Hello Everyone – What a relief …..
I wanted to talk about how I had a win this week and how it is going to help me with my caring role. I managed to finally get my Mum’s application for Lasting Power of Attorney all signed including by the GP, witnessed and sent special delivery and what a relief that was.
I really need this to continue effectively with my caring role, I feel Mum’s capacity is diminishing and as sad as it is, it won’t be long when I will need to advocate fulltime for her. I also need this so that sort out all the house stuff since Dad has passed, I need to be able to talk to people without them saying we cannot speak to you, can we speak to your Mum and can she tell us her password – actually no is my consistent answer these days.
I also needed this win because when faced with a mounting list of things to do, it really can be overwhelming and I have been overwhelmed a lot. So, I sat down with my partner and made a plan of what was important to do for myself and the important Mum and Dad things.
I do have an appointment with my GP next week to look at counselling, possibly medication support as I am not sleeping as good as I should. I know if I am less tired my ability to manage will be better. I am also going to join a gym and increase my exercise. This will help check off my list of to do’s and I feel help me feel more confident in my caring role.
Now, I know that what I am experiencing is true for many of you out there and so I urge you to think about what you need to put in place to help you manage your caring role as most importantly help you maintain better physical and emotional health.
Do you need to increase your exercise, do you need to do something to give you some mental respite or do you need to get out the house, learn something to help you back into employment or support a hobby?
If, you have answered yes to any of those questions then check out the wide range of workshops, activities and fun things the Carers Wellbeing Academy provides on a monthly programme, check out our newsletter it will be in your inbox, if not check your junk as it was sent out yesterday.
Another way to help you maintain better emotional health is to get another dog. We have a second dog – he is called Morris and he is a rescue from Romania and he is wonderful and another win, He has become a little brother for Albus and they are best buddies.
New Activities – August 2023
Chair Disco & Exercise
Thursday’s 3rd & 17th August @ 1.30pm to 2.15pm
This new activity is part of our volunteer/accredited Carer Health Champions programme and Tracey will be facilitating two sessions a month where you will have the opportunity to sit or stand and do an exercise and disco session, learn to use your body, stretch, raise your heartbeat, and have some disco fun
Reiki for Wellbeing
Friday 4th August @ 10.30am to 2.30pm
This is another new activity as part of our volunteer/accredited Carer Health Champions programme. Each month our Champion Jill and our new volunteer Lorraine will provide you up to 30-minute healing sessions for you to relax, be mindful and take time for yourselves. Appointment Only
Ramble for better Health
Mondays 7th & 21st August @ 12.30 to 2pm
This activity is facilitated by Sharron one of our volunteer/accredited Carer Health Champions and this activity is for carers who wish to get healthier, maintain good health, reduce the risk of Diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure and have fun trying.
Good Vibe Afternoon & Picnic – @ The Young V&A – Bethnal Green
Thursday 10th August @ 1pm to 4pm
This new Carer Champion activity facilitated by Hilary is where carers will be able to attend a local, free, or low-cost day trip, bring a picnic and as it is the School Summer Holidays carers who are parents, please make it a family outing. Watch out for news of each month’s trip.
Mindful Movement
Thursday 24th August at 1pm to 1.45pm
This gentle but effective activity helps you relax, use your body with gentle exercise as it is similar to Qigong. Carers will have the opportunity to come try out a new monthly exercise group and you can even do this sitting down.
Also another reminder – ReThink is looking for Carers to help develop a project to help with Mental Health Issues for carers and the people they care by using physical activities – check further down this blog to find out more
Don’t forget that the activities we run are aimed at giving carers a chance for emotional respite, enabling connection with others so you do not feel alone and giving carers the chance to have fun, relax and be in the moment.
Carers Hospital Support Worker
Check out the link below and see if this role is for you.
Organisation Overview:
Unpaid carers are the unsung heroes in our communities, supporting relatives, friends, and neighbours, often with limited or no support, to live the best lives they can.
Carers Centre Tower Hamlets (CCTH) is a small, committed organisation dedicated to supporting unpaid carers through a variety of specialist services, from social and therapeutic activities to emotional, mentoring, advocacy, and signposting support. We aim to enrich and empower unpaid carers’ lives, providing them with the support they so selflessly give to others. We are now recruiting to our team a new colleague who will lead on our work in the Royal London Hospital.
Position Overview:
As the Carers Hospital Support Worker, you will play a pivotal role in identifying and supporting carers of patients admitted to the hospital. You will be responsible for coordinating vital services, offering guidance, and creating a supportive environment to help carers cope with the challenges they may face during hospitalisation.
Carers Hospital Support Worker
Next Week’s Activities – check out https://ccth.org.uk/calendar/
National Allotments Week 2023 – 7th-13th August 2023
Many of you will have heard of National Allotment Week’s to celebrate how important allotments and other open spaces are for you and your local community. Allotments have many benefits. They bring people together and unite them through their shared love of low-cost, healthy fresh fruit and vegetables, physical exercise and social interaction.
- Benefits for you.
- Supporting your physical health.
- Helping to improve mental wellbeing.
- Providing a valuable community.
- Connecting with nature.
- Encouraging healthy eating.
- Getting started.
The physical benefits of regular sessions of gardening help support the physical health and fitness of allotment gardeners. Digging, raking or turning the compost are all forms of aerobic exercise. Tending your plot can help keep your body flexible and build muscle strength as you stretch, bend, lift, pull and push.
Gardening can also help to improve speech, cognitive and motor skills for people with debilitating illnesses. Simple exposure to the sun brings positives too as sunlight can increase vitamin D levels and lower blood pressure.
Physical exercise also contributes to our mental wellbeing. Allotment gardeners will tell you that time spent on their plots sowing, weeding and nurturing plants makes them feel calmer and less anxious.
For many people, their allotment plots became a place of sanctuary for them during the COVID-19 pandemic and continue to be so today.
Not only do allotments open up opportunities for you to meet and connect with people, they’re also a great way of spending time with nature and being able to encourage, observe and enjoy wildlife. Having an allotment, in an urban area in particular, allows you to feel connected with nature and wildlife.
According to the National Allotment Society, 1sq m of land can support hundreds of different species of wildlife. So, by cultivating an allotment, you are helping to create much needed habitats for bees and other wildlife without which our ecosystem would suffer.
Allotments are also a good way to get the rest of the family – especially children – outdoors and enjoying the fresh air and instilling this connection with nature in them.
Encouraging healthy eating
With the cost of living continuing to rise and food prices increasing, allotment gardening offers a cost-effective way of putting food on the table. If managed properly, an allotment can produce enough food to supplement a family’s weekly shop with fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year.
Allotment gardeners can choose to garden organically and avoid ingesting chemicals that are likely to be present on shop bought fruit and vegetables. People who have allotments are also more likely to get their five-a-day fruit and vegetables than people who don’t grow their own food.
Being able to grow your own tasty produce and provide for yourself, your family and your community promotes a great sense of fulfilment. The satisfaction of eating something you’ve grown yourself is hard to beat as well as knowing exactly what you’re eating, where it’s come from and how long it’s travelled!
New Residents’ Hubs launched
As part of our drive to transform customer services, we want to make sure our residents can reach us in a method that best suits their needs, whether that is by phone, face to face or online.
We have therefore opened a new Residents’ Hub at Cubitt Town Library on the Isle of Dogs so those who want to speak to us face to face can. Two more hubs will follow at Idea Store Chrisp Street and Idea Store Bow over the next couple of weeks.
Read more >
University College London is running a new study called ENHANCE. It’s about helping older people with their brain health. We can improve our brain health by making simple changes to our everyday lives, such as exercising more or following a healthy diet.
The ENHANCE team want to make a fun and easy-to-use mobile app to help people make these positive lifestyle changes. We are looking for people over 50 to provide feedback on how to develop this app. This will involve some focus groups or interview sessions. You will be reimbursed with a £20 voucher as a thank you for your time. If you want to take part, email enhance@ucl.ac.uk for more information or let your group facilitator know you’re interested. Thank you!
Workshop on 16th August @ Carers Centre – 11am to 1pm
We want your fresh take on how to communicate
Be a part of the change you want to see in the world by taking part in our next workshop to shape our exciting I Can Be … campaign, which aims to see more residents from the Black, Asian and Multi-Ethnic community become leaders.
Ahead of the launch of the campaign later this year, we want to find out how you would like to be communicated with and which channels work best for different groups.
We are holding a women’s only workshop on Monday 31 July at The Limehouse Project, Commercial Road from 12.30pm. A free lunch will be provided.
Share your views >
Hundreds of older people missing out on benefits
Pension Credit worth more than £1.5million is going unclaimed in Tower Hamlets, which could provide vital help for older people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Our data has revealed 448 low-income households are missing out on the benefit, which is worth on average over £3,500 per year and it can open doors to other benefits such as support with housing costs, Council Tax and heating bills.
We will be holding a drop-in benefit check session on Thursday 27 July at the Residents’ Hub based at the Town Hall in Whitechapel from 10am till noon.
Don’t miss out >
Carers of People with Dementia Peer Support Group
Wednesday 30th August @ 10am to 11am – Hybrid via zoom or in person
This monthly peer support group aims to help carers network, support each other, learn caring tips, and share knowledge, it is your group, and you have a say in how is runs.
Bengali Dementia Carers Group
Wednesday 30th August @ 11 to 1pm – at the Carers Centre
This new peer support group has been coproduced and developed with Bengali carers of loved ones with Dementia and will be a monthly group for carers to support each other, learn to manage their caring role, you will be able to bring the person you care for, and activities will include gardening and Islamic Art classes.
Dementia Carers Drop In
Wednesday 30th August @ 12pm to 1.30pm
We have a new drop in with an English-speaking worker also a Chinese speaking Admiral Nurse/Dementia specialist, but the drop in is for all carers of someone with Dementia so come along and you will be able to ask any questions about Dementia, resources, and local support services.
Why not join this group……..
Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.
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
How much is alcohol costing you?
This year’s theme for Alcohol Awareness Week is cost. Alcohol can have more than a financial impact as it can affect relationships, families and health.
You can take the confidential two-minute Alcohol Test which will tell you your risk levels and signpost you to additional support if needed
If you’re concerned about your drinking or someone’s alcohol use, we offer free treatment and support through our Reset service for Tower Hamlets residents aged 18 or over.
Get help >
Help for Households Gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.
This is the link to find local councillors. You put you postcode in to find local councillor. They can deal with any housing issue if the carer/cared for is council tenant. They can also help if the carer lives in privately rented property and issue is disrepair.
Exciting Opportunity for Carers: Participate in Co-Production Sessions for a Physical Activity Pilot Intervention!
We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity for carers within Tower Hamlets! Rethink Mental Illness, in collaboration with the Carers Centre and with support from Sport England, is embarking on a project to explore and address the barriers faced by carers of individuals living with severe mental illness, or severely affected by other mental health conditions in being more physically active. We also welcome carers who have caring responsibilities for people with non-mental health conditions, but have personal experience of a mental illness themselves. The project aims to develop a pilot intervention for physical activity, ensuring it is tailored to the specific needs and expectations of carers.
We invite carers to participate in a series of co-production sessions, where your invaluable insights and experiences will directly contribute to designing physical activities that are appropriate and accessible for carers. By actively involving carers in the creation process, we aim to develop an intervention that truly resonates with your needs.
At Rethink Mental Illness we highly value the expertise of people with lived experience and the role that they can play in developing services. We are therefore able to offer payment for participation in this project. This would consist of a payment of £50 for each two hour session attended. We kindly request that participants commit to attending all the sessions, which may take place tentatively once a month during August/September, with subsequent sessions in October, November and December. This is an incredible opportunity to make a meaningful difference and shape an intervention that will positively impact the lives of carers in our community.
Don’t miss out on this chance to be involved! If you are interested or would like more information, please fill in this expression of interest form https://forms.office.com/e/gkHgvV5mCA or contact Tony Collins at the Carer’s Centre. Together, let’s empower carers and promote better physical health and well-being for all!
Food Banks Information
What you need to know
With the cost of living crisis affecting communities nationwide, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have shared information on accessing your local FOOD Stores and tips on managing your food bills.
Tower Hamlets FOOD Stores
A number of FOOD stores have been set up across the borough, supporting those who are finding it difficult to afford enough food for themselves or their families.
At these FOOD stores, you are able to pick up food valued at £25-£35 in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, support is provided in other areas that you might need help with. This includes help with issues around
- housing
- benefits access
- employment and more.
To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.
Foodbanks
There are a number of food aid organisations available to help you in Tower Hamlets if you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family. Scroll down to see where your closest branch is located. Different food aid services will offer different support.
Types
- Open Access – A food bank that anyone can go to for food.
- Limited Access/referral only – A Food bank that needs someone to refer you into the service. Please contact the organisation for more details.
- School food provision – A food bank or food aid service that specifically works with students and parents who attend the school.
- Hot meals service/Hostel – Provides hot meals or pre-made goods to residents.
Underwood Road Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: 020 7247 7833 or email underwoodroad@rcdow.org.uk from Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm)
Ensign Youth Club – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 10am – 1pm
Wellclose Sq, E1 8HY
Contact: info@ensign.org.uk
Hague Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Hague primary school, E2 0BP and E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Stewart Headlam Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Tapp St, London, E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Wellington Primary School – Food bank (limited access/by referral only)
School food provision (Pupils and families only)
Opening times: Tuesday 2 – 3pm
Wellington Way, Bow, E3 4NE
Contact: admin@wellington.towerhamlets.sch.uk
St Elizabeth Pop Up Kitchen – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: 3.40 – 5pm
St Elizabeth Primary School, entrance on Waterloo Gardens, E2 9JY
For more information please visit St Elizabeth School website / Caritas Twitter page.
Bygrove School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only)
Bygrove street, E14 6DN
For more information please visit the Bygrove School website.
Langdon Park School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Bright Street, London, E14 0RZ
For more information please ask at the school office.
Dorset Community Food Hub – (Open Access – Hot meals service)
Opening times: Thursday
Ground floor, former Dorset library, E2 8QX
For more information please visit the Dorset Community website.
Olga Primary School Foodbank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 3.20 – 3.45pm
Olga Primary School, E3 5DN
Contact: 020 8981 7127
Edward Gibbons House – (Hostel)
Opening times: 24 hours
1 Parmiter St, E2 9NG
For more information please visit Providence Row website.
Globe Primary School – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 12 – 3.15pm
Globe Primary School, E2 0JH
For more information please visit Globe Primary School website.
Food for Aldgate – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Friday 1 – 3pm
Tonybee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6AB
Contact: Paul.wilson@eastendhomes.net or Twitter @FoodForAldgate.
Womens Inclusive Team – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Appointment provided after referral
Mayfield House 202 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9LJ
Contact: 07415 372 664 or email shakilaa@wit.org.uk.
William Davis Food Bank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 2 – 3pm
William Davis School, E2 6ET
Contact: 020 7739 1511
Bow Food Bank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Monday 8am – 12.30pm
Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT
For more information please visit the Bow Food Bank website.
Bethnal Green Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Wednesday 2 – 7pm
Raines Foundations School, Approach road, E2 9LY
For more information please visit Bow Food Bank website.
Bow Muslim Cultural Centre – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 11am – 3pm
246 Bow Road London, E3 3AP
Contact: info@bowcentralmosque.co.uk
SACC Food Bank – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: braziliancp@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7247 7833.
Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.
| 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, 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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