Hello Everyone – Don’t you just love it when a plan comes together
Over the last two years, I have developed what was the Carers Academy and now is the Carers Wellbeing Academy with the help from Graham (our/Carers Centre Chief Executive). The Academy started out in one direction and due to the Pandemic had to adapt and go in a new direction. The Centre realised very quickly that carers wellbeing is paramount for the carer, the person they care for, Tower Hamlets and society in general.
With the reduction in some Mental Health support, difficulties accessing quickly Doctors appointments, let alone hospital appointments the impact was taking it toll on carers and enabling good emotional and physical wellbeing for carers was the way we wanted to go. So the Carers Wellbeing Academy was formed using new directions to undertake this new way of supporting carers.
We have always supported carers at the centre with advocacy, Needs Assessment, benefits and good old fashion tea and a chat but we wanted to offer more. Our plan which is now coming together hence, today’s title, I got there in the end LOL is that the centre via the Academy is broadening it’s offer.
We will be having weekly Yoga at the London Buddhist Centre, you will be able to sign up for an eight week course, so put your name down and let’s get more flexible as it has been proven it can help with manual lifting, blood pressure, stress and of course you will have some fun with other carers,
We will be having weekly massage treatment days, where carer will have a chance to unwind, relax and get your aches and pains treated. You will have to put your name down, there will be a waiting list but you should be seen quicker.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and need emotional support then we are increasing our counselling for carers to a weekly slot. You will be able to discuss your issues, get mechanisms to cope with your caring role. We will be introducing a monthly Bereavement and grief Peer Support Group so, watch this space for more details. More peer support groups are being developed so watch out for more news.
We are planning a monthly Housing advice surgery but it will be appointment only and we must remember to manage our expectations due to the housing situation within Tower Hamlets.
The Academy is working with the Open University to enable carers back in to a broad range of online learning, as well as local education partners. We will be working with our partner CREATE on new and exciting arts programmes so it is all go at the Carers Centre.
All of this has been coproduced with the carers wellbeing champions and I want to thank them for their wonderful input and steering me in directions I had not considered.
Carers Week is coming soon – June 6th to 12th 2022
The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is excited that Carers Week is happening in June 6th to 12th.. We have developed a full timetable of activities incorporating this year’s theme Make caring visible, valued and supported.
We start the week with a chance for carers to pamper themselves and have a treatment and attend our garden party but remember first come first served, while you are there you can join the Shared Reading for Carers group, which combines story telling with discussion and fun
.We are delighted to welcome the Open University Aging Well programme where carers will learn about accessing webinars, podcasts and taking part in live talks about all aspects of keeping well as a carer, as we get older so that you retain better wellbeing.#
There is a coaching for carers session on Self-Care as well as a presentation on safeguarding for carers.
We have a day trip to Kensington Palace planned to the Royal Photography Exhibition, but this has limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment.
We are also taking part in the Festival of Communities on the Saturday and Sunday so come and support the Carers Centre who will be holding a stall of carers crafts.
Like the sound of the week’s activities, come and join our carer community and feel valued, supported and visible.
Email tony@ccth.org.uk to reserve your place
Self-Compassion Workbook
Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.
Click here to access a work book that can help you learn to love yourself – https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/cci-self-compassion-workbook/
Tower Hamlets mental health crisis line
The Tower Hamlets mental health crisis line is in place to support people that live and work in the Tower Hamlets area and are experiencing a mental health crisis. The free phone line, 0800 073 0003, is available 24 hours a day and gives callers support and advice from mental health professionals.
Any residents interested in finding out more about the crisis line can join a free Zoom webinar on Tuesday 24 May at 12pm, where there will be information shared and an opportunity to ask questions about the service and support available.
Next weeks Wellbeing Academy Activities & Highlights
Monday 16th May
Shared Reading for Carers – 11.15am to 12.15pm at the Centre
This weekly group is a great way to start your week, come join a group, have a story read to you, then discuss with the group your thoughts
Wednesday 18th May
Carers Forum – 11am to to 12.45pm
We are having a presentation by The Limehouse Project on how to save money on your energy bills, we know it is hard right now so come and find out you can do to save a little.
Friday 20th May
Friday Social Club – 2pm to 3pm via Zoom
The Tuesday Social Club is moving to Fridays as of next week, and this is allowing carers to have an end of week catch up and a look forward to the weekend vibe. I am aware it is Friday the 13th and thought shall we discuss our best and worst Friday 13th stories – what do you think?
Check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/ The May 2022 timetable is now there as this will let you know our weekly activities’ and then email tony@ccth.org.uk for a place.
Craft Central Makers’ Market 14 May, 397 Westferry Road
Buy handcrafted products & gifts from talented makers! Find interior products, jewellery, prints, textiles, fashion, ceramics, woodwork, workshops & more
Take part in one of our bookable workshops and enjoy a refreshment at our Japanese pop-up Café – Gu Choki Pan – serving up beverages and fun baked goods.
14 May 10.30 – 5.30
Free Entry
Free Sunday bandstand concerts are back at Victoria Park
Fantastic free concerts to liven up your summer Sundays are back at Vicky Park’s famous bandstand, as we welcome Victoria Park Friends for their tenth anniversary Victoria Park Bandstand Season.
The season runs every Sunday in May, June and July and features a variety of music from Sondheim to Ska via brass band standards, a ukulele sing-along and a special celebration to mark HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Check out the full line-up >
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 >
ELOP’s LGBT+ Groups
Join our fun, friendly and non-judgemental safe space to meet new people and discuss LGBT+ topics!
LGBT+ Over 50 Social Group
Every Monday 1.00 – 2.30pm, online
LGBT+ Social Support Group
Every Tuesday 7.00 – 8.30pm, online
Stonewall – https://www.stonewall.org.uk/
LONDON Friend – https://londonfriend.org.uk/
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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