Hello Everyone – When to put your foot down.

 

Before I discuss today’s topic, I just wanted to say my heart is with you Oslo.

I wondered on Saturday, how many carers just have to take a break away from their caring role, basically put their foot down and say no when the person you care for is being rude, abusive and just plain wrong?

I rang my Dad up on Saturday morning to say what time I would be over to pick him up to take him to see Mum.  I was greeted by a barrage of swearing directed at me, my Nephew and to the world.  I calmly reminded him that my Nephew is only seventeen and that sleeping is a very common teenage thing and there are better ways to handle situations, I know I was in a calm, mature frame of mind and I really had to be.  This is when I got the full force of his anger, he couldn’t really tell me why he was in a bad mood.

I double checked with him if the lady who comes to clean the house was coming, and she was, I asked if he had enough food and he had and I asked if he had the money/Uber ready to go to Mum’s.  I then told him that I was his son/carer and that whatever happens, I will not be spoken to and said I wouldn’t be over.  After he shouted further I said I would call him Sunday to catch up and that having a little distance would be good for both of us.   Of course I worried all day, felt a tad guilty but then I realised, I am a carer, I promote good wellbeing to all the carers registered at the centre and I must lead by example.

I had to be assertive with my Dad, that was not shouting back, it was a calm measured response but it meant standing firm, and not allowing him to disrespect me.  So, I wondered if as carer, son, daughter, brother, sister or friend that this comes up for you?

Do you find it difficult standing firm but calm?   Do you have problems about what to stay, how to remain calm?  Well you are in luck we are teaming up again with the Coaching for Carers who are doing an online Zoom workshop on being assertive with yourself, loved ones, family members or healthcare professionals.

If you want to reserve a place then either email directly or email me for the link to reserve your place;  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


This Weeks Activities …

 

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


Access to childcare – complete the survey

We’re researching residents’ experiences accessing childcare – including the impact of Covid-19 and arrangements for children with SEND.

Your voice is vital – please help by completing our survey by Friday 1 July.

Complete the survey >

 


Supporting families affected by drink, drugs and gambling

This Families Awareness Week (20 – 26 June), we are shining a spotlight on the support available for anyone affected by drinking, drug use or gambling of a family member or friend.

Substance use and gambling can have a devastating impact on families and loved ones, with many people never seeking support for themselves. We are encouraging families affected by these issues to ‘take five’ to find out what support is available to them.

Find support >


The V&A celebrates 150 years in east London

This week marks 150 years of the V&A museum in Bethnal Green, which opened in 1872 as east London’s first ever museum.

To celebrate the milestone, while construction continues, Young V&A is taking its creative programme into the community throughout its birthday year with the launch of the Reinvent Festival, offering a series of family friendly events, activities and pop-ups in partnership with venues including Idea Stores across Tower Hamlets and All Points East In The Neighbourhood at Victoria Park.

Festival events >


Tech Careers Fair

Connect with live opportunities in exciting startups, such as:

  • Entry-internships level positions work placements apprenticeships
  • Supercharge your job search by engaging directly with recruiters.
  • Discover roles in marketing, content creation, software engineering and more!
  • Be supported in your career journey by the team at lift and onetech.

Date: Thursday 30 June, 17:30 – 19:30

Location: Bishopsgate Institute, 230 Bishopsgate, London, England, EC2M 4QH

Book your place >


click link to find out more – https://www.bst-hydepark.com/events/open-house


 


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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