Hello Everyone – Love it when things go right 

So, the weekend just gone was a positive one.  Dad is slowly getting back to normal and was able to be picked up by me and taken to see Mum, this has not happened much lately due to the dreadful hospital negligence and Dad becoming very ill. He was able to walk round the shops with me getting items for Mum, he walked from the car to Mum’s room and back again.  It really was an improvement from the past few months.  The only draw back was their squabbling LOL, I suppose when you have been married for 49 years you are allowed.

It is much quieter and calmer when I visit Mum alone but I think they were like excited children and it was noisy but fun.  

So, today I count myself lucky that they are both in good spirits and better health but Mum’s cognitive ability is definitely declining but you cannot win them all.  I am looking forward to putting up a little Christmas tree I have got her for Mum’s room as it will be the first Christmas that Mum will not be home and my Sister and I are planning to make her room special.

I might even borrow the Centre Santa outfit and when I visit Christmas Eve surprise her.

I want everyone to remember the wins because they really do keep you going and make what we do as carers all the more amazing.

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Don’t forget your physical wellbeing …  Weekly Ramble Group 12.30 to 1.30pm 

 

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A Couple of things:

I am looking for Bengali Carers of someone with Dementia and get £75 voucher for your participation and help other carers.

Also there are still places available for the next ‘Life After Caring’ workshop.

Email tony@ccth.org.uk

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Don’t Forget to book your place as time is running out

Celebratory event for carers of Tower Hamlets residents.

Thursday 24^th November

Come and join an amazing event for carers at The Ecology Pavilion Mile End Park

About this event

Do you provide regular unpaid support to someone living in Tower Hamlets? If so, you are welcome to join us at the Ecology Pavilion in Mile End Park for a fun-filled event to celebrate YOU and the role of unpaid carers of Tower Hamlets residents.

 Organised by Tower Hamlets Council with its partners, and co-developed with unpaid carers, there will be a range of free activities available on the day, including:

• chair disco
• yoga
• chair massage
• craft activities
• smoothie bikes
• information and advice stands
• carers rights workshop
• lunch and teas, coffees to be provided
• and more to be confirmed

For support and information available to unpaid carers of Tower Hamlets residents please visit the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets website – https://ccth.org.uk/new/.

Please note: no parking is available at the venue itself. Resident is available around the venue, which is well served by public transport.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebratory-event-for-carers-of-tower-hamlets-residents-tickets-441013732947

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Chancellor confirms that:

• Benefits, state pension and benefit cap will be increased by 10.1 per cent from April 2023.
• The benefit cap will be raised from £20,000 to £22,020 for families nationally and from £23,000 to £25,323 in Greater London. While for single adults it will be raised from £13,400 to £14,753 nationally and from £15,410 to £16,967 in Greater London.
• Further cost of living payments across the UK in 2023/2024, with households on means-tested benefits to receive £900, pensioner households to receive £300 and individuals on disability benefits to receive £150.
• The managed migration to Universal Credit of claimants on income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)  will be delayed until 2028 except for those receiving child tax credit.
• Local authorities will be able to raise the Council Tax by 5% without a referendum.

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7 Ways To Tackle Condensation If You Wake Up To Wet Windows Every Day.

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Free Furoshiki wrapping and bath salt gift workshop

Come along to our very first Furoshiki workshop, a traditional Japanese way to wrap gifts with fabric on Thursday 24 November from 10:30am-12:30pm at Aberfeldy Centre.

Learn this easy, reusable and stylish gift wrapping alternative to paper and sticky tape just in time for Christmas! At the same workshop, you will learn how to mix your own bath salts using fruit peel and old herbs and spices, a lovely inexpensive and eco-friendly gift to treat your friends and family.

Book your place >

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Carers Annual Survey

There is still time to complete the Carers Centre Annual Survey, we want to hear from you about your experience here at the Centre. We want to know what we did well and what we need to do better.

The survey ends on 30th November and only takes 5 minutes of your time.

TAKE SURVEY HERE https://us18.list-manage.com/survey?u=5d5aa8bbe5c10b954c4ac3b28&id=ad35f0c98c&e=*|UNIQID|*

Thank you for your time

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So have a positive and lovely week, look after yourselves, so you can care for others.

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What’s New …..

Life After Caring – Wednesday 23rd November 11am to 1pm

We are repeating our workshop on Life After Caring, as carers have requested another session.  This workshop enables carers to learn what they need to do proactively if they care for someone who is at the last years of their lives.

You have the chance to give your loved one’s a range of options that allows them to make choices about their care, how they want to live their remaining years and take control of their lives.  This workshop allows carers to understand the needs of their loved ones and feel good about the arrangements and care they will make for cared for’s and family.

It also gives you the chance to think about yourselves and what would you want?   Have you thought about what you want when you caring role comes to and end?

email tony@ccth.org.uk for a place

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New LGBTQ+ Carers Group starting

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Don’t Forget to Get your Jabs – it makes sense to protect yourself so you can protect the person/s you care for……

 

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iSupport for South Asian Dementia Carers

Welcome meeting 23^rd November 1.30pm to 3.30pm

• Do you support or look after a family member or friend who has Dementia?
• Do you speak Bengali?
• Are you aged over 18?

We would like your feedback on a resource for people looking after some with dementia.

iSupport is an internet-based support package for people who care for someone with dementia. It aims to help you learn about dementia and how to manage it, and how to take care of yourself with the end goal of empowering you to support your family member or friend. It was developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and is currently available in English.

A research project at University College London in partnership with Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is translating iSupport into Bengali, and culturally adapting it so that more people can access the resource.

We are inviting people to review iSupport materials in into Bengali then take part in a one-off group discussion to provide feedback.

 What is involved?

• You will be sent iSupport resources in Bengali to read before the group discussion (either via email or printed copies).
• You will then be invited to attend the discussion taking place at Carers Centre Tower Hamlets to share your feedback and any recommendations for improvement.
• The discussion will last approximately 2 hours and will be held in Bengali.

You will receive a £75 Love2Shop voucher as a thank you for being involved.

Email Tony to reserve your place

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Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 December – Would you like to help us do some planting in the moat at the Tower of London?

 We are looking for a maximum of 10 volunteers on each day to help 3 members of the HRP Gardens team do some planting in the moat, as part of the Superbloom legacy project. Refreshments will be provided but please be aware that we shall be planting outside, and it is quite physical work. We will provide tools and gloves, but you will need to wear tough, suitable footwear and clothing.

To learn more and to register your interest in volunteering, please email Jatinder.Kailey@hrp.org.uk by Monday 5 December with the date you would like to volunteer on.

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Six new FOOD Stores to tackle poverty 

Six new food pantries are being launched by Tower Hamlets Council to tackle poverty and support residents through the cost of living crisis.

In partnership with national charity Family Action, the FOOD Store project aims to provide affordable quality food.

Find out more >

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Support on offer for energy bills

All households are eligible for a £400 energy discount as part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. The does not need to be repaid and will be given in monthly instalments until March 2023. If you pay by direct debit or directly, you will receive these discounts automatically.

If you use a prepayment meter, vouchers will be issued instead. If you have not received your vouchers, contact your energy provider.

Some households can get £150 off their energy bills under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. You will need to check if you are eligible.

All residents in receipt of state pension will automatically receive a Winter Fuel Payment between £250 and £600 to help with heating costs.

Find out more >

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Top up the insulation

Effective insulation of your hot water cylinder is important: even if you have thin spray foam or a loose 25mm jacket, you can benefit from increasing the insulation to a British Standard Jacket 80mm thick, saving £70 (£65 in NI) a year in the process.

Insulating your water tank, pipes and radiators is a quick and easy way to save money on your bills.

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Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

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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 – New One Coming Soon 

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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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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