Hello Everyone – PRIDE

 

I wanted to talk about Pride and some of its forms.  Some of you may know that June is pride month and all round the world, countries celebrate the Pride of being from the LBGTQ+ communities.  There will be the famous London Pride march and celebrations but there will be a few local Tower Hamlets events and how being visible is so important.

Being proud of who you are is extremely important.  As a gay man who told his parents in the 1980 as a fifteen you old lad, it was different time then and my parents did not take it that well.  I was told that I could never bring a friend home, that I would be a lonely unhappy person.  I soon when able left my little Kent village to come to London to be a Residential Social Worker and then a long string of interesting roles that helped, support all communities in their lives and of eventually ending up at the wonderful  Carers Centre.  Don’t get me wrong, I was hurt, concerned but as some of you know me, I am also determined, optimistic and forward looking.

I suppose you can call it pride as I vowed I would lead my life, enjoy and most of all be happy and fulfilled.  Things have changed considerably with my parents, they love my Husband ( I am not alone), they came to our wedding with all my other family and friends and they are very happy for me that I am happy.

This also reminds me of how carers take pride in who they are and what they do.  We have just had Carers Week and what a week that was, I love how the centre endeavours to give carers a week of exciting and interesting and highlight carers and this theme of being visible and valued.

So we can all take pride in who we are, what we do and support each other to be our true, exciting selves and make sure we have a wonderful few weeks.

Some Pride History 

LGBT pride (also known as gay pride) is the promotion of the self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that bolsters most LGBT rights movements. Pride has lent its name to LGBT-themed organizations, institutes, foundations, book titles, periodicals, a cable TV station, and the Pride Library.

Ranging from solemn to carnivalesque, pride events are typically held during LGBT Pride Month or some other period that commemorates a turning point in a country’s LGBT history, for example Moscow Pride in May for the anniversary of Russia’s 1993 decriminalization of homosexuality. Some pride events include LGBT pride parades and marches, rallies, commemorations, community days, dance parties, and festivals.

Common symbols of pride include the rainbow flag and other pride flags, the lowercase Greek letter lambda (λ), the pink triangle and the black triangle, these latter two reclaimed from use as badges of shame in Nazi concentration camps.[8]

On Sunday 26 June in cooperation with TH LGBT Forum, ELOP and Switchboard, the LGBT+ Helpline, Victoria Park Friends welcomes the LGBT Pride Picnic 2022 hosted by The Bleeding Obvious and The Archway Band with more performances to be confirmed.

Performances start at 2:00pm

The bandstand season is brought to you by Victoria Park Friends Group in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council


 

LGBTQ+ Support Groups

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/


Next Weeks Activities …

 

Check out the  https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/


Carers Centre Tower Hamlets Carers Forum

 

Wednesday 22nd June 2022 – is the Carers Forum 11am to 1pm 

We have two presentations:

1. Are you a carer for someone with a Learning Disability and if so, we have a senior consultant who is looking at the Health Needs Assessment for people with Learning Disabilities living in the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. We are particularly interested in understanding the specific health and social care needs of people with learning difficulties and their carers who access or need to access local services and organisations such as the Carers Centre.

2. We have a presentation on what carers want from a Carers Passport and here is a starting point – The Carers Passport would be recognition with the use of a physical tool (such as a plastic card) which easily identifies someone as a carer. This can be for reasons of practicality, to avoid repeating your story to each service, but also because it can help avoid the labelling of the person being cared for.


    And 

We are teaming up for another amazing partnership – This time we have a six week workshop on Drama and the spoken word 

Next Session with CREATE is Thursday 30th June 11am to 1pm

Next week will be a regular Arts, Crafts and Conversation – Thursday 23rd June 11am to 1pm 

We had our first session on Thursday and what a success.  Carers have decided that they want to do a short play, with little snippets of how connecting together during the Pandemic and supporting each other helped with emotional wellbeing.  The importance of connection will be highlighted, specially for carers and how peer support is crucial to manage your caring role and the emotional ups and downs of caring, how WhatsApp groups played a crucial part and how the Wellbeing Academy activities united carers with mental respite workshops.

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

Wellbeing benefits to carers:

  • Providing the Opportunity to Learn New Skills – Drama opens the door to developing and discovering skills and talents that carers are not aware that they have or could enjoy. It can evoke passion in some people to learn and develop each new skill they learn.
  • Improves Social Skills – In group  sessions, people work closely with each other in different activities. This requires everyone to be vocal with each other and participate as a team. This can drastically improve an individual’s social and communication skills. Drama has also been proven to help decrease symptoms of social anxiety.

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is looking for a Carers Support Advocate

Do you want to be part of a team where you can support unpaid carers to know and access their rights and entitlements?

Do you have skills that can help a diverse community of carers to understand think about themselves, identify their needs and enable them to access the support they need?

Are you able to communicate with a broad range of people either written, verbally and face to face? Are you able to keep excellent records, encourage participants to feedback their experiences and keep up to date records via our database?

We want you to uphold our policies and procedures, be part of our team and attend team meetings and contribute your thoughts, as well as be able to work flexibly both at the centre and in outreach settings.

You will be supported, line managed, and supervised by the Advocacy Team Manager and you can contribute to the direction and aims of the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets.

Please inform us if you need any reasonable adjustment when undertaking this recruitment process.

 

Click link and find out more and get application form and job description

Carers Support Advocate | Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets | | CharityJob.co.uk


 

Keep Cool and look after yourself and your loved ones.

 


 

Consultation

As you may know TFL and the Government is looking to scrap bus routes and is sending out this consultation survey beforehand. These cuts will have a detrimental effect on those with impairment and/or are unpaid caregivers, so they may wish to complete this questionnaire for what it’s worth. Users will need to sign up to TFL online first.

https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/busreview?tool=survey_tool#tool_tab



 


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. 


 

 

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 >


 

 


 


 

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

Follow us

advice quality standard logo