26th March 2021

Hello Everyone

So the weekend is upon us and hopefully it will be a restful one.  Don’t forget the clocks go forward Saturday night/Sunday morning, so technically we will have an hour’s less sleep.

Remember to keep well and look after yourselves, carers are this countries precious commodity and caring for those around you enables better communities.

Don’t forget that next week the April Newsletter should pop up in your emails.  We have another exciting month of activities with some new sessions such as …

The London School of Economics coming to consult with carers about their Covid 19/Pandemic experience in the last year, also are you a son or daughter of a Docker, someone who used to work in vibrant days, when the nearby docks was a lively place to be?  If so to any of these topics, please email tony@ccth.org.uk to book your place on the 1^{st of} April.

Lights, Camera, Action!!! We have a new Create group starting at the end of April where we will earn how to make a radio play, so if you are a budding thespian then come join in and have some fun.

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Celebration of Bangladesh to mark 50 years of independence

An exciting programme of celebrations is now underway in Tower Hamlets to mark the 50th birthday of Bangladesh, formerly known as East Pakistan.

Beginning on 26 March 1971, following a declaration of independence, modern day Bangladesh was forged out of a conflict which concluded on 16 December 1971.

We are working with residents, artists, community organisations, businesses and the Bangladeshi High Commission in the UK, to run events and activities from March to December 2021.

Our Local History Library & Archives is also hosting discussions, exhibitions, talks, art installations, storytelling sessions and other events between now and May, as part of the ‘Bangladesh 50 Years’ project led by the National Portrait Gallery.

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Vaccine News

Check out the latest News and information!

Communicating Covid-19 clearly

Are you a disabled person or a person with a long-term health condition based in Tower Hamlets? Or are you involved in a group or organisation that works with disabled people in Tower Hamlets? If so, Real want to hear from you!

Real are working on a project together with different groups of disabled people to co-produce new and improved Covid-19 health messages. The work will help ensure vital health information is understood by everyone in the local community.

You can find out more about the project, including how to get involved, on the council website or by calling Real on 020 7001 2170.

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Information on Mental Health Support

Supporting young people’s mental health and wellbeing

Good Thinking’s new enhanced platform for young people is live and online for those aged 13 to 18-years-old who are having problems with sleep, stress, anxiety, depression and more, including those who might need 24/7 wellbeing support.

So far over 100,000 Londoners have used Good Thinking to find innovative and personalised ways to improve their wellbeing.

All resources on Good Thinking are reviewed by an NHS Specialist Clinical Psychiatrist for their suitability.

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Things can feel very hard at times. Support is available for whatever you are going through, there is hope and you are not alone.

In London, there are a range of free resources, online tools, and helplines available to help you cope and stay mentally healthy. These sit alongside non-urgent NHS psychological treatments, such as talking therapies, if you need further professional support to help you cope with mental and emotional problems.

Helplines
Many of us might be feeling unsafe, vulnerable, alone, or unable to cope with grief or loss. The following helplines are free and confidential:

Samaritans: 116 123
Whatever problems you are facing Samaritans are there to listen.

SHOUT: Text Shout to 85258
Text service for support with any mental health concern (it will not show up on your bill).

CRUSE: 0808 808 1677
Support and advice if you are grieving or dealing with bereavement and loss of a loved one.

Switchboard helpline: 0300 330 0630
The LGBT+ helpline is open daily from 10am-10pm.

Looking out for friends and colleagues
It might feel more difficult to mention to someone that you’re worried about them, but now more than ever we need to keep our connections strong.

If you’re worried about someone, The Samaritans has a range of resources to help get the conversation started.

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Quit smoking before Ramadan!

Ahead of Ramadan, the Muslim community and those observing Ramadan are being encouraged to quit tobacco before the holy month begins. Ramadan is one of the most important events of the Islamic calendar as it is a time for fasting, praying, forgiveness and purification. It is seen as a time to start positive habits, making it an ideal time to stop tobacco.

Quitting smoking before Ramadan begins reducing the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Smokers are up to four times more likely to stop smoking for good when they get support, and this year Quit Right is offering support through their helpline on 020 7882 8230. Get in touch and quit smoking for good.

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LIFT – your future in science and technology

Technology, life science and digital businesses have thrived despite the Covid-19 crisis and are key to our economic recovery. We’ve partnered with Camden, Hackney and Islington councils on a project called LIFT (Leading Inclusive Futures through Technology) to help local people and small businesses get a fair share of opportunities in their area.

Over the next six months we’ll be running employability and enterprise ‘incubator’ programmes for residents and a ‘survive and pivot’ programme for local businesses.

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