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Charity Reg No: 1101622 Gateshead Gateshead Gateshead Gateshead Older People’s Assembly Older People’s Assembly Older People’s Assembly Older People’s Assembly Annual Report 2008-2009 The ‘Voice’ Voice’ Voice’ Voice’ of Older People in Gateshead

Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

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Page 1: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Charity Reg No: 1101622

GatesheadGatesheadGatesheadGateshead Older People’s AssemblyOlder People’s AssemblyOlder People’s AssemblyOlder People’s Assembly

Annual Report

2008-2009

The ‘Voice’Voice’Voice’Voice’

of Older People

in Gateshead

Page 2: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Annual AccountsAnnual AccountsAnnual AccountsAnnual Accounts

Chair’s ForwardChair’s ForwardChair’s ForwardChair’s Forward

Events and ActivitiesEvents and ActivitiesEvents and ActivitiesEvents and Activities

The FutureThe FutureThe FutureThe Future

Membership & DemographicsMembership & DemographicsMembership & DemographicsMembership & Demographics

GatesheadGatesheadGatesheadGateshead

Page 1Page 1Page 1Page 1

Page 2 & 3Page 2 & 3Page 2 & 3Page 2 & 3

Page 4Page 4Page 4Page 4

Page 5 to 7Page 5 to 7Page 5 to 7Page 5 to 7

Page 7 to 8Page 7 to 8Page 7 to 8Page 7 to 8

The Role of The AssemblyThe Role of The AssemblyThe Role of The AssemblyThe Role of The Assembly

Page 9 to 13Page 9 to 13Page 9 to 13Page 9 to 13

Older People’s AssemblyOlder People’s AssemblyOlder People’s AssemblyOlder People’s Assembly

The Summing Up

The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes old age as well as youth and maturity.

The beauty of the morning and the radiance of noon are good,

but it would be a very silly person who drew the curtains and turned on the light in

order to shut out the tranquillity of the evening.

Old age has its pleasures, which, though different, are not less than the pleasures of

youth.

W. Somerset Maugham

Page 3: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Chair’s ForewordChair’s ForewordChair’s ForewordChair’s Foreword

We have attended and held many events this year through our involvement with Linkage plus. This has been a very successful partnership in Gateshead. Older People have benefitted very much from the mountains of information that has been made available to them resulting in better uptake of benefits, home insulations etc etc. Unfortunately the project came to an end in July but the effect of the work that was done will last for many years.

We are in the final stages of planning a month long Older People’s Festival in partnership with Age Concern Gateshead which will take place in October 2009. We would like to thank the Tudor Trust for funding our Admin Post for a further two years. Our thanks also go to Gateshead Council for their continued funding. We especially want to thank all of our staff for the work they produce, including our Newsletter both it, and they are a credit to the Assembly. Our Management committee have worked extremely hard throughout the past year. We have grown so much it has needed many meetings to keep up with all of the sub groups etc. to carry out the work that is needed to manage the organisation. This is our first full year as an Assembly and we are growing at an enormous speed, I am sure this will continue throughout the coming years. Thank You to you all for your support. Best Regards

Esther Ward (Chair)

This has been a very special year for the Assembly

because of the enormous growth that has taken place. Our membership is continuing to grow and we are being asked to become involved in many more projects. We are included more and more when anything is being planned for Older People. We have been asked to be part of the Personalisation Partnership Board / Older People’s Partnership Board / Gateshead Strategic Partnership to name but a few. We are ensuring the ‘VOICE’ of Older People is being heard in more and more places.

Page 1

Page 4: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Older People in Gateshead and the role of Older People in Gateshead and the role of Older People in Gateshead and the role of Older People in Gateshead and the role of

Gateshead Older People’s AssemblyGateshead Older People’s AssemblyGateshead Older People’s AssemblyGateshead Older People’s Assembly

By now most of us have become aware of the fact that we are living in an ageing

society, caused by a number of different factors. Better health overall than ever before means people in general are living longer, but it is also the demographics from the past that dictate the age groups we have now. The North East has a higher than average older population, and Gateshead’s older population is higher than average for the North East. We need to learn more about them and take into consideration the biological, psychological and social aspects of their lives. Public awareness and education NOW will contribute to our better understanding of the issues of older people in the future.

The baby boomers have had a dramatic effect on our population pyramid. In 1950 the nought to five year olds represented the largest part of our population – the foundation of the pyramid. Those aged 85 and older made up the smallest part of our population and formed the top of the pyramid. As the baby boomers age, the population continues to change. By 2020 this pyramid will have transformed into a square, and by 2050, for the first time in history, those people aged 85 and older will constitute one of the largest portions of our population. There are many people who may feel justified in feeling that 50 is simply too young to be classed as an ‘older person’, but there is an increasing need to create an awareness of the requirements and care that individuals may need as they get towards the older end of the scale. By being better prepared, it is possible to ensure a happier and healthier old age.

With the “baby boomers” beginning to enter their senior years, what has been dubbed the “greying of Britain” has now begun. Our society is beginning to see major changes in its demographics. To gain a better understanding of who the elderly in our community are, what they are dealing with, and how we can help, we need to know more about their struggles,

Page 2

1950

2050

0 to 5 year olds

85 plus

0 to 5

year olds 85 plus

Page 5: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

DevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopmentDevelopment

Since its launch in December 2007, Gateshead Older People’s Assembly has worked

with its members and volunteers to tackle those issues that affect older people in the borough and the organisation has gone from strength to strength. Now well into its second year, the organisation has grown significantly in a very short space of time.

As well as an increase in membership, the Assembly has been involved in a large number of projects, and its members and volunteers have taken part in numerous focus groups, research projects, conferences and information events across the borough.

There has, over the year, been a number of changes to the staff structure of the Assembly. In 2008, the manager left the organisation, and following a development session, it was decided by the Management Committee to appoint an ‘Assembly Coordinator’ to oversee the day to day running of the organisation. The coordinator’s post would also include the development of the Assembly. The Assembly Coordinator started in post in January 2009.

Additionally, the growth of the organisation, development of the new website and the enhancement of the Assembly’s publications saw a need for a new post, and a Finance and Information Officer was also appointed.

The Assembly now also has a part time Administration Assistant. It is hoped that the Assembly will be able to employ a Volunteer Coordinator within the next year, in order to recruit, develop and support the Assembly’s volunteers, particularly in the field of intergenerational work and projects. Although the Assembly is fortunate to have secured these posts, they are, with the exception of the coordinator’s post fixed term contracts. As is so often the case within the voluntary sector, it will be necessary to seek funding in order to sustain these positions in the future, and in turn, the continued work of the Assembly.

In last year’s Annual report, under the heading of ‘The Future’, a number of areas for development were highlighted, and these have largely been met over the year. These were:-

Improvement and development of the new offices in Felling. The offices have been greatly enhanced – in particular the meeting room, which has full presentation

facilities, a new kitchen, and sufficient space for focus groups, presentations and small conferences. It has been hired out on many occasions to other organisations.

Improvements to presentation and quality of the quarterly newsletter, ‘The Voice’. So far it has been possible to maintain the print quality of the newsletter, and it is hoped that this will remain the case in the future. The newsletter is always well

received by the members of the Assembly, and many compliments on its content have been received.

Development of the new website. The new website address is: www.gatesheadolderpeoplesassembly.co.uk. The website went live in January 2009

and has proved very popular. It is a constantly evolving site and is updated regularly.

Page 3

Page 6: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

The Future 2009/2010The Future 2009/2010The Future 2009/2010The Future 2009/2010

As is the case with all Voluntary sector organisations, the future development of the

Assembly depends very much on resources – particularly funding – being available. In the current economic climate, funding is becoming more scarce, and it is becoming necessary to look at different methods of raising the funds for the future. These methods include the possibility of starting a social enterprise and more effective partnership working with partner agencies and organisations.

This year has seen the start of some very effective intergenerational work, specifically with mobile phones and IT equipment. This has proven to be incredibly popular and is something that will be developed strongly over the next year. It has also been a year when the Assembly has been approached by numerous organisations, local authorities and other older people’s forums to discuss methods of setting up their own groups. Planning has begun in partnership with Age Concern Gateshead, Gateshead Housing Company, Primary Care Trust and Gateshead Council, to hold a month long “Older People’s Festival “ throughout October, based on the success of the previous festival in 2007.

As mentioned earlier within this report, there is a growing need to provide better support to our volunteers. The Assembly could not survive for long without the generous time and hard work that they put in. However, due to limited resources, the existing volunteers require additional training and support, which has been difficult to provide. The support of our existing and future volunteers will be of paramount importance in the months ahead.

The Assembly had intended over the past year to have made steady progress with the introduction of ‘Branch Assemblies’ – groups of members who would meet to discuss and report upon issues for older people within their own neighbourhood. Whilst there has been some progress with the Branch Assembly development, it has been necessary to prioritise in other areas due to a lack of time and resources, however this is an area that is ready for development and that will hopefully be taken forward over the next year. Another area for development is to try to achieve a greater involvement from members of the Assembly in the strategic direction of the organisation. Members will be approached more for their opinions and encouraged to feedback issues that they may have so that they may be addressed by the appropriate agencies.

Overall, the Assembly has had an incredibly busy and productive year, and the signs are that the organisation will continue to grow, along with the older population of the borough.

Chris Barker Assembly Coordinator

Page 4

Page 7: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Events and Activities 2008/2009Events and Activities 2008/2009Events and Activities 2008/2009Events and Activities 2008/2009

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly has been represented at numerous events over

the year – these include:-

Link up was the Gateshead arm of the national Link Age plus pilot programme .It brought together a number of partner organisations and provided a funding source to enable those partners to be able to offer a range of service enhancements to help improve the lives of older people. In the case of the Assembly it provided funding for a part time development worker. The programme came to an end in July 2008 after a

successful two years. A conference in Leeds was organised to assist with the evaluation process. An unexpected bonus was that the conference was held in Yorkshire’s largest indoor carting centre, and the older people were invited to race around the circuit. A spectacular end to the event......and a lot of fun too.

A series of information events put on by the Assembly with invited partners from the various older people’s services around Gateshead. These events took place at Allerdene Community Centre, Crossroads Caring for Carers (Highfield), St Alban’s Church Hall, Windy Nook. In addition to these events, the Assembly also took part in several information events organised by other organisations.

Gateshead Council ran a whole series of events based around volunteering. The Assembly played an active part in these events, taking part in the celebrations, information sessions and successfully recruited several new volunteers in the process.

Information EventsInformation EventsInformation EventsInformation Events

Gateshead year of the Volunteer EventsGateshead year of the Volunteer EventsGateshead year of the Volunteer EventsGateshead year of the Volunteer Events

Link up Evaluation Conference in Leeds Link up Evaluation Conference in Leeds Link up Evaluation Conference in Leeds Link up Evaluation Conference in Leeds

Page 5

Page 8: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Events and Activities continued:Events and Activities continued:Events and Activities continued:Events and Activities continued:

Felling FestivalFelling FestivalFelling FestivalFelling Festival

Intergenerational Mobile phone EventIntergenerational Mobile phone EventIntergenerational Mobile phone EventIntergenerational Mobile phone Event

Crawcrook Flu Jab DayCrawcrook Flu Jab DayCrawcrook Flu Jab DayCrawcrook Flu Jab Day

A useful event to attend in October, due to the popularity of flu jabs, this provided a good opportunity to reach a large number of older people, and provide them with information about the Assembly as well as other organisations.

This event held in March brought together members of Gateshead Youth Assembly with a number of older people who came along to have some expert tuition on how to get the best from their mobile phone. It attracted a lot of media attention, and was aired on BBC Look North. This event has led to the Assembly attracting additional funding to carry on with intergenerational work of this type.

The ‘Bankies’ as they are known plays host to a family fun day every year in August, and the Assembly are regulars at this event. Sadly rain stopped play after a short time on this occasion.

Information PresentationsInformation PresentationsInformation PresentationsInformation Presentations

The Assembly Coordinator and the Chair of the Assembly delivered 13 presentations over the year, to residential care homes and sheltered accommodation centres across Gateshead. A further 5 presentations were made to community centres in the area.

Discover ComputersDiscover ComputersDiscover ComputersDiscover Computers

Another event in March brought together Age Concern Gateshead and the Assembly to offer older people the chance to discover computers. Free taster sessions were offered by Age Concern tutors to encourage people to try their hand at Information Technology at their own pace.

Page 6

Page 9: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

ResearchResearchResearchResearch

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly is frequently asked to take part in research projects around older people. Over the last year, the organisation has been consulted on behalf of Gateshead Council, South of Tyne & Wear PCT, Department of Work and Pensions, Help the Aged and the Institute of Ageing and Health. Our members and volunteers have taken part in several focus groups and workshops covering a wide range of older people’s issues. Our members have also worked closely with Rachel Deller, a final year University student who undertook a major project around social isolation in older people.

Boards and PartnershipsBoards and PartnershipsBoards and PartnershipsBoards and Partnerships

The Assembly sits on all the relevant partnership boards in Gateshead. It is through these partnerships that the ‘Voice’ of older people is heard, and it is from these partnerships that information is fed back to the members.

These include:-

Health and Social Care Partnership, Gateshead Strategic Partnership, Gateshead LINk Gateshead Older People’s Partnership, Gateshead PCT Local Engagement Board, All 5 Area Forums (Central, South, East, West and Inner West) Community Care Forum, Gateshead Community Network, Gateshead Diversity Forum Gateshead Involvement Forum, Northeast Transport Forum

Membership DemographicsMembership DemographicsMembership DemographicsMembership Demographics

Due to the representative age of our membership, we have unfortunately lost a significant amount of

members during 2008 / 09 however we still saw a rise in our membership.

We hope that during 2009/2010 we are given the opportunity to work within the BME community to

raise awareness of our organisation and to strengthen partnership relations with existing groups.

Page 7

Membership Age

Demographics

01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09

50-59 0 0 0 1 0 4 69 22 0

60-69 3 1 0 5 2 7 97 67 3

70-79 0 0 0 8 1 7 160 97 13

80-89 4 0 1 4 1 3 56 51 9

90 plus 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 4

Unknown 383 1 43 263 135 224 40 5 4

Total 390 2 44 281 139 245 429 248 33

96

185

286

129

17

1098

1811

Year of Registration Membership to April 09

Page 10: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

The percentage of the population aged under 16 has been declining since 1995 and,

for the first time ever. has dropped below the percentage of the population of state pensionable age.

The number of older people in England and Wales is increasing. This is mainly a result of

decreasing levels of mortality observed for older ages since the 1950’s. The mortality rate for

the population aged over 75 has fallen from 137 deaths per thousand in 1911-1915, to 83

deaths per thousand in 2006-2007.

Mortality rates for the population aged between 65 and 74 has declined by two thirds over

the same period, from 57 to 19 deaths per thousand. Declining mortality rates in the first year

of life and between the ages of one and 64 over the last 100 years have also contributed to

the increasing numbers of older people in England and Wales today.

The population over state pensionable age has increased and this is partly due to the

number of women born in the immediate post World War װ baby boom who reached state

pensionable age in 2007.

AgeingAgeingAgeingAgeing

For the first time ever, there are more older peopleFor the first time ever, there are more older peopleFor the first time ever, there are more older peopleFor the first time ever, there are more older people

than those under 16than those under 16than those under 16than those under 16

Page 8

Under 16 16 to 59 60 to 79 80 plus

Page 11: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Page 9

GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009

Report of the Management Committee

The management committee presents its report and the financial statements for the year ended 31

March 2009.

Structure governance and management

The charity is governed by a constitution which was adopted on 2 July 2002 with amendments on 2

December 2003 and 21 November 2006. It is an unincorporated association. Trustees are invited from

all interested bodies and are selected by the trustees.

Objectives and activities

The charity’s objectives are to promote the relief of older people in Gateshead by such charitable

means calculated to relieve their needs. Various events are held throughout the borough of Gateshead

to provide information and canvass opinion of the needs of older people in Gateshead. Grants received

in the year have enabled the recruitment of a Manager. With these resources more information will be

made available and events will be held throughout the coming year so more older people will be

reached.

Trustees

The trustees who served during the year were as follows:

E Hogg E Ward

R Gregory N Monkhouse

I Dodds A Cummings

B Golightley * M Scott

P Howes * I Miller

T Wood * M Law

G Law D Boyes

V Parsons T Brydon

* Resigned after the year end

The following were co-opted members:

J Gibson D Graham

J Walls

Subsequent to the year end G Woodhall and P Wallace joined the trustees.

Page 12: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2008

Achievements and performance

Main achievements

Our membership continued to grow in 2008/09. It now stands at approximately 1,800

We took part in many focus groups allowing us to understand the issues and concerns of older people.

Our newsletter has a circulation of 2,000 and is highly praised by the members and supporters of the

organisation.

Financial review

The financial statements show a surplus of £4,041 on unrestricted reserves and £14,060 on restricted

reserves. Restricted funding is the bulk of income and expenditure as monies are received for running

costs of the office and salaries. Various grant have been received for the promotional work which is

core to the organisation’s existence.

The bank balance has grown from £54,425 to £70,260 so adequate funds are available to cover the end

of the current projects.

Reserves

Given the nature of the charity where funding is restricted to project unrestricted reserves play a small

part in the finances. The trustees are seeking to grow these reserves to a level of three months

expenditure. Going forward budgeted expenditure amounts to £60,000 so three months expenditure

equates to £15,000. The level of unrestricted reserves excluding fixed assets is £11,477. The shortfall

is expected to be made up in the current accounting period.

The management committee would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff, volunteers,

funders and members during another exciting year in the charity’s development.

Signed on behalf of the management committee

24 August 2009

E Ward

Page 10

Page 13: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

Unrestricted Restricted Total Total

2009 2008

Incoming resources £ £ £ £

Donations 1,241 - 1,241 345

Grants 3,697 104,431 108,128 115,577

Recharges - - - 1,414

Total incoming resources 4,938 104,431 109,369 117,336

Resources expended

Charitable activities - 90,007 90,007 85,520

Governance costs 863 398 1,261 1,441

Total resources expended 863 90,405 91,268 86,961

Net incoming resources 4,075 14,026 18,101 30,375

Transfers (34) 34 - -

Net movement in funds 4,041 14,060 18,101 30,376

Total funds brought forward 8,590 46,532 55,122 24,746

Total funds carried forward

12,631

60,592

73,223

55,122

Page 11

Page 14: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Unrestricted Restricted 2009 2008

£ £ £ £

Fixed assets

Tangible assets 1,154 - 1,154 1,402

Current assets

Debtors - 3,122 3,122 -

Cash at bank and in hand 12,340 57,920 70,260 54,425

12,340 61,042 73,382 54,425

Creditors – amount due within one

year

863

450

1,313

705

Net current assets 11,477 60,592 72,069 53,720

Net assets 12,631 60,592 73,223 55,122

Funds of the charity 10 12,631 60,592 73,223 55,122

GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 MARCH 2009

Page 12

Page 15: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

GATESHEAD OLDER PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY

YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2009

Resources expended

Unrestricted Restricted 2009 2008

Charitable activities £ £ £ £

Wages - 45,657 45,657 34,819

Recruitment costs - 510 510 1,070

Translation costs - - - 1,788

Rent rates and insurance - 8,224 8,224 15,884

Heat and light - 2,478 2,478 634

Repairs - 894 894 1,170

Office fitting out - 5,616 5,616 6,705

Equipment - 4,136 4,136 -

Post stationery and copying - 7,056 7,056 8,677

Telephone - 1,710 1,710 1,420

Publicity - 7,690 7,690 4,705

Events - - - 255

Travel - 328 328 1,089

Training - 49 49 1,700

Catering - 594 594 1,902

Annual General Meeting - 2,983 2,983 2,380

Sundries - 1,834 1,834 1,074

Depreciation - 248 248 248

Governance costs

Accountancy 863 398 1,261 971

Legal fees - - - 470

863 90,405 91,268 86,961

Grant Income 2009 2008

£ £

LinkUp 22,663 44,202

Gateshead MBC – Grants and awards

Manager

Promotions

25,575

30,690

5,000

6,250

30,000

-

Rent - 13,006

Tudor Trust 20,000 15,000

Year of Volunteer 2,500 -

Help the Aged 1,600 -

Warm Zone 100 1,000

Community Foundation/The Gateshead Housing Company - 2,000

Community Champions - 1,000

GMBC Looking Forward Festival 3,119

108,128 115,577

Page 13

Page 16: Gateshead Older People's Assembly Annual Report 09

Gateshead Older People’s Assembly

65 High Street

Felling

Gateshead

Tyne and Wear

NE10 9LU

Telephone 0191 438 1721

Email: [email protected]

Or visit

www.gatesheadolderpeoplesassembly.co.uk

Thank you to our funders: