Hello Everyone – What stops you from helping yourself?
I am asking this question because I want to understand why carers say they need and want activities to help with their physical and emotional wellbeing but often neglect to attend the activities organised. I understand that carers can have the best intentions about joining a group, request specific training, workshops and supportive activities and then without notice they fail to attend. What I need to understand is what can we do to make it easier to attend?
I would really love some feedback from you so that I can adapt the monthly timetable to suit a greater amount of carers to attend the activities that take time to organise, cost lot’s of money to deliver. I am looking into reducing some activities if attendance does not increase and I really do not want to do this.
I have had many carers say they want more exercise activities like the one starting today – called TIME TO MOVE 1.45pm to 2.45pm is a new weekly exercise programme, helps attendees boost their energy, be in a group and connect with others, increases heartrate and helps with sleep and anxiety. These benefits are all issues that carers report all the time so if you do suffer from lack of sleep et, why not join.
I am looking into a hybrid approach to some activities where if you cannot physically make it to the centre, you could zoom in and join. So tell me your thoughts on this please and how it would benefit you? Email tony@ccth.org.uk
REMINDER – CCTH/ELFT Mental Health Hub – Tuesday 27th 1.30pm to 3pm @ Carers Centre.
This monthly peer support group is for carers who care for someone with a mental health issue or themselves have emotional difficulties and would benefit from peer support and access to professional support. I hope to see you there tomorrow.
Believe me I do understand that caring can stop you from doing things but it is important to do things for yourself, outside your caring role as there is life outside of caring.
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 has started in England, and carers are eligible, so book your booster NOW
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.
Flu vaccine
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It’s offered every year through the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.
Flu vaccine and coronavirus (COVID-19)
Flu vaccination is important because:
- while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions
- more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
- if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you’re more likely to be seriously ill.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work
Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2023) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so at-risk groups can be offered vaccination first.
If you’re in this age group and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.
Where to get the flu vaccine
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service – if you’re aged 18 or over
- some maternity services if you’re pregnant
Sometimes, you might be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
If you have a flu vaccine at any NHS service except your GP surgery, you do not have to tell the surgery to update your records. This will be done for you. If you’ve been given a flu vaccine privately, or through an occupational health scheme, you can tell your GP surgery if you would like it added to your NHS record
How your child can get a polio vaccine in Tower Hamlets
Children aged one to nine living in London are being offered a dose of polio vaccine. For some children, this is an extra dose, while for other children it may bring them up to date with their routine vaccination.
Parents are being contacted by GP practices to book an appointment – please do not contact your GP, they will contact you. Parents of children aged five to nine can go to local venues to get their boosters. Locations can be found via the link below.
See locations >
Healthy Families Programme
Making small changes to your lifestyle can have a positive impact on your family’s health and wellbeing. The Healthy Families Programme runs a series of practical, fun sessions to help you make healthy decisions. Topics include:
- Know what’s in your food
- Find out about hidden sugars
- Tips for healthy meals and portions
- Be more active as a family
All sessions are free and available for anyone to attend.
Sign up
Writeidea Festival 2022
4 – 6 November 2022
After three years Writeidea returns at a new venue, Bethnal Green Library, in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Authors for this year include Tez Ilyas, Panikos Panayi, Lesley-Ann Jones, Matthew Green, Jean Fullerton, Rosie Wilby, David Hoffman, Shahida Rahman, Yara Rodrigues Fowler, Hannah Lowe, Jackie Lees, Siobhan MacGowan, Ajay, Chowdhury, Nick Higham, Vivi Lachs, John Grindrod, Tom Chivers, Malcolm Russell, Paul Gorman, Swadhinata Trust, Sarah Lee and Gregor Gall. There will also be a performance by folk singer Rita Tam.
For up to date information follow us on Twitter. Follow @Writeideafest
https://www.ideastore.co.uk/writeidea
The government has recently announced that around 6 million disabled people in the UK will receive their one-off £150 disability Cost of Living payment from 20 September.
Those being paid a qualifying disability benefit (PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance) will be paid automatically from 20 September, with the vast majority of those eligible expected to receive their one-off payment within a couple of weeks by the beginning of October. Customers do not need to contact DWP to receive the payment.
The payment will help disabled people with the rising Cost of Living acknowledging the higher disability-related costs they often face, such as care and mobility needs.
This Week’s Activities
Always Check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/ for fun, activities, workshops and treatments
ESOL Classes are back – 10am to 1pm
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.
A virtual conference on the 29th November 10am-3pm with a focus on LeDeR: Learning from the lives and deaths of people with learning disability and autism and they would like carers and their loved ones with Learning Disabilities to tell their stories through the health/social care system or even if they would be happy to talk at the conference about their experiences.
If you are interested please email nelondonicb.tnwsafeguarding@nhs.net to register your interest.
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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