Bristol Older People's Forum

✨FABulous Disco is coming to St Werburghs!🕺

Get down and funky with the fantastic tunes from Decades Disco. The disco is organised by Friends Ageing Better at Age UK Bristol. There will be a bar, all proceeds from the bar will go to support St Werburghs Community Centre's work in the community.

Ticket are £6 at the door, or you can book an early bird ticket for £5 by emailing [email protected].

Do you have any music requests? We can pass them on to the DJ! 😎

BEWARE OF AGESPLAINING!!

Have you ever felt that you were being spoken to as a child, because of your age? Or treated as though you wouldn’t understand something? If so, you may have been subject to agesplaining!

That’s the conclusion of a survey recently conducted by a care company and widely reported in the media.

Agesplaining is where people adjust the way they talk or explain something to older people to be ‘understood’. In the survey 11% of over-70s questioned reported that they were regular spoken to as a child. Meanwhile, 19% of those aged 18-69 said that they provided more explanation to an older person than they would to a younger person, and 16% said that they would speak more slowly.

According to Alan Walker, a professor of social policy and gerontology at Sheffield University, this goes beyond being irritating. He says that such ageist behaviour “...even in its compassionate guise, diminishes older people in their own eyes and adds to the process of internalisation, whereby they end up believing that they are second class citizens or incompetent in some way.”

If you feel you’ve been on the receiving end of agesplaining, have you challenged it? Or ignored it? Let us know at BOPF.

WASPI WOMEN PROTEST!!

The Waspi (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women have been campaigning for fairer retirement payouts. for more than a decade.

A generation of women born between 1950-1960 have been left out of pocket by changes to the state pension age to equalise it across genders.

The issues are related to the changing of women’s state pension age, which changed from 60 to 65, to match up with men.

Both have since changed to 66, and the pension age for both men and women is set to rise again from 66 to 67 between 2026 and 2028.

This will be a nationwide protest with thousands of women travelling down to Parliament on the day of the Budget on Wednesday 30th October.

https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/my-music-my-memories-2024/

My Music, My Memories and Me! | Bristol Beacon A music charity, renowned venue and award-winning music education hub. We're here to help make space for music every day, with everyone.

NIHR Research conversations: What influences how we experience pain? 24 October 2024 11-12pm (online via Zoom)

This Thursday, if you're not at the BOPF AGM, take part in one of the regular research conversations sessions run by People in Health West of England, where members of the public can hear about local research projects and give researchers feedback on their work.

About the event

We know that psychological factors such as thoughts and feelings, and social factors including personal relationships and lifestyle, can affect chronic pain alongside biological factors (e.g. swollen joints, injury). What we don’t know is which of these factors are most important, or how they combine to affect people’s experience of pain.

Join Dr Sharon Grieve and Joanne Lloyd as they discuss the Consortium to Research Individual, Interpersonal and Social Influences in Pain (CRIISP) project.

Research conversations: What influences how we experience pain? - ARC West About the event We know that psychological factors such as thoughts and feelings, and social factors including personal relationships and lifestyle, can affect chronic pain alongside biological factors (e.g. swollen joints, injury). What we don’t know is which of these factors are most important, ...

RAISING THE RED Red dress craftivism - opportunity to get involved.

Sharing information from Ros Martin

We are a small friendly, informal group of local women working with textiles, meeting on a Friday afternoon, (at Crafted by Props, Fishponds) to decorate second hand red clothing: to remember and honour women and girls, killed and missing; locally, globally, past and present with messages, quotes and names and hang them on specific annual calendar dates.

We wish more women to join us, so installations, become visually impactful. We are currently ‘RAISING THE RED’ for an outdoor installation from 25 November 2024 to 10th Dec marking U.N END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN. (10th Dec is Human Rights Day) highlighting the global nature of violence against women and girls.

No previous craft experience needed. Do bring second hand red clothing if you can, but this is not obligatory. Materials have been supplied through donations. Come and join us or drop by. You are welcome to work from home if this is preferable.

Currently meeting weekly to craft on a Friday 1.30 to 3.30pm. Do come by…….

18th Oct, 25th Oct, 1st Nov, 8th Nov, 15th Nov, 22nd Nov

Venue: Crafted by Props 769 Fishponds Rd, Bristol BS16 3BS or

text Ros 07932896422

See you there

Photo credit Elaine Robinson - In solidarity with first nation Canadian sisters’ marking National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and girls and two spirited people dresses were hung in trees surrounding the perimeter of Fishponds Park, Manor Road side,

This project is inspired by Metis artist Jaime Black REDress

Volunteer applications and referrals (including self-referrals) open for Marmalade Trust Christmas.

Christmas Cheer | Marmalade Trust Bringing joy and companionship to lonely and isolated older people in the Bristol region who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day. Refer someone, apply to volunteer or read more >>

ubject: Watch "Martin Lewis Clashes With Lisa Nandy in Winter Fuel Payment Row" on YouTube

https://youtu.be/u7XFWL50WZQ?si=HQ1oHn1HmCRB0rtS
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Share your videos with friends, family, and the world
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Martin Lewis Clashes With Lisa Nandy in Winter Fuel Payment Row Four out of five pensioners who are expected to lose out on the winter fuel payment are on or below the poverty line, according to AgeUK. The charity is now ...

AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORK PLACE – ' TOO OLD AT FIFTY-SEVEN!'

A report in today’s Daily Mirror reports on how older people are being discriminated when it comes to recruitment.

The research, from Totaljobs, has found that 57 is the average age at which candidates are considered 'too old' for job roles.

In England and Wales alone, this represents 4.2 million people and £138 billion in economic output at risk of being overlooked due to entrenched ageism in hiring.

Totaljobs has partnered with Professor Sarah Vickerstaff, a leading authority of Work and Employment at the University of Kent, to produce The Age Advantage: Overcoming Age Bias to Hire Experienced Talent. This report urges employers to leverage the value that over 50s bring to the workforce and offers practical guidance on overcoming age-related biases in recruitment.

Professor Vickerstaff said: "Many older workers are eager to continue working, but face significant barriers including age discrimination and the perception that they are 'too old' for available roles. While governments have raised retirement ages to extend working lives and reduce welfare costs, the benefits of an age-diverse workforce go beyond the economic.'

The research found that one in seven candidates over 50 have been rejected from a job explicitly due to their age - and 22 per cent have removed their age from CVs with 49 per cent doing so to avoid being stereotyped. And, 59 per cent of HR decision-makers admit to making assumptions about candidates based on age, with 42 per cent experiencing pressure from colleagues to prioritise and hire younger candidates.

Additionally, 47 per cent of these hirers believe that a candidate's age influences their 'cultural fit' within the organisation. This prejudice is discouraging those over-50 from seeking new employment, with a quarter hesitating to apply for jobs – a figure that rises to 28 per cent among women and 42 per cent among Black workers.

This is despite a third of workers expressing a willingness to remain in the workforce beyond the state retirement age. This represents an additional 300,000 full-time workers each year from 2030 to 2035 for those who would reach retirement age by 2035 as well as an additional £12 billion in economic activity.

The Equality Act 2010 protects people from age discrimination in the workplace, including during the recruitment process. Natalie Matalon, chief people officer at Totaljobs, part of The Stepstone Group, said: "With the highest level of economically inactive people in over a decade, there’s a real chance for employers to tap into the wealth of knowledge and skills that older workers offer. However, our research shows unconscious biases are still preventing many businesses from fully accessing this vital talent pool."

Professor Vickerstaff from the University of Kent, said: "Many older workers are eager to continue working, but face significant barriers including age discrimination and the perception that they are 'too old' for available roles. While governments have raised retirement ages to extend working lives and reduce welfare costs, the benefits of an age-diverse workforce go beyond the economic.'

Shared event, this Saturday: The Bristol Commons Autumn Gathering

The Bristol Commons is a growing movement rooted in Community Power, Land Justice & Systemic Change.

With a focus on joy and creativity, our aim is to nurture a culture of collaboration and cultivate a network of reciprocity between communities and organisations across Bristol. By rebuilding the commons, we can reclaim our collective power and strengthen resilience in the face of unfurling crises.

This event is an open invitation to anyone who calls this city home, as we explore how we can collectively shape Bristol's future to nurture and grow sustainable community prosperity!

The Bristol Commons - Autumn Gathering at Circomedia THE BRISTOL COMMONS - AUTUMN GATHERING 9.30am - 5.30pm Saturday, 12th October 2024 The Bristol Commons is a growing movement rooted in Community Power, Land Justice & Systemic Change. With a focus on joy and creativity, our aim is to nurture a culture of collaboration and cultivate a network of reci...

Have your say in a focus group on accessible transports and products.

Monday 28 October, 1.30pm. Refreshments and payment for your time.

Contact Jen at [email protected] or 0117 923 1553 for more information.

Bristol City Council Bus Connectivity Improvements

Bristol City Council’s Transport and Connectivity Committee of the 12th September agreed to the establishment of a Task and Finish Group on supported bus services.

This Group is tasked with reviewing the existing bus network, utilising existing data and information from the Combined Authority, the adopted West of England Bus Strategy and the region’s Bus Services Improvement Plan, to prioritise additional or enhanced bus services that would contribute to the aspiration in these documents and improved accessibility for residents in the city. The Group will also reflect on services recently withdrawn, service requests previously received and any other known stakeholder aspiration.

Do you have any comments on bus connectivity improvements you would like to see. This could be restoring lost links, frequency enhancements on existing services, or entirely new services?

It is highly likely that it will not be possible to meet all service requests. We intend to establish a framework for prioritising investment as we expect that the need will outstrip the budget available. We will then agree with the Combined Authority on a package of prioritised services to tender. The intention is that the Combined Authority will undertake the procurement exercise, with an intended start date of April 2025.

If you would like to make any suggestions, please email [email protected] by Tuesday 15 October 2024.

We're running a Death Cafe at the end of the month. This is an open space to talk about death and dying, but it isn't bereavement support.

Promoting this local festival taking place later in the week, because it has a programme that explores grief in more depth than we can.

Good Grief Weston 24 Thursday 10-Sunday 13 October, various venues in North Somerset

Our 2021 Carers Survey Report uncovered a snapshot of older carers in Bristol at that time, highlighting challenges and recommendations.https://bopf.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/BOPF-Carers-Survey-Report-Final.pdf

Bristol City Council has a survey open (until 16 Oct) to help develop the All Age Carers Strategy 2025-2029 https://www.ask.bristol.gov.uk/all-age-carers-strategy

BOPF supports the Value the Caring Economy Campaign, so we're sharing this event👇

Join Carers Support Centre and Bristol Women’s Voice for a Community Connection Meeting. This event is for carers, people who are cared for, and anyone with caring responsibilities.

This is an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and engage in creative activities. We hope you'll leave feeling more connected, supported, and informed about our Value the Caring Economy Campaign!

Free crèche available if registered by 8th October (tomorrow!) Refreshments and a light lunch provided. Travel can be reimbursed.

Reserve your spot here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/community-connection-meeting-tickets-988513559667

Community Connection Meeting Caring for a loved one is rewarding as well as challenging. This is an opportunity to be creative and connect with others.

Get your tickets for the Celebrating Age Concert, 30 October 11am,
presented by Age UK Bristol and BDP - Bristol Drugs Project 50+crowd and Bristol Beacon

All welcome, a great half term activity! The showcase will be performed by older adults - including the brilliant Artuba and Sisters of Swing.

https://bristolbeacon.org/whats-on/celebrating-age-concert/

⭐Disabled people needed for research on changes to home energy retrofit⭐

Home energy retrofit means changes to the home so that it uses less energy, and stays hotter in the winter and cooler in the summer.

The Centre for Sustainable Energy (CSE) is looking at what Disabled people and caregivers need when having home energy retrofit done to their homes. For example: Insulation (filling holes so that less heat is lost through them), Solar panels,
Heat pumps (technology that takes energy out of the air or ground to heat the home), Changes to a heating system or Double glazing.

Disabled people’s needs should be thought about by people planning and doing this work. Often their needs are not asked about or are ignored. The aim of the research is to understand what changes need to be made so that Disabled people and caregivers have a better experience and can be warm in their homes.

Who can take part?

Disabled people or carers who have had home energy retrofit changes made to their home in the last three years.

People will be paid a £25 shopping voucher for a 45 minute interview. The interviews will be on Zoom or over the phone. BSL interpreters available if needed.

For more information, please contact:
Email: [email protected]
Or leave a message on: 07572405184

Home - Centre for Sustainable Energy CSE supports people and organisations to tackle the climate emergency and end cold homes. Our free energy advice changes lives.

Solar Together West of England - round 3 open for applications

Have you considered installing solar panels?

Solar Together is a scheme delivered in partnership with local authorities. It helps homeowners, renters (with landlord permission), and local businesses benefit from lower-cost solar panel installations by pooling demand to secure competitive prices.

Registration is free and comes with no obligation, meaning participants can review a personalised offer before deciding whether to proceed.

For more information and to register for Solar Together West of England visit www.solartogether.co.uk/west-of-england.

Solar Together West of England – Round 3 Opens for Applications - West of England Combined Authority Residents and businesses across the West of England have another opportunity to cut their energy bills and reduce carbon emissions with the launch of Solar Together West of England. This popular group-buying initiative, backed by Mayor Dan Norris and the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, i...

Looking for something to do today? Lots of free events across the city celebrating Black History Month. This year's theme is 'reclaiming narratives'.

What's on this Black History Month October 1 marks the start of Black History Month

As an equity-focused community hub, we've been lucky to spend time recently with both Layla and Negat. This will be an interesting and important talk, do join if you can. Booking info in Wellspring Settlement post.

Join Refugee Women of Bristol and Bristol Women's Voice for an insight into empowering migrant women to take action on the issues that matter to them.
This is free event on Mon October 7th, from 1-2pm, but please click here for more info and the link to RSVP: https://wellspringsettlement.org.uk/activity/migrant-women-talk/

Great that Ian, BOPF Engagement and Development Manager is one of the new Community Leadership Panel on Climate Change members.

Find out more about the panel https://tinyurl.com/5eaacv49

We'll be sharing updates from the BOPF Community Climate Action Plan Group, and asking for input from members, here and in our Winter newsletter.

We are pleased to welcome five new panel members to our Community Leadership Panel on Climate Change and Just Transition, who further expand the insights and experience of the panel.

This panel is a new model of community influence and leadership, bringing diverse community insights and lived experiences and can advocate for the priorities of Bristol communities.

Meet the panellists: https://buff.ly/48lOs0X

This October, as we do everyday - we're celebrating Older People and our contribution to Bristol.

⭐SAVE THE DATE for our free member events!
See events tab for full info and booking ⭐

📆24 October, 10.30 - 12.30pm, BOPF AGM 2024 Baptist Church

Join BOPF Trustees and Team for our AGM. Also hear from Ability Net about their digital skills training, Councillor Lorraine Francis (Chair of the Adult and Social Care Committee) and Refugee Welcome Homes.

🎵25 October, 1.30 - 4.30pm, My Music, Memories and Me!! Beacon

If you are over the age of fifty, come and join us and share memories about a favourite album track or single. We want you to talk about where and when you bought it, or first heard it, and what it means to you.

🌸28 October, 10.30 - 12.30pm, Death Cafe Bristol Quaker Meeting House

Join us for a cuppa, cake and a conversation about death and dying. This is a safe space to talk about a subject we often avoid. It is not a bereavement support group, counselling or religious session. There are no speakers or presentations, just a group conversation without expectation.

🎨29 October, 10.30 -12.30pm, Celebrating the Part We Play - Older Women in Bristol Bristol Quaker Meeting House

BOPF and Bristol Women’s Voice invite older women to join us using art and craft for a joyful exploration of your lives. Tea and coffee will be available at this relaxed and friendly session. We’ll use art to reflect on and share stories from our past, consider who we are right now and aims for the future.

Looking forward to seeing some of you tomorrow at this workshop with Bristol Women's Voice 😀

Bristol Women's Voice and Bristol Older People's Forum invites women aged 55 and over to this interactive workshop to self-reflect, collectively explore and discuss feminist leadership principles in practice.

✨ What to expect ✨
We will be looking at power dynamics in society and the tools and skills we want to develop to be feminist leaders such as active listening, communication styles, consent, boundaries, individual and collective well-being and more.

The workshop is accessible, filled with activities and no prior knowledge of feminist principles is necessary.

We hope that you will be leaving with a new sense of your power and place in the world.

📅 Tuesday 1 October
🕕 10am - 1pm
📍 The Station

Free to attend, please register on EventBrite (🔗in bio)

Eye Can Bristol
Wednesday 9th October 2024 10:00am - 3:30pm
BAWA Health & Leisure Club, 589 Southmead Rd, Bristol, BS34 7RG

Eye Can Bristol is a free exhibition that provides an opportunity for anyone living with sight loss, along with their friends and family, to find out about the latest technology, equipment and services that are available.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/eye-can-bristol-2024-exhibition-tickets-964762058287?aff=oddtdtcreator

Eye Can Bristol - Sight Support West of England Eye Can Bristol is a free exhibition for blind and partially sighted people taking place at BAWA Health & Leisure Club on Wednesday the 9th of October 2024.

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2023/oct/31/rail-ticket-office-closures-in-england-train-operators

Rail ticket office closures in England scrapped in government U-turn Watchdogs say they received 750,000 responses to consultation, 99% of which were objections

Do you know where the public toilets are in Bristol? This important information can be found on this map

Public toilets map Use this map to find out where the public toilets in Bristol are. Key White WC's = public toilets Orange WC's = community toilet scheme toilets