11th January 2021

Hello Everyone

So I thought I would start the week off we the importance of staying at home where possible, reducing your trips out of the home and exposure to other people needs to be really adhered to.  I know it is nearly a year we have been affected by the pandemic; we are in our third lockdown, but I feel that it is more important than ever to stick to the rules.  If you or your loved ones are eligible for the vaccine then please make sure you have your jab, this will go some ways in helping London and the UK return to a better place.

If any carer needs support both practically or your mental health is negatively impacting on you then please contact the Carers Centre enquiries@ccth.org.uk or phone 0207 790 1765, we are only closed to face to face appointments, all our other services are still available.

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Health & Wellbeing Activities

Following on from my message about keeping well and safe, the Carers Academy has a range of health & wellbeing activities each week for you to join in.

Mental Health – we have Shared Reading for Carers, to lift the mood, reduce isolation, promote mental respite, and decreases stress.

We also have Exercise & Chill with Casey and Shadow Boxing & Mindfulness, these weekly activities also promote better mental health, reduce anxiety and stress, helps you focus, improves Physical Health such as better flexibility and mobility, helps maintain better weight control (especially during lockdown), can help with Diabetes avoidance.

If any of these activities appeal to you then please email Tony Collins-Moore, Carers Academy Manager to either discuss in more detail what is available and how to reserve a place.  tony@ccth.org.uk

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It is perfectly normal to feel upset, anxious, or confused at times. Whatever you are feeling is valid.

Support is available through a range of free resources and online tools to help you cope and stay mentally well from Good Thinking, Every Mind Matters, and NHS wellbeing webinars.

If you need urgent help or feel more comfortable talking to someone you don’t know, then use one of the following helplines:

Samaritans: 116 123
Whatever problems you are facing Samaritans are there to listen.

SHOUT: Text ‘Shout’ to 85258
Text service for support with any mental health concern (it will not show up on your bill).

CRUSE: 0808 808 1677
Support and advice if you are grieving or dealing with bereavement and loss of a loved one.

Switchboard helpline: 0300 330 0630
The LGBT+ helpline is open daily from 10am-10pm.

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It’s a New Year and what better time for a fresh start?

January is the perfect time to start afresh and implement new healthy habits for the new year ahead.

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your health as you’ll not only feel better and have more energy but you’ll also breathe easier and save money.

Local stop smoking service Quit Right Tower Hamlets offers free, local support and advice around your quitting options as well as access to free nicotine replacement therapies. Contact Quit Right Tower Hamlets on 020 7882 8230 or text / WhatsApp 07474 082330.

Why not quit alcohol for the month? Dry January is the UK challenge that helps millions reset their relationship with alcohol every year. Read personal stories of Dry January including the benefits of quitting and further information.

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Clinically extremely vulnerable and Covid-19 support

Shielding has been reintroduced for anyone identified as clinically extremely vulnerable. If you fall into this group, please follow guidance to stay safe and remember you can register on the national system to receive additional support.

Support from the council is available for all vulnerable residents, so please call us 020 7364 3030 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) if we can help. You can also let us know about your support needs online.

We know this continues to be a tough time for everyone and looking after your mental health is as important as your physical wellbeing. There are a range of mental health and wellbeing resources to support you, so please use them if you need help and remember you are not alone.

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Supporting parents through lockdown – Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies

With the majority of children now home schooling, we know that it can be a challenge for families.

Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies is offering two FREE webinars for parents/carers who have a registered address, or are register to a GP, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.

• Managing my child during lockdown | Tue 19 Jan, 4pm: Exploring common difficulties a parent/carer may face when having their child at home, including strategies to manage.
• Managing self-care as a parent/carer during lockdown | Tue 2 Feb, 4pm: Exploring the importance of self-care and how to ensure parents make time for themselves.

Register at least 24 hours before the event to receive link/instructions for joining using Webex.

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Important Numbers:

Unpaid carers can still access FREE PPE supplies. If you would like to receive PPE, Please contact the Carers Centre on 0207 790 1765 or Ayeda directly.

Domestic Violence Duty Line:  020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support:  020 7364 2448/7957

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Just wishing everyone a peaceful, safe and week and remember if you need information and advice from the Carers Centre just email enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Tony Collins-Moore
Carers Academy Manager