Hello Everyone – What do you do with your caring role when on long-term sick?
As some of you know I have been off sick for a few weeks but I am pleased to let you know I am back at work and easing back into my workload. I do hope you are all well as you can be and not suffering from this prolonged cold spell, cannot wait for a bit of warmth?
One thing I was aware of was not seeing Mum and not being able to do any caring role tasks as I was so poorly. Unfortunately, it all fell on my little sister who of course managed perfectly and as she does so well just got with it.
Not every carer has a little sister and so what do you do? Remember, if possible develop a plan B with family and friends if you are able or contact the centre if you are in need of emergency support. The Carers Centre can support you to negotiate with Adult Social Care for extra support on a short term basis or it could be longer term if your health is declining significantly.
I am saying this as I feel it it is important to be proactive about your own health (reminder to attend appointments, do not cancel as looking after yourself is of the most importance) but also have some plans ready if you do get ill. You can always be prepared and it helps with a smoother, less stressful caring role.
I hope to see some of you at the centre next week and I wish you all a lovely weekend.
Look out for the May 2024 newsletter as this should be coming your way later today.
Shared Reading then followed by Creative Writing – Monday 29th April from 11.15am to 2pm
Shared reading is a popular group where carers are read a story and they then have the chance to debate the characters, storylines and how the story makes them feel. So, come along and have a little mental respite.
The Creative Writing group which follows, allows carers to write their own short story, each session has a different theme and you are able to explore your creative side.
Arts, Crafts & Conversation – every Thursday from 11am to 1pm
come and learn a new craft like sewing, knitting and much much more but a great part of the experience is meeting other carers where you can have a good long natter
GLA elections polling day on Thursday 2 May
The Mayor of London and London Assembly elections are taking place on Thursday 2 May. Polling stations will be open from 7am to 10pm and poll cards that include the location of polling stations have been sent to registered electors. Don’t worry if you can’t find your polling card. You do not need to take the card with you to vote, and you can find the location of your polling station by putting your postcode into the polling station finder based on the council website.
The London Elects website includes lots of helpful information to help you prepare ahead of polling day. You can read the elections information booklet being sent to Londoners, view the full list of candidates, and find out about some important changes in how to vote in this election, including the new legal requirement to have an acceptable form of photo ID to vote in person.
London Elects >
Next Week’s Activities – check out https://ccth.org.uk/calendar/
Covid-19 spring boosters
This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those at highest risk from severe illness.
Protection against the virus fades over time, so all people aged 75 and above by 30 June 2023, or aged 5 and above with a weakened immune system, can now get an appointment.
Don’t get caught out. Make sure you and your loved ones get any extra protection you need this spring. Book online, call 119 or visit your local pharmacy.
Book here >
Be Well: Improvements to your leisure service
Coming soon to Tower Hamlets! Be Well is providing leisure activities, programmes and facilities for the Tower Hamlets community delivered through health, wellness and play.
To be ready for your Be Well journey, our leisure centres will be closed from 1 – 6 May and reopen on 7 May. During this period, we will be rebranding the centres, upgrading equipment, training staff, and installing new systems!
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and can’t wait to welcome you on 7 May.
More info >
Remembering Altab Ali
The council will host a ceremony of commemoration to remember Altab Ali on the 46th anniversary of his murder.
The racially motivated killing mobilised communities in Tower Hamlets to take a united stand against hatred and intolerance and marked a significant turning point in east London’s race relations. Laying of wreaths, poetry readings and tributes will form part of the Altab Ali Day commemoration ceremony at Altab Ali Park in Whitechapel from 6 to 6.45pm on Saturday 4 May.
Also marking Altab Ali Day, an exhibition titled Fighting Fascism in Focus: 1978 will be on display at the Brady Arts Centre until 25 May.
More info >
Free activities for young people – April to June 2024
Young Tower Hamlets offer a variety of fun and free activities across youth centres for young people aged 11 to 19 or up to 25 with SEND.
We have lots of sessions on offer, including: Cooking, VR, multi-sports, girls only sessions, beauty parlour, podcasting, art, support and advice. We also regularly plan trips out – in the past these have included: Cinema, Flip Out (trampoline park), Van Gogh Immersive VR experience, rock-climbing, canoeing, ice-skating and so much more!
Follow us on TikTok, Instagram and X: @youngtowerhamlets
What’s going on >
Much Ado About Dying – Genesis Cinema
Overview
Simon Chambers is shooting a film in India when his uncle David calls him with a message of doom: “I think I may be dying.” What the viewer doesn’t yet know is that David is a total drama queen, a former actor and Shakespeare-lover who has grown old on a diet of attention and applause. Simon finds his life drastically interrupted and everything that could go wrong does go wrong as he tries to help his uncle have a good death.
David’s anarchic spirit is unbreakable. He fights with Simon, refusing to go into a care home, insisting on dying in the squalor of his unheated tumble-down house. He can’t remember where he put his false teeth but he still knows nearly all the lines from his beloved Shakespeare. David’s real life starts to echo “King Lear”, the play about an old man going mad and giving his kingdom away, as David starts giving away thousands of pounds to the hot young “carer” who pops in from time to time. Despite the house burning down, a period of homelessness, cancer, a permanent catheter, delirium from an infection, and the dreaded ‘care home’, they create an award-winning final performance to send David on his way.
Director
WED, MAY 15, 2024
Another way to have a good 2024 – have a little respite for a little cost…..
The importance of a break
We know all too well how challenging a full-time caring role can be, so a few days away with a partner or a friend can work wonders. It may seem like a small thing but our experience shows us that it can make a huge difference. Read a book, go for a walk, or simply catch up on some sleep. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll return home with a whole new outlook on things, refreshed and rejuvenated.
How it works
There are hundreds of potential breaks away listed on Carefree’s Breaks Hub. After registering with us, unpaid carers can browse available options and submit a request for a specific hotel on specific dates. If available, a confirmation email will be sent to you and you’re all set to go!
If the break request is rejected, we’ll give you access again to the Breaks Hub and you can select a different option.
New hotels and dates are added all the time, so if you can’t quite find what you’re looking, check back in in a few weeks.
ACCOMMODATION
Our hotels donate 1-2 night breaks, plus breakfast where possible for a carer and their companion (adult or child). Twin or Double room.
We are currently seeking new partnerships for longer stays that will become available in due course.
COSTS
There is no charge for the accommodation, but you are responsible for all other costs (transport, food, travel insurance etc.) and there’s a £33 admin fee to help with the cost of operating our charity. This payment is for one break per year.
CARE-FREE
The short breaks initiative is designed to give you some time away from your caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for. If you want to travel alone, that’s fine too.
MAKING A BREAK REQUEST
After you have selected a break of your choice and paid the admin fee we will do a final booking confirmation check with the hotel. Occasionally a hotel will reject a booking request. When this happens we will let you know, and then you will be able to request another break.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for a break you must be:
- Aged 18 or over
- Full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)
Please note: in order to take a break with us, carers must be able to arrange interim care and pay for extras (admin fee, transport, food, travel insurance etc.)
Good mental health and wellbeing starts with you
Everyday Londoners are doing what they can to support themselves and others with good mental health – whether checking in with a mate at the school gates, inviting a neighbour over for a cup of tea and a chat, or bonding with a customer at the barber shop.
But conversations around mental health are difficult. The Mayor of London has launched a campaign in support of Londoners who champion positive mental health – in their families, places of work or their communities.
By signing up Londoners will get access to training opportunities, tools and other offers straight to their inbox to help them navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.
Mental health and wellbeing support in London | London City Hall
ELFT, along with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and partners across NEL, are working together to ensure that service users experiencing mental health crises can access support via NHS 111, a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.
From 2 April 2024, people living in the London Boroughs of the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team based in ELFT’s crisis hub in Tower Hamlets.
The team has a wide range of skills, including on-the-phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.
Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.
If service users are known to ELFT or NELFT services, they should continue to contact their service in the ways they had been doing so previously during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours – or those who aren’t previously known to services – should contact 111 and select option 2.
Domestic Abuse & Violence Numbers
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
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.
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.
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.
| 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.
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.
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, 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.
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
Follow us
