New Stuff

• "Games are drawing attention in libraries as successful outreach tools for tweens, teens and seniors...." Read more: http://librarygamer.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/why-games-belong-in-libraries/ (Library Gamer blog 8th August 2008)
• Margaret Sloan writes an article in Update Magazine reporting on ‘Expanding Library Services for Older People’ based on experiences in Canada and Netherlands. The article includes seven points for developing a strategy for older people. (UM 7 [5] May 2008 pp31-33)
• The Queens Library Foundation raises funds for Queens Library in New York, in order to provide exceptional and innovative programmes and services to enrich the lives of the people of Queens. Click link above to watch the DVD, Enriching Lives: Four Stories : http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=enrich (10mins) to see how Queens Library impacts positively on the lives of four residents (Enmi: New American succeeds; Sydelle: Senior enjoys life; Kessler: Teen builds a future; Diane: Adult literacy brings new opportunities). (WTYL 05/05/08)
• Community Care "Expert Guides" are very useful intros to key topics: http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/List.aspx?NavigationID=153&SlotPageID=32. Subjects covered include: elderly people (LACJ 10/04/08)
• A DVD is being launched which aims to encourage more elderly people to use support services so they can continue living in their homes. Sheffield Council hopes it will lead to increased use of day care and home care. The DVD will be available to borrow from libraries, doctors' surgeries and community centres, and there will also be a poster campaign: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/DVD-support-for-old-folk.3669924.jp
• A reading group for retired people is being launched in Sheffield. The new project is being organised by members of the University of the Third Age, and will be held at Parson Cross Library, starting on Wednesday January 23, from 11am until 12.30pm. For information about the group, call Mary Simpson of U3A on (0114) 245 2568. ( http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Group-for-book-lovers.3648413.jp The Star online 08/01/07)
• Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region include (& include older people): Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Based in Goole, veterans, community groups and schools will work together to develop an exhibition around the social and economic impact of WWII on the local area and its people); Cannon Hall Museum (veterans and young people will work together to produce an e-learning package looking at personal experiences of conflict and the legacies of these for succeeding generations); Leeds Libraries (the Relay project involving community groups, including refugee groups, sharing perspectives on conflict through creative writing and technology); Wakefield Cultural Services and Libraries (work with young people to create a databank of war stories to increase understanding of 'commemoration, remembrance, and citizenship'); North Yorkshire County Record Office (prisoners in Northallerton to work with archives to create learning journeys).
• This article in the Times talks about patients increasing use of discussion forums to access support, as well as information, regarding various health conditions: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2894007.ece There is advice on how to get the best out of these forums as well as links to several examples including Saga's ones for older people: saga.co.uk/sagazone (various, including 'Carers' and 'Health' as well as lots of hobbies and interests)
• Older Sheffield Website - Age Concern have launched a new website: www.oldersheffield.org.uk to help middle-aged and elderly people access over 900 services across Sheffield (courses, leisure, social and support groups etc.) (The Sheffield Weekly Gazette Thursday Nov 15th 2007)
• WiseOwls Employment Agency Limited promote and campaign for Equality and Diversity, helping older workers (45 – 65+) into employment, and helping employers with employment issues, business support and capacity building. Contact WiseOwls Employment Agency Limited, (HQ) Room 7, First Floor, St Margaret House, 15 Ford Road, London E2 9PJ Tel: (020) 8983 9716, Fax: (020) 8983 5713 Email: admin@wiseowls.co.uk Web: www.wiseowls.co.uk (from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)