2nd September 2020

Hello Everyone

​So today is my first day back in the Carers Centre.  I am sitting alongside some of my longstanding colleagues who I have missed very much.  It has been five months since I had to shield and work from home.  It is definitely different but lovely as we are a close, friendly, and supportive team and it feels like meeting up with your long lost family.

Reminder – Carers Forum

8th September 2020 – 2pm to 3.30pm

We will be have a presentation on the Commissioning of Care Providers.

If you are interested in attending, please email before 4pm Friday 4th September to be included on the Zoom invite.  tony@ccth.org.uk

Consultation on changes to charging for community-based social care – last few days to have your say.

We are currently consulting on proposals that will change the way we calculate how much our residents contribute towards the cost of community-based adult social care services. Community-based care services include homecare, day services and care purchased with a direct payment. The proposed changes will not affect people living in a residential care home or nursing care home.

Like all other councils, we are facing significant financial pressures. The changes we are consulting on will help us make savings to ensure we are able to continue providing a sustainable social care offer. The changes will also bring us in line with how other councils charge for community-based adult social care services, while maintaining our commitment that only people who can afford to pay towards the cost of their care, do so.

We are presenting three options which each propose changes to following areas:

• changing the ‘standard utilities allowance’, which is currently set at £15 per week to either £5 or £0.
• Increasing the maximum amount people may be asked to pay towards the cost of their care from £250 per week (current cap) to either £300 or £1000 per week.
• Removing the charge for respite and carer relief, if it is in place mainly to meet the needs of the carer.

It is estimated that 28 people will be impacted by increasing the maximum weekly contribution. If a person is not currently contributing the maximum of £250 per week, they will not be impacted by either increase. Reducing the ‘standard utilities allowance’ to £5 will impact 1,239 people and removing it will impact 1,304 people.

You can read more information on our new consultation and engagement platform, Let’s talk Tower Hamlets. The consultation information document is also available on this platform.

The consultation will run from Monday 9 June 2020 to Monday 7 September 2020 with the preferred option coming into effect in early 2021.

If you have any questions about the consultation and proposed changes please email charging@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

If residents would like to discuss the proposed changes, they can call the Financial Assessment Team on 0207 364 2038 between the hours of 9am and 12pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively for residents who would like to request support to respond to the consultation Real can be contacted on 0207 001 2175 or by email using local-link@real.org.uk.

The National Autistic Society has a new website which is now up and running! There’s a new design to make things easier to find – including advice and guidance so you can get to the information you need more quickly. And new and improved accessibility features, including a ‘calm’ button.

Please check it out – https://www.autism.org.uk/?utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=new_website&utm_content=live

Don’t delay getting a test if you have Covid-19 symptoms

If you experience Covid-19 symptoms (a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste), make sure you book a test straight away.

You need to get the test done in the first five days of having symptoms. NHS Test and Trace is a national programme that enables anyone with symptoms to get tested quickly. You can order a home testing kit, or visit a mobile testing unit in the borough on 28 August.

We are also asking you to share your thoughts on the Test and Trace programme so that we can make sure it’s as effective as possible in Tower Hamlets. 

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