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
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
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
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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
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.
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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,
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1950
2050
0 to 5 year olds
85 plus
0 to 5
year olds 85 plus
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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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Under 16 16 to 59 60 to 79 80 plus
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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.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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: