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Local Teenager wins British Empire Medal - see front page

Congratulations to this inspirational young lady who has worked not only before the pandemic but during it when she needed to change what she was doing to keep up communications between different groups who become separated and lonely.http://www.putneysw15.com/default.asp?section=community&link=http://neighbournet.com/server/common/conlatymerschool010.htm

Philippa Bond ● 1492d5 Comments

Obviously it is a big shame that this enterprising Latymer Upper student because of the pandemic had to drop the live music she was bringing to care homes as music makes such an amazing difference to people's lives and particularly those with dementia or who have suffered strokes who may be able to sing songs they learnt years ago although they may be unable or struggle to converse. Jazz fm has for several years been promoting their charitable collection of unwanted ipods and their partners who organise music to be put on them so that they can be given to those who would benefit.https://planetradio.co.uk/jazz-fm/charity/

Philippa Bond ● 1489d

Care homes so often depend on visitors to them to help keep their residents involved and happy as their staff can be very stretched.  It takes a lot longer and a lot more effort for residents and to help residents to get ready and gathered together just for a meal.  So many choose not to leave their rooms.  With failing eyesight or hearing or mobility and without such easy access to landlines if you are unable to use a mobile or tablet it becomes much harder to keep in touch.  There is a lot that younger generations who have these skills can do by using them to help their older relatives.  I remember there being a book called something like:  You Are What You Do - with lots of little positive and uplifting actions and one of them was: Teach Your Granny to Text.  That could be really tough but children are good at it.  Easier is creating a list of important telephone mumbers in easy to read large print or programming numbers onto speed dial or contacts into a mobile.

Philippa Bond ● 1490d

Yes, well deserved for great initiative.

Michael Ixer ● 1491d

I also add my congratulations to Nina.  She totally understands how important music is to people in care homes and I think she is brilliant for this.

Martine Guy ● 1491d

Congratulations to Nina Anderson.  What an inspiring young lady!!!

Ivonne Holliday ● 1491d