Welcome to the November/December issue of LIVE LIFE e-news from Wychavon District Council. It is packed full of news, activities and events, funding and useful information!

If you would like any information and/or photos to be included in the next issue of Live Life, please let me know by Monday 19^thDecember 2011.

Please feel free to pass this newsletter onto others and encourage them to sign up to receive our next issue of Live Life.

WELCOME TO WINTER

With winter rapidly approaching, keeping warm and healthy is a priority.

This edition of Live Life is packed with information to help, including getting a flu jab, keeping your house warm, keeping fit and healthy despite the weather(!) and much more.

FESTIVE GREETINGS

On behalf of all of the Public Health and Wychavon Community Development Teams we would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and healthy Christmas and New Year.

INTERVIEW WITH KIM SKIPSEY, HEALTH AND WELLBEING CO-ORDINATOR

FOR ROOFTOP HOUSING GROUP

Can you provide us with an overview of what The Rooftop Housing Group are all about?

Rooftop aims to provide a range of housing solutions to meet the needs of communities across Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire & the West Midlands. The group began in 1994 with the transfer of 4,020 homes from Wychavon District Council. It now owns and manages around 6,000 properties and provides a range of housing and support services.

What does your job entail?

My main aim is to promote healthy living and to help relieve social isolation by co-ordinating social activities and events for older and vulnerable people who live in Rooftop accommodation and also people living in the community.

What projects are you currently working on?

ü Walk the World Programme – a 2012 Olympic themed challenge for residents challenging them to walk around a map through all countries taking part in the Olympics. By using a pedometer participants are motivated to record their progress on the map.

ü The Intergenerational Project - Bringing together young and old people in the community in a variety of ways.

ü Supported housing month (November) Events and activities to increase participation within the local community.

What’s your favourite thing about your job?

It has to be the variety that my job role offers and being able to meet and work with so many different people.

Is there anything about your job that you would change?

Increased funded would be helpful and beneficial as we could put it towards a mini bus to help people with their travel.

What’s your proudest moment through your career?

I was nominated for activities co-ordinator of the year by the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS)

If you were to employ someone to work for/with you what top 4 qualities would they have?

Have a good personality, be passionate about their work, interested in health promotion & a good sense of humour.

Where are you from? London

What did you study when you were at school/college? I studied to become a nurse at Kings College in London.

Likes: Zumba & keeping fit and healthy.

Dislikes: Negativity.

Favourite meal: As a pesitarian, it has to be a fish dish!

Favourite film: Fearless (1993) with Jeff Bridges.

To find out more about Rooftop housing visit: www.rooftopgroup.org or contact Kim at Kim.Skipsey@rooftopgroup.org

Kim Skipsey, Health and Wellbeing

Co-ordinator for Rooftop Housing Group.

FREE ENERGY CHECKS AND ENERGY SAVING PRODUCTS

Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire are now able to offer free energy checks & free products which will reduce waste, use energy sensibly and lower your fuel bills.

The Free Energy Checks will:-

ü Assess the energy efficiency of your home

ü Give top tips on how to save energy

ü Install free of charge, simple, practical energy saving measures such as draft excluders, radiator panels, night lights, light bulbs and timer switches

Carried out by their professional Handypeople who have received training with National Energy Action, their Free Energy Checks will highlight areas in your home where you can use energy more efficiently without compromising on your warmth and wellbeing. They will install and supply all the necessary energy saving products free of charge whilst stocks last!

To book your Free Energy Check and receive free energy saving products simply call them on 01386 422700 or email services@ageukhw.org.uk.

DO MORE, DRINK LESS

A new campaign to encourage older people to ‘Do more and drink less’ has been launched in Worcestershire. NHS Worcestershire’s Public Health team is working with Worcestershire DAAT (Drug and Alcohol Action Team) to raise awareness of the harmful effects of drinking high levels of Alcohol in older people.

Dr Francis Howie, Assistant Director for Public Health said: "As we get older our bodies cannot safely consume the same amount of alcohol as they did when we were younger. Research shows that among older people factors such as bereavement, retirement, boredom, loneliness, homelessness and depression are all associated with higher rates of alcohol consumption. There is an increased risk of falls, dementia and stroke associated with higher levels of alcohol consumption in the over 65’s. New recommended safe drinking limits for over 65’s are 1.5 units a day for men and 1 unit a day for women”.

The campaign will run throughout November and December with a particular focus around national Alcohol Awareness Week (14 – 20 November) and in the run up to Christmas aiming to encourage older people to increase activity and decrease alcohol consumption.

For more information about the campaign please contact Sue Davidson at Worcestershire DAAT on 01905 728649

CHOOSE WELL CAMPAIGN

The ‘Choose Well’ campaign is an NHS campaign which aims to direct patients to the best service for them during the Autumn and winter months, with a range of options from keeping common remedies for colds and coughs in the home or visiting the pharmacy for over the counter advice and remedies, to going to a walk in treatment centre or GP surgery.

West midlands ambulance service receives more than 2500 emergency calls each day but of those only 10% are genuine emergencies such as a person chocking, falling unconscious or having chest pain, serious blood loss of a stroke.

People are being encouraged to visit www.nhs.uk or call 0845 4647. In an emergency ring 999. For a list of Worcestershire Wide services log on to www.worcspct.nhs.uk

SPREADING THE WARMTH IN WYCHAVON

Age UK have launched their Spreading the Warmth Campaign to keep the cold out this winter. As part of this campaign, Age UK Herefordshire & Worcestershire are able to offer practical advice and a new Information booklet containing special recipes and simple steps to protect yourself and stay cosy & well this winter.

To receive your booklet or information to stay warm and well, simply call us on 01386 422700 or email services@ageukhw.org.uk.

SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION

Seasonal Flu occurs every year and is caused by a virus. Flu symptoms hit you suddenly and severely. They usually include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles, and you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time.

Colds are usually much less serious and start gradually with a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat.

You should have a flu jab if you are:

ü Aged over 65 years

ü Live in a residential or nursing home

ü The main carer of an older or disabled person

ü Pregnant

You should also consider having a flu jab if you have:

ü A Heart Problem

ü A chest complaint or breathing difficulties

ü Kidney disease

ü Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment

ü Liver disease

ü Had a stoke or transient ischaemic attack

ü Diabetes

ü A neurological disease

ü A problem with you spleen

For more information or to book a flu jab please contact your GP surgery.

WORCESTERSHIRE TELECARE

Worcestershire TeleCare was established in 1985 by the three South Worcestershire local authorities, including Wychavon District Council , and is now a member of The Community Housing Group, a Housing Association which is a not for profit organisation. It operates across the council areas that cover the City of Worcester, Malvern Hills, Wychavon and Wyre Forest. The service is available to support and help older and vulnerable people living in their own homes to remain independent.

If you’re short of ideas for a Christmas Present for your Elderly Parents. Why not pay for a Personal Pendant Alarm for them which will give 24 hour help and reassurance.

Worcestershire TeleCare operates a 24 hour monitoring and response service, and if a person suffers an emergency such as a fall or becomes unwell and needs help, they only need to press their personal pendant button.

When the call is received at the Monitoring and Response Centre, the operator will communicate with the person via a base unit linked to the telephone, and will call named local contacts or the emergency services to provide help and reassurance where appropriate.

If you would like to know more about the service that is provided by Worcestershire TeleCare, please call 0845 130 1469 or you can find more information from the website www.worcstelecare.org.

WARMER WORCESTERSHIRE

The Warmer Worcestershire Winter Campaign aims to provide you with the help and support you need to keep warm and healthy this winter.

The warmer Worcestershire Advice line can give advice on keeping warm, saving energy and reducing your gas and electricity bill.

During the coming months energy advice surgeries will be held in each district in Worcestershire to help residents with any questions they may have about saving energy, understanding energy bills and whether there are grants available for improvements to home energy efficiency.

Winter Warmth 10am-2pm, 8th December 2011, Age Concern Hereford and Worcester, Evesham Office

Winter Warmth 10am-2pm, 8th January 2012, Age Concern Hereford and Worcester, Evesham Office

For more information about Warmer Worcestershire visit www.warmerworcestershire.com or ring the free advice line on 0800 9882881

COMMUNITY GARDEN PLANNED FOR DROITWICH

A new community gardening project will see the development of a forest garden within the Lido Park, Droitwich. The project came about when local resident Keeley Thomas approached Wychavon with the idea and asked for support. Wychavon’s Parks Officer, Lynn Stevens said she loved the idea “…It’s really nice when residents show an interest in getting involved with our parks and a great example of the Big Society. We’re pleased to support the project and provide assistance where the group needs it.”

The forest garden is planned for St Peter’s fields and Wychavon will start work by erecting fencing and getting the ground ready over the winter. Once this is complete the newly formed Lido Group of Forest Gardeners will get planting underway. Local schools are also very keen to get involved.

Keeley Thomas, Lido Group of Forest Gardeners said “Getting involved in this project is a great way for people to get outdoors and enjoy nature. It’s good if you’re interested in biodiversity and growing your own food. The concept behind a forest garden is that it copies a natural forest system, but is filled with plants and trees that have edible or useful crops. The forest garden becomes self-maintaining and requires minimal watering and work. We’d encourage anyone who’s interested to get involved.”

If you or someone you know would like to be involved with the Lido Group of Forest Gardeners, they are looking for a small committee of volunteers to plan and implement the project. If you are a parent, teacher or simply live locally and want to know more, please contact Keeley Thomas on 01905 774277 or 07908 912 357.

ROOFTOP ACTIVITIES

Whether you’re a child of the 30’s, 40’s or 50’s Rooftop have the event for you! Join them during November for Supported Housing Month. Here is just a taster of some of the activities they have going on:

Fri 4^th Nov Lifestyle Matters 2pm – 4pm (Almonry Close, Pershore)

Fri 11^th Nov Remembrance Day lunch and entertainment 12pm – 4pm (37.50) (Ferry View, Evesham

Mon 14^th Nov Lifestyle Matters 2pm – 4pm (Seward House, Evesham)

Fri 18^th Nov Old Time Music Hall 1pm – 3pm (£3.00) (Ferry View, Evesham)

Mon 28^th Nov Coffee Morning with Our Futures Now Crafty Workshop 10am – 12pm (Charles Close, Evesham)

Wed 30^th Nov Tea Dance & Vintage Fashion Show 2pm – 4pm (£3.00)

Close of supported Housing Month - 4 – 4.30pm (Ferry View, Evesham)

To book or for further information and events please contact Kim Skipsey on 0800 0421 800 www.rooftopgroup.org/news-and-features/events/

READY STEADY GO!

‘Ready Steady Go!’ classes are exercise classes aimed at helping people who have fallen, or at risk of falling to improve muscle strength, balance and confidence. The sessions are 1 hour followed by coffee and a chat!

The sessions are friendly and informal to offer support and motivation to the group.

If you have a fear of falling, history of falls, fell unstable or have a low bone density, please contact your GP, Physiotherapist or Nurse Advisor as they MUST refer you to this course.

There are also Strength and Balance classes running which are open to all:

Ready, Steady, Go continuation class: Pershore Leisure Centre, Mondays 1.15-2.15

Contact Maggie Parker on 01905 740950 for more information

Strength and Balance Class: Droitwich Community Hall, Tuesdays 9.15-10.15

Contact Age UK Droitwich 01905 772126

WYCHAVON WELLBEING

Wychavon Wellbeing is an activity referral programme which is aimed at treating people who are experiencing Asthma, Diabetes, Mild Depression, and Mild to Moderate Arthritis, Obesity, Osteoporosis, Poor Mobility, Stable Hypertension and Stress.

Wychavon Wellbeing runs at all of our leisure centres – Evesham, Pershore and Droitwich – with qualified instructors to help at each session.

It is a 12 week programme and you can join at any time. Each session is 1.5 hours and as well as exercise information, you will also receive advice on general Wellbeing such as nutrition, walking, smoking and more.

In order to join the scheme you MUST get a referral from your GP

For more information, please contact Nigel Grungy, Fitness Manager, on 01386 444212 or email nigelg@wychavonleisure.co.uk

THE F FACTOR

F Factor is a scheme open to all Festival residents to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle. If you want to introduce more exercise into your life you can sign up for one of their exciting classes - and the best bit is its totally free! Choose from street dance, football, boxercise and lots more!!

Contact the F Factor Coordinator – Caroline Winnall on 01905 823113 or email cwinnall@festivalhousing.org

You can also find them on Facebook, just search for F Factor Worcestershire.

FUN2MOVE DANCE

If your looking for a fun dance group and great fitness! Fun2move is a new place to come and join in some fun dance classes! Fun2move is based at New Chawson Barn, New Chawson Lane, Droitwich.

Every Thursday: 3 – 6 years Mini Movers and 7 – 11 years Young Movers.

Every Sunday: Creative Contemporary 12 + years and Street Dancers 12 + years.

For more information about Fun2move Dance and other Arts contact Laura Wright on 07875171358 or email Fun2move.laura@gmail.com.

EVESHAM WELLBEING CENTRE

Evesham wellbeing centre aims to promote and enhance wellbeing by providing a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where individuals can receive and participate in therapies and activities and where physical, emotional, spiritual and social health can flourish, thereby strengthening the community.

Therapies include: Anxiety Management, Counseling, Aromatherapy Massage, Crystal Healing, Nail Art, Reflexology, Indian Head Massage and Healing Therapy. The Centre also have social activities such as a Book Club, Film Club, Drop-in sessions and circle dancing.

They ask for a minimum donation ranging from £2 – £20 depending on treatment/activity. The centre is in Wallace House Community Centre, Oat Street, Evesham. WR11 4PJ.

For further therapies and information contact Sally Padfield on 01386 429454 or email her on epmind@btconnect.com

LOCAL EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

During the festive season there are a huge number of events and activities going on in the area. Here are a few links to find out more:

Plug and Play (Children and Young People) www.plugandplay.org

Touch FM radio www.102touchfm.co.uk/local

Evesham Journal www.eveshamjournal.co.uk/events

Droitwich Advertiser www.droitwichadvertiser.co.uk/events

What’s on Worcestershire www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wow

Wychavon District Council Events Diary www.e-wychavon.org.uk/wychavon/tourism/events/web-index2/asp

SPORTIVATE FUNDING

As part of the Olympic legacy and in the build up to the London 2012 Games, Wychavon District Council could have a fantastic funding opportunity for you!

Working with the Sports Partnership Herefordshire and Worcestershire, Wychavon have been successful in attracting a 2^nd year of Sport England ‘Sportivate’ funding.

£8,500 has been set aside for sport clubs, schools, youth clubs, uniformed groups and other community organisations to run sports projects from April 2012 to March 2013.

To qualify for the funding the sports projects must target residents aged between 14 and 25 in the Wychavon area. They must also offer six weeks of high quality sports and activity sessions that will inspire teenagers and young adults to want to sign up and commit to more sport in the future.

This programme is all about choice, a choice to try something different and give it a go. Sports and activities on offer in year 1 included Equestrian, Bell-boating, Zumba, Windsurfing, Ice Skating and Curling plus many more.

Mark Williams, Sports Development Officer, said: “We recognise the valuable contribution that sporting activities can bring to the health and wellbeing of the community. We also recognise that funding may be an issue in creating new and innovative sports projects. So if you have an exciting project that fits the bill then this could be the ideal opportunity for you to get it up and running.”

If you have a project in mind and would like more information then please contact Laura Barnard before the 2nd Dec 2011 to receive an expression of interest form. T: 01386 565497 E: laura.barnard@wychavon.gov.uk

MARKET TOWN PARTNERSHIP FUNDING

The 3 Market Town Partnerships of Pershore, Evesham and Droitwich are now welcoming applications for there Grant Funds for 2012-13. A total of £30,000 for each area is available for projects that match and support the purpose and aims of the Partnership. These are:

1. To encourage and create partnership working opportunities

2. To help lever in and develop funding support for the local area

3. To contribute to Wychavon's wider community strategy and help deliver the strategy's priorities

Similarly, projects that demonstrate their ability to contribute towards the Wychavon Community Strategy are desirable:

ü Supporting the local economy

ü Developing skills and life long learning

ü Delivering housing that meets local needs

ü Reducing health inequalities and promoting healthy lifestyles

ü Supporting older people

ü Providing positive opportunities for young people

For further information and an application form, please contact:

Pershore - Steve Knight, Pershore Market Town Partnership Manager on 01386 565519 or email steve.knight@wychavon.gov.uk

Evesham – Shawn Riley, Evesham Market Town Partnership Manager on 01386 565518 or email shawn.riley@wychavon.gov.uk

Droitwich - Janet Yates, Droitwich Spa Area Partnership Manager on 01386 565355 or email janet.yates@wychavon.gov.uk. Please note : There is still some funding available from the 2011-12 grant fund for projects in the Droitwich Spa area.

Deadline for applications is Friday 20^th January 2012.

HEALTHY HEART GRANTS

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Grants of up to £10,000 are available for new, original and innovative projects that actively promote Heart Health and help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in specific groups or communities.

There are two rounds each year, one in May and one in November. Applications for the May round can be submitted during January and February with a closing date of 28 February. Applications for the November round can be submitted during July and August with a closing date of 31 August. Applications will not be accepted outside of these dates.

For more information log on to their website www.heartresearch.org.uk/grants/healthyhearts or ring 0113 234 7474.

OLYMPIC INSPIRATION FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS

Local sports clubs, gyms and leisure centres are being urged to get inspired by the 2012 Olympics by using a brand new physical activity toolkit and applying for a grant to get the ball rolling.

The 'Inspired?' guide to running Olympic and Paralympic Games-themed events and sports programmes has been produced by the Worcestershire Partnership, which is also offering grants of up to £500 to help fund suitable events.

Any organisation that organises physical activities can get involved by checking out the toolkit online or requesting a printed version. Schools, play providers and employers are also being encouraged to embrace the Olympic values by using the 'Inspired?' toolkit.

The toolkit includes examples of initiatives from all around the country and handy top tips for organising local versions. Grants of between £200 and £500 to support 'Inspired?' events can be applied for now until the fund has reached its budget.

Any clubs, societies or organisations that are inspired to get involved with the 2012 Olympic Games can visit www.raisingourgame2012.org.uk .Or for an ‘Inspired’ Guide contact Peter Turvey at pturvey@worcestershire.gov.uk

PREVENTING CHILDRENS COLDS AND INFECTIONS

It’s common for children to fall prey to colds and infections over the winter months but there are ways to keep the bugs at bay and to boost your child’s immune system.

Wash your hands

To stop germs from spreading, encourage them to wash their hands after going to the toilet and before preparing and after eating food. In addition, it’s important to get them to wash their hands after touching their eyes, nose and mouth and after sneezing and coughing as this also prevents germs from spreading.

Sneeze with a tissue

When we sneeze we release thousands of viruses into the air. So if your child is infected with a cold, it’s a good idea to get them into the habit of sneezing and coughing into a tissue and then throwing the tissue straight into the bin and washing their hands.

Nutrition

Having a balanced and healthy diet will help your child to effectively overcome illness much quicker than those who are not so fit and well. Getting five portions of fruit and vegetables a day can make all the difference.

Exercise

Getting regular exercise outdoors can really boast your child’s immune system and get their lymphatic system going. Perhaps a walk in the park or a cycle to school will not only chase the germs away but the winter blues too!

Flu jabs

Your child only needs the flu jab if they are in an ‘at risk’ group. This might be the case if they have a serious heart or chest problem such as severe asthma. If you are concerned, contact you local GP who will be able to advise you whether they need the jab or not.

Stay at home

If your child is really ill and wants to sleep then let them sleep and stay at home. It is often the body’s way of fighting the virus and infection. On average, children can have 8-10 colds per year, all of which help to successfully building up their immune system.

See a doctor

Finally if your child has any breathing difficulties or you continue to be worried about them then contact your doctor or NHS Direct.

STAYING WARM AND HEALTHY IN WINTER

Keeping warm over the winter months can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia. Find out some simple things you can do to keep warm, stay healthy and make the best use of your heating at home.

Keeping Warm and Healthy

· Financial Help with Heating your Home

The Warmer Worcestershire free helpline (0800 9882881) can give you advice and guidance on financial matters relating to heating your home

· Stay Warm in Your Home: Keep the heat in with insulation

Insulation makes your home warm and healthy and will also help to keep your heating costs down. It’s a good idea to fit draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors, make sure your loft has at least 10–11 inches (270 millimeters) of insulation, make sure wall cavities are insulated and insulate your hot water cylinder and pipes

· Dress Warmly

Keeping Healthy and Reducing the Risk of Illness

· Get an annual flu jab

Contact your GP for more information or to book into a flu jab clinic

· Eat well

Eating regular meals will help keep your energy levels up during winter. Try to have plenty of hot food and drinks, plan your meals and keep your diet as varied as possible and aim to include five portions of fruit and vegetables daily - this includes tinned and frozen fruit and vegetables

· Stay active

Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you warm in winter. Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefits. If possible, try to move around at least once an hour.

· Recognise the signs of hypothermia

Hypothermia is caused by getting too cold. Older people, babies and people with certain health conditions are among those more at risk. Shivering can be used as a guide to how severe hypothermia is. If a person can stop shivering on their own, the hypothermia is mild. If they can’t stop shivering, it’s moderate to severe. Severe hypothermia needs urgent medical treatment in hospital.

For more information about keeping warm in winter visit the direct.gov website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/InYourHome/KeepingSafeAtHome/DG_10027755

WHY DO COLDS OCCUR IN THE WINTER?

The common cold is more frequent during the winter months. It is possible that this is because people are more likely to stay indoors during winter, and be in close contact with each other. However, higher rates of colds have not been found in passengers on the London Underground, who spend a lot of time in close contact with each other.

Research carried out in 2005 suggested that cold weather could make people more vulnerable to developing a cold. However, further research is required to confirm this.

The Outlook

ü Cold symptoms will ease within seven days without the need for treatment.

ü In the meantime, it is possible to relieve symptoms by taking over-the-counter medication such as paracetamol and drinking plenty of fluids (see the treatment section on www.nhs.uk for more information).

For further information on colds and how to treat them visit:

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cold-common/Pages/Introduction.aspx

DRINK AWARENESS

We're supposed to be keeping an eye on how much we drink and even more so over the festive season, but how many of us really know what a unit of alcohol is?

With so many different drinks and glass sizes, from shots to pints – not to mention bottles – it's easy to get confused about how many units are in your drink. So, the NHS have created a units calculator to allow you to calculate the units in your favourite drink and you can also download a drinks diary to track your drinking over a week.

Units are a simple way of expressing the quantity of pure alcohol in a drink. One unit equals 10ml or 8g of pure alcohol, which is around the amount of alcohol the average adult can process in an hour. This means that within an hour there should be, in theory, little or no alcohol left in the blood of an adult, although this will vary from person to person.

The number of units in a drink is based on the size of the drink as well as its alcohol strength. For example, a pint of strong lager contains 3 units of alcohol, whereas the same volume of standard lager has just over 2 units.

Regularly drinking above recommended daily limits can damage your health. There's no guaranteed safe level of drinking, but if you drink below recommended daily limits, the risks of harming your health are low. The NHS recommends: Men should not regularly drink more than 3-4 units a day and women should not regularly drink more than 2-3 units a day.

For more information visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol

NEXT ISSUE OF LIVE LIFE

The next issue of live will focus on New Year Resolutions.

If you would like to include any information for this issue please send it to Laura Barnard at laura.barnard@wychavon.gov.uk

Visit the Wychavon Arts, Sports & Leisure Blog for regular updates and information from the Community Development Team.