Where can I find out about...?

Transcription

1 Where can I find out about...? Activities, Services & Facilities for the Older Residents of Richmond upon Thames The Consortium is funded by

2 Contents Social Clubs and Friendship Groups 3 Meet new friends, take part in activities and outings Voluntary Care Groups 15 Practical help, especially with shopping and transport Transport and Getting Around 18 Transport options and discount schemes Counselling, Advocacy and Advice 22 General advice on many of life s everyday problems Patient Support Groups 26 Advice and support on medical and emotional problems Hospitals, Health and Fitness 35 Local hospitals, NHS services and concessions, health and fitness facilities Leisure and Learning 41 Classes and groups, talking books and newspapers, libraries, cinemas and theatres Respite Care and Services for Carers 46 Support for carers and finding respite care Equipment, Mobility and Appliances 48 Where to get wheelchairs and aids that make life easier Housing and Home 50 Advice about accommodation and remaining at home Getting Help with Shopping and Food 53 Practical help to make things easier for you Benefits and Grants 54 A brief summary of finding out what is available Social Services 59 Your first contact for benefits and care Index 60 A Word on Volunteering 64

3 Introduction This directory gives information about the activities, services and facilities available to the older residents of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It is intended to be useful not only to older people, but also to their families, carers and friends and to healthcare and welfare professionals. It is easy for older people to become lonely and isolated, yet there are many clubs, societies and groups that are always ready to give a warm welcome to new members. The directory is especially concerned with helping older people to find out what activities are available, getting out and having fun. The contents opposite show a number of sections, each dealing with a separate topic. At the back of the directory is an index of all the organisations that feature in the directory. This directory does not aim to provide all the answers but it does aim to set you off in the right direction! The Consortium website is continually updated with details of the activities of Consortium members and provides information and contacts for other organisations and activities that are relevant to older people. These include leisure and learning opportunities, friendship clubs, advice and counselling services, transport options, independent living at home and more. We have tried to ensure that the entries for the organisations in this directory and on our website are up to date and that they offer a fair and reputable service, but we cannot accept any responsibility for their accuracy or content. However, please do contact us with any comments or corrections and we will amend our records. 1

4 The Richmond Community Support Services Consortium The Richmond Consortium explores the services and activities available for the older residents of the Borough of Richmond upon Thames and forges links between them and the people who can benefit from them. The members represented by The Consortium are all independent charitable organisations that run Social Clubs, Voluntary Care Groups and a day respite care centre. Each one is managed by its own Board of Trustees. The Consortium also aims to encourage closer relationships between voluntary groups, Richmond Council and healthcare and welfare professionals and participates on several Boards, Committees and Working Groups where it strives to achieve recognition, understanding and solutions to some of the problems faced by its own members and the older community at large. Richmond Community Support Services Consortium, c/o Elleray Hall, Elleray Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 0HG. Telephone: info@richmondconsortium.org.uk All illustrations have been produced by members of the Art Groups at Social Clubs within the Borough. 2

5 Social Clubs and Friendship Groups Richmond Consortium and Age Concern Social Clubs and Social Centres If you d like to meet new friends and have a little extra fun, why don t you call in to one of the Borough s social clubs or centres for older people? They will all give you a free trial membership and with full memberships costing less than 50p a week, they are one of the best bargains in the Borough! If you need someone to help you, carers are very welcome. Members of the RCSSC and Age Concern Richmond upon Thames manage a number of Social Clubs and Centres for older people. Each one has a warm comfortable area where members can sit and chat over a tea or coffee, read the papers or simply relax. They also host a wide range of activities and organise holidays and days out. The activities vary but include: Health and Fitness Classes Massage & Reflexology Bingo and Hoy Music and Singing Dancing Yoga, Tai Chi & Pilates Bridge & Other Games Indoor Bowls and Skittles Art, Painting & Drawing Quizzes, Talks & Discussions The clubs and centres also serve a nourishing home cooked lunch or snacks and provide hairdressing, both at a very reasonable cost. Details of these and other clubs in the Borough are overleaf. 3

6 BARNES Barnes Green Centre The Green, Church Road, Barnes SW13 9HE. Telephone: Website: Open Monday Friday from 9.00 am 5.00 pm. HAMPTON Linden Hall Social Club Linden Road, Hampton TW12 2JG. Telephone: Website: details can be seen at Open Monday Friday from 9.30 am 3.30 pm. Member of KEW The Avenue Club St Luke s in The Avenue, The Avenue, Kew TW9 2AJ. Telephone: Website: avenueclub@kewcommunitytrust.org.uk Open Monday Friday from 9.00 am 3.00 pm. Member of RICHMOND Meadows Hall Social Centre Church Road, Richmond TW10 6LN. Telephone: Website: lorraineb@acrut.org.uk Open Monday Friday from 9.00 am 5.00 pm. 4

7 SHEEN Sheen Lane Day Group This group meets at set times to take part in a variety of activities. Call for an up to date timetable. Sheen Lane Centre, 74 Sheen Lane, London SW14 8LP. Telephone: Member of TEDDINGTON Elleray Hall Social Club Elleray Road, Teddington TW11 0HG. Telephone: Website: ellerayhall@btinternet.com Open Monday Friday from 9.30 am 4.00 pm. Member of WHITTON Whitton Social Centre 111a Kneller Road, Whitton TW2 7DT. Telephone: Website: annl@acrut.org.uk. Open Tuesday and Friday from 9.30 am 4.00 pm. Minority Ethnic Elders Group 111a Kneller Road, Whitton TW2 7DT. Telephone: Website: surinder@emaguk.net Open Monday and Thursday from am 1.00 pm. Member of 5

8 Other Social Clubs and Friendship Groups The following pages list many other clubs for older people including those with learning difficulties or mental health needs. Many churches also organize meetings and social events for older people. For details, contact the churches directly. HAM Ham Friends Club (Run by RBMIND) The Little House, Ham Close, Ham TW10 7NU. This is an open access Drop in Centre for people with mental health support needs. Activities include computers and internet access, outings, pool, good food, art and one to one support. Wheelchair access. Telephone: Website: Open Monday and Friday, 12 noon 5.00 pm. HAMPTON HILL The Greenwood Centre School Road, Hampton Hill, TW12 1QL. Telephone: Many local groups hold a variety of social, recreational and educational activities at The Greenwood Centre. The Centre is fully accessible and is open seven days a week from 9.00 am until pm. Office hours are from 9.30 am 4.30 pm. For further details, call the Centre or go to the website. The Greenwood Centre is also home to Hampton Hill Nursery School, Art Richmond and is the administrative base for Hampton and Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Group s community transport and neighbourhood care projects. 6

9 White House Community Association of Hampton Hill 45 The Avenue, Hampton TW12 3RN. Telephone: between am and 1.00 pm. online.co.uk/wh.html The White House is a venue for many social and leisure activities: art, badminton, ballroom dancing, bingo, bridge, drama, embroidery, barbershop singing, karate and more. Lunch is served every weekday and there are discounts for pensioners. Contact the centre for full details of opening times and events. Wheelchair access. HAMPTON WICK & TEDDINGTON Hampton Wick and Teddington Old Peoples Welfare Bullen Hall, Bennett Close, Hampton Wick KT1 4AT. Telephone: A place for older people to meet friends, enjoy themselves, attend special events and go on outings on some Saturdays. Wheelchair access. Open on Wednesdays from 2.00 pm 4.00 pm. RICHMOND Cambrian Community Centre Caplan Court, 1 Grove Road, Richmond TW10 6SN. Telephone: A wide range of cultural, educational, recreational and social activities for all ages. Dolphin Island c/o RCVS, 1 Princes Street, Richmond TW9 1ED. Telephone: Call for details and times of events. A club providing social life and opportunities for people aged between 20 and 59 who find that their age, career, personality, nationality, physical or mental health limits their social life and who need a club that is sensitive to their needs. 7

10 Vineyard Project (Run by RBMIND) Congregational Church Crypt, The Vineyard, Richmond TW10 6AQ. Telephone: Drop in centre providing a variety of therapies and activities as well as advice on housing, homelessness, substance misuse and mental health issues. A hot meal is served on Wednesday evenings and snacks are available at other times. No wheelchair access. Open Monday Friday mornings and afternoons. Opening times vary, so please call for details. Richmond Synagogue Day Centre Richmond Synagogue, Lichfield Gardens, Richmond TW9 1AP. Telephone: Day centre for Jewish people over 60 years of age. Tea and coffee and a three course lunch. Discussion and debate, musical entertainment and talks. Wheelchair access. Open Thursdays am 3.30 pm. TWICKENHAM Centre 32 (Run by RBMIND) 32 Hampton Rd, Twickenham TW2 5QB. Telephone: Open access drop in service for people with mental health support needs. Provides one to one support, recreational activities, art, counselling, therapies, trips, affordable food, creative and discussion groups. Wheelchair access. Open Monday Saturday but not Wednesdays. Call for opening hours. 8

11 Crane Community Centre The Meadway, Twickenham TW2 6PY. Telephone: A centre for the local community including bingo nights, yoga classes and lunches. Open seven days a week. Etna Community Centre 13 Rosslyn Rd, Twickenham TW1 2AR. Telephone: A Community Centre for residents of East Twickenham and St Margarets. Wheelchair access. Open Mon Fri, 10am 12 noon. All Hallows Twickenham Monday Ladies Group The Long Room, All Hallows, Erncroft Way, Twickenham: TW1 1DA. Telephone Ladies of all ages meet for audio visual presentations and speakers on many subjects. Meetings are held on alternate Mondays at 8.00 pm excluding August and December. WHITTON Whitton Community Resource Centre 1 Britannia Lane, Whitton TW2 7JX. Telephone: Day centre providing educational and leisure activities for people with learning difficulties. Open Mondays 9.00 am 5.00 pm, Tuesdays am 4.00 pm, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9.00 am 4.00 pm. 9

12 Whitton Community Association Percy Road, Whitton TW2 6JL. Telephone: Social community activities including bingo, bridge, dress making, floral art, dancing, ballroom dancing and whist. There are also several exercise groups, music and movement classes and the last Friday of the month is a Sixty Plus night. Open daily 9.00 am pm. Wheelchair access. Age Concern Whitton Rest Room The Rest Room, Next to Whitton Library, 2 Library Way, Whitton TW2 7BB. Telephone: Provides help for older people in Whitton, including running a rest room which provides tea etc for retired people over 50. Summer coach trips, parties. Bingo on Wednesday afternoons. Wheelchair access. Opening hours: Monday Friday, am 12 noon. Whitton In addition, many church halls throughout the Borough are venues for various meetings and activities. Details are usually displayed on the church notice board. 10

13 Friendship Groups Civil Service Pensioners Alliance: Twickenham & District St Margarets Church Hall, 130 St Margarets Road, St Margarets, Twickenham TW1 1RL. Telephone: Represents pensioners' interests to Government and arranges outings, social activities and speakers on topical subjects. Meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1.45 pm 3.45 pm. Wheelchair access. Civil Service Retirement Alliance: Richmond Kew Scouts HQ, Station Ave, Kew Gardens, Kew TW9 3QA. Telephone: Provides opportunities for retired civil servants, their friends and relations (including their widows and widowers) to meet and enjoy lectures and outings. Meetings are held on the last Thursday of the month at 2.00pm. Wheelchair access. Civil Service Retirement Fellowship: Telephone for details. Organises visits, social functions, outings and lunches. CLAN Activities at various venues. social group.fsnet.co.uk Telephone: Social club for unattached people from 40 years to over 60. Wheelchair access. 11

14 Get Involved (Richmond Housing Partnership) Various venues. Telephone www rhp.org.uk This programme includes a very wide range of one day events and short courses which give people over 55 the opportunity to try out new activities and make new friends. Activities are taught by professional tutors, with the emphasis on fun. Among the activities are: Knit and natter Ceramic painting Poetry writing Card making Short story writing Mosaic making Bingo Exercise & relaxation Cake decorating Painting Music therapy Drawing Coffee mornings Computer classes... and lots more! You do not need to live in a Richmond Housing Partnership property to take part in 'Get Involved' but you do need to reserve a place at any classes you would like to attend. For the latest programme of events, contact Tracey Elliott at RHP on Probus Club Lunchtime get togethers for retired professional and business men and women. Also outings and other events throughout the year. Wheelchair access. Meetings are held monthly. Probus Club Teddington & Hampton meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Fulwell Golf Club, Wellington Rd, Hampton Hill, TW12 1JY. Telephone: Probus Club Twickenham meets on the second Tuesday of each month also at Fulwell Golf Club. Telephone: Probus Club Barnes & Mortlake meets on the first Wednesday of each month at Templeton House, Priory Lane, East Sheen. Telephone: Probus Club Richmond meets on the third Wednesday of each month at Richmond Golf Club, Sudbrook Lane, Petersham. Telephone:

15 Richmond Friendship Centre Holy Trinity Church Centre, Sheen Park, Richmond TW9 1UP Telephone: A centre for the over 50s providing social activities, talks, outings, lunches, rambles, swimming and meetings. The group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 2.00 pm. Richmond Retired Teachers' Fellowship St Mary s Church Hall, Church Street, Twickenham TW1 3NJ. Telephone: The Fellowship meets on the second Tuesday of the month from September to November and from January to March. Outings are arranged during April through to July. All people connected with the educational sphere are welcome. Salvation Army Ladies Meeting Salvation Army Hall, 27 Church Road, Teddington TW11 8PF. Tel: Ladies meeting each Wednesday at 2.00 pm. Wheelchair access. St Stephens Church Lunch Club Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2PD. Telephone: stephens.org.uk A older peoples club meeting on the first and third Mondays of each month. Transport can be provided. Teddington Group Various venues. Tel: The group organises up to ten social activities a month for single people aged over 45. Wheelchair access at most venues. Teddington Women's Lunch Club The Lion (Stable Room) 27 Wick Road, Teddington TW11 9DN. Telephone: The club meets on the second Wednesday of each month (not July) for lunch and to listen to speakers on a variety of topics. Wheelchair access. 13

16 Twickenham Green Baptist Church Group The Green, Twickenham TW2 5TU. Telephone: A small fellowship group with a big welcome to Monday afternoon fellowship and a lunch club for the elderly. Twickenham Group Various venues. Telephone: A social activity group for single people aged between 40 and 60. Activities include walks, games evenings, meals out, pub evenings and theatre trips. Most venues have wheelchair access. Vineyard Lunches Various venues. For further information, please telephone Almost every Sunday, a Vineyard Lunch is held at a church in the Borough of Richmond upon Thames. These lunches are primarily for local homeless and vulnerable people, all of whom are welcome. The full programme of dates can be seen at 14

17 Voluntary Care Groups The Borough's Voluntary Care Groups are there to provide practical help to elderly people who are unable to get help from family, friends or neighbours. This help includes door to door transport to GP surgeries, clinics and hospitals, prescription collection, transport to local shops or even doing the shopping. Some groups can also help with everyday household tasks such as putting up shelves or handrails, light gardening and changing fuses in electric plugs etc. The groups do not however undertake housework or cleaning. (See also in the House and Home section) The groups all operate in specific parts of the Borough. Voluntary Care Groups always need volunteer drivers and helpers as well as people to take part in befriending an activity in which The Consortium and its members are becoming increasingly involved. This involves specially trained volunteers visiting people, usually in their homes, to provide company or to help resolve a variety of problems or issues If you have a few hours to spare, do get in touch with one of these groups. Barnes, Mortlake and East Sheen Scheme FiSH Helpline (9.00 am 12 noon on weekdays): FiSH Busline: Office Telephone: Ham and Petersham SOS Scheme Telephone: Telephone staffed Monday Friday, am 12 noon. (answerphone at other times). Member of Member of 15

18 Hampton and Hampton Hill Voluntary Care Group Telephone: The office hours are 9.30 am 4.30 pm Monday to Friday. The Greenwood Centre, where the Group is based, is open from 9.00 am pm every day. Member of Kew Neighbourhood Association Telephone: Open Monday to Friday, am 12 noon. Member of Richmond Good Neighbours Telephone: Open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am 12 noon. Answerphone at other times. Teddington and Hampton Wick Voluntary Care Group Open Monday to Friday, am. Telephone: Twickenham Help a Neighbour In Distress Scheme (HANDS) Telephone: Open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am pm. Whitton Network Telephone: Monday to Friday, 9.30 am 12 noon. whittonnetwork@btconnect.com Member of Member of Member of 16

19 Contact the Elderly the elderly.org Telephone: Aims to alleviate the acute loneliness often felt by elderly, frail and housebound people who do not have many friends or family living nearby. Hampton Hill Old People's Welfare Greenwood Centre, School Road, Hampton Hill TW12 1QL. Telephone: or Support and friendship for older people in Hampton Hill. Hampton St Raphael Club All Saints Church Hall, The Avenue, Hampton TW12 3RN. Telephone: Gives help to disabled or housebound people in Hampton and Hampton Hill and organizes outings, day trips and summer holidays. Meetings are usually held from pm on the second Wednesday of the month. 17

20 Transport and Getting Around The Borough has a number of schemes and services designed to help you get around. In addition, a number of national organisations run schemes giving good discounts to older people. These schemes are administered by The Accessible Transport Unit. The Accessible Transport Unit (ATU) c/o Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 8HT. Telephone: / 6191 / The ATU administers the following schemes for older people and people with disabilities. Contact them for full details. The Freedom Pass / Travel Permit (administered by ATU) Residents of the Borough with restricted mobility and every permanent resident aged over 60 is entitled to a Freedom Pass. This gives free travel on London buses, tubes and trains as well as half price travel on national coach services and local river services. Call The Super Shopper Bus (administered by ATU) This collects people from their homes and takes them to a supermarket. The bus runs every two weeks and takes people to Tesco in Isleworth or Sainsbury's in North Sheen. If you are unable to use public transport while carrying shopping and have no private transport available, you may qualify for this free service. Call London Taxicard Scheme (administered by ATU) This allows people with long term or permanent disability to travel in licensed black cabs at a reduced fare. Call for details. 18

21 Richmond Taxi Voucher Scheme (administered by ATU) People with mobility difficulties can apply for vouchers which may be used to pay for journeys with nominated taxi and minicab companies. This scheme is sometimes available for people with temporary mobility problems. Call for details. Blue Badge Scheme (administered by ATU) These enable people with permanent severe walking difficulties to park free at meters and in designated areas and give limited ability to park on yellow lines. Call for details. Dial a Ride Telephone: or a ride This is run by Transport for London and the distinctive red minibuses can accommodate wheelchairs. You need to be a member of Dial a Ride to use the service and trips must be booked in advance. For details telephone The Dial a Ride Travel Assistance Scheme gives disabled Londoners advice on planning a journey and can help them gain the confidence to make more use of public transport by providing someone to accompany them the first few times they use a low floor bus, accessible tube route or overground train service. Transport to Social Clubs, Hospitals and Shopping etc Your General Practitioner may be able to arrange transport to and from hospital appointments. The Social Clubs can sometimes provide transport to and from your home. Contact the Club Managers for details see page 3. There are a number of local Voluntary Care Groups that provide transport for shopping trips, dental and medical appointments. For details, see page

22 Senior Coach and Rail Cards Senior Railcard Telephone: railcard.co.uk If you are aged over 60 you can save a third on most rail fares in the UK. You can collect an application form from railway stations or apply online. You will need to supply a document proving your age such as a passport, NHS card or birth certificate. Senior Discount Coach Card Call National Express on This card gives reductions of up to 30% on standard fares and is available to people aged over 50. Disabled Persons Railcard Telephone: railcard.co.uk If you have a disability you may be able to buy a Disabled Persons Railcard. This generally gives you a 33% discount on many rail fares and one adult may accompany you at the same discounted price. To apply for a Disabled Persons Railcard, you need to complete the application form in the booklet Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers (available from stations) or on the website. 20

23 Rail Cards These are available to everybody. They give a discount on national rail fares. They are available from railway station ticket offices.... and when you are out and about... Disabled Persons Toilet Keys An accessible toilet key is available for disabled people. Send a cheque for 3.50 together with a note to say the key is for the use of a disabled person. Contact RADAR, 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, EC1V 8AF. Telephone:

24 Advocacy, Counselling and Advice If you are asked to go to a meeting, fill in forms or simply need advice or help with something, there are many advocacy services ready to help you. You will also find that council officers from the appropriate department can offer advice. Some of the Voluntary Care Groups, including Barnes, East Sheen and Mortlake FiSH, Hampton & Hampton Hill VCG and Kew Neighbourhood Association provide befriending services that aim to provide supportive, reliable relationships to help people to manage their everyday life (For details, see page 15). Age Concern Richmond upon Thames Meadows Hall, Church Road, Richmond, Surrey TW10 6LN. Telephone: Visit for details of all services. Age Concern First Contact Telephone: between 10.00am and noon. A telephone advice line offering advice and information on a variety of subjects including welfare benefits, care at home, residential care and local health services. Age Concern Advocacy Telephone: A one to one support service for anyone living in a residential or nursing home and for people in the community with memory loss. The service also supports and protects people suffering from or at risk of abuse. Age Concern Finance Support Project Telephone: Help for people whose finances are in a muddle, accessing cash for housebound people from banks and building societies and assisting the Council with the recovery of arrears in domiciliary or care home fees. Welfare Benefits Advice: see page 54. Age Concern also produce leaflets on many topics. 22

25 Help the Aged Pentonville Road, London N1 9UZ. Telephone: This national charity also publishes many leaflets on subjects ranging from benefits and pensions to housing and health. Help the Aged Senior Line: Make a free call to for impartial advice on welfare benefits, home and residential care, disability benefits, housing options and more. Several voluntary organisations operate advocacy services and these are listed below. For counselling relating to specific medical conditions and a listing of patient help and support groups, please see the section Support Groups on page 26. Advocacy Partners Heath Road, Twickenham TW1 4DU. Telephone: An advocacy service for adults with learning difficulties. Open by appointment. Community Legal Service Direct Legal help and information about benefits, debt, education and whether you qualify for Legal Aid. Telephone: Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group 111a Kneller Road, Twickenham TW2 7DT. Telephone: Advice and support for black and ethnic minority residents of all ages who face racial harassment, discrimination or other issues. Open Monday Friday 9.00 am 5.00 pm. Richmond Advocacy for Mental Health Telephone: Advocacy for people with mental health needs. Member of 23

26 Richmond Counselling and Psychotherapy Service Raleigh Road United Church, Raleigh Road, Richmond TW9 2DX. Telephone: One to one low cost counselling from volunteer counsellors and psychotherapists for those seeking support or advice. Richmond Forum for Older People 95 Wordsworth Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 1EP. Telephone: The local branch of a national campaigning group representing older people at a local and national level. Local meetings with speakers on specialist topics are held regularly and the group consults with local MPs and Councillors. Richmond Legal Advice Service 1st Floor, 1 Princes Street, Richmond TW9 1ED. Telephone: Provides initial legal advice on problems. The advice and assistance is provided free of charge by legally qualified volunteers. Open on Wednesday evenings at 8.00 pm. St Stephens Church Drop in Centre Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2PD. Telephone: stephens.org.uk Drop in centre for people with emotional, material or spiritual need. Open on Thursday evenings from 7.00 pm 9.00 pm. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association c/o RCVS, 1 Princes Street, Richmond TW9 1ED. Telephone: Richmond branch of the national charity helping serving and ex serving men and women in need including dependants, widows and widowers. One day's paid service in the forces is all that is required to be eligible for financial or material assistance. 24

27 Vineyard Project Advice project Richmond Royal Hospital, Richmond Healthcare Hamlet, Kew Foot Road, Richmond TW9 2TE. Telephone: A confidential short term (up to 16 weeks) counselling service aiming to provide help and support to people with mental health needs. Call to arrange an initial consultation. For further details of the many facilities and social activities provided by the Richmond Borough Association for Mental Health, please call Citizens Advice Bureaux Free, impartial and confidential advice and information on a number of topics including consumer complaints, eligibility for grants and benefits and housing. Details of opening times are shown in public libraries and at Ham Hampton Barnes Richmond Sheen Twickenham The Health Centre, Ashburnham Road, Ham TW10 7NS. Telephone: White House Community Centre, The Avenue, Hampton TW12 3RN. Telephone: Castlenau Youth Centre, Stillingford Road, London SW13 9AQ. Telephone: Linfield House, 26 Kew Road. Richmond TW9 2NA. Telephone: Sheen Lane Centre, Sheen Lane SW14 8LP. Telephone: Heath Road, Twickenham TW1 4AW. Telephone:

28 Support Groups These organisations may be able to help you with advice, information and support related to specific problems, circumstances or conditions. Abuse Domestic Violence and Abuse Abuse can take many forms and all of them are unacceptable. The commonest forms of abuse are physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, sexual abuse, racial abuse and psychological or emotional abuse often involving threats of harm or abandonment or blame and controlling behaviour. If you are subjected to abuse or suspect a vulnerable adult is being abused, the first priority is to ensure that the individual is safe. If immediate help is needed, dial 999 and ask for police. Then contact social services and speak to a duty social worker or care manager. Social Services: The Richmond Out of Hours Service can be contacted on Action will be taken to ensure the vulnerable adult is protected in the future. Where a criminal offence has been committed the police will be informed. 26

29 Useful contacts in cases of suspected abuse Richmond upon Thames Police Community Safety Unit Telephone: Social Services: Telephone: Outside office hours: Telephone: Action on Elder Abuse Telephone: Age Concern Richmond Advocacy for Elder Abuse Telephone: Help the Aged Telephone: Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group Telephone: National Care Standards Commission Telephone: This body is responsible for inspecting all residential and nursing homes in the borough. They have the power to investigate reported incidents of abuse. Richmond Advocacy Telephone: Advocacy Partners Telephone: Public Concern at Work Telephone: A legal advice organisation which can be contacted by those working with older people without breaching any terms of employment or duty of confidentiality. Addiction Addiction Support and Care Agency 23 Lower Mortlake Road, Richmond TW9 2LL. Telephone: Helps individuals, families and the community to prevent alcohol and drug misuse.

30 Alcoholics Anonymous There are numerous support groups active in the Richmond area. For a full list of meeting times and places, visit the website or telephone the central switchboard. Telephone: or anonymous.org.uk Back Pain Richmond Back Pain Group 137 Lyndhurst Avenue, Twickenham TW2 6BH. Telephone: Self help group for people of all ages with back pain. Runs hydrotherapy and Pilates sessions. Meetings are announced in a newsletter published 3 to 4 times each year. Back Care 16 Elmtree Road, Teddington, Middlesex TW11 8ST. Telephone: Helpline: Provides information and support to reduce the financial and social impact of back pain. Bereavement Cruse Bereavement Care c/o RCVS, 1 Princes Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1ED. Telephone: Cruse Bereavement Care exists to promote the well being of bereaved people and to enable anyone bereaved by death to understand their grief and cope with their loss. Cruse provides counselling, support advice and information. 28

31 Disability Richmond AID The Disability Action and Advice Centre (DAAC) 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT. Telephone: Richmond AID is a confidential advice and information service for disabled people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. The organisation helps those in the Richmond upon Thames area and offers advice on any aspects of disability including benefits, form filling, holidays, medical health and mobility. This is a unique service run by volunteers who are either disabled or have direct experience of disability. Opening Hours: Monday to Friday am 4.00 pm. Mental Health Mencap Richmond 342 Richmond Road, Twickenham TW1 2DU. Telephone: Supports, represents, campaigns and provides services for people with learning disabilities, including coffee mornings, holiday scheme, independent living scheme, social centre, residential holidays for adults, and other projects plus welfare support and information for service users and family carers. 29

32 Mind in Richmond: Counselling, Activities and Support Richmond Royal Hospital, Richmond Healthcare Hamlet, Kew Foot Road, Richmond TW9 2TE. Telephone: A confidential short term (up to 16 weeks) counselling service aiming to provide help and support to people with mental health needs. Call to arrange an initial consultation. The Tuesday Club is open on Tuesday evenings between 7.00 pm and 9.00 pm for activities and snacks and has computers with internet access. Telephone for details. For further details of the many facilities and social activities provided by the Richmond Borough Association for Mental Health, please call Other conditions including Stroke, Parkinson s Disease, Altzheimer s, Cancer, Diabetes and Pulmonary Disease Alzheimer s Society 88 Queens Road, Twickenham TW2 4ET. Telephone: This society provides information, advice and support to carers of people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Beating Bowel Cancer Various venues. Telephone: Support group for patients and their families. Breathe Easy 95 Wordsworth Road, Hampton TW12 1EP. Telephone: Informal social meetings on the last Wednesday of the month for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 30

33 British Heart Foundation You can contact the Twickenham branch of this national charity on or Head Office: Cancerlink (Richmond) 10 Broom Lock, Teddington TW11 9QP. Telephone: Help for cancer sufferers and their families, friends and carers. Diabetes UK (Richmond and Twickenham) 17 Crane Way, Twickenham TW2 7NH. Telephone: Information for people with diabetes and its complications. Integrated Neurological Services (INS) Kew Baptist Church, 2 Windsor Road, Kew TW9 2EJ. Telephone: Therapeutic and social support group for people affected by neurological conditions such as stroke, MS, and Parkinson s Disease. INS is run by a team of physiotherapists, occupational therapists and social workers. Moving On: South West London Stroke Club 2 Acacia Road, Hampton, Middlesex TW12 3DS. Telephone: Social stroke club offering survivors and their carers a chance to talk, share views, gain emotional support and enjoy themselves. The club organises outings, entertainment, exercise and regular meetings. Wheelchair access. Parkinson's Disease Society Kneller Social Club, 111a Kneller Rd, Whitton, Twickenham, TW2 7DU. Telephone: Provides help with welfare and information. Organises outings and social meetings that include speakers. 31

34 Vision and Hearing Macular Degeneration Society Vestry Hall, 21 Paradise Road, Richmond TW1 1SA. Telephone: Meetings are held on the last Tuesday of the month Richmond Association for the Blind Evans House, 107 Marsh Road, Pinner HA5 5HQ. Telephone or Works throughout Richmond to provides advice, support and computer training for people with visual impairment. Twickenham Club for the Blind United Reformed Church Hall, First Cross Rd, Twickenham TW2 5QA.Telephone: Meetings every Thursday between 2.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Twickenham Hard of Hearing Club United Reformed Church Hall, First Cross Rd, Twickenham Green TW2 5QA. Telephone: Provides information, lip reading instruction, social evenings, table tennis, pool and general support for people over 50. The Council Sensory Impairment Team Telephone: The team works with sensory impaired people to enable them to enjoy more equal access to and participation in everyday community life. 32

35 Visually Impaired Society of Richmond (VISOR) c/o Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT. Telephone: or on Wednesdays between am and 3.00 pm. VISOR offers advice and support as well as organising social events, outings, sports and computer training. Call for details and times of meetings and social events. Other Useful Organisations Victim Support 1 Princes Street, The Square, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1ED. Telephone: Victim Supportline: Trained volunteers help residents cope with the effects of crime by providing confidential support and information to victims of crime and to witnesses attending local courts. Intermediate Care Team Telephone: A group of health and social services professionals who are there to support you at home as an alternative to going into hospital or to help you get home from hospital sooner. Their aim is to help you to regain your full independence. 33

36 Rowan Organisation Rowan House, Lime Tree Courtyard, Main Road, Ratcliff Culey CV9 3PD. Telephone: This national organisation provides disabled people with access to information, services and resources in order to increase their opportunity for independence and enable them to make informed choices about their future. However, much of the advice is equally applicable to the able bodied. The website has a very comprehensive list of organisations concerned with disability, health and rehabilitation as well as many other topics of relevance to disabled and older people. Richmond Council for Voluntary Service (RCVS) 1 Princes Street, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1ED. Telephone: The RCVS strengthens voluntary and community organisations in the Borough by offering a range of services and support to help them to improve their own services. The RCVS also manages the Richmond Volunteer Centre where volunteers are matched to opportunities within the voluntary sector. Hospitals, 34

37 Hospitals, Health and Fitness Hospitals with an Accident & Emergency Department or a Minor Injuries Unit West Middlesex Hospital, Isleworth Twickenham Road, Isleworth TW7 6AF. Telephone: Kingston Hospital Galsworthy Road, Kingston upon Thames KT2 7QB. Telephone: Charing Cross Hospital Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 8RF. Telephone: (020) Teddington Memorial Hospital (NHS Walk In Centre) Hampton Road, Teddington TW110JL. Telephone: (Not open 24 hours a day. Queen Mary's Hospital Minor Injuries Unit Roehampton Lane, London SW15 5PN. Open daily 8.00 am 8.00 pm. Telephone: Other Hospitals Cassel Hospital 1 Ham Common, Richmond TW10 7JF. Telephone: Eves: Barnes Hospital South Worple Way, London SW14 8SU. Telephone: St John's and Amyand House Hospital Strafford Road, Twickenham TW1 3AD. Telephone:

38 NHS Services Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) This service offers patients information about NHS services. Kingston Hospital: Telephone: Richmond & Twickenham Primary Care Trust: SW London & St George s Mental Health Trust: West Middlesex Hospital: Telephone: NHS Direct Telephone: NHS Direct is a 24 hour confidential telephone helpline staffed by qualified nurses. They have access to interpreters in several languages. Health Information from Social Services Call for general information or visit General Practitioners Your GP and Practice Nurse will provide general medical advice as well as managing and treating illnesses. Your GP practice can also help you to get special support at home. If you are not registered with a GP, you should contact the Primary Health Agency on They will tell you where to find your nearest GP practice and how to register. Dentists For help in finding an NHS dentist, please contact PALS on or the Primary Care Agency on They will also be able to advise you which local dentists offer home visits to people who are unable to get to a dental surgery. If you have a low income, you may be entitled to free dental treatment. Ask your dental surgery for a form when you first visit. 36

39 Opticians The PALS service can help you find a local optician who offers NHS treatrment. Call PALS on Free Eye Tests These are free to everyone aged over 60 and for people who suffer from diabetes or glaucoma, have a family history of glaucoma or are registered blind or partially sighted. Contact any optician You may also be able to get some help towards the cost of glasses. Visiting Opticians If you are unable to visit an optician without help, you will be entitiled to Home Eye Care from the Outside Clinic. For details, contact the Outside Clinic: Freephone Low Vision Aids These are available free to anyone who is registered with a low vision clinic as being partially sighted. Contact your GP for details. Foot Care Podiatry and chiropody is available on the NHS but only on referral by your GP. Most private foot care practitioners will visit patients in their homes. For listings of local private practitioners, see the Yellow Pages or Thompsons Directory. Special Footwear If this is needed because of disability, two or more pairs can be provided free. Contact your GP. Hearing Aids These are free for everyone who needs one. Contact your GP. Continence Advice The NHS continence service focuses on the prevention of incontinence through treatment and, when appropriate, management For information, call the Continence Service on or

40 Pharmacies and Prescriptions Your local pharmacist can give you advice on many symptoms and medicines. This is free and no appointment is necessary. If you are aged over 60, you will receive prescription medicines free of charge. Many local pharmacies will deliver prescription medicines to your home. Ask your local pharmacy. Free prescriptions These are free for everyone over 60 and for anyone with a disability that prevents them from going out on their own. You may also qualify for free prescriptions if you have certain medical conditions, a physical disability or are on a low income. The Health Cost Advice Line can provide you with further information. Call on Falls Prevention If you have had a fall, feel unsteady or are afraid of falling, discuss this with your GP or healthcare professional. You can then be referred to a Falls Clinic or to Falls Prevention Classes where a specially trained tutor teaches you gentle movements to strengthen your legs, arms, back, ankles and pelvic floor muscles. Classes are held in several locations around Richmond including Teddington Pools in Vicarage Road, Whitton Community Centre in Kneller Road and the Workhouse Gym in Grove Road Richmond Hill. Call or for more information. Health & Fitness Clubs and Groups The Social Clubs and Centres in Richmond all hold classes specifically designed for older people. See page 3 for details. Other local organisations and facilities include: Fitness League Greenwood Centre, School Rd, Hampton Hill TW12 1QL. Telephone: or Safe exercise for women of all ages. A less vigorous exercise group for older men and women also meets on Thursdays between 3.00 pm and 4.00 pm. Wheelchair access. 38

41 Richmond Adult & Community College Fitness Classes Telephone or RACC run special exercise classes for older people who are new to exercise or are recuperating from injury. The Active Living Programme includes classes such as Back Care, Exercise for those with Breathing Problems, Cardio Care, and Chair based exercise. Sports & Fitness Centres There are five Council managed Fitness Centres in Richmond upon Thames and all offer fitness classes suitable for older people. There is also a hydrotherapy pool at Teddington, which is particularly good for people with joint or back problems. Hampton Sport & Fitness Centre Telephone: Shene Sports & Fitness Centre Telephone: Teddington Pools & Fitness Centre Telephone: Teddington Sports Centre Telephone: Whitton Sports & Fitness Centre Telephone: In addition, the Social Clubs all hold regular exercise classes, including gentle chair exercises. (see page 3) Douglas Bader Sports Centre Queen Mary's Hospital, Roehampton Lane London SW15 5PN. Telephone Purpose built sports centre for disabled people with a modern sports hall and well equipped gym. Qualified staff are on hand to advise. It is not necessary to be a member to visit. 39

42 The Workhouse Gym (Cambrian Centre) 1 Grove Road, Richmond Hill, TW10 6SN. Telephone: Falls Prevention Class: Monday: 2.00 pm 3.00 pm. Contact: Gill Williams. Other Gyms and Health Clubs Some local gyms and health clubs offer special rates for older people when they use the facilities outside peak times. See Yellow pages or Thompson Directories for listings. Swimming Pools The Borough has two outdoor and two indoor pools. All have wheelchair access to the pool itself and Teddington Pool is equipped with a hoist for pool access. If regular swimming would benefit your health, you may be eligible for a Swimming Pass. These are issued by the Sports Development Team at the Department of Education, Arts and Leisure at Regal House, London Road, Twickenham TW1 3QB. Telephone: Pools on the Park (Richmond) Telephone: Teddington Pools & Fitness Centre Telephone: Hampton Pool Telephone: Details of all pools can be found at Companion Cycling The Stockyard, Bushy Park, TW12 2EJ. Tel (when companion cycling is in progress). If there is no answer, call Based in Bushy Park Stockyard, this organisation enables a person with special needs to share a specially designed two seater cycle with an able bodied person and enjoy the pleasure and health benefits of cycling. All sessions need to be booked in advance. 40

43 Leisure and Learning There are many opportunities in the Borough for older people to learn new skills or participate in formal or informal courses and education. For details visit your local library. Information on leisure and learning in the Borough of Richmond Information is also available from the the Department of Education, Arts and Leisure at Regal House, London Road, Twickenham TW1, 3QB. Telephone: Many Social Clubs and Friendship Groups offer leisure activities. For further details, see the section that starts on page 3. Cinemas and Theatres All these cinemas and theatres have a loop system for the hard of hearing and most can accommodate wheelchairs. Richmond Odeon: Telephone: spaces for wheelchairs. Odeon Studio (Richmond): Telephone: spaces for wheelchairs. Richmond Film House: Telephone: space for a wheelchair. Richmond Theatre: Telephone: spaces for wheelchairs. Orange Tree Theatre (Richmond): Telephone: spaces for wheelchairs. Hampton Hill Playhouse: Telephone: spaces for wheelchairs and two more spaces with advance notice Mary Wallace Theatre (Twickenham): Telephone: