Hello Everyone – You couldn’t make it up…
I want to start by thanking everyone who sent me such lovely birthday messages, really appreciated them, had a good break and everything was on a much even keel.
So, Dad is still in hospital and everyday they cancel his supposed operation. Mum is doing well and at the nursing home being treated well.
I was very disturbed to hear from my Sister on the way to the hospital that they had mixed my Dad up with another patient and had been treating him wrongly. They had taken him off a much needed medication to get rid of the water he retains due to poor heart rate, decreased pumping fluids round and out of his body. My Sister said “you are not going to like this” on the phone as I crawled out of London due to traffic.
Basically, my Dad was dying yesterday until they discovered their mistake, he was slowly drowning in his own fluid, his breathing was shallow and when I arrived yesterday he looked so poorly and frail.
I went to the senior person and asked very sternly, I needed a word and immediately.
To be fair the nurses are instructed by the Doctors with regard to treatment, medication and direction. I realised that the senior sister was not directly responsible. She did start the conversation with a apology, explained what had occurred and spelt out what they were doing now and what treatment he was now receiving.
I then very professionally explained that I was a qualified advocate specialising in the Care Act, I am Safeguarding specialist and that this was a safeguarding issue of neglect, which they acknowledged. It seems that an investigation will now take place and I will be invited to a meeting to discuss the poor medical treatment my Dad has received.
My Sister and I had a supportive hug and tears outside the ward and caught up with each other – talking really is a wellbeing enhancement and as you know I always advocate to carers that joining a peer support group really can help.
My Dad has just called me as I write this to say that due the medication being intravenously being administered he has lost 2 Kilo’s overnight and his breathing is better.
I will be making an official complaint as I feel it has to be registered their mistake and I am advocating for my Father who has been let down. He has said that he feels it is time for him to move somewhere assisted.
I wanted to explain that writing this blog has/is a wonderful way for me to get things off my chest, helps me with my thought processes, keeps my anger and frustration at bay and helps me feel connected to you all more now then ever, I do get tearful sometimes when I write this but that also helps having an emotional release and I urge carers to find their way to let off carer frustration and steam.
In October we will be having a new Creative Writing Sessions with a writer from Macmillan, who is going to help carers use creative writing to help with better wellbeing, so if this is something that sounds helpful then let me know.
Don’t forget the SIX BEST DOCTORS IN THE WORLD ARE rest, nutrition, exercise, sunlight, self confidence, family & friends!
Important Numbers:
Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957
Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070
The autumn Covid booster campaign will start on 5 September in England, with care home residents and housebound people the first to get jabs.
Many of those receiving a further dose will get a new vaccine from Moderna, which tackles both the original Covid virus and the recent Omicron variant.
Who will get an autumn booster?
Another Covid vaccine dose will be offered to:
- adults aged 50 and over
- people aged five to 49 with health conditions which put them at higher risk – including pregnant women
- care home staff
- frontline health and social care workers
- carers aged 16 to 49
- household contacts of people with weakened immune systems
Originally only healthy people aged over 65 were due to be offered another booster, but the programme was expanded in response to the spread of Omicron.
The government has said that care home residents and housebound people in England will start getting the booster from 5 September.
A wider rollout will follow on 12 September, which will prioritise the oldest and most vulnerable.
The free flu jab is also being offered to more eligible groups this autumn, and some people will be offered it at the same time as their Covid booster.
Which vaccine will people be offered?
The NHS says Moderna’s new “bivalent” vaccine will be used for autumn boosters, “subject to sufficient supply”.
The UK is the first country to approve the dual vaccine.
However, health officials say people should take whichever booster they are offered, as all vaccines provide protection against becoming severely ill or dying from Covid.
Pfizer is also tweaking its Covid vaccine to better target Omicron.
Previous boosters were a single dose of either Pfizer or Moderna – regardless of which vaccine you received previously.
Anyone who could not have Pfizer or Moderna for medical reasons was offered a booster dose of AstraZeneca.
First and second vaccine doses are either AstraZeneca or (for under-40s) Pfizer or Moderna.
Which children can get jabbed?
All five to 11-year-olds in the UK can have two doses of a reduced-strength Covid vaccine, 12 weeks apart.
In addition:
- all 12 to 15-year-olds are offered two doses of Pfizer
- all 16 and 17-year-olds can have a booster, three months after their second jab
- 12 to 15-year-olds in an at-risk group, or who live with someone with a weakened immune system, can have a booster
How do I book my Covid vaccine?
You can book jabs online, or by phoning 119.
You can also go to a walk-in clinic, although not all centres offer jabs to under-12s, and some have closed since the initial vaccination push.
How long after Covid can I have a booster?
You should wait four weeks after a positive test, even if you had no symptoms.
Under-18s who are not at higher risk from Covid should wait 12 weeks.
The vaccines do not infect you with Covid and cannot cause positive results on a Covid test.
What are the side effects?
They are part of the body’s normal immune response to vaccines and tend to resolve within a day or two.
Happy International Dog Day – August 26th 2022
Just wanted to acknowledge how dogs, cats and all animals play a special part in carers lives and how emotionally enhancing they can be to our wellbeing.
He will be two next weekend
Next Week’s Activities
Always Check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/ for fun, activities, workshops and treatments
ESOL Classes are back – Starting Friday 2nd September 10am to 1pm
Friday 2nd September the ESOL class starts again for a new year, come down and register, get assessed and get the right support for your learning needs.
ESOL can help carers learn how to communicate with health professionals, family, friends and much, much more so if you want to be more confident with your English, why not come learn a new language and feel part of a broader community.
Get ready to book your Idea Store Learning course
With more than 900 courses to choose from, there’s something for everyone from photography, languages, art & design, dance, ESOL (English for speakers of other languages), maths to fashion, digital skills and so much more.
You can view all of the courses that will be on offer ahead of enrolment which starts next Tuesday 30 August at 10am.
Choose a course >
Don’t lose your right to vote
The council is currently getting in touch with every household in the borough to check we have the right information on the electoral register to ensure that all eligible voters can cast their votes in future elections.
So look out for a letter or email asking if your household details on the electoral register are correct. Then all you have to do is follow the instructions, and you’ll ensure that you don’t lose your right to vote.
Find out more >
New £1m Emergency Energy Fund to help households
A new £1million Emergency Energy Fund is being set up by the council as part of ongoing support for residents during the cost-of-living crisis. The Energy Fund complements the recently introduced £2.7m cost of living package announced by Mayor Rahman last month.
Grants of up to £100 will be available for households shown through council data to be at the most severe risk of being unable to pay their fuel bills. Around £200,000 has already been earmarked for pensioners, and eligible residents will receive further details by the end of September.
Find out more >
Street Market Trader workshop for residents
We’ve partnered up with The Rebel School to help would-be market stall traders to get their ideas off the ground and into one of the borough’s famous markets this September, all completely for free.
Through this course, you’ll learn all the fundamentals when starting & growing a business and as an added bonus, there will also be opportunities to gain free pitches across the borough’s street markets! Spaces are limited so hurry and sign-up to secure your place on the course.
Find out more >
3×3 basketball festival this August
To celebrate the launch of the refurbished Bethnal Green Gardens basketball courts, we’re hosting a 3×3 basketball festival in partnership with The GG3x3, LDN Warriors 3×3 and Trojans Basketball Club.
At the skills camp on 30 August, young ballers will be given the chance to learn about 3×3 basketball fundamentals by the best coaches out there. On 31 August young people can take part in the mini tournament to play with and against local talent.
Sign up >
When you have some minutes spare, you want to stay cool and listen to my soothing voice….
Listen to the Carers Ignite PODCAST – New One Coming Soon
Why not listen to The Carers Centre Podcast – This is our first podcast and we are pleased with it. A couple of carers approached me to ask if we could broaden our social media and develop a podcast for carers, made by carers and supported by the centre. We approached Graham our Chief Exec and he was all for it and gave the green light and thanks to Chandrika and her producer skills and the wonderful Lloyd who is the co-host with myself we developed our first podcast.
We discuss being a male carer, barriers to men seeking support, carers wellbeing while having a laugh and fun. We will be producing further podcasts and welcome stories/themes and guests to email me tony@ccth.org.uk
https://ccth.org.uk/new/information/carers-ignite/
| 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.
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
Call us on 0207 790 1765 or email enquiries@ccth.org.uk to find out more about LPA.
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.
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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