October 1 is UK Older People's Day

Under the Full of Life Banner, the Government and other supporting groups are undertaking a wide programme of activity centred around UK Older People's Day on October 1.

Older People's day aims to raise the profile of the issues surrounding older people and our ageing society with a focus on highlighting and celebrating the contribution older people make to our society and economy. It aims to tackle negative attitudes and stereotypes by bringing different generations together to promote a more positive view of later life.

Independent Age is supporting Older People's day and encouraging volunteers to get involved. To find out how to go about organising your own event, visit the Older People's Day website at www.direct.gov.uk/fulloflife. There are inspirational ideas on events and themes and if you're not able to organise an event yourself you can check out other events near you that you may wish to attend.

Patrick Gale Reading

On 13 July, author Patrick Gale gave a reading from his latest book, The Whole Day Through, to raise funds for Independent Age. Patrick is the author of 16 books, including the Richard and Judy book club selection, Notes From An Exhibition. This, his most recent book, features a character who cares for her ageing mother, a still-brilliant professor who is now coping with the physical limitations of osteoporosis.

The event was held at Tea, a contemporary tea room near St. Paul's Cathedral, and raised over £600 for the charity.

Coffee morning and plant sale

Special thanks go to Volunteer Olivia Howe, who expertly organised this coffee morning and plant sale in Bandon, County Cork. The June 29 event raised over €665 for the charity, and a lovely time was had by all.

Volunteer Alison Gash, shown above, sold flowers.

Here are some of the homemade cakes and sweet treats which were on offer.

If you would like to host a similar event for Independent Age, perhaps as part of our forthcoming Action Week (28 September - 4 October 2009), we can help. Please contact your local Area Manager, or Independent Age Head Office.

Dame Diana Brittan appointed Chairman of Independent Age

Dame Diana Brittan has extensive experience in both public and voluntary sectors. Previously she was chairman of the Community Fund (formerly the National Lottery Charities Board) for five years until 2004. She is currently Chairman of the Connection at St. Martin's and Chairman of the London and South Regional Committee of the British Lung Foundation. In addition to her voluntary appointments, she serves as Justice of the Peace in the City of London. Of her appointment as Chairman of Independent Age, Dame Diana said: "I am thrilled to be joining an organisation with an established legacy of improving the lives of people so that they can enjoy an independent old age. The charity has successfully helped older people for over 140 years. As we move forward, our focus will be on how best we can meet the needs and aspirations of today's older people and, importantly, help them in increasing numbers to lead independent and fulfilling lives."

Enter the 'Age, Snapped' photo competition

'Age, Snapped' is a photography contest and exhibition designed to challenge stereotypes about what 'old age' really means. It is part of the 'Full of Life' campaign by the Department of Work and Pensions to celebrate UK Older People's Day 2009, on 1 October, which coincides with Independent Age's Action Week. Visit the 'Full of Life' website by clicking the logo above to learn more about this campaign. Winning entries from the 'Age, Snapped' competition will be displayed at the London College of Communications in the Upper Street Gallery, and may be used in publicity campaigns by the DWP, promoting the contributions made by older people. If you would like to submit any of your photographs, click here for further information, or visit the Age, Snapped website.

105th Birthday Celebration

Miss Blanche Playdon, a resident at Randell House, celebrated her 105th birthday on 2 July. Blanche is a very sprightly lady who dislikes fuss and does not see her great age as anything special, but we decorated the house in her honour and arranged a small surprise tea party with the other residents, which she very much enjoyed. Her niece, Mrs Ann Arlington, was able to come, and our student, Harriet Southgate, helped Blanche to blow out the candles on her cake. We had bought 'sparkler' candles, and they were reluctant to go out, so Blanche eventually wafted them out with her card from the Queen. After a rendition of 'Happy Birthday' and a toast, Blanche stood up and made a short speech to thank everyone for her surprise.

Beneficiary awarded an MBE

Congratulations to 91-year-old Gwen Barry, who has been made an MBE for her extensive and ongoing services to charity. She is the leader of the Sheffield Fundraising group of PDSA which she started 21 years ago. Her work started as a tribute to her late husband, who asked for mourners to donate to the charity instead of having flowers at his funeral.Gwen is pictured here with her Volunteer Visitor, Andrea Groves.

'Real Help Now for Over 60s' booklet launch

When times are tough it is important that people know where to turn to get all of the help and advice they need. That is why the Government has launched a new booklet today for pensioners and those over 60, pulling together all the help that is available to them. The 40-page booklet, 'Real Help Now for Over 60s' provides information on the range of Government schemes available to help them through these difficult economic times and where to access them. You can read the booklet here or order a copy from http://www.realhelpnow.gov.uk/.

Cross Country results announced

Congratulations to all who took part in the Open Cross Country event in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire on 28 May. For a list of results, click here. Photographs were taken by Shaw Shot photography, and they can be seen by clicking here.