Hello Everyone – Did you know it’s Learning Disability Week?

I wanted to give a shout out to all the loved ones with a learning disability and the people who care for some of their loved ones.  Don’t forget not all people with a learning disability need a carer as people can live independently, live away at college or in small group homes.

Check out link – https://www.mencap.org.uk/LDWeek

My career background is working in the field of learning disability and started this when I was seventeen.  My Dad reminded me the other day that they had to create a new pay band as I was the youngest person they had employed.  This all came about from my two week work experience placement when I was in the sixth form.   I had intended to become a graphic designer and asked my unhelpful career’s teacher for a placement in a design studio.  Apparently they did not exist in rural Kent in 1982, so she said you can two weeks in a special needs hospital (her words, not mine).  I thought why not and off I went, had the time of my life, loved every minute of it and came back with a job offer.

I left school and went to work, in the era they called ‘Normalisation’, which basically meant people with learning disabilities were no longer going to live in the large institutions, people like me taught independent living, socialisation and enthusiastically helped people move into the London boroughs they were originally placed from.

My ethos has remained the same which is to treat people with dignity, make service delivery person centred and create a service that delivers excellent support.  I feel that is most likely why I have remained at the Carers Centre for twelve years now because this is our organisational ethos, I try very hard to make the Carers Wellbeing Academy meet those standards and with the wonderful Carers Wellbeing Champions advising, giving direction and working in coproduction we are achieving services that meet the needs of carers.

With that in mind please check out next weeks activities and come and join a group.  We believe that carers need wellbeing support to enable better health for your caring role.  Being a carer takes its toll and here is some evidence from Carers UK.

Unpaid carers continue to suffer poorer health- with some groups adversely affected.

The impact of caring on peoples’ physical and mental health across England remains high and is worse for those from some groups, according to the latest data analysis by Carers UK.

The analysis found that:

  • 60% of carers report a long-term health condition or disability compared to 50% of non-carers
  • 70% of lesbian, gay, or bisexual carers report a long-term condition compared to 60% of straight carers
  • Carers from some backgrounds were less likely to say the healthcare professional they saw recognised and understood any mental health needs they had. Whilst 86% of white carers said they felt they did, this dropped to 78% of black carers and 76% of Asian carers.
  • 36% of lesbian, gay, or bisexual carers have a mental health condition compared with 13% of heterosexual carers – nearly treble the rate

Carers’ health is known to be worse than that of non-carers due to the pressures of the role and is compounded by many factors, including providing more than 50 hours of care each week. Caring has been announced as being a social determinant of health recently by Public Health England.

Of the 60% of carers who had a long-term condition, disability, or illness, almost two-thirds (64%) reported that their condition reduces their ability to carry out day-to-day activities. This shows that carers’ health and wellbeing is poorer than others and potentially affects their ability to care.

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual carers were most likely to report a long-term health condition or disability; and of this group, Three-quarters (75%) stated that it affected their day-to-day life, in contrast to 62% of straight carers.

Half (51%) of carers said they had avoided making a GP appointment in 2021 compared to 40% of non-carers. This rose to 61% of Asian carers and those from mixed ethnic backgrounds.


The Old Vic theatre  would like to invite carers to our Relaxed Performance of Jitney at 2.30pm on Saturday 25 June.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Jim Becker and his unlicensed drivers take the people of Pittsburgh Hill District where regular taxi cabs won’t – healing old wounds and tearing new ones as they pass the time in a condemned taxi rank between pick-ups.

Directed by Tinuke Craig (The Color Purple) and following an acclaimed run at Leeds Playhouse, August Wilson‘s (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom) ground breaking modern classic explores the fragile bond between eight men as they live, love and work in a racially segregated, post-Vietnam America.

Watch the cast rehearsing a scene from the play here.

TICKETS

We have a £5 offer available to you for Saturday’s performance. Enter promo code JITACCESS at oldvictheatre.com to book £5 tickets.


Next Weeks Activities …

 

Check out the  https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/


Feedback from Wednesday’s Carers Forum 

 

Carers Centre Tower Hamlets Carers Forum

 

 

Firstly we met with Emma who is a clinical lead for the THCHS/District Nurses and she discussed how her team are very keen to listen to carers and make sure their service delivery made sure carers are recognised and supported.  Emma also discussed the importance of support at the end of life for people and how her team can support carers with associated issues.  We agreed that the District Nurse Team would work closely with the Carers Wellbeing Academy to have a wrap around service for carers and the people they care for when a terminal diagnosis has occurred. We also discuss Advanced Care plans and we will develop a workshop in September for all carers as it is beneficial for all to have one.

Our second presentation was on the Carers Passport and how the borough is looking to develop one appropriate to the needs of carers.  It has been agreed by carers that going forward the Carers Forum will act as an advisory board as the passport is developed.   Belle took away a huge list of suggestions that was gratefully received and we look forward to meeting up again.


Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMtcuGuqzsoG9AriNcB6IgZjT7TkCICg8pE



   

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is looking for a Carers Support Advocate

Do you want to be part of a 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?

Are you able to communicate with a broad range of people either written, verbally and face to face? Are you able to keep excellent records, encourage participants to feedback their experiences and keep up to date records via our database?

We want you to uphold our policies and procedures, be part of our team and attend team meetings and contribute your thoughts, as well as be able to work flexibly both at the centre and in outreach settings.

You will be supported, line managed, and supervised by 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 and request a Job Description/ Person Specification and we require you to send a CV with an accompanying statement related to the job requirements and your experience

 

Click link – Carers Support Advocate | Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets | | CharityJob.co.uk


Cost of Living Payment

Guidance on getting an extra payment to help with the cost of living if you’re entitled to certain benefits or tax credits.

You may be able to get a payment to help with the cost of living if you’re getting certain benefits or tax credits.

You do not need to apply. If you’re eligible, you’ll be paid automatically in the same way you usually get your benefit or tax credits. The payments will be made separately from your benefit or tax credits.

These payments are not taxable and will not affect the benefits or tax credits you get.

Low-income benefits

You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you’re getting any of the following:

  • Universal Credit
  • income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
  • income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Income Support
  • Pension Credit

 

Eligibility

To get the first Cost of Living Payment of £326, you must have been entitled to a payment (or later found to be entitled to a payment) of either:

  • Universal Credit for an assessment period that ended in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022
  • income-based JSA, income-related ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit for any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022

The second payment of £324 will be paid later in the year.

If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim.

You will not get a payment if you get New Style Employment and Support Allowance, contributory Employment and Support Allowance, or New Style Jobseeker’s Allowance, unless you get Universal Credit.

 

When you’ll be paid

Most of the first payments of £326 will be made between 14 July 2022 and the end of July 2022. We will update this guidance when payments have been made.

You’ll get the second payment of £324 in autumn 2022, if you’re entitled.

If you also get a qualifying disability benefit, you may get an additional Disability Cost of Living Payment.

 

Tax credits

You may get a payment of £650 paid in 2 lump sums of £326 and £324 if you have an award of any of the following:

  • Child Tax Credit
  • Working Tax Credit

 

Eligibility

To get the first Cost of Living Payment of £326, you must have received a payment, or an annual award of at least £26, of tax credits on any day in the period 26 April 2022 to 25 May 2022.

We will update this guidance when the government has announced the qualifying dates to get the second payment of £324.

If you have a joint claim with a partner, you will get one payment of £326 and one payment of £324 for your joint claim, if you’re entitled.

If you get both Child Tax Credit and Working Tax Credit, you will receive a Cost of Living Payment for Child Tax Credit only.

If you get tax credits from HMRC and a low income benefit from DWP, you will get a Cost of Living Payment from DWP only.

When you’ll be paid

You’ll get the first payment of £326 from autumn 2022 and the second payment of £324 from winter 2022, if you’re entitled.

If you also get a qualifying disability benefit, you may get an additional Disability Cost of Living Payment from DWP.

Disability benefits

You may get a lump sum payment of £150 if you’re getting any of the following:

  • Attendance Allowance
  • Constant Attendance Allowance
  • Disability Living Allowance for adults
  • Disability Living Allowance for children
  • Personal Independence Payment

Eligibility

You must have received a payment (or later receive a payment) of one of these qualifying benefits for 25 May 2022 to get the payment.

When you’ll get paid

You’ll get the payment from September 2022.

 


Join us for a free clothes swap with mending and upcycling workshops

Did you know that a staggering 350,000 tonnes of wearable clothing, that’s around £140 million worth goes for disposal every year in the UK? Clear out your wardrobe and join SunnyJar Eco Hub, Friends of the Earth Hackney and Tower Hamlets Council Recycling Team. Help tackle clothes waste and pick up some fabulous pre-loved pieces at this fun, free sustainable event!

This event will be happening at The Mulberry Hall, St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL on Saturday 25 June from 10:30am – 1:30pm.

More info >


 


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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