Hello Everyone – Did you know you have rights?
I hope everyone had a restful, peaceful weekend that allowed you to have some respite emotionally and physically because combined with this heat and undertaking the caring role can be very exhausting.
I took my Dad to the hospital and he with my Mum, had a wonderful reunion, it was lovely to see and made me feel very proud that after all these years they mean the world to each other. An hour earlier I had to support Dad on an emotional level after, he became tearful after I suggested we could take down his birthday and fathers day cards from June. He was all for it, suggested I had them to the recycling bin and then he had a realisation that he wanted to keep his birthday card from my Mum, he became tearful when he voiced that this could be his last card from Mum. It is hard seeing your parent/s cry, it really is but after I suggested he keep the one card from Mum on the mantlepiece he relaxed and wanted to get me to get to the hospital in double time.
We arrived and the nursing staff are incredibly dedicated, caring and have an extremely difficult job but they sometimes get things wrong, be overly officious and distant.
I explained that I had tried many times to get through to speak to a doctor as advised. I was met with a blank faced response, it was a little off hand and not very professional. I was told that I did not need to worry., as everything was in hand. As I explained to the staff member, that really is very helpful, I needed details and I needed to be able to communicate to my Mum what was going on as she is confused and anxious. This still did not get the desired response.
I then had to go in more assertively, explain my role as Advocate as well as the next of kin. carer and son of my Mum. I explained the Care Act, Advocacy, transparency, person centred care and the rights of carers/family members when supporting a loved one. It went down a different path then but it was still like pulling teeth.
Also this weekend I was advising my friend about the discharge his 93 year old father had from hospital without a care package, assessment or basic information provided and what should of happened and how he needs to deal with adult social care. This got me thinking, as you know it does about what carers need to know about their rights.
I will be developing a regular carers rights workshops in the near future and if this sounds something you might want to learn from then email tony@ccth.org.uk, this is so I get an idea of how many carers are interested.
A carer’s guide
Looking after someone can be tough. Here are 10 of the key challenges that caring can throw your way…
- Getting the right advice and information… quickly – this can be done via assessment, advocacy, peer support groups
- Coping with feelings of guilt – help via counselling
- Being assertive with professionals – assertiveness training tomorrow – last chance to book a place https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcuGuqzsoG9AriNcB6IgZjT7TkCICg8pE
- Handling difficult conversations – Life After Caring training, Open University courses
- Looking after our own health and wellbeing – Wellbeing Academy timetable is here for all your wellbeing needs
- Noticing when we’re too stressed – counselling and our mental health support groups
- Making difficult decisions – Taking Back Control training
- Keeping relationships fulfilling – peers support groups, fun activities including creative workshops
- Adapting to changing circumstances – understanding your caring role and its changes
- Keeping a sense of humour – it is the key to caring
email tony@ccth.org.uk to join a group, workshop or training session also if you want to know more about your rights then download Carers UK Resource – https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/get-resources/looking-after-someone
Check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/
When you have 30 minutes spare…. listen to the Carers Ignite PODCAST
Why not listen to The Carers Centre Podcast – This is our first podcast and we are pleased with it. A couple of carers approached me to ask if we could broaden our social media and develop a podcast for carers, made by carers and supported by the centre. We approached Graham our Chief Exec and he was all for it and gave the green light and thanks to Chandrika and her producer skills and the wonderful Lloyd who is the co-host with myself we developed our first podcast.
We discuss being a male carer, barriers to men seeking support, carers wellbeing while having a laugh and fun. We will be producing further podcasts and welcome stories/themes and guests to email me tony@ccth.org.uk
https://ccth.org.uk/new/information/carers-ignite/
The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is looking for a Carers Support Advocate
Do you want to be part of a team where you can support unpaid carers to know and access their rights and entitlements?
Do you have skills that can help a diverse community of carers to understand think about themselves, identify their needs and enable them to access the support they need?
Are you able to communicate with a broad range of people either written, verbally and face to face? Are you able to keep excellent records, encourage participants to feedback their experiences and keep up to date records via our database?
We want you to uphold our policies and procedures, be part of our team and attend team meetings and contribute your thoughts, as well as be able to work flexibly both at the centre and in outreach settings.
You will be supported, line managed, and supervised by the Advocacy Team Manager and you can contribute to the direction and aims of the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets.
Please inform us if you need any reasonable adjustment when undertaking this recruitment process.
If this sounds like you then please apply and request a Job Description/ Person Specification and we require you to send a CV with an accompanying statement related to the job requirements and your experience
Click link – Carers Support Advocate | Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets | | CharityJob.co.uk
Today at 2pm – BOLLYWOOD DANCE CLASS & HENNA
Did you know that Bollywood dancing is for everyone and it is great for your wellbeing?
Why not come today at 2pm at the Carers Centre and have a lesson, get a henna tattoo and learn something new and different.
This Weeks Activities …
| 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.
Tower Hamlets – largest population increase in the country
Tower Hamlets has seen the biggest population increase in England and Wales – with the number of residents increasing by more than 22 per cent. The results were revealed by the Office of National Statistics in the 2021 Census results released on Tuesday and have heightened calls for better funding for the borough’s services to cope with the increased demand.
Follow the link below to read the Office of National Statistics’ new interactive article on Tower Hamlets.
Read more
Evening and weekend GP appointments
Across the country the NHS has asked local GP practices to review the times, locations and services they’re able to provide in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.
The local NHS in Tower Hamlets is seeking patient views on the types of GP and nurse appointments that should be available and how they are delivered locally to ensure proposed plans meet the needs of residents across Tower Hamlets. By sharing your views, you can help provide vital feedback to shape these new plans and make sure local practices are providing the right services at the right times and locations for local people. Have your say before 20 July 2022.
Have your say >
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.
Check out a new free course that has just been launched that focuses on carer wellbeing. It is called ‘Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role’ and has been kindly endorsed by the Carers Trust. The course is 6 hours in length and learners can achieve a ‘badge’ on completion of the end quiz, and this can be added on a CV to evidence their learning/continuous professional development. We hope that it will be helpful to those working with carers, including carer centre staff, those supporting carers less formally and importantly carers themselves!
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, carry a non-violent deterrent such as a whistle, mace, or pepper spray. 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.
Important Numbers:
Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957
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 Wellbeing Academy Manager
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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