We are currently casting for a new channel 4 television series which will be presented by Mary Portas and we are looking for retired, senior citizens to take part and get involved in exciting new projects around the community, and share their experiences and skills.

We want to bring together a group of talented retired people who can use their skills for the benefit of their community, who live in and around London, and who perhaps are itching to get involved in a new project and meet new people.

From Catering to Gardening, DIY to Hairdressing, it doesn’t matter what people have done for a living they can all be a part of ‘The Agency’.

It is very clear that the U3A is a great place to pass on this message, and so we would be grateful if this information and our attached leaflet (with more details and information on how to contact us) could be circulated amongst your members at the Kingston society? Do you have a mailing list it could be sent to? Or a Newsletter? Or simply are able to call and spread the word in some way? Even if there is just one member of your committee who you think might be interested, it would be great to get this message to them in someway. We are working under fairly tight time constraints, so the sooner the better really!

We are really keen to hear from all sorts of senior citizens with a variety experiences, skills and stories.

Hopefully this is something you can help us with. If you have any questions or queries please feel free to get in touch, I’d be happy to explain this further.

ROSIE KNOTT | JUNIOR RESEARCHER

Plum Pictures, 33 Oval Rd, Camden, London NW1 7EA

Direct Line: 020 7184 6775

www.plumpictures.co.uk

Meeting held at the Friends’ Meeting House in Euston Road, London on the 10^th of May 2013.

Approx 120 members from the various London U3As attended. Esther Rantzen spoke/explained for about an hour, then continued more informally in a chat over coffee.

Her idea – The Silver Line  – is a new, confidential and free helpline for older people open 24 hours a day every day of the year. The mission is to provide advice, information and friendship to isolated and vulnerable older people. It is not meant to replicate or compete with the work of  already existing services but to refer older people facing loneliness and isolation to groups and organizations active in their community as well as providing a unique telephone befriending service, staffed by trained volunteers. She has invited  members of the U3A in the first place to spread the word but also because she thinks the U3A already does excellent work for the retired generation, She invited suggestions for further improvement of the plan  and hopes that some members will volunteer to become telephone friends.

Silver Line friends will work in pairs for safeguarding and will make booked weekly calls to those requesting their friendship service. They are also planning conference calls with groups linked by shared interests and facilitated by a Silver Line volunteer.

The first pilot was launched in December 2012 in Manchester and the North West. So far they have already received 2000 calls with around 350 people requesting regular weekly calls form Silver Line friends. There have been some 20 transfers or referrals to Action on Elder Abuse or Social Services for safeguarding. They have extended the duration of the pilot and its area of operation to the North East with a regional launch in Newcastle in June. The National Launch is planned for November  with wide media coverage. They hope to be available to every older person  in the U.K. –who needs them – in time for Christmas 2013. At present the free helpline is 0800 328 888 (too many 8s) so they are thinking  of changing it to 0800 708090.

The Silver Line is based at Minerva House, 42, Wigmore Street W1U 2RY, generously donated by Minerva Plc. Any offers of  support can be sent to this address.

Esther Rantzen CBE is the chairman.

The Board of Trustees includes:

Deputy Chairman – Colin Wagman FCA

Jane Ashcroft, The Anchor Trust

Chris Belcher, Slicitors for the Elderly

Paul Burstow MP

Lady Susan Chinn CBE

Gary Fitzgerald, Action on Elder Abuse

Professor Patrick Geoghegan OBE

Dr. Alex McMinn MBE, U3A

Su Sayer CBE, United Response

The BFI are holding a special showing of ‘No Room at the Inn” free UK 1948. Dir.Daniel Birt. Mon 29 Apr 14:00 nfT1 Young WW2 evacuees struggle in the face of adult abuse and complicity.

For other Free film viewings please click on the link below

BFI Seniors Leaflet

Look and book!

The outings walks and holidays included are almost always very well received, so remember to book early to ensure your place.  For more information, pictures, web links and the booking forms go to the EVENTS tab  on the toolbar above and  click on Away Days.

Walks Visits – Coach trips – Holidays Spring 2013

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Are you healthy and aged over 60? We are seeking volunteers to take part in a study investigating the effect of age on balance control.

We are looking for healthy adults with 60+ yrs without known neurological disease including seizures, migraine or fainting; uncorrected visual impairment or joint replacement.

The purpose of the study is to know the role of vision and attentional demands in balance control.

Participants will be measured balance before and after standing on a vibrating platform or with and without noise background.

We will reimburse your travel expense to King’s College London.

The study will be conducted at Shepherd House, Guy’s Campus near London Bridge station, for about 1.5 hours.

Ageing Research Information