Hello Everyone – Penultimate Blog Before Christmas …..

So, I did not get any stories or memories of Christmas or Eid from anyone so I guess you are all busy.

This time of year can be very busy, I know it has been for me and with the added snow and strikes, things has been more difficult. I am sorry I could not join the Photography end of course celebration yesterday but after fours stuck down a country lane with many other cars and being helped out by a tractor (I will not moan about being stuck behind one again), I turned home and used my final bit of leave as I was stressed and exhausted. I hear it was a roaring success and the We Connect party was also a hoot and the organising partners thanked the Carers Centre for our year long hosting.

I also want to thank The Carers Wellbeing Champions for all their hard work in help coproduce and add direction to The Wellbeing Academy and I hear through the grapevine that carers feel that their wellbeing is improving.

Thanks to all the volunteers who have supported the Carers Centre, we could not of done it without you.

Thank you to the wonderful carers who have developed with us the Podcast and more to come in 2023, as well as the Open University study group, I have seen the first draft of the online guide/film and this will be ready for all to see in 2023.

I will be sending a short and final blog on Monday but please read below as there is numbers and places for support over the festive period.

Keep warm when and where possible, be with loved ones and friends as we know connection is everything and check out some highlights for the new year…

Don’t forget your physical wellbeing … Last Ramble Group of 2023 – 12.30 to 1.30pm – Monday 19th December

Important Numbers:

Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957

Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

Download the Christmas 2022 holiday activities and food programme booklet for a list of programmes and clubs, running 21 December to 31 December (please note there will be no provision on the 25 or 26 December).

Keep well in winter.

There are little things we can all do to take care of ourselves over the colder months. Here’s some information and advice on how to stay well, heat our homes better, minimise costs as well as access support as needed.

If you are concerned about the welfare of a vulnerable or elderly person who may not be coping during this cold weather, please call Tower Hamlets Connect on 0300 303 6070.

If you are concerned about a homeless person during the winter months, please check our tips on ways you can help and use the StreetLink website.

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/advice_and_benefits/Keep_well_in_winter.aspx

What’s New For 2023, New Year and New You …..

As you may have seen at the Carers Rights Day, the African Dance Class and the carers who took part in 2022 put on an amazing display of fun and movement. So, by popular demand we have five new sessions taking place in January, February and March so if you want to join then get your name down fast as places are limited…

In January we will be starting a new weekly Women Only Swimming Group for Carers and this starts Friday 20th January at the Tiller Leisure Centre, places are limited and you need to add your name to the list, you cannot just turn up and get a free swim, you can turn up but you will have to pat the entry fee, make sure you sign up..

January 10th the weekly Carers Drop In at the Buddhist Centre is now being funded by the Carers Centre so, every Tuesday 11am to 1pm come along and drop in. We want you to feedback on how this wonderful group impacts and improves your wellbeing and as always have fun.

There is also a Day Retreat on the 18th January 10am to 4pm, you will need to put your name on the list as this is not a drop-in so, you know what to do and get a place.

We are having the Wallace Collection join us on the 19th January, as part of the Arts, Crafts & Conversation and the week after on the 26th January we are combining all day the Art Group and WeConnect for The Great Winter Get Together – 11am to 3.30pm as part of the Jo Cox Foundation.

And finally, we have …

Do you struggle to find time to exercise let alone do the things you want? Do you feel that if you had a bit more specialist support (just for you) that you could get and feel healthier? Well for a limited time only, Carers Centre Tower Hamlets (CCTH) are working with Don’t Tone Alone CIC to provide you with access to their wellbeing platform. In this platform, you will be able to access a personal coach, online resources such as recipes and tutorials, an interactive community, and monthly competitions. With access to this platform the only motivation needed is that to log in.

Terms: Places are allocated on a first-come first-served basis and are limited to only ten unpaid carers. If licences are not used or used in contradiction to Don’t Tone Alone CIC’s (DTA) terms & conditions, they have the right to suspend or delete licences. Once registered a DTA member of staff will reach out and provide a welcome tour of the platform and provide a 1-to-1 introductory session.

https://donttonealone.my.salesforce-sites.com/r/ccth_wbz_jan23

Claim Pension Credit by 18 December for Cost of Living payment

Older people on a low income have until Sunday 18 December to put in a claim for Pension Credit in order to qualify for the second part of the Government’s Cost of Living Payment – a £324 lump sum.

Announced as part of its original energy support package in May, the Government’s Cost of Living Payment will be paid to those in receipt of Pension Credit and other qualifying benefits.

To be eligible for the second lump sum, older people must have been entitled to a Pension Credit payment in the period between 26 August and 25 September 2022.

Because an application for Pension Credit can be backdated by three months, those who begin the claiming process by Sunday 18 December and are successful can meet the eligibility criteria for the extra £324.

Claim now >

Job title : Learning Resources Centre Assistant
Job reference : R001429
Application closing date : 04/01/2023
Location : Tower Hamlets Campus
Salary : *GBP*9,983 to *GBP*11,231 per annum – *GBP*24,958 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Package : 40 weeks (Term time plus 2 weeks)
Job category/type :

Job description :

We are looking for an enthusiastic LRC Assistant to join the New City College library team based at our Poplar campus with occasional working at our other nearby sites. We serve a culturally and socially diverse community and offer a wide variety of courses from Entry to postgraduate levels. This role would suit candidates with experience in a customer-facing environment, and library experience, whilst not essential, is desirable. Good IT skills are essential as you will be supporting students’ computer use in addition to meeting their reading and information needs. You need to be educated to A-level equivalent standard and be passionate about delivering a high-quality service and have the flexibility, creativity and imagination to engage every learner and encourage them to succeed.

New City College is the dynamic group of further education colleges in East London and Essex which comprises Tower Hamlets College, Hackney Community College, Epping Forest College, Redbridge College, Havering College of Further & Higher Education and Havering Sixth form College. Our group is at the forefront of further education in the region. With a turnover of £105m, 20,000 students and 1900 staff it is one of the strongest and most influential further education organisations in the country.

Our college environment is second to none. We have industry standard facilities and equipment at all campuses, expert staff and partnerships with other high-profile organisations which all prepare students for progression to higher education or successful careers.

As the College supports a number of children and vulnerable adults, all staff are exempt from Section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Accordingly, all staff will be subject to an ‘Enhanced’ DBS (formerly CRB) check, along with a Children’s Barred List check if in regulated activity. Any offers of appointment may be withdrawn if these checks prove to be unsatisfactory to the College. Self-disclosure will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you fail to make a full disclosure or provide sight of your DBS certificate then your offer of employment is likely to be withdrawn. The College’s DBS policy covers the recruitment of ex-offenders which is available upon request.

New City College aims to develop a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve and actively welcome applications from candidates from a BAME background.

Closing date: 5^th January 2023

Interviews will take place w/c 9^th January 2023

To view job details or apply on-line click here

To search for other jobs click here

Don’t miss out on your child’s polio booster

Do you have a child aged one to nine years old? Have they had their polio booster yet? If not then it’s not too late, but act fast – the polio booster programme will come to an end on Friday 23 December.

You can get your child’s polio booster by booking with your GP, or at a local vaccination centre. After 23 December, it’s still important for your child to stay up to date with their regular routine vaccinations.

Book now >

Scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep

You may have seen in the news that there are a lot of cases of Group A strep this year than usual. This bacteria can cause infections, including scarlet fever and impetigo.

In rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep. While still uncommon, it’s important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms, such as difficulty breathing.

There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating, which should resolve without medical help. Talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.

More info >

Don’t Forget to Get your Jabs – it makes sense to protect yourself so you can protect the person/s you care for…… I am getting my seasonal one on December 30th

Christmas bin collections and tree recycling

Over the bank holiday period there will be changes to your normal rubbish, recycling, food and garden waste collection arrangements.

There will also be a collection for the recycling of real Christmas trees from 9 – 19 January. If you currently receive a food and garden kerbside collection, please remove all decorations from your tree and leave out for collection on your scheduled day during this period.

If you do not have kerbside food and garden collections, please contact your property landlord or management company who can arrange collections from the nominated communal collection points.

Santa’s broke! How to budget at Christmas and manage children’s great expectation.. saw this and it might be useful

Santa’s broke! How to budget at Christmas and manage children’s great expectations

New Tower Hamlets census data has been released

The latest figures on nationalities, ethnicities, languages and religions in Tower Hamlets, captured in the 2021 census, has been released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The census, which is carried out every ten years, provides a snapshot of Tower Hamlets, London and England and Wales overall on the day in which it was carried out – 21 March 2021. The latest release of figures follows the publication of the initial set of results announced in July.

Six new FOOD Stores to tackle poverty

Six new food pantries are being launched by Tower Hamlets Council to tackle poverty and support residents through the cost of living crisis.

In partnership with national charity Family Action, the FOOD Store project aims to provide affordable quality food.

Find out more >

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 

Make, register or end LPA

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, 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.

Get in touch

The Carers Centre
21 Brayford Square
London, E1 0SG

020 7790 1765

enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Opening hours

Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed

16th December 2022