Hello Everyone
So today I am working from the Centre and it is quiet, this is also the penultimate blog entry this year. I have really enjoyed doing the blog and providing a broad range of information and advice. Carers fedback and said that the initial Covid Blog was extremely helpful and that the added humour, inclusive nature helped them.
The blog is continuing as a regular feature in 2021, so watch out for Friday’s entry as it is the last of the year and as always keep safe, look after each other and have the best fun you can over the holidays (safely of course).
The government has announced that London is entering tier 3 – very high alert – from Wednesday morning, 16 December.
With cases of Covid-19 rising so rapidly this change is necessary to stop the virus spreading in bars and restaurants and other places where people might mix. While shops remain open, I urge you to be extra careful to prevent transmission in the run up to Christmas. Remember, you’re potentially infectious for 10 days after getting Covid-19, even if you do not have any symptoms.
It remains critically important to avoid mixing with other households inside – as this is one of the main ways that infection is rising again in our borough.
Check the rules to see how the change of tier impacts on you.
I know these added restrictions are disruptive to both residents and businesses, but they are in place to keep us all safe. We will continue to work with the government to increase testing and make the case for adequate economic support for Tower Hamlets.
Please play your part to #KeepTowerHamletsSafe. Do also check on friends, family, and neighbours by phone. Uncertain times can affect people’s mental health, so it’s vital we look out for each other safely. A host of health and wellbeing resources are available on our website.
We also have a dedicated phoneline for vulnerable residents to get support with self-isolation, supplies and urgent needs throughout the pandemic.
We will provide more local advice and updates soon. Until then, please read more in this newsletter and share the latest advice with your networks.
Stay safe,
Mayor Biggs
Covid-19: Very high alert from Wednesday 16 December
Local cases of Covid-19 have continued to increase significantly and London, including Tower Hamlets, will move into tier 3 – very high alert – from 00.01 on Wednesday 16 December.
The very high number of cases in London mean more people are getting unwell, more people will end up in hospital and there will be more deaths as a result of the virus.
Follow the new rules and play your part to keep our community safe, including:
- Do not meet socially indoors or in most outdoor places with anybody you do not live with, or who is not in your support bubble. This includes in any private garden and most outdoor venues.
- Do not socialise in a group of more than six in some other outdoor public spaces, including outdoor spaces accessible to the public, a public garden, or a sports facility – this is called the ‘rule of 6’.
- Hospitality settings, such as bars (including shisha venues), pubs, cafes and restaurants are closed – but can operate takeaway, click-and-collect, drive-through or delivery services.
- Reduce the number of journeys you make where possible and work from home where possible.
- Places of worship remain open, but you must not attend with or socialise with anyone outside of your household or support bubble while you are there, unless a legal exemption applies.
Get a Covid-19 test in Tower Hamlets
Following a worrying rise in Covid-19 cases across London and in Tower Hamlets, we have expanded testing capacity in the borough. It remains extremely important that residents book a Covid-19 test if symptomatic.
We continue to operate local testing units in Shadwell, Mile End, Isle of Dogs and Billingsgate. Appointments at all testing sites can be booked by calling 119 or online.
In order to protect yourself and other people, please remember to wear a face mask when going for a test.
If you have symptoms of Covid-19…
Book a test if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 and stay at home until you get your result.
- If you test positive, stay at home for 10 days from when symptoms started. This includes while symptomatic and waiting to arrange a test.
- If you’re identified as a close or recent contact of someone who has tested positive through NHS Test and Trace, self-isolate for 10 days.
We’ve been working hard to get the Museum of London’s December activity booklet ready for you before the Christmas break. Plus, THIS FRIDAY we’ll also be hosting the last Time for a Cuppa session of 2020 & it’s set to be a festive extravaganza!
Creative & Connected: Issue 8 – Winter🎨❄️
Download and print here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/memories/creative-connected/december-2020
Featuring games, simple recipes, opportunities to get creative and reminisce about winters past and present.
(Please note that if you requested to receive copies back in September, they will be delivered this week by our distributor, London Calling) .
Time for a Cuppa: Friday 18 Dec 10.30 – 11.30am
Don’t forget to spread the word and join us for the last of this year’s ‘Time for a Cuppa’ live Zoom sessions. We’ll be joined by the fabulous Luke Saydon for a session full of festive, frosty fun. Each month we’ve had increasingly positive feedback from individuals and care homes, and we’d love to welcome those in your networks to join in!
Register to attend here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/event-detail?id=268808&s=true&day=1606352400
OR email Marina & Amy at memories@museumoflondon.org.uk or call 07780 504506 Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm
This month we’ve reprised episode 2 of our London Lives podcast where we explore the magical history of the Christmas cracker and hear from Derek as he tells us about Christmasses gone by. Listen here, and don’t forget to share, share, share!
Other Resources💌
All editions of our Creative & Connected activity booklets, plus our London Lives podcast, Time for a Cuppa Zoom sessions and information about the wider programme are all available here: museumoflondon.org.uk/memories
Finally, do check out some of our partner organisations;
- We encourage you to download the free My House of Memories app onto your phone or tablet. We have partnered with National Museums Liverpool to add some of our unique collections to the app and hope that you are able to enjoy reminiscing with your loved ones.
- MySocial Southwark is the social membership service open to all ages brought to you by Age UK Lewisham and Southwark. Sign up for a full list of free events and sessions. The Museum of London are currently partnering with them to deliver a series of monthly reminiscence sessions. Find out more here: https://mysocial.london/southwark/
- StAn’s Cafe on Facebook. At the moment they are running a dementia-inclusive virtual community event on the 3rd Saturday of every month. The next event is on December 19th. Join them to bake, craft, sing chat and meet new people in this Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day celebration! Find out more here: https://www.facebook.com/standrewscafe
- Arts 4 Dementia also provide a comprehensive list of all online activities and run their Chatty Wednesday group: https://arts4dementia.org.uk/
Thank you so much and we really hope they bring joy and spark curiosity! Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!
Marina & Amy – the Memories of London team
Important Numbers:
Unpaid carers can still access FREE PPE supplies. If you would like to receive PPE, Please contact the Carers Centre on 0207 790 1765 or Ayeda directly.
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 Academy Manager
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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