Hello Everyone
So it is a new month, it is February, and the vaccination programme looks like it is moving fast, which is positive news, see below for information and I cannot say it enough make sure you and your loved ones get the jab when it is offered.
It is also Valentines Day this month, are you someone who loves that day or is it not for you? Would be great to have a lovely valentine’s story from a carer this month if you are interested?
February is also LGBT+ History Month, this is a month to celebrate the lives of people from the LGBT+ community, to remember those with out rights, remember people in history who have made a significant impact on our shared communities and to learn acceptance and love of people different from ourselves. See below for activities I n Tower Hamlets.
Look what I did there – I combined both Valentines Day and LGBT+ History Month in the same image.
Remember we all need LOVE.
Activity News
Activity NewsDon’t forget to book your place…..
We have a new activity with limited places, Age Exchange – Boxes of Joy which gives everyone the opportunity to be creative, stay active and have fun – whether that be through visual art, crafts, games, song, or movement – This monthly activity box is for all the family, the carer, the cared for/s, and their children.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
No Energy? Lockdown weight gain? Need a challenge?
Our weekly Health & Wellbeing activities could be for you.[
We have one activity on Thursday 1pm to 2pm – Stretching & Self Massage with Casey this weekly activity helps improve your mobility and balance, gets your blood pumping, the self-massage helps reduce your anxiety and daily stress.
Our second activity on a Friday at 11am to 12noon is Shadow Boxing & Mindfulness this activity is 20 minutes of boxing techniques, this helps you feel less stressed, more energetic, promotes better sleep, improves your mood and your relationships.
Vaccine News
- 3 vaccination sites – QMUL Arts Pavilion, Newby Place Health Centre, Cable Street Surgery
- Almost 9000 residents vaccinated so far … and counting!
- Housebound patients’ appointments being made – as there was an AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine delivery.
- On track to vaccinate priority groups, including housebound by 15th February.
Well done Tower Hamlets
Rapid Covid-19 tests are one of the tools being used to help to detect and fight Covid-19. Research shows that one in three people who have Covid-19 never show any symptoms, but that does not mean they are not infectious. These tests can help identify people with high levels of virus who do not have symptoms.
Rapid Covid-19 tests are available to all Tower Hamlets residents and there are a number of sites across the borough where you can obtain a test.
Current test sites include:
- The Ecology Pavilion (walk in, no appointment necessary)
- Burcham Street Community Centre (by appointment)
However more sites are being added. You can find up to date details of these test sites, as well as how to access them at the link below
The rapid Covid-19 tests are also known as Lateral Flow Tests and results are normally available within one hour.
Anyone who tests positive through a rapid test will need to self-isolate and will be contacted to provide contact tracing information. Other support will also be available including self-isolation payments.
Mencap have produced an Easy Read guide to shielding and Lockdown Rules for Extremely Vulnerable people. Click on this link to download your copy.
https://www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2021-01/shielding%20advice%20Jan%20lockdown.pdf
A small chat about mental health can make a big difference
The Council is supporting Time To Talk Day on Thursday 4 February, led by Time to Change, a growing social movement working to change the way we all think and act about mental health problems.
A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference.
This year’s event might look a little different, but at times like this, we know a video call, virtual coffee or socially distanced walk with a friend or family member are more important than ever.
You can find more resources and local services in support of mental health on our website.
Sadly, this will be the last instalment of our resources for a while, as the Memories of London Programme is being paused until March, but you’ll find plenty of age and dementia-inclusive resources for you to explore, plus information about the wider programme here: museumoflondon.org.uk/memories
Creative & Connected: Issue 9 – Picturing London 🖌
This month, we’re exploring artworks in the Museum of London collection and have included some ideas and simple techniques for people to create their own artworks at home. You can download and print the digital booklet here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/memories/creative-connected/january-2021
If you are expecting to receive printed copies of our Creative & Connected booklets, they will be with you by the end of the month and are being delivered by London Calling.
Special Time for a Cuppa session for older people 👍
Although the Memories of London Programme is now on pause, we will be hosting a special Time for a Cuppa Zoom session for older people and their families on Thurs Feb 11, 11.30am – 12.30pm as part of our celebration of Lunar New Year.
You can book a place for yourself, an individual or a care setting here: https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london/event-detail?id=281408
or email Marina at mspiteri@museumoflondon.org.uk for further information.
Make a mini art gallery 🎨
Also attached is a pdf which contains some of the gorgeous paintings of the River Thames which are in the Museum of London Collection and which featured in this months’ Time for a Cuppa session.
We invite you to engage with them at your leisure. You might want to…
- Print them off and pin them on the walls of your home or care setting to create a mini art gallery.
- Admire them on a screen, accompanied by some soothing, relaxing music.
- Use them as inspiration to create your own watery artwork.
- Allow them to inspire conversation!
You can download the pdf by clicking here
Listen to all previous London Lives podcasts here. They are great to listen to while having a cup of tea, doing a crossword or even completing our Creative & Connected packs. They aim to share the stories of our participants, while sparking conversation and reminiscence.
Partner organisations
- Download the free My House of Memories app onto your phone or tablet. We have partnered with National Museums Liverpool to add some of our unique collections to the app and hope that you are able to enjoy reminiscing with your loved ones.
- MySocial Southwark is the social membership service open to all ages brought to you by Age UK Lewisham and Southwark. Sign up for a full list of free events and sessions.
- StAn’s Cafe on Facebook. At the moment they are running regular dementia-inclusive virtual community events. The next event is on February 20th, 10am – 12pm. Join them to bake, craft, sing chat and meet new people Find out more here.
- Arts 4 Dementia also provide a comprehensive list of all online activities and run their Chatty Wednesday group.
Important Numbers:
Unpaid carers can still access FREE PPE supplies. If you would like to receive PPE, Please contact the Carers Centre on 0207 790 1765 or Ayeda directly.
Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957
Just wishing everyone a peaceful, safe and week and remember if you need information and advice from the Carers Centre just email enquiries@ccth.org.uk
Tony Collins-Moore
Carers Academy Manager
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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