Hello Everyone – Regrets Anyone?

I wanted to start by hoping you all managed the extreme heat, and yes it was extreme.  I do not know about you but I found it awful and actually felt like a survivor of the apocalypse Wednesday morning, I can hear you say ‘he’s such a drama queen’, well it is true and I have the sweatshirt to prove it LOL.  Seriously it must of added stress to you and your caring role.  An example of how amazing carers just get on with it, one carer had to push her son in his wheelchair for a hospital appointment at the hottest part of the day, my heart is racing just thinking about it.  everyone be proud of who and what you are and do.

So, I wanted to talk about regrets and how they can have an impact on your life.   My Dad and I chatted last night, I popped in on my way home, tidied up, tried to hoover but you know, it did not work brilliantly. Folded washing, made cups of tea and just chatted.  I am doing more and more of that because he really is bored, lonely and as he said talking to my Nephew  “what are you talking about, I do not understand computer games”.

I asked him if he regretted not giving up smoking sooner and his reply was “I regret, taking up smoking all together”.  He feels that some of his health issues like COPD and heart failure are due to smoking.  I did not have the heart to say it really will be the reason.

Of course, we all have regrets, wished we could turn back time, take a different turn and as they say hindsight is a wonderful thing but everyone has the power to change things, some need support and help, some people can just get on with it but either way it is all good.   For instance, I am Diabetic and over the last year I determinedly lost weight, exercise more and as a result, I have been taken off my high blood pressure tablets and a Diabetic tablet.

We all know that being a carer does disadvantage us health wise, finding time to exercise is hard, eating nutritionally can be difficult when you are on the go and going to your own health appointments seem easier to cancel when you are busy.

So, I want to remind you that it is never too late to try a class, activity or workshop that could start you on the road to  better emotional and physical health.  Here’s my work bit – WHY NOT TRY THE CARERS WELLBEING ACADEMY ACTIVITIES THEY ARE GREAT!!!!!!

I do think that regret can bog you down and it is easier to positively look forward.

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

 


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.


Carers Centre Tower Hamlets Carers Forum

Feedback from the Carers Forum

Wednesday 20th July was our monthly Carers Forum and what a success we had with – Pitch your Ideas for future inclusive, sustainable activities.

Carers pitched their ideas and we had four great suggestions, this now leaves me to do research, costings and see how feasible it will be

  1. Swimming Group
  2. First Aid – weekly workshops on a topic
  3. access to Art, Pottery at Adult Education courses
  4. cookery course
  5. Islamic Art course .
  6. Outing group – but I have to admit this might not fit the criteria but doing my research.

So watch this space and keep checking the blog, calendar and newsletter for news.


Next Week’s Activities


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

Carers Ignite Podcast

https://ccth.org.uk/new/information/carers-ignite/ 


Dementia

Tower Hamlets Singing for The Brain   

  First Tuesday of every month – 2022

 Apart from 13th September which will be the second Tuesday of the month due to room availability.

 Tuesday                     2nd August                         2-4pm

 Tuesday                     13th September                    2-4pm

 Tuesday                     4th October                         2-4pm

 Tuesday                     1st November                     2-4pm

 Tuesday                     6th December                      2-4pm

Tower Hamlets Coffee Club – Third Thursday of every month – 2022

Thursday 18th August 11am- 1pm
Thursday 15th September 11am- 1pm
Thursday 20th October 11am- 1pm
Thursday 17th November 11am- 1pm
Thursday 15th December 11am- 1pm

Bernie Cameron Community Centre

32 Merchant St,

London

E3 4LX

If you would like more information about any of our services, please get in touch. We’re here to help.

 Alzheimer’s Society Tower Hamlets

Robinson Centre, Mile End Hospital,

Bancroft Road

E1 4DG

 T: 020 8121 5626

E: towerhamlets@alzheimers.org.uk


York Hall swimming pool officially reopened

Following a £1.03m investment by Tower Hamlets Council, York Hall Swimming Pools in Bethnal Green were officially opened by Mayor Lutfur Rahman on 20 July ending a 2-year closure.

Councillors, representatives of leisure partner GLL and local hero athletes joined community club swimmers to celebrate the reopening of the pool hall – part of the Grade II listed historic York Hall Leisure Centre built in 1929.

Read more  >


Open water swimming in Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf’s first open water swimming venue, in partnership with Love Open Water, is now open! This safe open water swimming venue means that residents, visitors and workers can take a dip in the waters of Middle Dock while enjoying iconic views of the surrounding area.

The water is regularly tested and cleaned using the latest technology and every session is lifeguarded, so it can be enjoyed by all abilities and skill levels over the age of 10.

More info  >


An action packed programme of summer activities

The council and partner organisations have so much to offer for children and families this summer, as they team up to host hundreds of events and activities to support families during the school summer break, aid recovery from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and encourage residents to explore their local environment.

The action-packed programme of summer activities includes sport, park activities, farm visits, cooking and baking, gardening sessions, nature activities, theatre and drama, skills training and more. Most of the activities are free and some include a free, healthy meal.

What’s on >


Nocturnal Creatures: A free late-night arts festival

For one night only, Saturday 23 July, Whitechapel Gallery and nearby historic, outdoor and unusual spaces in East London are transformed by installations, films, live performances, music, and food experiences. Awaken your senses by experiencing the hypnotic twisting and knotting movements of dancers in Candida Powell-Williams‘ performance, set in the open spaces of Aldgate Square, with many more activities available.

Free, pre-bookable tickets are available, as well as walk-in tickets on the day of the festival, to offer maximum flexibility and peace of mind to our visitors. 

See what’s on >


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!  


 

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

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. 


 

 

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

 

 

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 >


 

 


 


 

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.


 

Important Numbers:

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 Wellbeing Academy Manager

 

Get in touch

The Carers Centre
21 Brayford Square
London, E1 0SG

020 7790 1765

enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Opening hours

Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed

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