So, I wanted to check in with you all and let you know what has happened to me lately as a carer and the importance of looking after myself health wise.
Mum’s house finally sold, the money went into her account and I am systematically paying off her debts. I started with the Care Home charges because I could not bear Kent County Council on my back any longer. About a week before the house completed I had a very heated conversation with them as they called and heavy handedly said that my Mum’s care would be reviewed, basically saying they would think about removing her. Of, course I made it plain that if they wanted to make a elderly woman with Dementia homeless I would be very happily go to the press and CQC. We ended on better terms as I did reassure that the house was nearly at completion (they seemed to doubt the house was being sold).
I had to give them the solicitors number for back up.
Lesson one – Make sure you get a will for yourself, your cared for and as I have mentioned before Lasting Power of Attorney – it has been the saving grace of this long, awful part of my caring role. It means you have the law on your side.
Lesson Two – be assertive and as many of you know I am very assertive and this has helped me maintain my wellbeing (I am working on new workshop on assertiveness for carers -so, watch out for it in an upcoming timetable)
Some of you know that I have also been coping with a health issue and have had an issue with my prostate (I am a man of a certain age) and I have been quite unwell but yesterday I had the all clear that it was not cancer but I am in need of medication to deal with it.
So, phew ….
Lesson Three – I cannot urge carers enough to be proactive about their health. Make sure you attend your screenings when invited to do so. Make sure you make an appointment if you are having symptoms that do not feel right. I know from our annual survey that carers do put off being proactive due to the caring role.
My question is – who will care for your loved ones if you become ill?
I want to remind you that if you are finding it difficult to get to the appointment or you have cancelled a screening because of your caring role – we can get you cover for your loved one so, that you can get to the GP’s or hospital and be supported at the earliest possible moment. Just ask us and we can arrange for this to happen.
Don’t forget my job is to make sure you as carers have the best health and wellbeing possible but you have to also look after yourselves and if you need extra support then come talk to me.
I wanted to thank the team members who have been my support over this last few months and the carers who have been so kind, thoughtful and loving when I needed you most XXXX
So, think about your wellbeing, connect with other carers who can support you, be proactive and try not to put off activities that help maintain better health and relax when you can.
Worried about your internet safety?
What on earth is SMISHING?!!!
A SMISH is a fake text from a scammer to get you to click on a link . It might look something like this:
If you ARE expecting a parcel, don’t click on a link in a text. Instead go back to the website where you ordered the item (e.g. Amazon, Argos) and check the delivery details there.
You might be thinking that going to the shops is the best option, rather than having things delivered to your home. But it really can save you time and money. Sharron Currie says shopping online can be a great way to find supplies for hobbies. She sources all her wool online and has some trusted websites that she uses to get the right yarn for her projects. Hobbies are great for wellbeing, especially something like knitting, which you can pick up when you have a free moment. Her favourite sites are:
If you’d like to hear more about how to spot dodgy text messages and other scams, join our next scams workshop on Wednesday 10th July
We have been alerted to a scam where people are pretending to be from Telecare and asking for money for personal alarms over the phone.
We do not charge for Telecare and would never ask for bank details over the phone.
We would encourage you to always be vigilant if people are asking you for personal details over the phone. If you receive a call from Telecare and are unsure if it’s genuine, hang up and call the team on 020 7364 4827.
Next Shared Reading – Monday 24th June from 11.15am to 12.15pm
Shared reading is a popular group where carers are read a story and they then have the chance to debate the characters, storylines and how the story makes them feel. So, come along and have a little mental respite.
Don’t for get Sharron is rambling for better mental health as mentioned last week this years Mental Health Awareness is movement as it has been proven that exercise, walking and as we know being with others improves wellbeing so, either come for the shared reading and carry on afterwards and ramble or just join the ramble at 12.30pm and this all takes place at the Carers Centre and off you go.
This monthly peer support group aims to help carers network, support each other, learn caring tips, and share knowledge, it is your group, and you have a say in how is runs. Carers zoom in from home.
Arts, Crafts & Conversation – every Thursday from 11am to 1pm
Come and learn a new craft like sewing, knitting and much much more but a great part of the experience is meeting other carers where you can have a good long natter
Important General Election deadlines next Wednesday
The deadline to apply for a proxy vote for the General Election on Thursday 4 July is 5pm next Wednesday 26 June. You must be registered to vote for your proxy vote to be approved, or have applied to register to vote by the deadline on Tuesday 18 June, and your application subsequently approved.
Voters will need to show approved photo ID to vote in person at a polling station. If you don’t have an accepted form of photo ID, you can apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate before the 5pm deadline next Wednesday 26 June.
This Saturday 22 June marks Windrush Day, a time to highlight and celebrate the contributions of the Windrush generation, and the African Caribbean presence in Tower Hamlets and the UK.
Head over to the Museum of London Docklands, West India Quay, where you can view London’s Black History collections, hear the voices of the Windrush generation, and explore the heritage of Black Londoners thanks to the museum’s on-site programme and online resources.
Join us for a clothes and book swap on Saturday 22 June
Want to clear out your wardrobe? Or find your next good read? Come along to a free clothes and book swap on Saturday 22 June from 10.30am to 2pm at the Brady Arts Centre, 192-196 Hanbury Street, E1 5HU.
Alongside the swap, we will be hosting a series of repair workshops, including drop-in bike maintenance and repairs, clothes mending workshops, upcycling workshops, and we will be providing information on how to improve your recycling at home. Join us, Sunny Jar Eco Hub and Friends of the Earth Hackney & Tower Hamlets to reduce your waste, repair your items, and save money.
Friday 14 June marked World Blood Donor Day. Every minute, the NHS needs three lifesaving blood donations for anything from emergency surgery to keeping people with sickle cell healthy.
Sickle cell is more common in people of Black heritage, so the NHS particularly needs donors of Black heritage to sign up. There is also currently an appeal asking for O negative and O positive donors to book an appointment.
Purpose of Training: Provides knowledge and skills to improve own lifestyle and also to influence others to adapt healthier more active lifestyle. This really works if you care for someone with a mental health issues but is open to all carers.
we are seeking 6 to 8 carers
Format of Training:
Can be face to face. Can be on-line. As part of this project we want to work with you to ensure the format is accessible to carers and provides the confidence and knowledge to apply the learning. Two options for how the content could be covered are shown below
Training Content:
Option 1: Blended Learning: Six on-line sessions lasting approximately 2 and a half hours. All participants would need access to a laptop or tablet rather than a phone as, in our experience, the learning experience is diminished, and the assessment is really tricky to undertake using a smartphone. Online means we can negotiate the hours to fit in with the groups’ needs re childcare, work, and other care needs and responsibilities. Tony has advised that it may be possible for people to make use of computers at the Carers Centre for on-line training.
With this option we would also bolt on a face-to-face practical physical activity day. This would run between 10.30 and 2.30 and would provide the skills and confidence to participate in exercise and help others participate as well. This would include learning and teaching some basic movements that can be done pretty much anywhere and with no, or minimal equipment. We could also look to include some time within this session for a recap or support on any elements of the on-line learning that people would like to go through face to face.
Did you know that Covid-19 is still around? Help protect your family by encouraging older relatives to top up their immunity. Everyone aged 75 years or older is now eligible for a Covid-19 spring booster.
You can book an appointment on the NHS website, by calling 119 or by visiting your local pharmacy offering vaccinations.
The Covid-19 spring booster will only be available until the end of June – don’t miss out.
Are you a Bangladeshi women who has experienced breast cancer or have cared for someone with breast cancer?
email tony@ccth.org.uk and he will tell you more, support you and attend the workshop with you
What is a hate crime?
Hate crime is any criminal offence where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their:
disability
race or ethnic identity
religion/belief
gender or gender identity
sexual orientation
age
immigration status or nationality
or any other actual or perceived difference.
Hate crime behaviours can include
physical attacks – pushing and shoving to serious assaults
verbal abuse – using derogatory or insulting words
threatening behaviour, bullying and intimidation
damage to property – including offensive graffiti
harassment
malicious communications – threatening or offensive mail, texts or emails
damage to property and violence
hate can also be directed at whole communities – for example, vandalism of places of worship, or offensive graffiti in public places.
Hate incidents
Are incidents that do not constitute a criminal offence but cause alarm, distress or harassment where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender/gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other actual or perceived difference.
Remember an attack on one section of our community is an attack on us all.
Another way to have a good 2024 – have a little respite for a little cost…..
The importance of a break
We know all too well how challenging a full-time caring role can be, so a few days away with a partner or a friend can work wonders. It may seem like a small thing but our experience shows us that it can make a huge difference. Read a book, go for a walk, or simply catch up on some sleep. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll return home with a whole new outlook on things, refreshed and rejuvenated.
How it works
There are hundreds of potential breaks away listed on Carefree’s Breaks Hub. After registering with us, unpaid carers can browse available options and submit a request for a specific hotel on specific dates. If available, a confirmation email will be sent to you and you’re all set to go!
If the break request is rejected, we’ll give you access again to the Breaks Hub and you can select a different option.
New hotels and dates are added all the time, so if you can’t quite find what you’re looking, check back in in a few weeks.
ACCOMMODATION Our hotels donate 1-2 night breaks, plus breakfast where possible for a carer and their companion (adult or child). Twin or Double room.
We are currently seeking new partnerships for longer stays that will become available in due course.
COSTS There is no charge for the accommodation, but you are responsible for all other costs (transport, food, travel insurance etc.) and there’s a £33 admin fee to help with the cost of operating our charity. This payment is for one break per year.
CARE-FREE The short breaks initiative is designed to give you some time away from your caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for. If you want to travel alone, that’s fine too.
MAKING A BREAK REQUEST After you have selected a break of your choice and paid the admin fee we will do a final booking confirmation check with the hotel. Occasionally a hotel will reject a booking request. When this happens we will let you know, and then you will be able to request another break.
ELIGIBILITY To qualify for a break you must be:
Aged 18 or over
Full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)
Please note: in order to take a break with us, carers must be able to arrange interim care and pay for extras (admin fee, transport, food, travel insurance etc.)
if you would like to be referred then get in contact with the centre team
Everyday Londoners are doing what they can to support themselves and others with good mental health – whether checking in with a mate at the school gates, inviting a neighbour over for a cup of tea and a chat, or bonding with a customer at the barber shop.
But conversations around mental health are difficult. The Mayor of London has launched a campaign in support of Londoners who champion positive mental health – in their families, places of work or their communities.
By signing up Londoners will get access to training opportunities, tools and other offers straight to their inbox to help them navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.
ELFT, along with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and partners across NEL, are working together to ensure that service users experiencing mental health crises can access support via NHS 111, a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.
From 2 April 2024, people living in the London Boroughs of the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team based in ELFT’s crisis hub in Tower Hamlets.
The team has a wide range of skills, including on-the-phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.
Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.
If service users are known to ELFT or NELFT services, they should continue to contact their service in the ways they had been doing so previously during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours – or those who aren’t previously known to services – should contact 111 and select option 2.
Domestic Abuse & Violence Numbers
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
Help for Households Gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.
This is the link to find local councillors. You put you postcode in to find local councillor. They can deal with any housing issue if the carer/cared for is council tenant. They can also help if the carer lives in privately rented property and issue is disrepair.
With the cost of living crisis affecting communities nationwide, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have shared information on accessing your local FOOD Stores and tips on managing your food bills.
Tower Hamlets FOOD Stores
A number of FOOD stores have been set up across the borough, supporting those who are finding it difficult to afford enough food for themselves or their families.
At these FOOD stores, you are able to pick up food valued at £25-£35 in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, support is provided in other areas that you might need help with. This includes help with issues around
housing
benefits access
employment and more.
To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.
Foodbanks
There are a number of food aid organisations available to help you in Tower Hamlets if you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family. Scroll down to see where your closest branch is located. Different food aid services will offer different support.
Types
Open Access – A food bank that anyone can go to for food.
Limited Access/referral only – A Food bank that needs someone to refer you into the service. Please contact the organisation for more details.
School food provision – A food bank or food aid service that specifically works with students and parents who attend the school.
Hot meals service/Hostel – Provides hot meals or pre-made goods to residents.
Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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, 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.
