Hello Everyone
So we have an exciting week planned for carers leading up to Halloween with a variety of activities this week so why not come and join in.. On Thursday we have card making and ghostly painting, pumpkin carving session at this weeks Arts, Craft and Conversation followed the Halloween Walk at Tower Hamlets Cemetry Park.
If you like to be scared, bring the kids and have some spooky fun then this week is for you.. there might be a prize for any carer or cared for turning up at the centre on Thursday in fancy dress. Are you a witch, wizard or scary monster???
Come and be scared, thrilled and have some fun…..
Did you know?
The tree that was planted last week in remembrance to Tower Hamlets who passed duringn the Pandemic and a thank you to Community Organisations with the Carers Centre being recognised for the hard work and support we gave to carers during the last eighteen months is a Mountain Ash..
We will be doing regular visits via our Walking Thursday Group, to see how the tree is growing, waiting for the lovely bulbs to come up in spring as we will use this space for our mental and physical wellbeing, so if you want to join in and visit then email tony@ccth.org.uk and he will support you to getting there..
This Week’s Activities
The ULEZ charges come into effect today, there is a grace period until 2025 for people who claim Vehicle tax exemption, you can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:
- higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
- War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
- Armed Forces Independence Payment
The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.
It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.
You can only have one vehicle tax exemption at any one time. For more information see here https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport
For more information about ULEZ exemptions see here https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/discounts-and-exemptions#on-this-page-0
Carer Physical & Mental Wellbeing
As part of ongoing carer wellbeing programme we will be starting a new weekly physical movement session every Monday from 8th November 10am to 11am, so if you want to come and have some physical activity and remember it is also good for better mental health.
This will be followed by our Shared Reading for Carers – see further down this blog for more details ..
Walking Thursdays Session – 28th October – Halloween Special
Next Thursday at 1pm we are having a special walk planned and conducted by our organiser and Head Witch to Tower Hamlets Cemetery. So if you want a spooky, informative walk and fancy dressing up, bring the kids it is half term then come to centre for 1pm.
Check out all the latest information about our relaxed viewings, audio described, BSL and captioned events, available for you to book now – just scroll down t
But first we want to let you know that we’re launching online ticketing for access members and making some changes to our access membership scheme in response to our new booking system and in consultation with the charity Attitude is Everything.
These changes will come into force from Wednesday 27 October.
From this point you’ll be able to book tickets through our website by logging into your online account. You’ll also be able to provide us with your individual requirements, which will unlock specific seats for you to purchase and help us to provide the best service we can. You’ll still be able to book tickets in person and over the phone.
If you require an essential companion in order to attend an event, you’ll be able to book a free ticket for them. You’ll need to register as requiring an essential companion first.
To review your access requirements, log in to your account or email tickets@barbican.org.uk
Essential companion tickets
An essential companion ticket will be available to those in receipt of the following:
- PIP/DLA
- Attendance Allowance
- War Disablement Pension
- Registered severely sight impaired
- Recognised Assistance Dog ID card
- CredAbility Access Card (with +1 icon)
If you don’t have any of the above evidence but require an essential companion, you’ll be able to let us know.
Contact
If you have any questions about any of the above, please contact our Access team at access@barbican.org.uk
Activities for all ages during half term
From a spooky self-led sticker hunt, to petrifying pumpkin carving and creepy arts and crafts, we have lots of activities to keep youngsters of all ages active and entertained during October’s half-term.
The half term programme runs from 25-31 October and includes Black History Month and Halloween-themed activities.
Find an activity >
National Cholesterol Month October 2021
Did you know over half of UK adults have raised cholesterol which can lead to heart disease – Together we can make things better.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is made in the liver. It’s found in some foods too.
We all need some cholesterol in our bodies just to keep us ticking over, but having too much can clog up your arteries and lead to health problems in the future.
By getting a simple cholesterol test and making positive lifestyle changes, most people can keep their cholesterol levels healthy.
Getting a cholesterol test
We recommend that all adults should get a cholesterol check – no matter what your age or how healthy you feel.
The only way to know your cholesterol levels is to get a check.
High cholesterol doesn’t usually have any signs or symptoms and it can be caused by your genes as well as your lifestyle, so we advise getting a check even if you are young, fit and feel healthy.
A cholesterol check involves a simple blood test.
Your doctor should also check another blood fat called triglycerides, as these also affect your heart health.
A test will show you if you need to make healthy changes. High cholesterol can lead to heart attacks and strokes. A cholesterol test, along with other simple tests including a blood pressure test, BMI and waist measurement, will give you a good idea of your heart health and show you if you need to make any lifestyle changes or need treatment.
Get healthy living and recipes sent straight to your inbox
https://www.heartuk.org.uk/
REMINDER – YOU CAN CHECK THE CCTH CALENDAR – NOVEMBER Activities being posted soon..
If you want to know what activities are on each day at the centre then check out the CCTH Calendar – https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/?cid=mc-03c4653fb809aa02e303ae7a3bb5520a&month=9&yr=2021
Then email me tony@cth.org.uk to book your place.
I’m pleased to let you know that applications for our ZOOM Film School are now open.
Check out the film on our website as the students did this ealiuer this year https://ccth.org.uk/new/video/
This long-running training programme is generously supported by the London Borough of Tower Hamlets.
It is open exclusively to low-waged and unemployed Tower Hamlets residents, offering free, professional training in film and TV production, including:
- 6 weeks of practical filmmaking training, including production of a short film.
- 3 x mentoring sessions with a high-calibre industry professional.
- Accreditation (Open College Network credits in Film Production)
- Masterclasses and networking sessions.
- Paid placement/job opportunities.
- Bespoke career guidance and pastoral support.
- Travel/childcare costs.
Further details can be found at: https://www.fourcornersfilm.co.uk/whats-on/zoom-film-school
The deadline for applications is midnight on 8th November 2021
Don’t Forget to get your Flu Jab
I had mine last week and I am so glad I did, it was painless, no side effects and I feel better mentally equiped for the winter…
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 neighborhood 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 neighbor’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-Defense Class
When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favor. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defense 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-defense. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defense 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.
REMINDER TO CARERS
If you still need PPE for you and your loved one then Tower Hamlets are still providing PPE for Carers.
Collection and delivery is on Wednesday only from Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, E14 2BG. Carers can call or email Ayeda directly 0n 07366977103 or ayeda@ccth.org.uk to order.
Did You Know we have a weekly Shared Reading Group?
How does it work?
A group of carers, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. We stop and talk about what we have read. There is no need for carers to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. The idea is to create a space where people feel at ease.
Reading the literature aloud in real-time, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Carers are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading.
Everyone experiences the text in their own way, but the literature provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.
It can even help with your ESOL needs.
If this is for you then email tony@ccth.org.uk
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!
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
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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