Hello Everyone – What a scorcher and a time to stay safe.

Staying safe is a key role us carers take on for ourselves and the people we care for.  I say this after finally getting my spring booster on Saturday morning (My arm is killing me), and having discussions with the nursing home, my Dad and giving my Nephew some tips on how stay cool and keep Dad well.

I was very relieved to see and hear the air conditioning at Mum’s nursing home when we went to see her Saturday morning, I have to admit I had been anxious about both my parents with the extreme heat we are now experiencing today and tomorrow.  I also sat my Nephew done and discussed shutting curtains, making sure Dad had plenty of water etc.  when I noticed his peeling shoulders, I became nervous.  I said are you aware of keeping cool, staying out of the sun and being safe and his answer was NO.

My anxiety started to rise when my Dad piped up, ‘we are going to be alright’.  He then reminded me that the air conditioning unit my parents had brought Phil and I, years ago and I had taken back round when there’s broke, was working fine and sometimes it gets to cold.  Panic over, after I stopped laughing and of course I will be ringing them both to check in.

So let’s chat about advised safety precautions:

Top tips for staying safe in hot weather include:

• look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
• check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.

Always Check out the  https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/     for fun, activities, workshops and treatments 

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Red weather warning issued for extreme heat and Please note the Carers Centre is closed Monday and Tuesday

You can still call us and have appointments over the phone where possible.

 

The Met Office has issued the first ever ‘Red’ warning for exceptional heat for Monday and Tuesday, as forecasters say temperatures could reach 40C for the first time.

Paul Gundersen, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said “It is important people plan for the heat and consider changing their routines. This level of heat can have adverse health effects.”

Please remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, avoid over doing any physical activity, keep your home cool and check on the elderly and vulnerable.

Click the button below for further NHS guidance.

Shadwell Basin warning

It may look tempting to cool off in Shadwell Basin, but it is extremely dangerous to enter the water. Sadly, people have drowned in the basin in recent years, with underwater obstructions not visible from the surface. Please don’t risk it

NHS advice >

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When you have some minutes spare, you want to stay cool and listen to my soothing voice….

Listen to the Carers Ignite PODCAST

Why not listen to The Carers Centre Podcast –  This is our first podcast and we are pleased with it.  A couple of carers approached me to ask if we could broaden our social media and develop a podcast for carers, made by carers and supported by the centre.  We approached Graham our Chief Exec and he was all for it and gave the green light and thanks to Chandrika and her producer skills and the wonderful Lloyd who is the co-host with myself we developed our first podcast.

We discuss being a male carer, barriers to men seeking support, carers wellbeing while having a laugh and fun.  We will be producing further podcasts and welcome stories/themes and guests to email me tony@ccth.org.uk

https://ccth.org.uk/new/information/carers-ignite/ 

 

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These Activities have been cancelled due to the extreme heat…

Please email tony@ccth.org.uk to reserve your place

 

Carers Forum – Wednesday 20th 11am to 1pm

We have a presentation from the Met Police on Community Safety

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Mayor announces new £2.7m cost of living relief package

Thousands of families most impacted by the cost-of-living crisis will receive one-off grants of £100 from the council, after a new relief package was agreed by the Mayor.

Under the package approved by the Mayor at a cabinet meeting on 11 July, households who are eligible for free school meals will receive a £100 per child payment, while a £100 per child payment will also be made available to other households deemed at risk of poverty.

Read more >

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An action packed programme of summer activities

The council and partner organisations have so much to offer for children and families this summer, as they team up to host hundreds of events and activities to support families during the school summer break, aid recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and encourage residents to explore their local environment.

The action-packed programme of summer activities includes sport, park activities, farm visits, cooking and baking, gardening sessions, nature activities, theatre and drama, skills training and more. Most of the activities are free and some include a free, healthy meal.

 

What’s on >

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Public invited to vote for the UK’s Favourite Parks 2022

Victoria Park is seeking support as the UK’s Favourite Park in a nationwide public vote organised by green space charity, Fields in Trust.

Vicky Park is one of 364 green spaces in the running to scoop the accolade of being a local favourite, national favourite or take the overall crown of UK’s Favourite Park 2022.

Vote now >

 

State of caring of survey – please click link and complete

Carers UK are delighted to launch our State of Caring 2022 survey this week, and we would be really grateful for your help in encouraging carers to take part. All the information we get from carers helps us to build a picture of what caring is like at the moment and we are keen to hear from as many different carers as possible.

https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/state-of-caring-survey-2022

The annual State of Caring survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experience of carers. We want to understand carers’ priorities for the future and what support they need to help recover from the pandemic, and to create a positive legacy for the future. We will use the evidence to continue to campaign for carers to get better support. We know that our evidence has helped shaped Government policy and has helped commissioners and service delivery organisations look at practice.  

 Last year, we used carers’ collective voice and evidence to secure new rights for carers in the Health and Social Care Act 2022 in England, to campaign for cost of living increases in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, to provide evidence of the need for a right to Carer’s Leave and other support within the workplace, and to campaign for breaks and funding for social care – and there’s still much more to do!  

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North East London Learning Disability Partnership is
looking to speak to carers of people with learning
disabilities to find out more about the health needs
of the people they care for, how they think
healthcare services could be improved, and how
carers can be better supported.

If you are a carer of someone with a learning
disability living in Tower Hamlets, Newham or City
and Hackney we would like to hear from you!

WHO?

North East London Learning Disability Partnership
are working together to find out about the health
needs of people who have a learning disability living in
Tower Hamlets, City and Hackney, and Newham (East
London).

They are being supported by a not-for-profit group
of experienced public health professionals called
PHAST to complete this work.

WHY?
It is important that we listen to what service users’,
carers and family members say they need.
All the information you tell us will be used to make
services for people with learning disabilities, their
family members and carers better.

A report will be made using the information we find
out. This is called a Health Needs Assessment. This
report will be used to help plan what services there
should be for people with a learning disability in East
London in the future.

We would like to hear from all carers in East London.
If you are interested in getting involved, you can do
so in a few different ways:

1. Have a 1:1 conversation with one of our
facilitators over the phone, online (zoom) or
face-to-face.
2.Ask us to meet you at the carer groups you take
part in.

You can contact us at
Email: Simon.Bedeau@nhs.net
Phone number: 0755437161

 

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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.

 

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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. 

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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 >

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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.

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