Hello Everyone – Everyone needs support…..
I wanted to talk about how support can come in many ways and be helpful on so many levels. I wanted to start by saying a fond farewell to Audrey – Carers Wellbeing Academy Support Worker, as she has been a great support to both me and the project as well as carers and the team. We have managed to do some amazing activities together which has had a positive impact on carers and currently we are working on the final report which is showing significant advances in better wellbeing for carers, so if you want to come say goodbye to Audrey she will be having a leaving cake and refreshments on Thursday 23rd 11am to 1pm, carers are already making cakes and deciding on what to bring as they say their goodbyes.
Another support topic is us as carers and how we manage and support, cope and deliver to our loved ones. Here is an example, Dad needs increasing support from me and my Sister and we now believe professionally, I said ring social services and get your name on the list for an assessment, don’t be fobbed off with a telephone assessment, request an in person one.
This week I received a phone call from a wonderful social worker asking if I could fill in the blanks as she had spent 45 Minutes on the phone to Dad, with little information and they thought they could close the case before it had started because he had said he could do everything.
After 20 minutes with me she said ‘right we need to do this and that and the case will not be closed’, After explaining Dad has my sister, nephew and I supporting him round the clock and that his health, age and frailty is having an impact on his ability to manage in his current home, we have come up with the need for him to be re-housed in supported living and my sister and I are going to have a statutory Carers Needs Assessment, so I am going to be on the receiving end and I am interested to see how it goes. The social worker did mention ‘you seem to be knowledgeable about social care’. I explained my work history and she said that’s why.
So, don’t forget we all need support, with our wellbeing (join an activity), your needs (get an assessment, if it is appropriate) benefits (make an appointment) or just connect with fellow carers and learn from each other ….
This leads me into another this discussion and idea raised at this months Carers Forum – How do you feel about a bulletin board within the weekly blog where carers can exchange the following:
* recommendations re helpful departments/agencies for common issues faced by carers, local and national, including NHS/local council/housing etc
* venues (e.g. local cafes/restaurants/historic sites/attractions) offering special rates to carers
* little known special public transport rates
* carer entitlements
* food banks
The idea is, carers who come across a service or any of the above can write in, chat to me or each other and we can include this as when carers feel that the service was useful, avoid a service if had a negative experience (I would say we might want to explore that service more before writing anything to negative). This would enable carers to get recommendations, signpost and help carers with their caring role or life outside caring. Personally, I think it is a great idea so if you want to send me recommendations then email tony@ccth,org.uk
Also, we have trialled a peer support group and the carers forum with our new hybrid device and we have had great success. The device allows carers to attend in person at the centre as well as Zoom in from home, everyone taking part can see and hear each other in real time and Rachel has kindly made this comment ..
I am pleased that the Carer’s Centre listening to the carers in response to introducing Hybrid.
By using this method will allow ALL carers to ‘attend’ meetings whether in person or virtual.
I would also like to add that I was very impressed with the sound and the quality of the Hybrid, as many meetings I attend have sound problems and such like.
This approach to Hybrid and accessibility will allow ALL carers to participate, learn and enjoy meeting other Carers who share their experiences and also to feel that they are not alone.
Caring for nearest and dearest is hard work and can be frustrating, and this approach can be seen as an ‘outlet and a release.’
Keep it up and well done!
Thanks Rach ..
Don’t forget that the activities we run are aimed at giving carers a chance for emotional respite, enabling connection with others so you do not feel alone and giving carers the chance to have fun, relax and be in the moment.
Don’t forget..
Talking Therapies Workshop – Tuesday 21st @ 1.30pm to 2.30pm and this is a Hybrid Activity – This workshop is going to explore how to deal with your feelings when you feel challenged.
Open University Study Group (great to see new carers joining) – do you want to learn something new, start a new hobby or just be in a learning group. You can take your time, fit it around your caring role and have fun.
Yoga for Carers – Wednesdays @ 2.30pm to 4pm and just drop in at the London Buddhist Centre
Plan ahead for a healthy Ramadan
Ramadan is a chance to reflect on your daily routine and prioritize your health and the health of others. The NHS in north east London has shared tips to help everyone have a healthy and safe Ramadan, especially if you have diabetes, take prescribed medication, or need medical attention during this time.
Additionally, Ramadan can be a great opportunity to quit smoking, and Quit Right Tower Hamlets is launching the ‘Quit Tobacco for Ramadan’ campaign today at the East London Mosque. If you register to quit with them, you can get a free vape kit worth £50.
21st March is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
“I fear that the world is reaching another acute moment in battling the demon of hate.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres
Background
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed annually on 21st March, the day the police in Sharpeville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid “pass laws” in 1960.
The General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the peoples struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on 21 March, would be organized annually in all States.
Since then, the apartheid system in South Africa has been dismantled, racist laws and practices have been abolished in many countries, however still today, too many individuals, communities and societies continue to suffer from the injustice and stigma that racism brings.
We do not need to go far back to see that racism continues to make headlines globally and nationally.
The recent brutal attack on a 15 year black school girl by a group of white teenage girls (two as young as 11 years) egged on by their parents and watched by adult bystanders, who chose to remain silent. And worse still, the reaction or should I say inaction of a ‘Teacher’ who casually strolled in to ‘intervene’. The young girl sustained brutal injuries (GBH) including nine of her braids pulled off from her scalp. From whichever lens you choose to look at this tragic incident both the victim and the young people involved are victims. All adults involved in this incident , ‘parents’, ‘teachers’ and spectators have failed our young people miserably. Thankfully the police are investigating the case as a racially aggravated hate crime and we hope that that all those involved directly and or indirectly will be held accountable.
Therefore as International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination approaches it reminds us that we still have a lot of work to do and that there should be no room for complacency. I/we are therefore inviting our partners, No Place for Hate Champions and each one of us to strengthen and consolidate our voices against racism, to mobilise against all forms and manifestations of racial discrimination and injustice, and to ensure safe places and environment for those who speak up. The day also provides an opportunity to reflect on our actions and treatment of people who are different from us on racial, ethnic and or other personal characteristics.
To mark this day we are therefore asking people to:
- Observe and mark the significance of the day.
- Question our own prejudices .Do we allow it to impact on our interaction with people and more importantly the services we deliver.
- Review our/your policies, procedures and practices to ensure they are inclusive of people including those from a different racial background.
- Raise awareness of racial discrimination, injustice and hate crime among staff in our/your organisations and local communities. (Race Hate Crimes continue to be the highest reported strand of hate crimes in England & Wales accounting for a third of the reported hate crimes in 2021/22 124,091.
- Become a No Place for Hate Champion
- Reaffirm your commitments to our No Place for Hate Campaign by encouraging staffs, service users, family members and peers to make a united stand against all forms of hate crime by signing the attached Personal Pledge and return to hatecrime@towerhamlets.gov.uk Alternatively pledges can be completed online at: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/hatecrime
- Sign the Organisational Pledge if your organisation has not done, available also on the above link
A further reminder of services provided by Tower Hamlets Hate Crime Team:
- Hate Crime advice to individuals & professional, signposting to specialist support services
- Coordinate Tower Hamlets No Place for Hate Forum & Hate Incident Panel
- Annual Hate Crime Delivery Plan
- No Place for Hate Campaign/Pledge & Champions Project
- Free training, awareness and outreach including Champions Training
- Hate Crime Manual with a directory of support services
- Marking notable hate crime events such as National Hate Crime Awareness Week, Discrimination Days,etc.
- www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/hatecrime
The Hate Crime Team will be in action at the Idea Store Whitechapel (321 Whitechapel Rd, London E1 1BU) on Tuesday 21st March 9.30am – 12.30pm promoting hate crime partnership support services and our No Place for Hate campaign.
To report a Hate Crime emergency call the Police on 999, non-emergency 101. Victim Support National Helpline 0808 168 9293.
For more information on information on support organisations contact:
- The Monitoring Group https://tmg-uk.org/
- Tell Mama Islamophobic hate crime https://tellmamauk.org/
- Community Safety Trust (CST) Anti semitic hate crimes https://cst.org.uk/
- Kick It Out (Tackling Racism & Discrimination) https://www.kickitout.org/
Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.
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
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.
Next Week’s Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/
Carers can now sign up for Carers Active April 2023
Participating carers will be supported and encouraged to take part in any physical activity that works for them, whether that’s walking, jogging, yoga or simple exercises around the home and garden. By signing up to Carers Active April, they’ll receive:
- A Carers Active April kickstarter pack (quantities are limited, so encourage carers to sign up soon so they don’t miss out!)
- The opportunity to take part in our Move Into Spring movement challenge, running throughout April.
- An invitation to our free virtual Healthathon event on 29 April.
- Weekly online physical activity sessions throughout April.
- Helpful ideas, tips and links during the month.
Shall we enter with the raised gardens outside the centre?
Calling all gardeners and growers
Are you ready to make the borough a blooming paradise? Tower Hamlets in Bloom 2023 applications are officially open. This competition is all about transforming the borough into a greener, cleaner, brighter, and more beautiful place to call home.
Whether you have a private garden, a balcony, a school garden, or a community garden, there’s a category for you to enter. We want to see your most stunning blooms and your incredible veggies, no matter the size of your plot.
Enter now >
Healthy Start goes digital
Did you know children aged 0-4 can access free vitamins and you may qualify for money to buy healthy food and milk? Healthy Start now offers a card system, replacing paper vouchers, that can be used like a bank card.
If you have a child under four or are pregnant in Tower Hamlets, visit your local Children’s and Family Centre to obtain free vitamins. If you previously received Healthy Start vouchers, don’t forget to reapply.
Learn more >
Guaranteed hilarious entertainment at his hit TV show!
You are invited to join Bradley Walsh along with a panel of top celebrities LIVE in the studio when they all try to win incredible prizes for some very lucky contestants, at this much-loved game show!
We have also arranged FREE PARKING for our audience members too:)
We only have 100 x free tickets per show, so request yours right now…
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ReThink has been consulting with Carers from the centre and the team to look at Mental Illness and sport/physical activity as a means to help with wellbeing and they would like you to take part in their survey.
This is the link to the survey questionnaire for Tower Hamlets https://forms.office.com/e/BCR4WBW5Td
Extra funding to support food banks
As part of our Cost of Living Help campaign – an extra £190,000 is being invested to provide essential supplies to food banks across the borough.
The money will go to the Food Hub based in Bethnal Green. The hub remains a key part of the food support network in the borough and supports more than 60 organisations as well as providing volunteering opportunities for residents who benefit from soft skills on the path to employment.
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
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.
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Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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