19th July 2021

Hello Everyone

So i wanted to start this week off with some amazing feedback from two incredible activities that has been taking place lately in our Academy timetable.  Before that i wanted to say i hope that this new week is a good one for you all, i hope you enjoy the sunshine and don’t forget we have our picnic on Thursday, more details so read on.

On Friday we had one of our fortnightly Creative Writing Group Sessions, the assignment was to do three diary entries in any style, jotting down your thoughts about being a carer and your caring role.   Well the writing and the entries were outstanding and each carer, cared for someone different for example, a husband, a son, a mother and a mother and father.  so as you can see caring from a diffefrent perspective but interestingly there were some common themes that emerged.  It seems that carers expereince anxiety, stress and fear for the person they care for, sleep is an issue, time to yourself is rare.

Secondly we had the last session of the research and development section of our wonderful collaberation with St Margaret’s House and the Borrowers of Imagi-nation42.png.  The out of this world song that has been produced is simply moving, beautiful and everyone involved in the project should be so proud of themselves.  I want to thank George, Milou and Kazuko foe thier enthusiastic support and a big shout out to Lisa, Sharron, Tracey, Jeanette, Louise and John for their time, dedication and love of fun.

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Check these out..  some of the incredible writing from The Creative Writing Group

Monday

She breezes in, like she has no cares in the world. She does, but it’s business mode,

‘I’ll make tea and then login.’

Tea drunk I get ready to leave the house.

‘Enjoy’ she smiles as she shoving me out the door.

I don’t want to go – it’s too much.

‘Go Mum, go – it’ll be fine’. I go feeling very guilty.

I meet a friend for coffee and it’s good to catch up. My phone buzzes,

‘Sorry’ I feel the fear rising as I open the message…

‘I’ve put lunch in’ – panic over.

I rush back for lunch and to sort things at home. It’s all fine, no accidents, no dramas. I leave again and return to a carer meeting – time to try to understand why I find this so hard, to seek some peace. It helps, it gives me permission to feel, I’m allowed, it’s not unreasonable, I’m not alone.

That horrible a and e anxiety. 

It takes you by surprise 

Sometimes when you least expect it

COVID times and your loved one has to go alone

No reception so you don’t know what is going on

How long how long will they wait

Are they ok?

Will they have to stay?

I remember once before 

A young man had been stabbed to death

The relatives were crying

Lots of police

Today there was a queue outside the door 

In the midst of the first lockdown 

Peering through the window

It seemed like the reception was empty

And that it was what my son told me

Hardly anyone there

But not today it seems 

 

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This Week’s Activities

 

Monday 19th July @11am to 12 noon
Shared Reading for Carers – At the Carers Centre

Tuesday 20th July @10am to 5pm
Counselling for Carers Day – at Carers Centre & Zoom

Tuesday Social Club – Via Zoom @2pm to 3.30pm

21st July
Carers of people with a Mental Health Peer Support Group – at the Carers centre @11am to 1pm

Walking Wednesdays – meet outside the Carers Centre and then the world’s your oyster @1pm to 2pm

Young Adult Carers Group – at the Carers Centre @5.30pm to 7.30pm

22nd July @12 noon to 2pm
Picnic in Park – Victoria Park

23rd July @11am to 12 noon
Healthy Eating, Motivation & Nutrition for carers – Change for Good – Via Zoom.

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Don’t Forget this week’s event!

Because we wanted carers to get together this as last year was a wash out, we decided to organise a picnic.  It turns out…

It’s National Picnic month in July 2021. You can just rock up with a picnic blanket, open up your picnic backpack or luxury picnic hamper and have some fun!

So don’t forget it is on Thursday 22nd July and we meet outside the Pavilion Café at 12 noon.

 Bring your own food and drink and let’s celebrate being carers.

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New online booking system for vaccines

Based on feedback from residents and young people, we have now set up an online booking form to make it easier for you to book your local vaccine appointments. Use our new booking form to get your jab at local clinics including the Arts Pavilion, East London Mosque, Granby Hall and many other pop-up clinics.

The form is quick and easy to use and is now in place alongside our dedicated helpline, which you can call on 020 7364 3030 to book appointments and ask questions.

Remember, if you don’t want to book many of our clinics are walk-in.

Book your vaccine now >

 

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Vaccine clinic events

We are holding a series of vaccine clinics at Weavers Field to support residents to come along and easily get their Covid-19 jab.

Open on:

• Sunday 18 July – 10am to 6pm
• Monday 19 July 10am to 4pm
• Tuesday 20 July 10am 4pm

For anyone due their first Covid-19 vaccine – anyone aged 18 and over. Or anyone who had their first Pfizer jab 8 weeks ago and who needs their second dose.

Anyone eligible can just turn up; a booking is not needed. If you do not have ID, don’t worry. No questions will be asked.

Appointments can be booked if preferred, by calling the council helpline on 020 7364 3030.

If you’re coming for your second jab, please make sure it is at least 8 weeks since your first Pfizer jab.

The clinic will only give Pfizer vaccines.

Address: Weavers Fields Park, Vallance Rd, London E2 6HD – near Bethnal Green station

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I’m really pleased to let you know that we will be holding our next Time For A Cuppa online session on Wednesday 28^th July at 10.30am on the theme of food. Please do join us for fun, singing, reminiscence and laughter! You can book here

 

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Become a Compassionate Neighbour

Tuesday 27 July / Thursday 29 July

You will receive free training to develop your skills and confidence to help those that are living with life limiting conditions, are at the end of life or are elderly can be experiencing loneliness and isolation.

You can do this by offering companionship, emotional support, running a group activity or by helping people to increase their connections.

If you are interested, please contact the CN team on 07508134095 or cn@stjh.org.uk

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Free 8-day dance summer school in Whitechapel     

We’re running a fantastic, free, 8-day summer school this August where 13-19-year-olds can work with the brilliant and high profile street dance company IMD (“intelligent mind dance”).

Workshops run from Sunday 1 August to Monday 9 August at the Brady Arts Centre, Studio Theatre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, Whitechapel E1 5HU. Spaces are limited and booking is essential.

Email to book a place >

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