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Social Care

Ageing well in Bexley

Bexley’s annual Ageing Well Event returned on Saturday 3 October, welcoming around 400 residents to the Civic Offices for a lively celebration of later life.

More than 30 organisations took part, showcasing the wide range of support, activities and opportunities available across the Borough. Visitors could find out about local health and wellbeing services, leisure centre classes, walking groups, community organisations and historical societies.

There was plenty to get involved in, with a programme of free activities including fitness and dance sessions, yoga, tai chi and a fun ‘Build-Your-Own Bird Feeder’ workshop.

Entertainment throughout the day included music, dance and singing from local performers, Lime Wood Primary School and the Mind in Bexley Choir.

Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults & Health, said:

It was wonderful to see so many residents coming together to celebrate ageing well. Staying active, connected and involved in our communities can make such a positive difference to later life and this event highlighted the fantastic opportunities available across Bexley.”

aging well in Bexley

Organised by the Public Health Team in partnership with Age UK Bexley and supported by the Elder Voices Partnership Board, the event reflects Bexley’s commitment to being a great place to grow older.

For more information, visit Age UK

Live Well, Live Better hubs

Residents across Bexley will soon have access to a new programme of free activities supporting healthier, happier and more connected lives, with ‘Live Well, Live Better’ hubs planned for libraries across the Borough.

The hubs build on the success of the Live Well, Age Well pilot at Sidcup Storyteller, which brought residents together for activities supporting physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection.

Supported by funding from NHS South East London Integrated Care Board, the programme will expand this successful model across Bexley, with activities focused on key themes: physical health, mental health, wellbeing and creative health.

older women using resistant bands

Activities could include exercise sessions, creative workshops, wellbeing groups, arts and crafts, social activities and opportunities to learn new skills. Sessions will be tailored to local communities and delivered with voluntary, community, cultural, health and social care partners.

Councillor Brian Bishop, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, said:

This is a brilliant funding success and reflects the strong partnerships that we are building through our libraries, which are delivering real impact for local people. Health and wellbeing is one of the key themes in our Library Strategy and I am thrilled that libraries across Bexley will be partnering with health services to provide a comprehensive range of activities. This initiative offers the opportunity to improve residents’ health and help make Bexley the healthiest Borough in London.”

Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

We want people in Bexley to be able to live healthy, independent and fulfilling lives. These new hubs will bring fantastic opportunities into the heart of our communities, helping residents stay active, build connections and support their wellbeing.”

The hubs will create more opportunities for residents to connect with their local community while supporting their health and wellbeing.

More information about the hubs, including activities, locations and how residents can get involved, will be shared soon.

Unpaid Carers’ Corner

Do you look after a family member, partner, friend or neighbour who couldn’t manage without  your support? You may be an unpaid carer, even if you don’t think of yourself as one.

Welcome to our new Unpaid Carers’ Corner, a regular space where we will share information about the support, advice and opportunities available to unpaid carers across Bexley. Whether you are new to caring or have been supporting someone for many years, we hope this will help you find the information and support you need.

carer

In this first edition, we are focusing on looking after you.

Does your GP know you are a carer? Letting your GP practice know can help ensure your caring role is recorded and that you can be connected to appropriate support. It can also help your GP understand the impact caring may have on your own health and wellbeing.

You may also be entitled to a Carer’s Assessment, which looks at how caring affects your life and what support could help, including breaks, local services and advice.

Unpaid carers can also join wellbeing sessions to meet other carers, share experiences and focus on their own wellbeing.
 

Carers Guide 

The Bexley Carers Guide provides practical information about benefits, carers’ rights, local services, emergency planning and support. To request a paper copy of the guide, email: info@carerssupport.org

For more information at Bexley carers

80 years of making a difference

For Bexley Mencap member Geoffrey, turning 80 was always going to be special. But discovering he shares his birthday with national Mencap made the milestone even more memorable.

To celebrate their ‘birthday twin’, Geoffrey was invited to Mencap’s anniversary celebrations, where he met the Duchess of Edinburgh. He was also featured on Channel 4 News, highlighting health inequalities experienced by people with a learning disability.

Geoffrey has been part of Bexley Mencap’s Respect self-advocacy group for 32 years. He has been chair of Respect, a trustee of Bexley Mencap and the first co-chair of the Bexley Learning Disability Partnership Board.

Bexley Mencap member Geoffrey, turning 80

The London Borough of Bexley works closely with Bexley Mencap through our Adult Services and One Bexley partnership, supporting people with learning disabilities to have their voices heard and help shape local services.

Now in his ninth decade, Geoffrey continues to advocate for others and help make sure “everyone is heard”. We are proud to celebrate his remarkable contribution.

For more information, visit Bexley Mencap

More Support, More Choice

Your Life, Your Choice Bexley has expanded to help residents find support that suits their needs and preferred lifestyle.

The online platform now covers personal care, social activities, equipment and adaptations, short breaks, support at home and supported living.

Residents can enter the support they need to find matching agencies, explore options and request information directly from organisations.

two people eating breakfast

Councillor Janice Ward-Wilson, Cabinet Member for Adults and Health, said:

We want residents to have choice and control over the support they receive, helping them live the lives they want. Expanding Your Life, Your Choice Bexley means residents can explore more support options in one place, making it easier to find services that meet their individual needs and circumstances.”

For more information at Your Life Your Choice