Shapeshifter Productions are running free sing-a-long sessions for older and isolated people during the pandemic.

Shapeshifter Productions are running free sing-a-long sessions that are keeping older and isolated people singing through the pandemic. Released every Monday, the sessions feature celebrity guest performers and a range of popular and favourite songs. Each session comes with on-screen lyrics and is accessible via an online app and also as downloadable links and mp3s.

Among the celebrities lined up to take part in the second series of the Sessions are KT Tunstall, Brian McFadden, Chris Difford, Alfie Boe, Hollyoaks actress Twinnie, Merrill Osmond and Basil Brush. They perform a range of well-known songs like ‘Fly Me to the Moon’, ‘Edelweiss’, ‘Secret Love’, ‘Will you Still Love Me Tomorrow’ and ‘Moon River’.

The app is here, and you find out more about the sessions by clicking here or by calling 020 7097 1409.

If you have any issues accessing these sessions or need help with the technology required, please email: Violaine@shapeshifter-productions.com.

I hope that you are keeping well and safe & are finding the Museum of London’s latest range of resources created in response to Covid-19 restrictions useful.

This is just a reminder that we have our live zoom session with our brilliant artist Luke Saydon coming up this Thursday morning. We’re so excited to be bringing the generations together this month for an online version of our award-shortlisted Memories and Music session. We have children under 5 and their families joining us to sing and dance, share museum objects and generally get to know one another.

For security reasons we are asking you to register. This is very simple – just email memories@museumoflondon.org.uk and we will send you the zoom link to join us. We can also check then if you have any access needs. If you’d rather register by phone then please ring 07780 504506 to chat to me.

We’d really love to see you! The session will take place this Thursday 6th August from 10.30am – 11.30am.

All the best,
Marina, Amy & Luke

From 1 August the free TV licence for people over 75 will only be available
for those who claim Pension Credit.

The BBC will be sending letters from August which will ask you to confirm arrangements to ‐

• continue your free licence if you receive Pension Credit, or
• pay for your licence for the period starting on 1 August 2020.

If you – or someone you know – could do with more money, as well as continuing to get the free TV licence, now is a good time to check if you are eligible and if so claim Pension Credit. You may be eligible, even if you own your home or have savings. People who receive Pension Credit can also get free dental treatment and
possibly help with Council Tax, housing costs and heating bills.

To check whether you are eligible for Pension Credit (and other benefits) you may wish to use Age UK England’s benefit calculator, click the button to be taken to their website:

You can apply for Pension Credit by phoning the Government’s claim line on 0800 99 1234 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm) or online, click the button below to be taken to their website:

They will need to know some details about you to check whether you are eligible. Information you may need to hand includes:

• Your National Insurance number
• Information about your income, savings and investment
• Your bank account details.

Alternatively you can claim:

• by Textphone: 0800 169 0133
• using Relay UK (if you cannot hear or speak on the phone):18001 then 0800 99 1234 Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 6pm.
• by post: call the number above and ask them to send you an application form or you can download a copy from the website, click thee button below:

If you would like more information about Pension Credit or have any
questions about this letter, please call the Age UK Advice Line on 0800
169 6565.

The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has had, and continues to have, a huge impact on
health and wellbeing in City and Hackney. The impacts are not evenly distributed and
some individuals and communities will be particularly affected and in need of support.
Volunteer Centre Hackney, in partnership with Hackney Council and HCVS, are
developing a community champions network who will be able to provide support to
individuals in the community during this challenging time. This network will also support
local efforts of the NHS Test & Trace system.
They want to hear your thoughts!
They are offering a limited number of places to attend a workshop with individuals from
local community groups to co-design the training that will be available for community
champions.
The aim of the training is to enable those who may be providing advice and support
around Covid-19 in the community to feel confident about the messaging and where to
find support when needed.
When: Tuesday 4th August
Time: 10 – 11.30am
Where: This session will take place virtually. The details will be sent to you when you
register your place
To find out more or register your place, email Chris on
chris.mate-kole@vchackney.org or call 0207 241 4443 ext.2003
Please note places are limited.