Hello Everyone – Being a carer is hard and exhausting…

We know I hear you say, tell us something we don’t know.  Well until recently I did not know exactly and I have to say, I am exhausted, emotionally a little frazzled and physically, I just want sleep.  My Dad had a fall and hurt himself and mu Mum’s Dementia is advancing which is making me very upset and tearful.

But on a brighter note I have become a Great Uncle again and little Arlo is a dream, beautiful and he’s been to visit my Mum, who was incredible with him and a lovely thing to see.  So, family wise we have had a few up’s and downs but as they say this is the way life goes.  To top it all my little dog has been hurt but is on the mend.

I understand and want to highlight the need for self care and self compassion and then need to take time for yourself.  It really is important because as carers we cannot go on forever, we need breaks, fun, sleep, exercise and good food.

With this in mind, In March we have some new activities that you can sign up for ..

Self Compassion & Self Care – March 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd – 4 week course @11am to 12.30pm

This four-week (4 x 1.5 hour sessions) course will give a welcoming, friendly, experiential and practical introduction to Self-Compassion. Self-Compassion and Self-Care are things we need all the more as Carers, when we give so much of our attention, time, and energy to look after another person, or perhaps even several other people. The sessions are intended to be a safe space where all participants in the group are welcome to check in, share experiences and ask questions. The group will have time for talking things through, often finding that our difficulties are met with understanding, empathy, and wisdom from others, and exploring together some insightful and beneficial new ideas. No previous meditation experience is required: the meditation practices will be gently led, and you can just see how they go for you. There are a couple of creative/reflective exercises on paper too. There are 8 places and carers are asked to commit and attend all four sessions. Email tony@ccth.org.uk for a place 

Don’t forget..

Open University Study Group – do you want to learn something new, start a new hobby or just be in a learning group.  You can take your time, fit it around your caring role and have fun.

Bereavement & Grief Peer Support Group – our monthly group is here to help with grief, bereavement and celebration of loved ones and learn methods to cope with your grief in your own time

African Dance & Drumming Class on 1st and 15th March  – come and learn a new skill and exercise at the same time 

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Day Retreat at London Buddhist Centre – 7th March – email tony@ccth.org.uk to book your place

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Carers Trust – Chinese Chamber of Commerce Event

Thursday 9^th March @ 11.15am to 12.15pm

The China Chamber of Commerce is visiting The Tower Hamlets Carers Centre to present a generous cheque to support unpaid carers around London and the UK.

At 11:15 am on Thursday 9th March, the China Chamber of Commerce will be visiting our centre. They will be taking a walk around the space and meeting with our staff and carers to learn all about the important work we do. They will then present a cheque to Kirsty McHugh, CEO of Carers Trust, to be used to fund respite breaks for unpaid carers around the UK.

Please note there will be a photographer taking pictures and we would love as many staff and carers to take part in the photographs. Please note this event is taking place in conjunction with Arts, Crafts & Conversation

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Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.

 

 

 

Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

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Help for Households Gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.

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Next Week’s Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/

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Extra funding to support food banks

As part of our Cost of Living Help campaign – an extra £190,000 is being invested to provide essential supplies to food banks across the borough.

The money will go to the Food Hub based in Bethnal Green. The hub remains a key part of the food support network in the borough and supports more than 60 organisations as well as providing volunteering opportunities for residents who benefit from soft skills on the path to employment.

Find out more >

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Tower Hamlets Homes back under Council control

Housing services currently managed by Tower Hamlets Homes (THH) are set to be transferred to the council, following a decision by Cabinet last night (Wednesday).

A timetable for the transition will be developed over the coming months, with the aim of completing the move by the end of this year.

Read more >

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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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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,  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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