Hello Everyone – What do you do outside of caring?

This questions comes up more and more and so it should.  My question to you all is “what do you do outside of caring”?

Some of you are thinking nothing, caring consumes my life, I do not have time to scratch my behind due to my caring role. Of course this is the case for some carers and there are times, days, weeks or even longer when the caring role is full on as the caring role is not a fixed thing, it changes, moves and is fluid.

I understand that more and more, as since my caring role has increased I find myself remotely sorting things out for my Dad, I have changed what I do at home to accommodate my parents such as go food shopping Friday night after work instead of Saturday morning like iI used to, this is because I have to get ready, drive and pick up Dad and then go to the nursing home for the love birds to reunite. You do have to think, plan, adapt to incorporate all the aspects of your life.  It is a good thing some humans can adapt because this is a big part of caring. I always try and get Sundays as my quiet and home day to get out walking, eat and cook and catch up with friends and neighbours.

However, you do need a life outside of the caring role and it really is an important issue.  By Saturday evening when I get home I am knackered after my long week as I am sure a lot of carers are, so I chill out and thankfully the Saturday just gone I had the wonderful camp fest also known as The Eurovision Song Contest to relax, enjoy and have a laugh with.  Congratulations to both Ukraine and the United Kingdom, you both did well.

So what are you doing to take time out?  Are you catching up with friends, are you going to cinema, do you do something sporty or do you have a hobby?  The Carers Wellbeing Academy aims to help carers with a monthly timetable of activities to suit carers and enable them to take sometime out from the caring role.  The Carers Centre Advocacy Team through the Carers Needs Assessment help carers in need of respite, time out and breaks from the caring role to negotiate support to make this happen.

So I say, take time for yourself as it is important, check out our timetable of activities and sign up, make sure you ask for respite services at your next assessment and lets all look after ourselves, so we can look after our loved ones.


Following on from the discussion above – How about you join up for a Self-Care Workshop…


Carers Week is coming soon – June 6th to 12th 2022

 The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets  is excited that Carers Week is happening in June 6th to 12th..  We have developed a full timetable of activities incorporating this year’s theme Make caring visible, valued and supported.

We start the week with a chance for carers to pamper themselves and have a treatment and attend our garden party but remember first come first served, while you are there you can join the Shared Reading for Carers group, which combines story telling with discussion and fun

.We are delighted to welcome the Open University Aging Well programme where carers will learn about accessing webinars, podcasts and taking part in live talks about all aspects of keeping well as a carer, as we get older so that you retain better wellbeing.#

There is a coaching for carers session on Self-Care as well as a presentation on safeguarding for carers.

We have a day trip to Kensington Palace planned to the Royal Photography Exhibition, but this has limited places, so book early to avoid disappointment.

We are also taking part in the Festival of Communities on the Saturday and Sunday so come and support the Carers Centre who will be holding a stall of carers crafts.

Like the sound of the week’s activities, come and join our carer community and feel valued, supported and visible.

Email tony@ccth.org.uk to reserve your place


 

 

Self-Compassion Workbook

Self-compassion entails being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fail, or feel inadequate, rather than ignoring our pain or flagellating ourselves with self-criticism.

Click here to access a work book that can help you learn to love yourself – https://www.good-thinking.uk/resources/cci-self-compassion-workbook/


Wednesday 18th May

Carers Forum – 11am to to 12.45pm

We are having a presentation and  pleased to have Shujia Begum, an Energy advisor from the Limehouse Project. on how to save money on your energy bills, we know it is hard right now so come and find out you can do to save a little.

She will be discussing how they can help if you are having problems playing your energy bills, where to get grants and vouchers.  She will also be showing you how to save on energy and how to use less.

Come and learn how to save money

 


This weeks Wellbeing Academy Activities & Highlights

Friday 20th May

Friday Social Club – 2pm to 3pm via Zoom

The Tuesday Social Club is moving to Fridays as of next week, and this is allowing carers to have an end of week catch up and a look forward to the weekend vibe.  I am aware it is Friday the 13th and thought shall we discuss our best and worst Friday 13th stories – what do you think?


 

Check out the  https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/      The May 2022 timetable is now there as this will let you know our weekly activities’ and then email tony@ccth.org.uk for a place.


 

Craft Central Makers’ Market 14 May, 397 Westferry Road
Buy handcrafted products & gifts from talented makers! Find interior products, jewellery, prints, textiles, fashion, ceramics, woodwork, workshops & more

Take part in one of our bookable workshops and enjoy a refreshment at our Japanese pop-up Café – Gu Choki Pan – serving up beverages and fun baked goods.

14 May 10.30 – 5.30
Free Entry


 

 


 

Check out a new free course that has just been launched that focuses on carer wellbeing. It is called ‘Physical activity for health and wellbeing in the caring role’ and has been kindly endorsed by the Carers Trust. The course is 6 hours in length and learners can achieve a ‘badge’ on completion of the end quiz, and this can be added on a CV to evidence their learning/continuous professional development. We hope that it will be helpful to those working with carers, including carer centre staff, those supporting carers less formally and importantly carers themselves!

https://www.open.edu/openlearn/health-sports-psychology/physical-activity-health-and-wellbeing-the-caring-role/content-section-overview?active-tab=description-tab

 

 

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 >


 

ELOP’s LGBT+ Groups
Join our fun, friendly and non-judgemental safe space to meet new people and discuss LGBT+ topics!

LGBT+ Over 50 Social Group 
Every Monday 1.00 – 2.30pm, online 

LGBT+ Social Support Group 
Every Tuesday 7.00 – 8.30pm, online 

Stonewall – https://www.stonewall.org.uk/ 

LONDON Friend – https://londonfriend.org.uk/


 

 


 


 

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.


 

Important Numbers:

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 Wellbeing Academy Manager

 

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

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