Hello Everyone

This Week’s Activities

REMINDER – YOU CAN CHECK THE CCTH CALENDAR – NOVEMBER Activities being posted soon..

If you want to know what activities are on each day at the centre then check out the CCTH Calendar – https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/?cid=mc-03c4653fb809aa02e303ae7a3bb5520a&month=9&yr=2021

Then email me tony@cth.org.uk to book your place.

Many of you will have already heard about the ‘Omicron’ variant of Covid-19 which last week was classed as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation.

Over the weekend, the Government followed this up by setting out the national response to the variant with a few changes to existing Covid-19 guidance and restrictions.

The main changes are:

1. Contacts of those who test positive with the suspected Omicron variant will need to self-isolate for ten days, regardless of their vaccination status.
2. Face coverings on public transport and in shops will be compulsory from tomorrow, Tuesday 30 November. Staff and students are also strongly advised to wear face coverings in communal areas in secondary schools.
3. The booster vaccine will be rolled out to all over-18s, three months after their second dose.
4. Anyone entering the UK will need to take a PCR test by the second day after their arrival and to self-isolate until they have a negative result.
5. More countries have been added to the government’s ‘red list’ (Red list of countries and territories).

Understandably, news of a new variant and changes to government guidance and restrictions will be a cause for concern, but the best way to protect yourselves and your loved ones remains the same:

• Get vaccinated – whether it is for your first, second or booster dose. Book online.
• Wear a mask in public spaces – this will be mandatory in shops and on public transport from tomorrow, Tuesday 30 November, and strongly advised for communal areas in secondary schools.
• Get tested – if you have symptoms or have been in contact with someone who is positive, get a PCR test. If you have no symptoms, get a rapid lateral flow test. 1 in 3 of us who have the virus don’t show any symptoms.

Like with any new variant, we don’t yet know everything about it and there is a need to reduce the spread to allow scientists time to find out more – and allow those who have not yet got their vaccine or booster jab time to do so. 

I’d like to say a huge thank you to all 221,000 of you who have come forward for your vaccine and continue to come forward for your second jab and booster doses. Thank you also to everyone for continuing to follow the latest guidance and for testing regularly.

We have all played a part in the great progress we’ve made, but Covid-19 is still with us and we must remain vigilant and continue to follow the guidance to keep Tower Hamlets safe and protect our loved ones.

Stay safe,

Mayor John Biggs

Booster vaccine rolled out to all over-18s

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has updated its guidance in response to the Omicron variant of concern.

• All over-18s in the UK will now be offered a booster vaccine, three months after their second dose. The booster will be offered in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in a Covid-19 at-risk group.
• 12-15-year-olds are now eligible for a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, three months after their first.
• People with extremely weak immune systems who were invited for a third dose will now be offered a fourth dose, three months after their third dose. 

Vaccination offers the best protection

Covid-19 rates in Tower Hamlets are high. More than 8 out of 10 patients seriously ill in hospital with Covid-19 aren’t fully vaccinated.

Anyone aged 12 or over can book first and, if you are eligible, second or booster jabs online. Visit our website to find your nearest vaccination site.

Book a vaccination >

Canary Wharf Jobs Fair, Thursday 9 December – save the date!

• Over 200 potential vacancies available
• Talk to over 40 employers to find out about job opportunities, training and upskilling
• Free courses available
• Get advice and support on perfecting your CV

We’ll be joined on the day by a number of leading employers including Pret A Manger, Marugame Udon, Caravan Restaurants with many more still to be announced. There will also be an opportunity to talk to Kickstart Scheme employers about available vacancies.

Register now >

We have a series of Digital Skills training for Registered Carers – 7th & 14th December

If you want to learn more we have an 8 week course for beginners who want to have a better grasp on Apps, Emails and much, much more..

Carer Physical & Mental Wellbeing – Every Monday at 10am…

As part of ongoing carer wellbeing programme we will be starting a new weekly physical movement session every Monday from 8th November 10am to 11am, so if you want to come and have some physical activity and remember it is also good for better mental health.

This will be followed by

Did You Know we have a weekly Shared Reading Group?

How does it work?

A group of carers, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. We stop and talk about what we have read. There is no need for carers to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. The idea is to create a space where people feel at ease.

Reading the literature aloud in real-time, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Carers are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading.

Everyone experiences the text in their own way, but the literature provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.

It can even help with your ESOL needs.

If this is for you then email tony@ccth.org.uk

Suicide Prevention Consultation

We are currently drafting the Tower Hamlets Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2022-2025, in partnership with a multi-agency suicide prevention steering group. Aligning with the national strategy, the overall aims of this strategy are to:

1. Reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm, and
2. Establish supportive environments for people affected by suicide.

The strategy focuses on seven priority areas, how to address local gaps and build on pre-existing activities over the next three years.

Learn more and share your views >

The ULEZ charges come into effect today, there is a grace period until 2025 for people who claim Vehicle tax exemption, you can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:

• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.

It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.

You can only have one vehicle tax exemption at any one time. For more information see here https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport

For more information about ULEZ exemptions see here https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/discounts-and-exemptions#on-this-page-0

Don’t Forget to get your Flu Jab

I had mine last week and I am so glad I did, it was painless, no side effects and I feel better mentally equiped for the winter…

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 neighborhood 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 neighbor’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-Defense Class

When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favor. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defense 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-defense. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defense 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.

REMINDER TO CARERS

If you still need PPE for you and your loved one then Tower Hamlets are still providing PPE for Carers.

Collection and delivery is on Wednesday only from Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, E14 2BG. Carers can call or email Ayeda directly 0n 07366977103 or ayeda@ccth.org.uk to order.

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