Hello Everyone – Wellbeing is about diversity, inclusivity and positivity…. 

One of the things I loved living in Tower Hamlets was the different cultures, faiths and how we all rubbed along and is a great place and community to live in.  I believe that connecting and understanding people different from you helps with your wellbeing and as humans, specially carers this enforces our united bond. 

I made a mistake in the last blog by not including The Jewish holiday of Passover as I had wished a peaceful Ramadan and Easter so I do apologise.

The Carers Wellbeing Academy wishes and strives that all carers have good and better emotional and physical wellbeing, we do this with our monthly timetable of varied, co-produced and positive activities and we want as many of you to join in and connect with your fellow carers.

As you know I am fond of all the carers I meet each day and every week and I want you all to have a enhancing and fulfilling experience when taking part in the timetable events.  It seems this is working as feedback suggests that there has been a significant rise in better emotional and physical wellbeing and did you know we had 3,500 carers attendances in the last financial year, so our best year yet for the Academy and here’s hoping we have a similar year coming up.

Thanks to you all for taking part and feeling better for doing so…

Don’t forget that the activities we run are aimed at giving carers a chance for emotional respite, enabling connection with others so you do not feel alone and giving carers the chance to have fun, relax and be in the moment.

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Don’t forget and Important News ..

I have some important news to tell you – As from April 2023 The Wellbeing Academy is pausing the massage therapies, housing advice surgeries due to reduced funding in the new financial year, I am sorry about this but myself and Graham are looking at possible funding opportunities to re-start in the future.

However, there will be new activities, groups and workshops coming up such as the Champion Training which will lead to new projects, cookery, first aid, swimming.

I want to remind you that next week we have a Brain Health App Development Workshop on Wednesday 19th @ 11 to 1 – do you want to be part of an app for your phone to help keep your brain healthy and active?

WHO ARE WE AND WHAT DO WE INTEND TO DO: We are a group of research doctors, psychologists and computer experts from UK universities and the NHS. In 2023, we will create an App to help people make positive lifestyle changes and to look after their brain health. This will include physical exercise, social activity, cooking healthy food, and other lifestyle changes, and will also include fun memory games. The App will include assistance by a specially trained lifestyle coach, who will tailor the programme to each individual and will encourage lasting positive changes. We think this could prevent memory problems and dementia in later life. 

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR: We are looking for members of the public (patient and public involvement or ‘PPI’ for short) aged 50 – 80 years old to join our team and to help us think about how we design the App and the coaching support, so that they help people achieve lasting positive changes. These PPI members will be part our team, and help us think about the design of the App, its content (text, images, videos, games), and what coaches might do to support people. PPI members will get to see early versions of the App so they can tell us what works from their point of view, and what needs to be changed to improve the App. We are looking to recruit all kinds of people – we particularly welcome those not ‘tech savvy’, those with difficulties reading or hearing, and those for whom English is a second language.

HOW YOU CAN HELP: We think it will take a year to develop the App. During this time we plan to hold approximately six meetings to review and improve early versions of the App. We also need feedback from people trying the App by themselves or with the help of a researcher. This is part of an ambitious wider project to improve brain health, with lots of different opportunities for involvement. PPI members can be involved as much or as little as they like: from attending group meetings where we discuss overall App development, to a one-off meeting with a researcher to try the App and give their views. Any help would be important to us. People will be compensated for their assistance and time in the form of expenses. 

Mile End Leisure Centre – Carer Event – Wednesday 19th April 12 to 1.30pm  and Tiller Leisure Centre on Friday 21st April 11 to 1pm so come along to learn more about what you get as a carer and have a free session 

Membership Offer

• Members of Carers UK will be entitled to Better Health Carers UK (£30 per month) membership offer between 17th April – 14th May. 
• Eligibility is people in receipt of Carers Allowance and/or members of Carers UK

What does the membership entitle the customer to?

• ACCESS > Gym, Swimming, Fitness Classes, Health Suite*
• NO CONTRACT > Leave at any time**
• EXTRAS > Discounts on other activities & services, priority booking & free Wi-Fi
• Time restrictions: Peak and Off peak access (no restrictions)
• *Excludes access to Spa Experience. **Excludes annual memberships

How do you prove you are a member of Carers UK?

• Carers UK will send an email to all of their members (Approx. 36,000) with details of the offer and confirmation of their unique Carers UK membership number (https://carersuk-news.org/t/74C-88XFZ-6EEC72C04BF065B9WEPI6P453EB6767428B4DB/cr.aspx)
• When joining online Carers UK members must upload a screenshot of the email with their membership number in order to receive the membership offer
• Members of Carers UK who wish to purchase their membership in a GLL centre must print out the email and present to a member of staff
• Carers UK members can access the membership offer by clicking on the JOIN NOW button which will be imbedded in the email  

 

Arts, Crafts & Conversation is hosting The Queen Mothers Clothing Guild on Thursday 20th April 11 to 1pm 

Come a long and share creative hobbies and ideas with our guests and let them know and see some of your creative outlets – what makes you relax when not doing your caring role?

 

 

Open University Study Group (great to see new carers joining) – 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.

Yoga for Carers – Wednesdays @ 2.30pm to 4pm and just drop in at the London Buddhist Centre 

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New – Bengali Dementia Carers Group – Launch 26th April 12 noon to 1pm

This new peer support group has been coproduced and developed with Bengali carers of loved ones with Dementia and will be a monthly group for carers to support each other, learn to manage their caring role, you will be able to bring the person you care for and activities will include gardening and Islamic Art classes, we would love to see you at the launch on 26^th April at 12 noon to 1pm to celebrate Eid with some Mishti.

 

The Art of Islamic Pattern – Bow E3

Is going to provide an art class for carers to learn the wonders and beauty of this incredible art form.  You will have the chance to learn the history, how to design and understand the patterns and just have with other carers.

Saturday 22nd April – 2pm to 4.30pm and to reserve your place please email: tony@ccth.org.uk

 

Why not join this group……..

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Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.

 

 

 

Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

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Next Week’s Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/

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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.

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Help make our borough a safer place for everyone

Do you want to make Tower Hamlets no place for hate? Do you want to help tackle discrimination and hate crimes in our area? Then sign up to be a No Place for Hate Crime Champion.

You’ll get free training to help you tackle different forms of hate crime in your area. You’ll be supported by our team to carry out a minimum of three hate crime awareness activities, such as outreach events or delivering training to those living or working in the borough. 

Apply now >

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National test for emergency alerts

On Sunday 23 April at 3pm, there will be a national test of the UK Emergency Alerts service.

During the test your mobile phone or tablet will receive an alert, which will either make a loud siren-like sound, vibrate, or read out the alert, depending on what phone you have.

The sound and/or vibration will happen even if your phone is on silent, and will last around 10 seconds. Charity Refuge has put together a video on managing the alerts if you are experiencing domestic abuse and have a hidden phone.

Emergency alerts >

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What is Earth Day?

Earth Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and inspiring action to tackle the various environmental challenges facing our planet. This day is also a time to celebrate those who have done a lot to help the environment.

Over 193 countries celebrate Earth Day around the globe, with more people getting involved every year. In many places, Earth Day forms part of Earth Week, which is a longer period of climate awareness that includes activities and campaigns.

Did you know that Earth Day is marked by more than a billion people a year? Yes, a billion! The official Earth Day website says that “Earth Day is widely recognized as the largest secular observance in the world, marked every year as a day of action to change human behaviour and create global, national and local policy change.”

When is Earth Day 2023?

Earth Day is held on 22nd April each year. Earth Day 2023 falls on Saturday 22nd April 2023.

What is the Earth Day 2023 theme?

Each year, Earth Day has a central theme, signifying a new focus on a particular environmental concern. The Earth Day 2023 theme is ‘Invest in Our Planet’. This theme is designed to persuade businesses, governments and citizens around the world of the need to invest in our planet to improve our environment and give our descendants a better and safer future.

How can we celebrate Earth Day 2023?

Earth Day is celebrated in many ways across the world. Here are some ideas for how to celebrate Earth Day:

• Volunteer: Millions of people will take part in Earth Day, and it is hoped that many will volunteer to improve the environments where they live. This could involve anything from cleaning up litter to helping plant new trees.

• Be an artist for the Earth: Creating art can play a huge part in capturing the public’s imagination and helping to spread the message of environmental urgency.

• Focus on education: It’s only by focusing on the next generation that the environmental fight can continue. Education about environmental challenges and individual actions we can all take, such as recycling, can all help.

• Host or join events: Awareness events, such as street rallies and marches, will bring the causes of Earth Day to the awareness of people throughout the world.

• Plant a tree: Planting a tree in a local park or garden is a simple but effective way to celebrate Earth Day.

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Wellbeing guides for parents, carers, teachers and children

We have teamed up with Good Thinking to produce two new guides that help Londoners to look out for other people who may be struggling with their mental health.

The two guides – one to help children and young people support their friends and another to help parents and carers support children they care for – sit within a wider range of resources from Good Thinking on supporting others.

The guides contain a series of practical tips and ideas on starting a conversation, which were developed by Thrive LDN in collaboration with pupils and teachers at St Mary’s RC Primary School, Wimbledon.

https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/children-mental-health-week-2023-new-wellbeing-guides?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Your+latest+update+from+Thrive+LDN&utm_campaign=Thrive+LDN+newsletter+-+28%2F03%2F23&vgo_ee=6xuMO3k86goY7qmwgOyLnNraOwjlujgg72eEFberK68%3D%3AHZ42dAvPgNar2oGgOo2OyB6ZpwLoHseJ

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This is the link  to find local councillors. You put you postcode in to find local councillor.  They can deal with any housing issue if the carer/cared for is council tenant. They can also help if the carer lives in privately rented property and issue is disrepair.

https://www.writetothem.com/

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April Acts of Remembrance – Sent on behalf of Mark Healey, NationalHCAW.

About17-24-30 and the April Acts of Remembrance

In April 1999 the London communities of Brixton, Brick Lane and Soho were targeted by a series of nail bomb attacks over fourteen days.

The first nail bomb was targeted towards the Black community of Brixton on Saturday the 17th April, it exploded at the side of the Iceland Store in Brixton, on Electric Avenue.

The second nail bomb was targeted towards the Asian community of Brick Lane on Saturday the 24th April, it exploded in the boot of a car outside the Sweet and Spicy Restaurant, 40 Brick Lane.

The third and final nail bomb was targeted towards the Gay Community of Soho on Friday 30th April, it exploded in the Admiral Duncan bar, on Old Compton Street.

In March 2009 Mark Healey set up a Facebook group called 17-24-30 to mark the 10th anniversaries of the London Nail Bomb attacks in response to an article he read that suggested the anniversaries cause pain and suffering, the communities affected by these attacks no longer care and these anniversaries should be played down.

He believed that ‘we’ (the communities affected by these attacks) have a collective duty to work together to organise these Acts of Remembrance as long as there are people who wish to gather, to stand in solidarity with those affected by these attacks as long as they need us, and to educate people about these attacks to prevent them happening again.

Mark wanted to create a space online where those affected by these attacks (survivors, their friends, colleagues and families, and members of the Black , Asian and Gay communities) could connect and stay in touch with each other – in the space of a month over 2,000 people joined the Facebook group.

Following the support shown through the Facebook group, Mark approached the people who were stepping down from organising the Soho Acts of Remembrance, offering to organise them going forward. He also reached out to the Black and Asian communities of Brixton and Brick Lane to rekindle their local Acts of Remembrance.

Since April 2010, the anti-hate crime charity 17-24-30 NationalHCAW has organised the April Acts of Remembrance; to remember those we lost, stand with those affected by these attacks and educate future generations to eliminate all forms of hate.

Each year Mark liaises with the local authorities (police and councils), key partners and local communities affected by these attacks to organise the April Acts of Remembrance.

In  Brixton (17th April) and Brick Lane (24th April) we organise small gatherings at 6pm at the side of the Iceland Store, and 40 Brick Lane.

We have created a tradition of lighting three candles that represent the three people killed in Soho, and the three communities of Lambeth, Tower Hamlets and Westminster. Volunteers talk to passers-by about what happened whilst handing out hate crime leaflets to encourage hate crime reporting. We listen to people, enabling opportunities for people to express their feelings and be signposted to organisations that can provide further advice and support.

In Soho, there is a much larger Act of Remembrance on the 30th April that begins at 5pm with people gathering at the Admiral Duncan. At 6.10 pm there is a procession along Old Compton Street, around the corner to St Anne’s Gardens on Wardour Street.

In St Anne’s Gardens, people surround the triangular bench in the far left side of the gardens. There are speeches, poems, choir pieces and moments of silence as survivors, friends, family, colleagues and members of the community stand together to remember Andrea, John and Nick, David (Cinders) and Thomas.

These events are open to anyone who would like to join us – although we do ask people to register so that we can get an idea of how many people wish to attend.

April Acts of Remembrance (nationalhcaw.uk)

 2023 Event

 When and where

Date and time

Mon, 24 April 2023, 17:45 – 18:30 BST

Location

40 Brick Ln 40 Brick Lane London E1 6RF

We have an Eventbrite set up so we can start registering interest of those who wish to attend (so we can get an idea of numbers, although not compulsory for people to register).

Brick Lane Act of Remembrance 2023 Tickets, Mon 24 Apr 2023 at 17:45 | Eventbrite

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Rethink has been consulting with Carers from the centre and the team to look at Mental Illness and sport/physical activity as a means to help with wellbeing and they would like you to take part in their survey.

This is the link to the survey questionnaire for Tower Hamlets https://forms.office.com/e/BCR4WBW5Td

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Food Banks Information

What you need to know

With the cost of living crisis affecting communities nationwide, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have shared information on accessing your local FOOD Stores and tips on managing your food bills.

Tower Hamlets FOOD Stores

A number of FOOD stores have been set up across the borough, supporting those who are finding it difficult to afford enough food for themselves or their families.

At these FOOD stores, you are able to pick up food valued at £25-£35 in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, support is provided in other areas that you might need help with. This includes help with issues around

• housing
• benefits access
• employment and more.

To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.

Foodbanks

There are a number of food aid organisations available to help you in Tower Hamlets if you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family. Scroll down to see where your closest branch is located. Different food aid services will offer different support.

Types

• Open Access – A food bank that anyone can go to for food.
• Limited Access/referral only – A Food bank that needs someone to refer you into the service. Please contact the organisation for more details.
• School food provision – A food bank or food aid service that specifically works with students and parents who attend the school.
• Hot meals service/Hostel – Provides hot meals or pre-made goods to residents.

Underwood Road Foodbank – (Open Access)

Opening times: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 3pm

St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW

Contact: 020 7247 7833 or email underwoodroad@rcdow.org.uk from Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm)

Ensign Youth Club – (Open Access)

Opening times: Friday 10am – 1pm

Wellclose Sq, E1 8HY

Contact: info@ensign.org.uk

Hague Primary School

Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm

Hague primary school, E2 0BP and E1 5RE

For more information please ask at the school office.

Stewart Headlam Primary School

Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm

Tapp St, London, E1 5RE

For more information please ask at the school office.

Wellington Primary School – Food bank (limited access/by referral only)

School food provision (Pupils and families only)

Opening times: Tuesday 2 – 3pm

Wellington Way, Bow, E3 4NE

Contact: admin@wellington.towerhamlets.sch.uk

St Elizabeth Pop Up Kitchen – School food provision (pupils and families only)

Opening times: 3.40 – 5pm

St Elizabeth Primary School, entrance on Waterloo Gardens, E2 9JY

For more information please visit St Elizabeth School website / Caritas Twitter page.

Bygrove School – School food provision (pupils and families only)

Opening times: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only)

Bygrove street, E14 6DN

For more information please visit the Bygrove School website.

Langdon Park School – School food provision (pupils and families only)

Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Bright Street, London, E14 0RZ

For more information please ask at the school office.

Dorset Community Food Hub – (Open Access – Hot meals service)

Opening times: Thursday

Ground floor, former Dorset library, E2 8QX

For more information please visit the Dorset Community website.

Olga Primary School Foodbank – School food provision (pupils and families only)

Opening times: Friday 3.20 – 3.45pm

Olga Primary School, E3 5DN

Contact: 020 8981 7127

Edward Gibbons House – (Hostel)

Opening times: 24 hours

1 Parmiter St, E2 9NG

For more information please visit Providence Row website.

Globe Primary School – (Open Access)

Opening times: Friday 12 – 3.15pm

Globe Primary School, E2 0JH

For more information please visit Globe Primary School website.

Food for Aldgate – (Limited access/by referral only)

Opening times: Friday 1 – 3pm

Tonybee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6AB

Contact: Paul.wilson@eastendhomes.net or Twitter @FoodForAldgate.

Womens Inclusive Team – (Limited access/by referral only)

Opening times: Appointment provided after referral

Mayfield House 202 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9LJ

Contact: 07415 372 664 or email shakilaa@wit.org.uk.

William Davis Food Bank – School food provision (pupils and families only)

Opening times: Friday 2 – 3pm

William Davis School, E2 6ET

Contact: 020 7739 1511

Bow Food Bank – (Open Access)

Opening times: Monday 8am – 12.30pm

Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT

For more information please visit the Bow Food Bank website.

Bethnal Green Foodbank – (Open Access)

Opening times: Wednesday 2 – 7pm

Raines Foundations School, Approach road, E2 9LY

For more information please visit Bow Food Bank website.

Bow Muslim Cultural Centre – (Open Access)

Opening times: Friday 11am – 3pm

246 Bow Road London, E3 3AP

Contact: info@bowcentralmosque.co.uk

SACC Food Bank – (Limited access/by referral only)

Opening times: Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm

St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW

Contact: braziliancp@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7247 7833.

Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.

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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.

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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  

Make, register or end LPA 

Call us on 0207 790 1765 or email enquiries@ccth.org.uk to find out more about LPA. 

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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 >

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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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