effort – finding out what works will enable
more or the
within Hackney? What is the ageing experience if ussame
to scale up services or broaden services out, so
amount
you have a hearing impairment, if travel is your issue, that Connect Hackney is reaching more people
or if you are bereaved? awisolation or living in isolation.
Hackney Senior | 5
Putting the focus on lifelong learning
by Margaret Smith
“If you don’t have digital skills, it’s all too easy to become or learn for fun, broaden your
isolated, cut off from today’s modern lifestyle. So as part horizons and meet new friends.
of lifelong learning, embrace technology.” Key to ageing well
In addition, staying mentally
I graduated from Goldsmiths I have been a housewife for many active has many health benefits
College, University of London years but I have always tried to and is one of the keys to ageing
with a French degree many years keep up studying, enrolling on well. Research has demonstrated
ago. However, I have always some course or other whenever that staying mentally active as
believed in lifelong learning. I could. I wanted to share my we get older can do wonders
Instead of just finishing your enthusiasm for lifelong learning for keeping the brain healthy.
education at a certain age (when with you and to encourage you Learning helps keep brain cells
school or university finishes), to take the opportunities that functioning at optimum levels
lifelong learning is when you come your way. and can inhibit memory loss and
carry on learning throughout By getting involved in learning, ward off cognitive decline as we
your life, whether as part of a you can learn new skills, update age. The old adage “use it or lose
class or on your own. existing ones, prepare for work it” is true, I guess.
6 | Spring 2019
I recently attended a free public podcasts of their lectures online MORE INFO
lecture at London School of so if you cannot get to a certain
Economics (LSE), University of lecture on the day, you don’t BRITISH LIBRARY
London. The lecture was called have to miss out. A range of free events and
The Class Ceiling. Academics exhibitions from A Century
There are many other ways you of Women’s Football to the
continue to debate whether
can learn. You can take part in Windrush Sound Tours.
the UK is becoming more of a
adult classes at colleges and
classless society and the lecture Address: British Library,
universities. Hackney Community
was about class background 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB
College is a large college in
and whether it poses a t: 01937 546546
Hackney – now part of New City
barrier to upward mobility in www.bl.uk
College. I studied a cake and
employment. Two sociologists
patisserie making course there a INNER SPACE
had written a book about this
couple of years ago. Meditation and personal
topic and the lecture coincided
with their book launch. The Digital skills in today’s world development. Subjects include:
lecture finished with ideas about How about online education, become a better listener, trust
how workplaces could be made sometimes called e-learning? You your intuition, think more
more representative of society can study online courses from positively and meditation. All
at large. home at whatever hours suit you activities are free! Although
Free public lectures best. That‘s why it’s so important voluntary donations are
to keep your computer skills welcome, they are not required.
I wanted to share with you some
information about which places up. We need digital skills to stay Address: 36 Short’s Gardens,
offer public lectures which connected in today’s world. WC2H 9AB
everyone is welcome to attend. If you don’t have digital skills, t: 020 7836 6688
I mentioned LSE. Every year it’s all too easy to become www.innerspace.org.uk
LSE hold a series of lectures on isolated, cut off from today’s LSE EVENTS
various topics called LSE Events. modern lifestyle. So as part Including lunch time piano
These lectures are free and open of lifelong learning, embrace recitals, evening concerts
to all to attend. Some of the technology. With a PC, tablet
other colleges of the University and talks on history, politics,
or smartphone, you have tech equalities and more…
of London, for example Queen available constantly and if you
Mary College, University College choose to study online, there Address: The London School of
London (UCL), Kings College and is no need to attend a class to Economics & Political Science,
Birkbeck College offer free public make progress. Houghton Street, WCH 2AE
lectures too, it’s worth checking t: 020 7405 7686
them out. So many colleges and www.lse.ac.uk
universities offer an online
Other institutions in London learning option. They will also The Royal Institution
offering public lectures are the have forums and chatrooms Scientists and cultural
British Academy, British Library, where you can share your commentators explore the latest
British Museum, Conway Hall, experiences and information amazing science and the way in
and Inner Space – Inner Space and chat online to other which it shapes our lives. From
offers talks on meditation and students. As well, many websites animal emotions and what they
personal development. offer free online courses on tell us about ourselves to an
If it is purely science that you specific topics. examination of the universe –
are interested in, why not try are we alone?
I hope that I have given you
the Royal Institution, Royal some useful ideas that you can Address: The Royal Institution
Society or the Science Museum’s use to carry on learning. With of Great Britain, 21 Albemarle
Dana Centre. so many lectures and courses Street, W1S 4BS
Many of the above places I have available, I am certain you’ll find t: 020 7409 2992
mentioned offer videos and one that meets your needs. www.rigb.org
Hackney Senior | 7
Ageing better in Poland
We were impressed in the office when we saw the joyful pictures
of our colleague Martyna’s grandmother in Poland. Our Connect
Hackney senior media group agreed and decided to put their
computer skills to the test and interview Helena about ageing
better in Poland.
Q. What’s your name? Wroclaw and then moved to
HP: Helena Porębska Szczecin to study at a medical
university. I was young and busy
Q. When were you born?
preparing for difficult exams. We
HP: I was born on 17 November
didn’t have prosperity and had to
1928.
stay in long queues for hours to
Q. What was the town where get anything in shops. We didn’t In June ‘41 my brothers were
you lived as a child like? have any clubs and couldn’t arrested and me, my mum and
HP: I was born in a town Jeziory travel to the west but we were my sister were taken on a train
(which means ‘lakes’) near enjoying ourselves anyway. If you going to Siberia. But there was
Grodno – now it’s in Belarus wanted to have something extra huge bombing on the way as the
but it was in east Poland then. you had to offer a bribe or have Germans attacked. As a result we
Because there were two beautiful something special to exchange it were overtaken by Germans and
lakes it was a summer resort. in barter. Life was very basic and went back home. The German
Jeziory was a multicultural town difficult but, as I said, I was young occupation started.
inhabited by the Polish, Jewish and busy and didn’t know any
and Belarussian. People followed During the German occupation
other reality. We were just living.
different religions – Catholicism, I had to go to work. They didn’t
Q. What was your profession provide any schools for Polish
Judaism and Orthodox Christian. and did you enjoy it?
We all lived in peace. people, everyone was forced to
HP: I was a dentist and I liked work. Many people were being
Q. What’s the name of the it. However, my dream was to sent to Germany to work but
town where you live and what’s be a doctor. Becoming a doctor I was lucky to work in a local
it like? required studying longer and I hospital as a cleaner. I worked
HP: I live in Szczecin which is couldn’t afford it. there until ‘44 when the Russians
located in northeast Poland on Q. If you were to start over entered again. We had the
the Oder River, close to Germany again, would you choose any Russian occupation again and
and the Baltic Sea. Szczecin is the other profession? I could go back to school. In
capital of our region. It’s a big city HP: I would rather be a doctor ‘45 when the war finished the
so we have everything we need or surgeon. borders shifted and we were
here. I live in a very green part of allowed to move to the west, to
Q. What was it like during the
Szczecin in a flat with a garden. the region annexed by Poland.
Second World War?
My closest family and friends live We were afraid to stay in Jeziory
HP: It’s difficult to summarise
here as well so I really enjoy it. as it was annexed by USSR. We
it but I can say I remember two
Q. Were you married? Did you main things present in life during chose to move to Jelenia Góra,
have children? the war – hunger and fear. near Wrocław.
HP: I was married and have two I was a child when the war Q. You look stunning for your
sons. Unfortunately my husband started. In 1939 the Russians age. What is the secret to
passed away a few years ago and invaded us and annexed our looking so good?
now I live on my own. region to USSR. We were under HP: A simple life, this is a secret.
Q. What was life like in the Soviet occupation until Being active and having a
communist Poland? ‘41. I was attending school, positive attitude, including a
HP: I finished high school in learning Russian. gratitude for every day we live.
8 | Spring 2019
Q. Do you have any tips on
diet that has helped you keep
so young?
HP: I eat everything in
moderation and I believe my
body knows what is good or
what to avoid. I avoid eating
things which make me feel bad,
especially sweets, but I don’t have
any special diet.
Q. What type of activities and
exercise do you do?
HP: I go for a walk every day.
I cannot sit at home. It’s not
enough to walk at home. I walk at
least one hour every day. I have
a person to help me do some
works at home from time to time
but I’m not allowing her to do
things for me. I do as much as
I can.
Q. What is the health service
like in Poland?
HP: It’s free and not too bad but
there are more and more private to see me and my family takes HP: Yes, I keep in touch with
places being opened where you care of me. It’s all very pleasant. my granddaughter who lives
can get things done quicker if I enjoy every day and I’m happy in London and a few family
you pay. Many medicines are free that I’m independent and I’m in members who live in Germany.
for older people. a good mental condition. You Q. What would you say to
Q. How are people of age have to be good for yourself someone who says they are too
treated in Poland? and remember you can always old to use a computer?
HP: It’s getting better. There improve your life. HP: You are never too old.
are many senior clubs which Q. When did you start learning It’s all about motivation and
organises different classes, trips, the computer? learning. You need to want it and
events. It’s all free and supported HP: I went to a computer course understand it’s good for you.
by local councils. However, I when I was 60 years old. When Without the internet I wouldn’t
can’t go out as often as I used to I don’t know how to do new know many things. I feel updated
because I broke my hip last year things I ask my son, Witek, for and able to participate in culture
and I’m less mobile. help. I pay my bills online and as well as my children and
Families are taking care of their use e-mail, skype and messenger grandchildren. Without access to
older members. It’s difficult when to communicate with my family the internet I would have felt a
you don’t have a close family, and friends. I enjoy free access little bit isolated.
you might get lonely. But I can’t to the news and information. Q. What is your advice for
complain, I have great sons Without leaving home or buying the human race for the next
and daughters in law as well as newspapers I can check any ten years?
grandchildren. information online. It’s amazing. HP: Love and health are most
Q. How do you feel about life? Q. Do you keep in touch important. So love each other
HP: I feel very positive. I with friends and family in and enjoy a simple life in peace
have many friends and good different parts of the world and friendship. Make an effort
neighbours. People often come using a computer? towards these values.
Hackney Senior | 9
Cooking has been my salvation
by Harold Rubin
I am a 91 year old pensioner; I “I believe I owe
have had several careers. I am
my energy and
still active and I cook for myself
almost every day and often for attitude for life
friends as well. from making the
I started a new career shortly effort to dine well
after landing in the UK from my and healthily.”
native US in 1970. I was jobless
and at a loss. It was suggested
I approach Justin de Blank who
had a posh food emporium. De
Blank was impressed with my
ability and knowledge of kitchen
technique and launched me
in supplying him with frozen
foods of my composition and
by chance these included ice
creams. They became the greater
successes of my creations.
Thus launched as a cook,
Wine and light soy sauce added
I extended my range and
What follows is my suggestion to soups and other cooked
also did consultations. I had
for older people to shop and dishes in moderation – about
the background of having a
cook healthily without making 1 or 2 tablespoons – creates an
published cookbook. A long story
it a difficult chore. It is vitally enriched flavour. A non-alcoholic
I will severely edit is how this led
important as we age to avoid substitute for wine is a little
to creating a restaurant in Wales
loneliness and this is addressed vinegar mixed with a little sugar,
followed by one in London.
in particular to those living alone. not as good, but is acceptable.
Now I am retired but I still wield Developing an interest in dining
a wooden spoon and as stated can lead to sharing, a further Cooking at home
above continue cooking and benefit derived and making a Using your choice of potato, rice
even experimenting with food. necessity enjoyable. or pasta or another ingredient,
The purpose of these notes cook double or more of which-
is how using this talent in the Harold Rubin’s tips on ever. Use half for the meal, cover
start of middle years remade my getting the most out of and refrigerate the rest. Do not
earning power, thus salvation. cooking at home keep for longer than three days.
I believe I owe my energy and
Larder essentials: Salt, pepper, Cooked potato can be the
attitude for life from making the
other spices and herbs, sugar, base for a frittata with bits of
effort to dine well and healthily,
cooking oil, butter, eggs, vegetables (onion, mushroom)
not following fad diets and trends
powdered or fresh milk. meat such as cooked bacon,
but varying what I consume so
ham or chicken, grated or diced
that the good and the possible As a cook I use dry sherry
cheese and egg beaten with a
bad are balanced. The important (inexpensive Spanish ones) or
spoonful of milk or water. Fried
factor is using fresh and dry vermouth for recipes asking
like an omelette or pancake.
wholesome ingredients, never for a splash of wine for flavour.
fast food, prepared supermarket Works as well as using table Cooked cold rice can be used
stuff or takeaways. wines if none are opened. for fried rice with bits similar to
10 | Spring 2019those in frittatas. Cooked pasta favourite a small cold rare steak
can be mixed with your own or a diced with a dressing using olive
bought tomato-based sauce (or oil, lime juice and seasoning.
a cooked meat one) and topped I buy pairs of bavette steaks and
with grated cheese and baked cook both together, one I eat
into a dish similar to lasagne. as a steak, the other I save for
These suggestions are for using the salad. Steaks of inexpensive
bits from the vast range of fibrous cuts cannot be cooked
leftovers which often become well done, just reaching medium
some of the tastiest dishes. or they will be very dry and tough.
Salads A healthier diet the difference using true
“Chef’s salads” using fresh and You are not indulging yourself foods instead of ready meals.
even cooked vegetables with the in choosing to follow these Perhaps you will do another
salad greens can be a substantial directions. It is learning how to thing I practice. I read labels,
and healthy option. Ripe follow a healthier path. This will do the same with those bought
avocado, cheese bits, drained result in enjoyable dining and prepared dishes and you will
tinned chick peas and my you will come to understand drop their use.
Community Connections – Get involved!
One-to-one support to connect you with activities in Hackney and beyond
Community Connections supports Hackney GET IN TOUCH:
residents aged 50+ to meet new people, discover If you’d like to get involved please contact us or
local places and learn new skills. A community ask someone to make contact on your behalf. We
coordinator can tell you all about projects and are happy to talk through what we do, arrange to
activities in Hackney and further afield; computer meet up in person and make a plan together. The
skills, dancing, exercise classes, walking clubs, most important thing is what works for you.
lunch clubs.
We are looking forward to meeting people out
To find an activity to suit you, you can have up to and about as we visit projects and venues to
twelve meetings with a community coordinator, promote the service and in the near future we
plus ongoing support from a volunteer. The project will also be able to visit people who are unable to
began in October 2018 and is already making leave home.
a difference; To find out more or to make a referral Community
“I go out, walk in the park and get fresh air. Connections contact Teresa >
I’ve been to classes and groups that I enjoyed. t: 07584 598 096
Getting out of the house is good. e: teresa@shoreditchtrust.org.uk
I can go out more easily now. I go to a lunch club
and have a healthy lunch – I’ve met some lovely VENUES:
new people there.” There are venues across Hackney, with
Jo, a community coordinator says: “I enjoy meeting confidential space to meet:
people, hearing their stories and having the time • New Kingshold Community Centre,
and space to talk and provide information. Where Ainsworth Road, E9 7LP
possible I attend an activity with the person for the • Shoreditch Trust Healthy Living Centre,
first visit to help them settle in. I keep up to date 170 Pitfield Street, N1 6JP
with all new activities in the area and encourage • Stamford Hill Community Centre, N16 6RS
people to sign up for Hackney Senior magazine • Gascoyne 1 Community Centre,
which is a wealth of information.” Gascoyne Road, E9 7FA
Hackney Senior | 11Quietly slipping into disrepair by Charles Daniel
“My mind was under extreme
pressure, yet I had to go about
my normal routine trying
desperately not to show any
signs of my condition.”
As an individual I was already flawed, due to was admitted into a sanatorium to recover. This
circumstances of my upbringing. At the age of situation caused a number of problems, my father
five; I was thrown into confusion when my father was found not to be capable of looking after us
became ill with a severe mental condition, which and was sent away to a mental hospital. I have a
caused me to be very shy and nervous with a bad recollection of this period – all I can remember
difficulty to communicate socially. My mother is we were sent into care. The next period I
was also affected very badly. Due to the stress remember is my grandmother looking after me
of trying to cope with my father who could no at home, she was very strict but fair. When I heard
longer work and squandered the sick money my mother was coming home, I cried my eyes out
which was essential for my mother to feed three
with joy.
children. My mother struggled so hard she had
to work also to cope. This situation caused my But little did I know that this was only a respite for
mother to eventually succumb to TB whereby she her, she would have a greater ordeal to come.
Unable to speak about it
In the early stages of my illness; when I had got over the shock of realising I had a mental condition
that is for life, and I would have to take medication continually throughout that time, I felt my life had
changed forever.
In the early years, during the found it hard even to tell your was that my mind was under
1970s, mental illness was the own family the full details. extreme pressure, yet I had to go
worst fear you could be labelled Fortunately, I managed to make about my normal routine trying
with. You felt unable to speak friends in unlikely places, like desperately not to show any
out about your problem to poetry groups, where many other signs of my condition.
workmates or employers for similar patients found refuge and This then is a brief description
fear of losing your job. You also relief in expressing themselves in of a horror that not even Conan
felt guilty and ashamed as you writing and speaking poetry. Doyle could envisage.
felt it was your own fault and What you must take into account To be continued.
12 | Spring 2019Left to right:
Monica Mattocks,
Janet Williams,
Jane Anslow,
Felicia Odunewu,
Lee Ayles,
Marie Alley
Compassionate Neighbours
“I think everyone’s got a sort of wrong opinion of St Joseph’s – JA: My mind was against coming
you know, like it’s doom and gloom, but it’s not... and you really here because I thought people
do have a laugh with the patients, they are hilarious! only come in here to die. Once I
walked in the door it all changed
Q. What is a compassionate once or twice a week. She is very completely and I’ve been here
neighbour? isolated as she has no family, so I ever since.
JA: Someone who comes here am there for her. At the moment MA: Where the patients are
to St Joseph’s to be trained and she’s in hospital – she’s very concerned, they might choose to
to go out into the community to ill so I go and visit her at least tell you what’s wrong with them
support anyone who is on their once a day. It’s give and take, and they might not, I never ask.
own, who haven’t got family. I am giving, but I am getting JW: Even when they can’t have a
MA: I actually just visit people something back. I was ill, I had conversation, just your presence
in St Joseph’s Hospice. It’s just to cancer, so I am giving something there is so fundamental.
visit them and have a nice little back to the community. MA: It’s a lovely place, lovely.
chat because some of them are a FO: I just joined last year and my Q. What would you say to
bit lonely, some are a bit bored, aim is to help people who can’t someone reading Hackney
so it just brightens up their day help themselves. Senior who is interested in
because they do like to chat Q. What have been the becoming a compassionate
and tell you about their life and highlights of volunteering? neighbour?
that is very rewarding. You come JW: I think it’s the comradeship, LA: Give it a try! You can only
away feeling really good because it’s the bonding. If I don’t see Lee, try and see.
you feel like you’ve helped them I will text him or call him to check JW: Come and join us
and they can tell you things he’s ok – it’s like a family.
that they probably can’t tell MA: I think everyone’s got a sort
their families. of wrong opinion of St Joseph’s
Q. What inspired you to become – you know, like it’s doom and Are you interested in
a compassionate neighbour? gloom, but it’s not. All the nurses becoming a compassionate
JW: I became a volunteer here in and all the staff are all so lovely, neighbour? Contact Lucia
2016 after I retired and I used to they are all so helpful, so you Francois about the next
escort patients home after the don’t feel uncomfortable when training course.
day and then I became interested you come here, and you really do St Joseph’s Hospice
in compassionate neighbours. have a laugh with the patients, Mare St, London E8 4SA
I did the training in 2017 and I they are hilarious! e: L.Francois@STJH.org.uk
was paired up with a Jewish lady LA: Yes there’s lot of laughter t: 020 8525 3206
– she is 85 and I go to her house about with all the stories.
Hackney Senior | 13Hackney Dementia Festival
Events and activities for people with dementia, their
families, friends and neighbours
Hackney Dementia festival runs from Thursday 16 May to
Wednesday 29 May. Most of the events are free to attend and
generally there is no need to book.
We spoke to Harry Johnson from HJ: There are social groups,
the Alzheimer’s Society to find lunch clubs and dementia
out more. friendly activities, for example
Q. What does the Alzheimer’s The Rio Cinema and Hackney
Society do? Picturehouse both host dementia
HJ: We are the support and friendly film screenings.
research charity for dementia. We We know there’s not enough out think there’s a good balance of
support people with dementia there, and people report feeling activities and most activities are
and look at the best ways to care isolated and excluded, so we free with no booking required!
for people with the condition. are really pushing to get more www.alzheimers.org.uk
We are also campaigning organisations involved, more
organisations understanding the Here are a selection of the events
for better quality dementia taking place. For your copy of the
care and dementia friendly needs of people with dementia.
full programme see the info box
communities. We are trying Q. What about supermarkets, at the end of the page.
to make communities which banks and businesses?
understand and respect people HJ: The idea is to involve Thursday 16 May
with dementia. everybody in a dementia friendly Alzheimer’s Society and GLL
community. We have just done The BIG Singing for the Brain
Q. What support is available
some work with a local bank. Singing and dancing all
for people in Hackney with
It’s also about involving the afternoon
dementia, or for people
concerned about memory loss? emergency services – last week 2–4pm, FREE
HJ:There’s a national helpline I was with London Fire brigade Copper Box Arena, Queen
people can call every day on 0300 in Hackney, giving them training Elizabeth Olympic Park, E20 3HB
222 1122 – you can call for advice about dementia, what the
symptoms are, what to look for. For more information please
if you are concerned that you, contact or call 020 8472 0658
or someone you know, might We are also looking at transport
have dementia. We also have – getting more bus divers trained Monday 20 May
online resources – fact sheets and in dementia awareness. So, it’s Launch of Hackney Dementia
guides on our website. anybody and everybody that has Festival 2019
to be involved in the dementia
As well, in Hackney we have 10:30am–12pm, FREE
friendly community.
Dementia navigators who Come and join the launch of the
support people with dementia Q. Please tell us about the Hackney Dementia Festival 2019.
from the point of diagnosis Hackney Dementia Festival
HJ:We have got events Central Library, 1 Reading Lane,
throughout their journey. For London E8 1DY
example, navigators will explain throughout the week such
the terminology that doctors as cinema screenings, a Learn what the community
use, because we find that a lot of performance at Arcola Theatre, group is doing and its plans
people get overwhelmed by that. dementia friendly swimming, moving forward. Hackney
a Caribbean tea party, a tea Community Library will also be
Q. What social support is dance in Shoreditch Town Hall, launching its new dementia-
available in Hackney? table tennis and much more. We friendly Hackney puzzles.
14 | Spring 2019“It’s anybody and everybody that has to be involved in the dementia friendly community.”
Hackney Caribbean Elders friends and family and arrive GLL Table Tennis
Caribbean Tea Party promptly. 2 - 4pm, FREE
1 - 4pm, FREE Wednesday 22 May King’s Hall Leisure Centre,
A Caribbean Tea Party for those Rio Cinema 39 Lower Clapton Rd, London
living with dementia, their family Cinema Screening, £2 E5 0NU
and friends. 1:30pm Dementia Friendly
Table tennis is a fun exercise
39 Leswin Road, Stoke session activity for all. Join our social
Newington, London, N16 7NX 2:30pm Film starts, FREE tea, session organised by a qualified
To book a place please coffee, cakes and biscuits! coach. Light refreshments will
e: info@hackneycaribbean. Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High be provided.
co.uk stating Hackney Dementia St, E8 2PB Wednesday 29 May
Festival in the subject line, or Hackney Shed
A classic matinee screening of
call 020 7923 3536. Theatre Performance 3pm, FREE
‘Mama Mia- Here we Go Again’.
The Dementia Friendly Sutton House, Homerton High St,
Thursday 23 May
‘Triathlon’ London E9 6JQ
A Dance Down Memory Lane:
Enjoy a day exploring the Olympic
Shoreditch Town Hall Hackney Shed, a young person’s
Park with a dementia-friendly
walk, cycle and swim. Feel free to Tea Dance 1 - 4pm, FREE theatre group, invite you to
attend the entire day, or just those their performance. Inspired by
Come and dance the afternoon the memories of people living
events that interest you. Lunch is
away in the magnificent with dementia in Hackney, each
not provided, but a café can be
surrounding of Shoreditch Town group has developed their own
found in the Aquatics Centre.
Hall’s Assembly Hall. unique performance.
The nearest transport links are
To book a place, call To book a place please email
Stratford International, Stratford
020 7739 6176 or visit vicki@hackneyshed.org.uk
Overground and the 108 and 339
www.shoreditchtownhall.com/
bus stops.
whats-on
GLL: Swimming in the
Friday 24 May
INfo box
Olympic Park
Mary Seacole Nursing Home For further information
3 - 4pm, FREE about Hackney Dementia
Open Day 10 - 5pm, FREE
A relaxed session for participants Festival, contact harry.
to enjoy a gentle swim. On Mary Seacole Nursing Home, johnson@alzheimers.org.uk
arrival, please let reception know 39 Nuttall Street, N1 5JS
t: 0208 533 0091
you are here for the dementia- Mary Seacole Nursing Home
friendly swim. #dementiafriendlyhackney
will be holding an open
London Aquatics Centre, day, showcasing what
Olympic Park, E20 2ZQ they are currently
doing for residents with
Tuesday 21 May
dementia. There will be
GLL Walk in London Fields
an opportunity to ask
10 - 11am, FREE questions, meet staff
London Fields Lido, London and to get information
Fields West Side, Hackney, on continuing care and
London E8 3EU respite services. There
Join an interesting, easy route will be taster sessions
around London Fields led by a of Namaste care, hand
Hackney Walk Leader. Please massages and some
wear comfortable shoes, bring other activities.
Hackney Senior | 15Connect Hackney Projects
Free projects for Hackney residents aged 50+
Projects for older people with hearing screening checks, with follow-up support,
learning disabilities hearing aid maintenance support groups and
befriending visits.
Peter Bedford Housing Association A ‘Living with a hearing loss’ programme is
Works with people with learning disabilities aged designed to empower older people to manage
50 and over on a range of activities to improve difficulties related to hearing loss.
skills and confidence, health and wellbeing, and
to socialise. Activities include: learning how to Contact Sharon on 0744 253 8944.
use a touch screen tablet, gardening and creative
crafts. All are run from their Hackney based City and Hackney Carers
hubs – including Clissold Gardens, Hoxton and ‘Hackney Brocals’ is a multi-generational
Kingsland Road. befriending project. Brocals provides a regular
series of bus trips in Hackney and beyond and
Contact Kamye Miessen or Anjum Ahmed on have home based support for men who can’t often
020 3815 4100. leave home. The project includes volunteering
and a buddying system which sees younger
St Mary’s Secret Garden
‘The Garden Social’ provides a weekly club for volunteers committing to visit isolated elders in
people with learning disabilities aged 50 and the community.
over. The Club brings local older people together Contact Hackney Brocals on 0208 533 0951
to work on shared gardening and maintenance or visit the website at www.brocals.org
activities. There are also opportunities for the
‘Garden Socialisers’ to plan and develop the Hackney Co-operative Developments
creative and social activities of the club. Delivering a programme of activities aimed mainly
Contact Siobhan MacMahon on 020 7739 2965. at men aged over 50 that use Gillett Square in
e: siobhan@stmarysgarden.org.uk Dalston area as a place to gather and socialise. All
activities involve men aged 50 and over as session
Community Connections project for leaders or volunteers.
everyone Additionally, participants are encouraged to
organise their own small-scale community events
Shoreditch Trust
and to take an active role in existing events, play
‘Community Connectors’ work with local partners
sessions and the Gillett Square Action Group.
to reach socially isolated people aged 50 and over.
The project provides one-to-one sessions with Contact Anja Beinroth on 020 3875 9352.
older people to help them build confidence and e: GS2@hcd.coop
get involved with local groups and social activities.
The project will be delivered from accessible MRS Independent Living
community spaces, complemented by home visits Hackney Dudes is a community project which
where needed. aims to increase older men’s confidence in
engaging with services and activities that promote
Contact Teresa Buckland on 020 7033 8587.
improved health and wellbeing.
e: teresa@shoreditchtrust.org.uk
The project draws on the knowledge and
Projects for men experience that older men have of accessing
Action on Hearing Loss (with deafPLUS) services and activities on offer and facilitates their
Working with men over the age of 50 who have support of other men.
confirmed or unidentified hearing loss. They Contact Stephen Gardner on 0330 380 1013.
provide access to one-to-one and community e: stephen.gardner@mrsindependentliving.org
16 | Spring 2019Projects for older people who want to of older people that might be experiencing social
learn or brush up on digital skills isolation. The group meets once a week and an
opportunity to meet, sing and socialise with
Groundwork London new friends.
“Silver Connections – Making the Most of your Contact Core Clapton on 0300 561 0161.
Mobile” is a programme of six weekly sessions
designed to increase the confidence of people The Building Exploratory
aged 60+ to use their smartphones to access Open Doors in Hackney is a programme of social
information. This is centred on researching, activities, which brings older people together in
planning and then going on an outing community spaces to investigate their local area/
in Hackney. built environment. It delivers enjoyable social
Contact Sarah on 0208 5105 419. sessions in the King’s Park and Hackney Wick
e: silverconnections@groundwork.org.uk neighbourhoods, including activities in and around
the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park where its
MRS Independent Living heritage and history is explored.
Running a project which supports older people Contact The Building Exploratory on 020 7608 0775.
to gain or improve their digital knowhow
and confidence to find information about Immediate Theatre
services, support and leisure activities online. Theatre Exchange is a year-round programme of
It delivers one-to-one and small group theatre workshops and performances for older
support and opportunities for older people to people. It delivers three eight-week programmes
connect socially. in community settings offering a range of theatre-
making skills, singing, story sharing, prop-making,
Contact MRS Independent Living on
as well as acting/performing. It also explores
0330 380 1013.
different ways to bring together older and
Newham New Deal Partnership younger generations.
The @online Network helps build older people’s Contact Immediate Theatre on 020 7682 3031.
confidence to get online. It provides six to eight
programmes of practical activities based on Duckie Ltd.
members’ interests at venues around Hackney, The Posh Club (TPC) is a weekly social and
as well as follow on support via e-newsletters, entertainment club produced by the arts and
telephone advice and drop-in. events company Duckie Ltd. for adults over 60.
Contact Newham New Deal Partnership on These are glamorous events held in the heart
020 7366 6343. of the community and emphasise dressing
e: onlinehackney@newhamndp.co.uk up, live entertainment, social connectivity and
intergenerational volunteering. Come and feel
Projects putting on community activities alive, connected and joyful – and enjoy a taste of
for all older people the high life!
Friends of Woodberry Down (FOWD) Contact Tracey Smith at The Posh Club in Hackney
The FOWD Community Project is delivering a on 07938 985 644.
series of weekly community events aimed at older Mind in the City, Hackney & Waltham Forest
people. It will allow older and younger people to Silver Saturdays is a social club, bringing older
come together, share food and enjoy a programme people together for fun and creative activities
of activities at the various community venues in at the Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham
their local area. Forest Wellbeing Centre on the first Saturday of
Contact Amanda Inniss on each month.
0787 634 5457 / 0785 232 8993. The programme is run in partnership with Hoxton
Core Clapton Health, Hanover Housing Association and Hackney
Social Singing is a singing group for people of all Caribbean Elderly Organisation.
ages with a special focus on the social inclusion Contact Mind CHWF on 020 8985 4239.
Hackney Senior | 17What’s on in Hackney for over 50s?
Activities and events are free unless otherwise stated. Listings are correct at the time of going to
press. Many groups have more activities than we can list so call them for more info.
Thursday morning, Indian Head Call 0300 5610 161 or email
Better Club dementia friendly
Massage: Thursday morning. info@coreclapton.org
sessions
£18 per session when you book Suggested donation from £2.
Line Dancing saying you’ve seen this listed in
Wednesdays 10am -11am Hackney Senior. Core Clapton Osteopathy
Table Tennis Treatments
Fridays 2 pm - 4pm Community Coordinators Walk Low-cost, high-quality treatment
Low to moderate intensity walk for aches and pains. Call 0300
King’s Hall Leisure Centre, E5 0N
through Victoria park. Open 5610 161 or e: info@coreclapton.
t: 020 8985 2158 or
to all ages from 18 upwards. org for details and to book.
e: josephine.cox@gll.org
Wheelchair accessible. Concession rate £15 for a
Silver Connections mobile Every Thursday at 2pm 30-45 minute session.
phone courses for over 60’s
Contact Teresa 020 7033 8587 Made In Hackney
Covering phone basics to make /07584 598 086 or e: teresa@
your life easier. Class – One Pot wonders
shoreditchtrust.org.uk
Booking: Sarah Warmant on 30th June 12:30pm - 3:00pm
0208 510 5419 or e: silver Gentle Yoga every Wednesday You will learn with nutritionist
connections@groundwork.org.uk Intended for older adults, these Deepa how to cook tasty dishes
classes offer Kundalini Yoga at a packed with healthy grains and
@online club network iPad gentle pace – suitable to practice pulses without the need of fancy
course while sitting on a chair or on equipment. Just a hob will do!
Six-week programme for the floor.
To book: call us on
Hackney residents over 60 who Wednesdays, 10:30-11:45am t: 0208 442 4266 or
want to learn iPad skills.
JOY Yoga, 27D Dalston Lane, e: info@madeinhackney.org
t: 020 7366 6343 Dalston, London E8 3DF (Suggested minimum donation
e: onlinehackney@newhamndp.
Pay what you can afford. £5 per class but no one turned
co.uk
There is no minimum. away due to lack of funds).
Hoxton Health exercise classes t: 0207 812 9836 Venue Address:
Fun, social exercise classes. Made In Hackney, Food For All
£2 charge per class, unless Core Clapton Wellness Classes Basement, 3 Cazenove Road,
otherwise stated. t: 020 7739 Women’s Mindful Movement London N16 6PA
2533 for details or just turn up. A gentle movement and
stretching class. Shoreditch Trust Stroke Project
Line Dancing
Wednesday 11am – 12pm. One-to-one and group support
Wednesdays 1pm - 2pm
Regent Estate Pensioners’ Hall, for stroke survivors and their
Tai Chi for Mobility family & stroke awareness
Brougham Road E8 4PD. Boost your energy, mobilise
Fully accessible. sessions for the general public
your joints. including blood pressure checks
Chair-based exercise Thursday 11am – 12pm.
Wednesdays 10am - 11am Monday to Friday, various times;
Arden Estate Community Hall, Social Singing or drop-in, 9:30am to 12:30am at
Regan Way, N1 6PH. Sing together. No experience the Healthy Living Centre,
Fully accessible. Free of charge required – just let yourself join in! 170 Pitfield street, N1 6JP
Friday 11am - 12pm. Call 02070338526 / 07436790140
All of May
At Core Clapton, 161 Northwold (call or text) or
Shiatsu Massage: Mondays,
Homeopathy: Wednesday Road, E5 8RL. Accessible venue e: strokeproject@shoreditchtrust.
afternoon, Reflexology: with ramp and lift. org.uk
18 | Spring 2019Is it lunch
yet?
Hackney’s lunch clubs provide healthy and nutritious meals for just a small fee. They
also run social activities such as playing cards, mahjong and dominoes as well as
local outings and summer day trips. Please phone to check details.
Lunch Up Hackney Caribbean Elderly Halkevi Turkish and Kurdish
Redmond Community Centre, Organisation Community Centre
Kayani Avenue, Woodberry 39 Leswin Road, Stoke 31-33 Dalston Lane, E8 3DF
Down N4 2HF Newington, N16 7NX Tuesdays
Tuesdays, 12 noon – 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday Phone Yashar Ismailoglu on
Phone Lydia on 07804 693461 Phone Hazel McKenzie on 020 7249 6980
e: lunchup347@gmail.com 020 7923 3536
Hackney Cypriot Association
Nightingale Lunch Club Chatsworth Road Lunch Club
19 Olympus Way, Nightingale 5 Balls Pond Road, N1 4AX
Clapton Park Methodist Church, Open three days a week
Estate, E5 8ND
99 Chatsworth Road, E5 0LH
Lunch is served five days a week, Phone Cemile Göksan on
Lunch club run by and for local 020 7254 7920
Monday to Friday at 12pm
African Caribbean people
Phone Alice Burke on An Viet Foundation
Thursdays, 11.30am – 3.30pm
020 8985 1309 12-14 Englefield Road, N1 4LS
Email Velma Bramble at
Holly Street Lunch Club Chatslunchclub@yahoo.co.uk Vietnamese community lunch
331 Queensbridge Road, E8 3LA club.
North London Muslim
Monday, Wednesday, Friday Mondays, Tuesdays and
Community Centre (NLMCC)
t: 020 7923 1282 Thursdays
66-68 Cazenove Road, N16 6AA
Salvation Army Hoxton t: 020 7275 7780
Men: Wednesday 6.30pm,
66 New North Road, N1 6TG women: Sundays 5pm Salvation Army Cambridge
Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Phone Hashim Rawaf on Heath
Thursdays 9:30am - 3:00pm. 020 8806 1147 extension 6 70 Mare Street, E8 4RT
Phone Sally Spry 020 7739 3313 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Hackney Chinese Community
Phone Dawn Johnson on
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia Services
020 8985 4410
(VLC) Centre 28-32 Ellingfort Road, E8 3PA
151 Whiston Road, E2 8BN Monday, Tuesday, Friday
Tuesday and Thursday Phone Yvonne Tse on 020 8533
Phone Pierre on 020 7739 3650 5066 or 020 8986 6171Advertise with us – With a print run of 3,500 we can help you reach
local residents. e: matt@connecthackney.org.uk
The Silver Line NHS 111
Need help? If you’re worried about an
Call ANYTIME on:
0800 470 80 90 urgent medical concern,
call 111
“It’s so comforting to know you
can phone and talk to somebody.” NHS 111 is staffed 24 hours a day,
7 days a week by a team of fully
Helpline for older people
providing free confidential trained advisers.
information, friendship and If you have difficulties communicating
advice. Open 24 hours a day, or hearing, you can use the NHS 111
every day of the year. service through a textphone by calling
Charity no: 1147330 (founded by 18001 111. For less urgent health needs,
Esther Rantzen DBE). contact your GP or local pharmacist.
Community Library Service Classic Matinee
Any resident can use the community library service on screenings at Rio
a temporary or long-term basis. The community library Cinema
delivers books monthly, to people in their own homes,
sheltered blocks and nursing homes and provides Classic matinees are held once a month
deposit loan collections to groups such as day centres. on Wednesday afternoons at 2.30pm.
Screening Hollywood classics and
The main criteria is that you cannot access a library recent films. Tickets are just £2 for the
because of an accident, illness, frailty, disability or over 60s whilst care home residents,
because you are a carer. The service is free and books are
people with dementia and carers go
delivered monthly.
free. Free tea, coffee and biscuits.
Address: c/o Stoke Newington Library, Stoke Newington
Rio Cinema, 107 Kingsland High Street,
Church Street N16 0JS. t: 020 8356 5238
E8 2PB. t: 020 7241 9410
Hackney: Walking Together
There are a number of walking Timetable: Thursday 12-12.30
groups in Hackney which offer Tuesday 1-2pm Hackney Downs Park
a great chance to exercise and Clissold Park – meet outside 30 mins – Slow Paced Walk
socialise. There are weekly Clissold House – 60 mins
walks around Clissold Park and Get in touch: Surbjit Mahey on
London Fields and a weekly Wednesday 12.15-1pm
meet at London Fields Gates 07891 498150 or 020 8356 7549
slow-paced walk around e: surbjit.mahey@hackney.
Hackney Downs. There is also a (park entrance) – 45 mins
gov.uk
monthly themed walk.
CONNECT
HACKNEY
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