Hello Everyone – Sending out positive thoughts, love and hugs

Just wanted to say that some carers have mentioned to me that they have had a hard week, issues with health diagnosis, challenging situations with loved ones and cared for’s, and so much more.

With this in mind I wanted to send out positive thoughts, well wishes, get well soon’s, respectful love and hugs to all that need it.  I received so much love and kind messages when my Dad passed and I appreciated all of it and now that it is vice versa I wanted to do the same.

If you need me I am here and if I can’t help or solve the issue my wonderful colleagues might be able, or we can signpost you accordingly, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Don’t forget that reaching pout, joining a group, being with others has such a beneficial impact on your emotional wellbeing.

Also Don’t forget that Tuesday 18th – 1.30pm to 2.30pm we have Talking Therapies coming and this month’s subject will be covering the session looking at compassion focussed therapy and validating difficulties of being a carer.

Also another reminder – ReThink is looking for Carers to help develop a project to help with Mental Health Issues for carers and the people they care by using physical activities – check further down this blog to find out more 

 

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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Next Week’s Activities

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Letting open day

Is your home overcrowded and you need more space, or maybe it’s too big and you want to downsize? Find out what options are available to you at our open day on Saturday 15 July, from 10am to 3pm at the Town Hall in Whitechapel.

Housing options officers, providers and landlords will be available on the day for you to speak to and get advice, as well as financial and welfare information. London Fire Brigade will be providing fire safety advice and there will also be fun activities for children. No need to book, just turn up.

See more >

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Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Day

This week, we marked Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Day, which remembers Europe’s worst massacre since the Second World War where more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslims were killed. Every year, the organisation Remembering Srebrenica selects a theme that reflects an aspect of the genocide that needs to be commemorated. The theme for 2023 is ‘Together We Are One’.

Every year, Tower Hamlets Council supports Srebrenica Genocide Memorial Day, reinforcing the message that together we stand up against violence and hatred on the grounds of religion and ethnicity and that that there is ‘No Place for Hate’ in Tower Hamlets. To mark your support, you can sign the Tower Hamlets Council No Place for Hate pledge.

Sign the pledge >

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Looking for jobs and training in the tech, creative and science sectors?

Explore a variety of opportunities and connect with professionals at the LIFT Opportunities Fair.

Taking place at Northeastern University on Wednesday 19 July, the careers fair will feature careers advice and current opportunities for jobs, apprenticeships, training programmes and internships in the tech, creative and science sectors.

Register for free >

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Free clothes and book swap with a mending workshop

Clear out your wardrobe and join us, SunnyJar Eco Hub and Friends of the Earth Hackney for a free clothes and book swap on Saturday 15 July.

Help tackle clothes waste and pick up some fabulous pre-loved items at this free sustainable event. There will also be a free drop-in mending workshop, so bring along any items you’d like mending. The event will be hosted at The Hub in Victoria Park, E9 7DD from 10.30am to 1.30pm.

More info >

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Carers of People with Dementia Peer Support Group

Wednesday 26th July 10am to 11am – Hybrid via zoom or in person

This monthly peer support group aims to help carers network, support each other, learn caring tips, and share knowledge, it is your group, and you have a say in how is runs.

Bengali Dementia Carers Group

Wednesday 26th July  @ 11 to 1pm – at the Carers Centre

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.

Dementia Carers Drop In 

Wednesday 26th July @ 1.30pm to 3pm

We have a new drop in with an English-speaking worker also a Chinese speaking Admiral Nurse/Dementia specialist, so come along and you will be able to ask any questions about Dementia, resources, and local support services.

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Why not join this group……..

Next Drop In July 26th

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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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Check out Aldgate Connect as lots of things to do Homepage – Aldgate BID (aldgateconnect.london)

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KING’S CROSS SUMMER SOUNDS PROGRAMME

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Anyone for tennis?

If Wimbledon has inspired you to give tennis a try, come along to a tennis open day at Victoria Park on Saturday 15 July to find out more and enjoy free sessions.

We have partnered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) to deliver a range of activities including free tennis sessions for all ages, playing levels and experience, with equipment provided. We have also invested in new gate access systems at seven tennis courts across the borough, making it easier to book.

Grab your racket >

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How much is alcohol costing you?

This year’s theme for Alcohol Awareness Week is cost. Alcohol can have more than a financial impact as it can affect relationships, families and health.

You can take the confidential two-minute Alcohol Test which will tell you your risk levels and signpost you to additional support if needed

If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone’s alcohol use, we offer free treatment and support through our Reset service for Tower Hamlets residents aged 18 or over.

Get help >

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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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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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Exciting Opportunity for Carers: Participate in Co-Production Sessions for a Physical Activity Pilot Intervention!

We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for carers within Tower Hamlets! Rethink Mental Illness, in collaboration with the Carers Centre and with support from Sport England, is embarking on a project to explore and address the barriers faced by carers of individuals living with severe mental illness, or severely affected by other mental health conditions in being more physically active. We also welcome carers who have caring responsibilities for people with non-mental health conditions, but have personal experience of a mental illness themselves. The project aims to develop a pilot intervention for physical activity, ensuring it is tailored to the specific needs and expectations of carers.

We invite carers to participate in a series of co-production sessions, where your invaluable insights and experiences will directly contribute to designing physical activities that are appropriate and accessible for carers. By actively involving carers in the creation process, we aim to develop an intervention that truly resonates with your needs.

At Rethink Mental Illness we highly value the expertise of people with lived experience and the role that they can play in developing services. We are therefore able to offer payment for participation in this project. This would consist of a payment of £50 for each two hour session attended. We kindly request that participants commit to attending all the sessions, which may take place tentatively once a month during August/September, with subsequent sessions in October, November and December. This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference and shape an intervention that will positively impact the lives of carers in our community.

Don’t miss out on this chance to be involved! If you are interested or would like more information, please fill in this expression of interest form https://forms.office.com/e/gkHgvV5mCA or contact Tony Collins at the Carer’s Centre. Together, let’s empower carers and promote better physical health and well-being for all!

 

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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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