Assistive technology and use of artificial intelligence is increasingly being developed to support people with disabilities both physical and cognitive. The potential is seen as enormous in not only making people more independent and improving their quality of life but also in meeting the care challenges we currently face.

There are however also ethical issues to be considered in the development and use of this technology. These include:

  • How accessible will this technology be to most people
  • whether artificial intelligence will in fact lead to reduced independence
  • whether they will be increased isolation and less human contact

The development of these technologies does require understanding and participation of individuals and communities in a co-produced framework, particularly as it may lead to a profound change in how care is delivered to the most vulnerable in our communities.

Sobus has been engaging with this issue through it’s POPS (Providers of Older People’s Service) Forum. We have had speakers involved in the Minder Study based at Imperial College White City Campus, which is involved in a study on assistive technology for people with dementia. The potential benefits for assistive technology are indeed enormous and should be supported but it also important to include wider ethical and human considerations.

For more information or participation in the Minder Study please see following summary of the project:

Minder Study

In 2019, there were 748,000 people living with dementia in England. This population typically has complex care needs, placing considerable strain on the health and social care systems as well as on individuals themselves and their carers/families – at an estimated total cost to the UK of £37.4 billion a year.

MINDER is a remote care platform that aims to improve the quality of life for people with dementia and their carers. It uses home sensors to detect an individual’s activity at home, and builds a model of ‘usual activity’ through use of artificial intelligence, allowing any deviations to be detected and flagged for follow-up, enabling early prevention. Minder has been developed by the research team at the UK DRI Care and Research Centre based at Imperial College London and the University of Surrey, in partnership with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

For more information contact minder.hfp@nhs.net

or visit https://mindermeetingplace.com

Youth Conversation on Mental Wellbeing 
Friday, 12th August 2022
1pm to 3pm
You Matter

FIFA Tournament for 13-18 yrs
Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August 2022
1pm to 4pm
Films Food FIFA Event

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Have you seen the capacity building page on our website Organisational Development – Sobus ?

All organisations are on a journey of development. The question is, where are you and what do you need to consider to develop the organisation?

In broad terms, we have identified 5 stages that organisations need to go through to ensure their sustainability, or even their continued survival, especially with the current economic climate.

So in this newletter, we are looking at Stage 1, the first level of development. This is primarily for those starting out. At this stage it is about being appropriately constituted and having a group of trustees that are enabling the organisation to think ahead and plan. Additionally, if money is being brought into the organisation, there needs to be a form of accounting that enables the Board to see what is there, analyse what is happening and what needs to happen next. In terms of the work that is being carried out, the Board will also need to understand the risks involved, especially as the financial position of most organisations starting out is risky in itself. The Board will need to understand these risks to help them plan ahead. Of course, if you have looked beyond Stage 1 the organisation, having done all these things, will be on their way to achieving Stage 2.

If you want to discuss this to establish where you are on your organisation’s journey of development, please contact Nigel  nigel.jacques@sobus.org.uk

 

We still have spaces for our free junior community courses next week w/c 8th and 15th August. If you have anyone that you think could enjoy and benefit from the course, we’d love to hear from them!

You can learn more and find booking details here: https://www.fulhamreachboatclub.co.uk/free-summer-holiday-rowing-courses

or,

ask them to contact julia@fulhamreachboatclub.com or 020 3356 7154.

Each day includes, breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack and is completely free! We do ask that pupils sign up to the whole week, where possible. More info and images of what we do can be found here:  https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgl2Mp6o7iL/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=


The Government has launched a public consultation on what future good causes should benefit from £738 million of dormant assets funding in England. Currently, the funding is spent on three social and environmental causes: youth, financial inclusion and social investment. The consultation will be open for twelve weeks to review whether these remain the right causes for where funding from dormant assets can be allocated. The funding is made available through the Dormant Assets Scheme, which was recently expanded from bank accounts to include the insurance and pensions, investment and wealth management, and securities sectors. All those with an interest, including the public, community groups, and industry stakeholders, are encouraged to submit their views by the 9th October 2022. Consultation on Future of £738 Million Dormant Asset Fund (England)

Hammersmith and Fulham elders can be seen on show this month at the Riverside Studios in “The Seven Ages of Us”, a reminiscence revue developed by Cat’s Whiskers Community Arts in partnership with Riverside Studios Dive In Community programme.  

It’s taking place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday 4th, 5th and 6th August – 7.30 pm with a 3 pm matinee on the Saturday.  

Details online here at  https://riversidestudios.co.uk/see-and-do/the-seven-ages-of-us-36523/   

If you’re a trustee or in charge of running a charity, we’re urging you to respond to the Charity Commission’s consultation on the next version of the Annual Return, which is open until Thursday 1 September. Learn more here.

Support in Richmond

Are you feeling anxious or depressed, not sleeping or worried about relationships or body image, or maybe you are stressed about exams or assignments. Whatever you are emotionally struggling with, you are not alone. The Wild Mind Project, in partnership with The Otakar Kraus Music Trust, are offering free wellbeing support for young people aged 16-25, including a specific programme for the young LGBTQ+ community. 

Using a unique combination of nature based activities, including music therapy and creative activities, we can help you cope with life’s challenges. Importantly, you will form a group of supportive new friends.

These 5 week programmes run from: Sun 11th September 2022 to the 9th October 2022.

  • LGBTQ+ programme runs from 10.30am-12.30pm
  • General programme runs from 1.30pm-3.30pm

Sessions will be held at Marble Hill Park and Heatham House, Twickenham.

Support in Chiswick

Why don’t you join us for four weekly, free 2-hour sessions. Slow down and reconnect with yourself and your environment in this nature-based programme.

Typical activities include walks, some light conservation work or gardening. This is combined with a range of creative activities such as painting,  lino cutting, tie-dye or whittling. There will be time to talk and share collective struggles and the group form a supportive network of new friends that last beyond the programme.

The programme is for 16-25 year-olds, starts on Sun 6th November 2022 and runs for 4 weeks from 11.00-13.00 at Chiswick House & Gardens, Hounslow.

For further information visit our website,  contact us by email or phone 01273 230102.
To book a place on the programme, please complete our online Booking form

 

 

The writers’ festival is an event dedicated to highlighting and providing a platform for local, national and international creative talent.

With such positive reviews and evaluation by our audience, Hammersmith & Fulham Writers’ Festival 2022 is set to take place across two days!!

20 – 21st August 2022, 10am – 6pm

@195 Wood Ln, London W12 7FQ

The festival platformed a host of authors, writers, playwrights, publishers and poets from across genres, and will be doubly as entertaining.

The idea for a writer’s festival came about during lockdown and after the women and girl’s community organisation, WILDE (women in literature development & empowerment) who host creative and empowerment events found that our borough had no writer’s festival.

The WILDE Foundation is using Eventbrite to organize 15 upcoming events. Check out The WILDEHammersmith & Fulham WritersFestival. Multiple Dates. Click here


Flexible, casual role

If you’re from Morocco, Algeria, Egypt or other North African countries, and looking for a part-time, flexible role (4-8 hours per month) look no further! Join a team to tackle air pollution in the local area and engaging with your local community, please see the role description and get in touch with the WellHome team: https://linktr.ee/WellHomeStudy
Apply by 1 Aug

Drop us a line if you have any questions, or can recommend a brilliant individual: wellhome@ic.ac.uk