SCOTLAND TOP AND ENGLISH REGIONS BOTTOM FOR WINTER COMMUNITY SPIRIT

ELDERLY people living in Scotland are more than twice as likely to be offered bad weather help by neighbours than the UK average.

An independent survey of 11,760 people conducted by Populus for Saga, the lifestyle, financial services and travel organisation for over 50s, found that 22% were offered help during the December ice and snows by neighbours - compared to the nationwide average of 10%.

But only 4% of older people in the West Midlands said they'd been offered help, with the North West and East Anglia faring little better at 5%. London and the South West were on 7%, Wales 8, Northern Ireland 9%, the South East 11%, the East Midlands 12%, the North East 14%, Yorkshire and Humber 16%.

The survey also found that a quarter of over 75 respondents received help during the recent snowy and icy weather from their family (24%) and/or neighbours (25%). Community spirit was greatest in Scotland where 22% of all respondents (compared to 10% nationally) were helped by their neighbours. Only 1% of Saga panellists needed help, but didn't receive any. Four out of five (80%) respondents weren't offered help but felt that they really didn't need any.

Icy pavements which prevent people from going out were the biggest problem for survey respondents (35%) when it is very snowy and icy; this is particularly true for the older respondent. The greatest concern for almost one in five Saga panellists (19%) is just keeping warm, given how high the heating bills are. Nevertheless, for those respondents who have not yet retired, the biggest problem is getting to work (47%).

Saga is launching a "Good Neighbour Roll of Honour" to demonstrate the positive effects the bad weather can have, as neighbours pull together in times of hardship. "You don't have to dive into a freezing river or try and stop a sliding vehicle to be considered a hero by your older neighbours. Saga wants to celebrate the good neighbours who are truly making a difference to the lives of older people this winter. It doesn't take much; just offering to go out for groceries or providing a lift to get to appointments or a helping hand so they can go on with their normal lives is so important at this time of year and can make a massive difference to physical and mental wellbeing - for both the helped and the helper. We are asking people who are benefiting from the kindness of a good neighbour to let Saga know who they are and we will add their names to our Good Neighbours roll of honour which will be published on the Saga website." said Emma Soames, Editor at Large of Saga Magazine.

Liverpool guide dog owner, Alan Briggs is driving blind for Guide Dogs

A guide dog owner whose vision was impaired following a stroke will be gearing up for the ultimate challenge as he drives at high speeds around a car park in Anfield to raise money for the Guide Dogs charity. The event is being organized by the social enterprise organization Diverse Road Safety, based in Dovecot.

Liverpool resident Alan Briggs, 59, lost his sight, suffered short term memory loss and was left with mobility problems as a result of a stroke in February 2007. The stroke turned Alan’s life upside down. Prior to the stroke, Alan and his wife Ann had an active and enjoyable life which included holidays abroad between their busy work and family life.

Thanks to Alan’s wonderful guide dog, Edie; Guide Dogs and The Stroke Association, Alan is back on his feet and now there’s no stopping him!

Alan said:- “When it all happened, I was in a state of depression and didn’t know where to turn until The Stroke Association got involved.” The charity referred Alan to the Christopher Grange Rehabilitation Centre for people experiencing sight loss. As a result of his time at the centre, Alan was given information about charity Guide Dogs and how to apply for a guide dog. In February 2009 Alan qualified with his guide dog, Edie. “Having Edie has been a truly life changing experience. I now feel confident getting out and about independently, knowing that my best friend is by my side.” said Alan.

It is due to Alan’s gratitude to Edie and to Guide Dogs that Alan has decided to help raise vital funds for the charity. Alan is encouraging members of the public to come along and support him on the day of his drive which is taking place at 10:30 on the 30th of December at the Vernon Sangster car park in Anfield.

Julie Ainscow from The Stroke Association said:- “Visual problems are common after a stroke and can affect up to two thirds of stroke survivors. There are several different types of visual difficulties, ranging from slight to severe, but help and support is available. I’m delighted that Alan is getting back to life following his stroke, and is able to give something back to Guide Dogs.”

If you would like information about the work of Guide Dogs, please visit:- guidedogs.org.uk or phone:- 0845 372 7499.

For further information about stroke, please visit:- stroke.org.uk, or ring the Stroke Helpline on:- 0303 30 33 100.

Rural North West may struggle to support ageing population

THE number of pensioners living in the rural North West will increase by 27% over the next decade. North West rural communities will struggle to support the ageing population boom unless more affordable homes are built, a leading campaign group has warned.

The total number of over 65s living in rural England will hit 2.92m by 2020, according to Federation research based on government projections. This is a rise of 672,400 (30%) from 2010. Rural parts of the North West will be home to an additional 46,300 older people in ten years time - an increase of 27% over current numbers.

But young people and families on modest incomes could increasingly find themselves priced out of villages and market towns, prompting fears that many rural areas will struggle to attract the key workers needed to care and support for the ageing population.

The Federation calls for more 'pensioner friendly homes' to be built where there is a clear demand for them and support services will need to be made more widely available in rural communities.

Across England the proportion of older people living in rural areas is increasing at a faster rate than in urban areas. This is driven by a combination of an ageing population and inward migration to the countryside. The Federation warns that many of these people could find themselves increasingly isolated if key local services and amenities continue to disappear.

The Federation, which represents England's housing associations, said more affordable housing will be necessary to house the booming population of over 65s, as well as their families and key workers such as care assistants. The Federation is calling on all local authorities to put measures in place to ensure they fully understand local housing need, and to publish an action plan to show how they will deal with the issue.

Councils should also assess the changing needs of their local community and support the building of homes which meet the needs of older people where there is a demand for these properties, the Federation said.

Sallie Bridgen, North West Regional Manager said:- "Older people are an integral part of North West rural communities, but it is vital that their housing and support needs are met in order to maintain their independence and dignity. It is vital we make sure older generations have access to affordable, good quality housing, built to suit their current and future needs. We also need to make sure younger people are not priced out of the countryside, otherwise older people will find themselves increasingly isolated from their families and support networks. North West rural local authorities must ensure they have a full understanding of housing need and to draw up action plans to deliver the homes required. They also need to assess what housing and support services will be required to serve the growing older population over the coming decade and beyond."

Replica-Lambanana

LIVERPOOL is getting an early Christmas present! The iconic Superlambanana is to stay in the city thanks to an agreement reached by the City Council and Japanese artist Taro Chiezo.  There has been a great deal of speculation about the future of the original sculpture as it was only on loan to the city council from the artist. It had even been suggested that the sculpture could be sold to Liverpool’s neighbour Manchester. The agreement will see a new replica model being made by original sculptors Julian Taylor and Andrew Small which will remain in the city for the next 80 years. And the new version will be made out of weather-proof material, unlike the Tithebarn Street version which has suffered damage by the elements. It is expected that the current Superlambanana will be returned to Chiezo to be auctioned off. Liverpool City Council has signed the contract which means the city will have its very own five meter high Superlambanana – an exact replica of the one currently situated on Tithebarn Street. Cabinet Member for culture and tourism, Councillor Wendy Simon, said:- “It is great news that the Superlambanana will now be staying in Liverpool. It has become such an iconic image associated with the city and I am sure that locals and tourists alike will flock to see it for years to come. The Superlambanana played an important role in attracting thousands of visitors to the city during the culture celebrations in 2008 and it will be great to have a permanent reminder of its success.” Artist Andrew Small said:- “Taking on this project 12 years ago was an exciting technical challenge and the experience I gained working with Julian at that time has been invaluable in the development of my own public art projects. The popularity of the Superlambanana has taken on a life of its own and my kids are excited I’ll be working on it again after so much time!”   The sculpture was originally created for the ArtTransPennine Exhibition in 1998, part of an initiative to create a 'corridor of art' through the North of England. Liverpool's contribution, designed by Japanese artist Taro Chiezo, was the Superlambanana which was unveiled to the city at the reopening of Liverpool’s branch of the famous Tate Gallery. An ironic comment on the dangers of genetic engineering, it was developed with the city specifically in mind as both the banana and lamb were once a common cargo in Liverpool's bustling docks.

For more information about artist Andrew Small, go to:- andrewsmall.org.uk.