Hello Everyone

So it looks like there is a cautious, measured map out of Lockdown and I wondered how you are all feeling about this?  With the excellent vaccination programme on in Tower Hamlets and nationally, the outlook looks more positive.

As always, I urge any carer when offered, have the vaccine, improve your chances of wellbeing.  I say this because I generally feel that having the vaccine opens up better opportunities, it means you can go outside more (physically distanced and continue to wear a mask), it means that you can eventually meet up with family and friends while continuing to observe the rules and regulations.  It just means that we can live in a safer Tower Hamlets and safer world.


The Prime Minister addressed the nation last night to outline a four-step roadmap out of lockdown, which will see Covid-19 restrictions start to lift across England from 8 March.

At each step, restrictions will be lifted across the whole of England at the same time. There will be a minimum of five weeks between each step, and the government will be guided by data to avoid a surge in infections, hospitalisations, and deaths. This lifting of restrictions requires four tests on vaccines, infection rates and new coronavirus variants to be met at each stage. 

This announcement offers some light at the end of the tunnel, but it is crucial that we remain cautious and all continue to play our part in stopping the spread of Covid-19, including taking up the offer of vaccination when it’s your turn. We are all weary after nearly a year of restrictions, but we know from previous relaxations that rates can easily go back up and we all want to avoid another lockdown.

We will be publishing further updates in due course on the impact on council services. A year of living with Covid-19 has also had a major impact on people’s livelihoods and the government’s economic support needs to remain in place to support our community to recover.

I urge you to follow the rules and do everything you can to protect yourself and others. By remaining vigilant and all playing our part, we can keep Tower Hamlets safe.

Stay safe,

Mayor Biggs


Step-by-step lifting of restrictions: key dates

Step 1

8 March

  • All schools and colleges will open, with outdoor after-school sports and activities allowed to take place. Childcare will resume.
  • Recreation or exercise outdoors will be allowed between two people.
  • Care home residents will be allowed one regular visitor.
  • During this time, we must continue to stay at home and no household mixing is permitted.

29 March

  • Outdoor gatherings of either six people or two households will be allowed, including in private gardens.
  • Outdoor sport and leisure facilities such as tennis courts will reopen, and organised outdoor sport will return for both adults and children.

Step 2

12 April

  • Non-essential retail will reopen, along with hairdressers, community centres, and libraries.
  • Indoor leisure (including gyms) will reopen for individual or household use.
  • Outdoor settings including hospitality, zoos and theme parks will reopen.
  • Self-contained holiday accommodation such as holiday lets and campsites will reopen to individual households.

Check with your local place of worship for the latest advice.

A summary of the roadmap, including details of steps 3 and 4, is available on Twitter. You can view the full roadmap on the government website, and you can also watch the Prime Minister’s address to the nation on YouTube


Remember the basics to help tackle Covid-19!

As we move through each of the phases in the roadmap, we must not forget that Covid-19 is still here and infectious. Please remember to:

  • Carry on with ‘hands, face, space’:
    • Wash your hands regularly.
    • Wear a face covering in shops, on public transport, and in other enclosed areas.
    • Keep a safe distance from other people outside your household (two metres where possible).
  • Book a free test if you’re experiencing any symptoms of Covid-19 and stay at home until you get your result.
  • Take up the offer of vaccination when it is your turn.

Everyone has a part to play to keep themselves, their family and friends and the wider community safe.


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.


Whatever you’re feeling right now is valid

In London, there are a range of free resources, online tools, and helplines available to help you deal with the uncertainty and stay mentally healthy.

However, we know that there are many people who may want extra help and need specialist support. In our new resource, you’ll find mental health tips, tools and resources for specific audiences, including children and young people, older people, parents and carers, for those with existing mental health issues, and other community groups.

Please remember – even though things can feel very hard at times, support is available for whatever you are going through.


Support after sudden bereavement

Bereavement is one of the most challenging things that we can experience, affecting every one of us. In some traumatic circumstances, we might need additional and more specialised support to help to cope with a bereavement.

Our sudden bereavement resource is there to support you if you are grieving the sudden death of someone close to you, or if you are supporting someone going through sudden bereavement.


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

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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