Older people and the internet

The radio programme ‘Does he take sugar?’ highlighted a tendency to treat disabled people as generally incapable. The same syndrome affects older people and the Internet.

At a conference last week on social care and digital, one of the speakers spoke of research with care home residents that showed a mismatch between their digital aspirations and those of their families.

While the older people told researchers they had been hoping to receive tablets and smart phones for Christmas, family and friends had actually produced chocolates, perfume and other items considered suitable for Grandmas (Grandads presumably getting socks and jumpers).

Statistics do tell us that older people are less likely to use the Internet. ONS data says that of 6.7m UK adults (13.1%) who are not online, almost three quarters of this group are 65 or older, and in the 75+ age bracket, more than 60% of people are not online.

There are many reasons for this. Research studies highlight the cost of devices and connection, lack of digital skills (older cohorts may never have used computers at work), security concerns, lack of interest and even fear and resentment at the age of ‘digital everything’.

The cost issues are fast diminishing now that free wifi is widespread (although important to remember not everywhere) and connection through hotspots is increasingly an option. The price of tablets and smartphones is also tumbling. At the same time there is increasing evidence of the benefits of being online, ranging from access to lower cost goods and services, to opportunities for connecting with existing friends and family, as well as finding new interests and new social networks online.

The digital skills charity Digital Unite says the latter is particularly important, with depression affecting 20% of older people living in the community and 40% living in care homes for older people, compared with 10% of the population at large.

Digital Unite research has shown that, of those over 55s who are using the internet, four out of five (86%) said it had improved their lives. 72% said that being online had helped reduce their feelings of isolation and 81% said it makes them feel part of modern society.

The same research also says that rates of digital exclusion in social care are higher than in the general population. So, with 1.6 million people providing adult social care services in England, and 6 million unpaid carers (many of whom suffer equally from loneliness and isolation), it is important to work with both carers and those who are cared for to ensure both parties are digitally capable and confident.

One lever that can be used to overcome the perception by some older non-liners that ‘there is nothing on the internet for me’ is their health. There is plenty of information and advice online to help and support people with disabilities and long-term conditions, and this can be used as an incentive to get people started.

This is part of the thinking behind NHS England’s Widening Digital Participation programme, which is run by the Tinder Foundation (which also runs UK Online centres) to get large numbers of people, particularly older people, to improve their digital health literacy.

Senior musicians show the kids how it's done

​All participants with Cllr Barbara Matthews

​Havering’s senior musicians showed youngsters a thing or two when they performed to a packed Queens Theatre foyer last Friday (17 October) at the annual Havering 60+ Musician of the Year Competition. 

​In the tightest competition for years, First Prize went to a surprised first-time entrant, Denis Maguire, for his classical guitar performance of music by the famous Brazilian composer Villa Lobos. 

Saxophonist, Brian Luck, came second with a rendition of Chattanooga Choo Choo, that could only be described as ‘rabble-rousing’, while Third Prize was awarded to songstress, Jean Gibbons, who included ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina’ in her performance.

Trophies were awarded by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Barbara Matthews.

Councillor Melvin Wallace, Cabinet Member for Culture and Community Engagement, said:

“Music is something that has no boundaries, it can touch all of us no matter what age, and those who took part in the competition are an inspiration to us all.”

Havering Council issues warning of an inheritance scam

​Havering council is alerting residents to an inheritance scam involving a letter being sent to residents.

​The letter is from an ‘investment manager’ and assumes that the partner of the recipient has passed away. It informs them that their late relative has investments in a company in China and that unless the money is claimed, the Government will take it.  Although the current scam uses China as its place of origin other foreign countries could be used in similar scams.

 

The letter then asks for details and encourages the recipient to keep quiet about the matter in case the inheritance ‘falls into the wrong hands’.

 

The letter is a scam and residents who receive it should dispose of it and not communicate with the sender.

 

Councillor Osman Dervish, Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services, said:

 

“This letter is simply a scam and while we cannot always stop them from being delivered, we can help our residents identify them so that they don’t fall victim to this despicable crime. Anyone who does receive such a letter and wants to report it, can do so at the Action Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040.”

 

Residents are encouraged to pass this information on to their friends and relatives.

Comms and Admin post

Creative Barking and Dagenham (CBD) are seeking a Communications and Adminstration Coordinator to join their busy team.
 
This is a new post, created to provide dedicated communications and administrative support to the Creative Barking and Dagenham Programme Directors. The role will help to deliver and promote Creative Barking and Dagenham projects and act as the first point of contact for the day-to-day administration of the programme.

CBD is part of a national action research programme to get more people involved in the arts in areas where people don’t normally get involved.  Creative Barking and Dagenham (CBD) is funded by both Arts Council England and Barking & Dagenham Council.
 
This is a full time post for 1 year, with a salary of £20,300.  The deadline for applications is Monday 27th October.  Interviews will be held on Monday 3rd November.       

For more details including how to apply please visit http://bit.ly/1uQQfEu

Community Cultural Celebration Event

​A celebration of culture in Havering will take place at the Queen's Theatre, Hornchurch on Saturday 11 October from 10am to 4pm.

​The annual event has been organised by Havering BME Forum’s Community Cultural Celebration in partnership with Havering Council and will be opened by Mayor of Havering, Councillor Linda Trew.
 
The aim is to bring together residents from all cultures and give everyone the opportunity to celebrate and learn more about the borough’s diversity.

There will be a wide range of performers, including singers, musicians and dancers and activities for all ages including Henna, threading and sari wrapping and workshops.
 
Visitors will also be able to try various cultural cuisine including Asian, Thai, Caribbean and English food.
  
Entry to the event is £1 for children under 16 years, £1.50 for pensioners and £2 for all others.

Cycle maintenance classes are back by popular demand

​Havering Council’s cycle maintenance classes will begin again in October, after a trial set of sessions over the summer were fully booked.

​The classes will be held in Harold Hill to help cyclists at any level to learn how to fix a puncture, adjust brakes and gears and carry out a general safety check. A more advanced course will cover removal and installation of cycle parts.

 

The classes are free, although a £5 refundable deposit will be required. All advanced courses are from 10am to 4pm and all basic maintenance sessions are 10am to noon or 1.30pm to 3.30pm. Cyclists should bring their own bike to the sessions.

 

Both courses are being held at myplace, 343 Dagnam Park Drive, Harold Hill, RM3 9DJ. Places are limited and can be booked by calling 01708 376004.

 

Councillor Robert Benham, Cabinet Member for Environment, said:

 

“These courses have been really popular and it just shows how many keen cyclists we have in the borough.

 

“I hope this motivates those who haven’t yet given it a try to get on their bikes. Those who have a bike sat in the shed should dust it off and bring it along to get it back on the road.”

 

All dates and times for the maintenance classes are available on the cycle maintenance page.

 

These sessions are in addition to the ‘Mark it in the Market’ events that take place on the first Saturday of the month in Romford Market, and the regular cycle training.

Event for young people to find out more about opportunities post 16

​Havering Council is hosting an all-day ‘Moving On’ event on Thursday 9 October, where young people in school years ten and eleven can find out about their options once they hit 16.

​This follows the introduction the Government’s Raise of the Participation Age initiative, meaning that young people no longer leave school at 16, but are required to continue in education, training or employment with training, until age 17, raising to 18 next year.

 

But this does not mean young people have to stay in school, there are a range of options open to them including apprenticeships, volunteering and training.

The event, which is also open to parents of invited young people, will take place at Hornchurch Sports Centre in Harrow Lodge Park, Hornchurch from 10am until 7.30pm.

 

Around 28 local education and training providers will exhibit at the event, including colleges, private training companies and public services such as the police, armed forces and NHS.

 

Young people will also be able to try some practical taster sessions in careers including hairdressing, beauty, catering and engineering.

 

This is the third time the Council has hosted this event, and this year, pupils from special schools Ravensbourne, Corbets Tey and Dycorts, will also be attending.