24th February 2021

Hello Everyone

I don’t know about you, but this week has gone so fast.  Not every week is like this, but you know that saying about life goes faster the older you get, well I am starting to believe it.

How is everyone doing, the end of lockdown is in sight, personally I am pleased that the road out is a staged, measured one and that we can move forward in a safer way.

As usual I am advocating when offered, have the vaccine, you really do not have anything to worry about but at the end of the day it is personal choice.  As I have been saying for a long time, it is always a good thing to notify your GP that you are a carer.

Anyway have a wonderful weekend and where possible relax, chill, and take time to breathe.

Activities & Fun

The Carers Centre Cares about your
Health & Wellbeing

Message from Tony Collins-Moore/Carers Academy Manager

I just wanted to highlight that the Carers Centre has a range of Health & Wellbeing activities to suit different carers abilities and we encourage you to check them out.

Do you need to stretch, loosen up and need help with your mobility and balance? Then Stretch and Self Massage with Casey is the group for you…  each week you go through a stretching regime that helps build strength, help with balance, and blood pressure and at the end you learn techniques to massage your face and feet to help with relaxation.

If you want something more challenging, then Shadow Boxing and Mindfulness is for you, each session comprises of a 20 minute boxing style virtual workout. (feedback has said sweaty workout but fun and worthwhile) followed by a 20 minute meditation to relax your mind and heart rate that’s sets you up for days.

Both activities help with your physical and mental health, lockdown weight, blood pressure and Diabetes avoidance and control, we want you to keep fit and well to avoid unnecessary illness.  Check out the video and see what other carers think of the activity.

If you want something much more sedate, then how about joining our weekly online Shared Reading for Carers.  This quiet activity enables carers who love reading, being read too, interested in books, stories, or poetry a chance to meet up and take time out of your caring role, take an hour a week to mentally re-charge your batteries and engage with the love of words and written word.

If you want to know more or book your place, then contact tony@ccth.org.uk or ring him on 07547733698 or 0207 791 5596.

Vaccine News

Covid-19 vaccination Q&A: your questions answered

We hosted a live virtual discussion and Q&A session last week about Covid-19 vaccination, which is available to watch online.

Mayor John Biggs, Councillor Rachel Blake, and a panel of health experts including Dr Somen Banerjee, Professor Kevin Fenton, and Dr Anwar Ali MBE answered questions submitted by residents about the vaccine.

This virtual event was the first in a planned series on Covid-19 vaccinations. We will tailor upcoming events to meet the needs of our communities in Tower Hamlets, including our Somali and Bengali communities.

Helpline available to help at-risk groups book Covid-19 vaccine

Residents eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine are now being supported to book their appointments through a council vaccine helpline – 020 7364 3030.

The helpline team speak community languages and can book local vaccine appointments for eligible residents, along with answering any questions residents may have about the vaccine. If you are in one of the groups eligible and have not been vaccinated, please book your appointment, or call the helpline for advice – we are here to help.

At this time, the helpline is only for those eligible for vaccination.

Help shape local healthcare services

Residents with disabilities have faced more difficulties during the pandemic. Healthwatch and local health providers are trying to find out what can be done to make things better.

If you have a health condition that impacts your daily life, you can help shape healthcare services locally by completing a questionnaire. Everyone who takes part will be entered into a draw to win Amazon vouchers.

Supporting London’s communities with wellbeing guidance in community languages

Doctors of the World, in partnership with Thrive LDN and supported by the Mayor of London, has produced wellbeing guidance in 27 languages.

International Women’s Week 2021

Local Women graduating from the inaugural BaME Dare to Lead Leadership course at account3 have created an animation to raise awareness of domestic abuse in their community.

SiS (Sistas in Strength), the animation produced in collaboration with Bristol based animation firm, Studio Giggle, is an allegorical tale of a woman feeling trapped and alone in a world of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse. The animation puts a fresh perspective on a challenging subject, whilst reinforcing the essential point that no one needs to feel or be alone – help is always available.

To view the SiS animation on YouTube:    https://youtu.be/BDYNjN8HxVU

SiS animation with Bangla subtitles:            https://youtu.be/IWAbq1kL0kw

SiS animation with Somali Subtitles:           https://youtu.be/MYXH4bYeKFE

If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, contact the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 257.

A dedicated discount service for individuals working or volunteering in the care industry, and for those who care for a family member, friend or other.  You can join free and there are offers for many things such as mobiles, shopping, insurance and broadband, TV and utilities.

https://www.discountsforcarers.com/about