Hello Everyone – Knocked off your feet, hard to get your energy back
I don’t know about you with all these bugs going round but I have just had a viral infection and it is slow to get my energy back. I wanted to talk about this as juggling life, work life and caring life is really difficult.
I have had to cancel seeing Mum and Dad and speak by the phone, at one point I was so ill, I was not in the mood to even interact with people and that is difficult to explain to my Mum who forgets about things so much these days.
With this in mind I wanted to highlight that today we have the first of two Covid Booster and Flu Jab surgeries here at the Carers Centre, you can come along without an appointment and just drop in from 12 noon to 4.30pm and believe me having the right jabs saves a lot of health issues. Also you can bring any member of your family if they are eligible.
We also have our emotional and physical wellbeing activities so sign up and keep well.
Don’t forget..
Open University Study Group – do you want to learn something new, start a new hobby or just be in a learning group. You can take your time, fit it around your caring role and have fun.
Bereavement & Grief Peer Support Group – our monthly group is here to help with grief, bereavement and celebration of loved ones and learn methods to cope with your grief in your own time
African Dance & Drumming Class – come and learn a new skill and exercise at the same time
Debt Management, understanding Energy Bills and help with Cost of Living …
We are having a workshop on Tuesday being delivered by The Limehouse Project on how to manage during the cost of living crisis – so if this is something that you would benefit from then come along to our workshop on Tuesday 14th February at 1.30pm
With the twin threat of covid and flu this winter, it is even more important to get your vaccinations, to protect yourself and those around you. It is never too late to get your lifesaving COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID 19 jabs will be available at The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets, 10th and 24th February 12- 4.30pm.
Please come along if you are not up to date with your COVID 19 jabs – or if you are not sure and would like some advice.
We’re also offering flu jabs, if you’re eligible.
Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.
Important Numbers:
Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957
Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070
Keep well in winter.
There are little things we can all do to take care of ourselves over the colder months. Here’s some information and advice on how to stay well, heat our homes better, minimise costs as well as access support as needed.
If you are concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable or elderly person who may not be coping during this cold weather, please call Tower Hamlets Connect on 0300 303 6070.
If you are concerned about a homeless person during the winter months, please check our tips on ways you can help and use the StreetLink website.
https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/advice_and_benefits/Keep_well_in_winter.aspx
Help for Households Gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.
Next Week’s Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/
Free market parking and changes to residential parking
New parking rules which will help boost the local economy and make it easier to get around the borough have come into effect.
We have introduced one-hour free parking at its nine markets to encourage more people to use this important local economy.
Alongside this, the council is also changing resident parking in the borough. Instead of having a number of small parking zones, those with resident parking permits will be able to park in one of four larger areas for free.
Read more >
For more information on LGBTQ+ support services contact:
- ELOP – http://elop.org/
- Telephone: 020 8509 3898
- Email: info@elop.org
- Galop – https://galop.org.uk/
- Telephone: 0800 999 5428
A further reminder of services provided by Tower Hamlets Hate Crime Team:
- Hate Crime advice to individuals & professional, signposting to specialist support services.
- Coordinate Tower Hamlets No Place for Hate Forum & Hate Incident Panel.
- Annual Hate Crime Delivery Plan.
- No Place for Hate Campaign/Pledge & Champions Project.
- Free training, awareness and outreach including Champions Training.
- Hate Crime Manual with a directory of support services.
- Marking notable key dates eg National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Un Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Etc,
- www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/hatecrime
The Hate Crime Team will be in action at the Idea Store Bow (1 Gladstone Pl, Bow, London E3 5GT) on 16/02/23 9.30am – 12.30pm promoting hate crime partnership support services and our No Place for Hate campaign.
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Join us for a free online roundtable, designed and delivered by the Race Equality Foundation, exploring health inequalities and the experience of Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. Flourishing Lives and the Anti-Racist Action Group (ARAG) in Arts & Wellbeing invite you to our latest free online discussion exploring anti-racist action and inclusive practice in arts & wellbeing services. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Race Equality Foundation on this workshop and are immensely grateful to Jabeer Butt OBE (CEO), Leandra Box (Programme Manager), and the Race Equality Foundation’s Policy team for designing and facilitating the session. In this session we will:
The session will use mixed methods to share and explore evidence and issues, as well as signposting to other resources that can be used to enhance understanding and action. Outcomes will include:
Join us to share ideas and advocate for inclusive practice and anti-racist action across the arts and wellbeing sector. About the Race Equality Foundation About The Anti-Racist Action Group in Arts & Wellbeing: This discussion is part of an ongoing series of workshops and roundtables kindly funded by The National Lottery Community Fund which will support Flourishing Lives and the Anti-Racist Action Group to explore a range of topics, issues and anti-racist actions over the next 2 years to help advocate for inclusive practice across the arts and wellbeing sector. Supporting people to participate: Date: Register: We hope that you can join us! |
Islington Health and History Walks
For those who able to get to the London Borough of Islington, these walks look interesting and are free :’
https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/islington-health-and-history-walks-924289?aff=eand
The best family half-term activities are free
Get set for a week of free half term fun for the whole family, as our parks and sports teams prepare to host a variety of activities from 13 to 18 February.
Events include Valentines arts and crafts at the much loved Victoria Park on 13 February; community bulb planting at Prospect Park on 14 February; and Get Your Skates On for physical activity, synthetic ice skating, games, face painting, arts and crafts and lots more at Bethnal Green Gardens on 15 February.
What’s on >
Six new FOOD Stores to tackle poverty
Six new food pantries are being launched by Tower Hamlets Council to tackle poverty and support residents through the cost of living crisis.
In partnership with national charity Family Action, the FOOD Store project aims to provide affordable quality food.
Find out more >
| Launch of Somali National Helpline 0800 6102020 |
Better Safe Communities are pleased to inform you of the launch of the first historic Somali National Helpline, sponsored by the local businesses up and down the country and in regards to poor service provisions of UK public services for Somali communities nationally.
The Helpline was founded by Khadra Hersi, a student of London Met University. It is aimed at the Somali community, helping with language barriers, immigration, and mental health issues due to war in their country. The Somali National Helpline are a service that uses professionals to support people overcome issues they are facing. They exist to support individuals with language matters, mental health issues, and beneficiaries to solve their problems. They also provide translating and interpreting services. They are here to support and advocate for many problems faced within the Somali community such as young adults suffering from knife crime, and elderly people who feel isolated and lonely due to language barriers.
Why do you need a Lasting Power of Attorney?
Does the person you look after making their own decisions but want help managing their money? Maybe they can make their own decisions now but want an arrangement in case they can’t in the future. Without a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) your family may need to go to Court. This can cause lots of hassle, delay, and expense.
There are 2 types of Lasting Power of Attorney; finances & property matters and decisions about health and care.
Why should you do it now?
- 1 in 3 of us will suffer dementia
- Many of us will retain mental capacity, but will physically struggle to manage our affairs at some point in our life
- Being married or asking your chosen person to act for you is not enough – you need to legally give them the power to help you
- If you leave making your Power of Attorney until you need it, it will be too late.
Carers Centre Partners
The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is pleased to work in partnership with respected Law firms to provide carers with affordable support with LPA.
Jones Whyte are a Glasgow based multi award winning Solicitor firm and the reigning Law Firm of the Year 2021
- They prepare thousands of Powers of Attorney every year
- Have partnerships with many major national charities
- They offer competitive Power of Attorney fees £349 + vat
Carers Centre staff can refer you, or you can contact them yourself on 0330 175 1234 or email appointments@joneswhyte.co.uk
You can find our more about Jones Whyte here Power of Attorney – Solicitors Glasgow | Jones Whyte Law
Duncan Lewis Solicitors – “We believe in access to justice for the most vulnerable in society and do everything we can to ensure legal advice and support is available for those who need it most”.
Duncan Lewis Solicitors are a national firm with offices locally.
- They prepare thousands of Powers of Attorney every year
- They are available for face-to-face appointments at their local office (1 Kingsland High Street, Dalston, Hackney, London, E8 2JS) or surgeries at the Carers Centre if requested
- They offer competitive Power of Attorney fees £350 + vat
Carers Centre staff can refer you, contact us on 0207 790 1765 or at enquiries@ccth.org.uk
You can find out more about Duncan Lewis here https://www.duncanlewis.co.uk
Most solicitor firms support with LPA and carers are under no obligation to use either firm listed above and are free to seek support from any firm they choose.
What is I do not want to pay for support with LPA?
We also provide workshops and information for those who want to set up an LPA themselves, many people set up LPA without legal support. You can check our Calendar or give us a call for updates on our latest workshops.
You can also see the information links below for information.
Different ways to manage someone’s affairs
Call us on 0207 790 1765 or email enquiries@ccth.org.uk to find out more about LPA.
A carers guide to home fire safety
A new video resource has been launched on the London Fire Brigade website to help carers learn how to keep people that receive care safe from fire.
Sadly, around one third of those here who die or are severely injured by fire are in receipt of some form of care or support. If you are a formal (domiciliary care worker, support worker or clinician) or informal carer (family member, friend or neighbour) and are caring for someone in their own home, this new resource will help you identify fire risks and show you what you can do to reduce them. There is also more information available on the website around fire safety and prevention.
Watch the video >
WALKING ALONE? REMEMBER THESE 10 TIPS
1) Plan Your Route
Make sure you plan your route ahead of time. If you are walking in an area you are not familiar with, this can help keep you from getting lost. You will be able to walk with confidence. If you do get lost, don’t wander aimlessly, find a gas station, supermarket, or fast-food restaurant where you can ask for directions.
2) Make Sure Someone Else Knows Your Plans
Don’t go out when it is dark without telling someone, even if you are just taking the dogs out for a walk around your neighbourhood or walking home from a friend’s house nearby. It may seem paranoid, but in fact, knowing someone knows where you are can be reassuring and help you feel safe. If you fall and hurt yourself or run into trouble, and someone knows where you are, they can send help if you don’t arrive at your destination on time.
3) Always Carry Your Phone with You
Always carry your phone, but not for music or to make social calls as your walk. Your phone can be a lifeline if you see something suspicious or worse if something happens to you. Download a safety app on your phone, so you’ll be able to discreetly alert the authorities if you feel threatened or see something suspicious.
4) Avoid Suspicious People and Areas
Areas that are dark, deserted, or out-of-the-way, such as an alley or a parking lot, can be riskier than a well-lit area full of people. Stick to busy, lighted paths, to minimize the risks. Also, walk mainly in familiar places where you are known. That way, if you feel like a suspicious person is following you, you can always duck into a store you know or knock on a neighbour’s door. Avoid empty streets and pathways with thick shrubbery.
5) Keep Your Hands Free
Except for a flashlight and one of the items discussed below, keep your hands free. If you are carrying anything, put it all in one bag or backpack. This will make it easier for you to react if you notice someone following you. In a dangerous situation, carrying too many bags can keep you from moving as quickly as you can if your hands are free or if you only have one bag.
6) Carry a Non-Violent Deterrent
In addition to a flashlight, A whistle will help you alert others and call them to aid you if something is wrong. The loud noise may put off attackers, and they’ll move on to find someone else. Mace or pepper spray can give you enough time to evade a potential attacker, and in a pinch, a flashlight can be used as a weapon. Make sure you know how to use the mace or pepper spray to get its full effect.
7) Wear Reflective Clothing to Prevent Accidents
When it comes to personal safety, it’s not just about suspicious people. Areas with low visibility can be prone to accidents. Reflective clothing allows bikers and cars to see you as you walk along. A flashlight or headlight can also help drivers see you if there are dark stretches of road on your route.
8) Take a Self-Defence Class
When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favour. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defence class. You don’t have to become a black belt. In fact, it’s probably better to learn something like Krav Maga, which has been popular for self-defence. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defence will help give you those survival skills.
9) Remove Any Distractions
Keep your phone in your hand in case you need to hit the panic button on your safety app, but don’t let it distract you. When walking alone at night for exercise, music can be motivating and energizing but also distracting. You may not hear someone driving or walking up behind you. Avoid wearing headphones or talking on your phone as you walk.
10) Trust Your Gut
When walking alone at night, trust your gut. If you feel like an area or situation may be dangerous, don’t wait around to find out. Stop and scan your surroundings if you think someone is following you. If you are being followed, walk as quickly as you can to a well-lit public place. You can wait until you feel safe, or call a friend, a taxi, or an Uber to help you get safely get home at night.
Following these personal safety tips will help keep you stay safe when walking alone. Always be aware of where you are and alert to suspicious activity.
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Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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