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Newsletter 22nd May

Hi from the Jubilee.

We hope you and your loved ones are safe and well.

Be kind to yourself

The coronavirus pandemic is affecting the way many of us live our lives, and it's normal that this will affect people's mental health.

As it is mental health awareness week, I wanted to let you know about some of the Greater Manchester services that are available.

Living Life To The Full. This free service delivers online courses for people affected by low mood, anxiety or depression. This is one of the world’s most used wellbeing support packages. For more information go to https://hub.gmhsc.org.uk/mental-health/living-life-to-the-full/

The Silver Cloud digital mental health platform aims to provide extra support and help for those who may be feeling stressed and anxious during the COVID-19 outbreak. Silver Cloud offers a number of online programmes to help ease stress levels, improve sleep or build resilience. Each programme uses proven methods, including cognitive behavioural therapy, and all information entered is anonymous, confidential and secure. For more information, go to https://www.gmhsc.org.uk/news/silvercloud/

Shout: a 24/7 free crisis text messaging service

Shout allows people to simply and discreetly communicate with trained crisis volunteers by text message. After texting, a crisis volunteer will reply. The volunteer will offer support and respond to questions until the person using the service, feels in a safe calm place.

Shout, can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, simply by texting ‘SHOUT’ to 85258. More information at https://www.gmhsc.org.uk/news/new-service-to-provide-mental-health-support-by-text/

Our friends at Bury Samaritans are always available to talk by phone. Call free 116 123 free from any phone, anytime of the day or night.

Most of all, be kind to yourself at this difficult time.

TV Licences for people over 75

We have had reports that people, aged 75 and over, have been receiving final warning notices, written in great big red letters, that they need to pay for their TV licence.

The BBC has decided that, because of coronavirus and the challenges to the UK, changes to over 75 licences won’t now happen until 1 August 2020. Your current free licence will remain valid until then.

If you feel it’s time for the Government to step in and the BBC to step up to save free TV licences for over 75s, click onto https://www.ageuk.org.uk/our-impact/campaigning/save-free-tv-for-older-people/ and join Age UK’s campaign.

The Show must go on!

As going to the theatre or out to see a musical is impossible, online alternatives have become available.

The National Theatre is streaming “A Streetcar Named Desire” with Gillian Anderson, starting yesterday and this is available for a week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BJEpYaD3yTw

The Shows Must Go On is a You Tube channel bringing you showtunes, backstage access and full performances from some of the best loved musicals in history! The Sound of Music will go live on YouTube on Friday 22nd May at 7pm BST and will be available to watch for free for 48 hours, before being taken down. Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5AtR2jJjTs

Keeping Fit at home

Age UK has produced a two page list of resources to help you stay fit at home which is at this link.

Suspicious emails

Phishing is when criminals try to convince you to click on links within a scam email or text message, or to give sensitive information away (such as bank details). Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.

Given the current coronavirus (COVID-19) situation, cyber criminals are sending emails that claim to have a 'cure' for the virus, offer a financial reward, or encourage you to donate to a cause. Like many phishing scams, these emails are preying on real-world concerns to try and trick you into clicking.

For more information go to https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/suspicious-email-actions

You can send any suspicious phishing emails to report@phishing.gov.uk for investigation.

Clarence Park Lido

We are seeing more people talking a walk around the Lido and enjoying the sun, when it appears. The area feels safe, with people giving each other space and respecting the two metre distance.

A lovely project has been set up called the Lido Rock Snake. The idea is to add a painted stone to others to create a snake around the Lido. Get the paint pots out and join in the fun.

Jane’s Challenge

Jane, our Befriending Co-ordinator, has set this mind-boggling question. There are no prizes for coming up with the right answer, other than the glory of knowing that you are very clever indeed. The answers will be in next week’s newsletter.

If you wrote out all the world’s countries in capital letters, there are only 5 countries that wouldn’t contain a single letter with a hole you could colour in. (For example in ENGLAND, you could colour in the holes in the A and the D). What are the 5 countries?

Next week, we will have a quiz for you.

Make to your own face mask

Facemasks will be the new fashion and it is relatively easy to make your own facemask.  There is a wide variety of videos on You Tube with simple instructions on how to make facemasks, some examples below.  For those of you that don’t sew, there are videos on how to make ‘no-sew’ masks from recycled t-shirts.  

Tai Chi classes online

Sue is now holding a Tai Chi class online on Fridays at 11.00 am. This class is aimed at those who attend the 12.15 Tuesday class and 11.00 Friday class at the Jubilee. (We are planning a class for beginners soon). The first one took place today and it was great to see our friends.

You will need the free Zoom app on your ipad, iphone or any android device. Please download this beforehand and create a free account for yourself. If you have problems with setting up Zoom, call us in the office and we will put you in touch with our local IT wizard!

Then send an email to taichi.college@yahoo.co.uk or message Sue via Facebook at m.me/taichiandwildgooseqigongbury for the access code.

This is a free class, but donations will be gratefully received.

…and finally the essential stuff

  • For help with getting food deliveries and prescriptions, please phone Bury Community Hubs on 0161 253 53 53, every day of the week.
  • Our Keeping in Touch telephone service supports older people in Bury. If you need this service, or would like us to call a family member or friend, call 0161 763 9030 Monday to Friday 10.00a.m to 2.00 pm or email admin@ageukbury.org.uk to sign up. Alternatively, call Jane Lees, our Befriending Coordinator on 0757 095 1979.
  • The Age UK Advice Line is 0800 678 1602 from 8 am to 7 pm, every day of the year.
  • If you would just like to have a friendly natter with another person, please call The Silver Line 24 hours a day on 0800 470 80 90.
  • We are back in the office on Tuesday (we are off on Bank holiday Monday!) and our phone lines will be open from 10.00 to 2.00. Call us on 0161 763 9030.

Keep Strong, Stay Safe and Eat Plenty of Cake!

Andy and all at Age UK Bury