Hello Everyone – Sometimes things happen and you cannot avoid it.

Firstly, sorry for no blog on Friday but I had no internet when trying to work from home.  Someone had stolen cables in a nearby village, which meant four villages had no internet from Friday morning until Sunday morning, apparently it would of been fixed sooner but BT were on strike. 

I then set off to do my usual collect dad, take him to the nursing home and see Mum.  I had not counted on the rail strike making traffic unbelievable and Operation Brock, which is the lorries parked, waiting to get to the port of Dover.  So I turned my car round, made my excuses to my parents and promptly went back to bed for some much needed sleep.

It just shows there are incidents that occur that are beyond your control, you cannot avoid them and you have to take the rough with the smooth. 

Sometimes, other things happen in there place, I ended up at a lovely BBQ at a neighbours, I had some wonderful chats on the phone to my Mum and Dad, I got to spend to much needed time with my partner, my dog and cat which I would not normally do.  I had a great long walk, did some gardening and relaxed.

So, I wondered how easy is it to adapt, change and roll with the punches as they say?  Have you had to change direction because your intended task got cancelled, or something got in the way, I suspect this happens to carers very often and it is very much part of being a carer.  Well good on you and excellent for making the most out of life.

If you need to ways to aid you r caring role then why not check our calendar.  We have some great activities planned so let me know if you fancy joining them.  

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

I also wanted to congratulate the Lionesses on their incredible victory.  I have never been so excited watching a football match.

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We are Recruiting 

Do you want to be part of a friendly and supportive 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?  

You will be supported, line managed, and supervised by Mohammad, 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. 

If this sounds like you then please apply on Charity Jobs with a CV and your supporting statement

https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/carers-centre-tower-hamlets/carers-support-advocate/845940?tsId=6

Closing date is the 20th AUGUST 2022.

 

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This Week’s Activities

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What is Healthy Living for people with type 2 diabetes?

Healthy Living is a free online NHS service for people living with type 2 diabetes. It provides knowledge and information that will support you to manage your condition.

It includes:

• information about type 2 diabetes and its treatments;
• advice on emotional and mental wellbeing;
• advice with adopting and maintaining healthy behaviours with food and exercise.

 

Click here to find out more – https://www.healthyliving.nhs.uk/?twclid=25fshdeos936zzz5u1pw8vv1da 

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Get help with childcare costs

With the ever rising cost of living, it’s never been more important for families to receive help with child care costs. Whether you have toddlers or teens, you could get up to 30 hours free childcare from the government.

Find out how you can save money on your childcare and check your eligibility for free support.

Find out more >

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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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Feeding the Hamlets – a new exhibition at the Local History Library & Archives

For centuries, the East End’s landscape and social and economic history have been influenced by the growing, trading or manufacturing of food. Before 1800 farmland and market gardens characterised the area, but rapid industrialisation saw this pastoral tradition give way to the factories and warehouses producing food for mass consumption nationwide and globally. Close proximity to the docks ensured that food businesses based in the East End had ready access to a fresh supply of raw ingredients, within many supplies imported from countries colonised by Britain.

The exhibition looks at the methods and sites where food production took place, as well as the people who were involved. A programme of free events is taking place to explore the exhibition’s themes in more detail. Sign up to our newsletter for all the details.

Feeding the Hamlets will run until early 2023. If you would like to bring a group or class for a tour or workshop inspired by the display, please get in touch at localhistory@towerhamlets.gov.uk

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Liveable Streets

Liveable Streets consultations are currently ongoing – and we’d like all those who live and/or work in the areas of Wapping, Weavers Ward, Brick Lane, and Old Bethnal Green Road to fill in the consultations. Some consultations close as early as July 31 2022.

If you receive a letter in the post asking you to participate, please use the code included and fill in the consultation form so you can share your views with the council. If you live outside the areas, but would like to complete the consultations, please visit our website for more information on how to complete the forms. You can find more information and fill in the surveys online.

Have your say >

 

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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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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