29th January 2021

So this weekend the first month of 2021 ends, and next week we start February.  Do you think time is flying by or is dragging for some of you?  I would love to know as I always request, we love hearing stories about you and your caring role, photos from your walks and anything interesting or funny.  Don’t forget to check your emails for February’s Newsletter.

We now have a Creative Writing group which meets every two weeks if you fancy joining us to flex your creative muscles?

Any of the workshops and sessions advertised, you can always get in touch with me if you want to know more tony@ccth.org.uk

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Activity News

Hey Carers

We have a new activity with limited places, Age Exchange – Boxes of Joy which gives everyone the opportunity to be creative, stay active and have fun – whether that be through visual art, crafts, games, song, or movement – this is very important to our partners and their work at Age Exchange.

Book early to avoid disappointment.

Health & Wellbeing:

Shared Reading for Carers Group – Mondays @ 11am to 12noon

The Happy Place – Reminiscence and Creative Arts – Wednesdays @ 2pm to 3.15pm – Starting 17th February.

Stretching & Self Massage with Casey – Thursdays @ 1pm to 2pm

Shadow Boxing & Mindfulness – Fridays @ 11am to 12 noon

 Peer Support Groups:

The Tuesday Social Club – Tuesdays @ 2pm to 3.30pm

Carers Forum – Tuesday 9th February @ 2pm to 3.30pm

Renal Carers Support Group – Tuesday 9th February 11am to 12noon

Young Carers Support Group – Fridays 5.30pm to 7.30pm

Caring Role workshops:

Carers Managing their Mental Health – with Talking Therapies Monday 8th February 2pm to 3.30pm

New Carer Induction Workshop – Wednesday 10th February 1pm to 2pm

What is Diabetes? with Diabetes UK – Monday 22nd February 2pm to 3pm

Creative Writing Group – Every other Friday 12th & 26th February 2pm to 3pm

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Vaccine News & Updates

Hear from local GPs about the Covid-19 vaccine

This week, local GPs, vaccinators, and prescribers at our Cable Street vaccine centre spoke to us about why everyone has a duty to protect themselves by taking up the offer of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Listen to how the vaccine is safe, effective and our best protection against Covid-19. So please remember, take up the offer of vaccination and keep Tower Hamlets safe.

Local hero receives Covid-19 vaccine

Dabirul Choudhury is the latest among thousands of residents to receive his first Covid-19 vaccine. The 101-year-old made headlines last year when he took on the challenge of walking 100 laps of his garden while he was fasting for Ramadan. His incredible efforts saw him fundraise more than £229,000 for coronavirus charities.

Mr Choudhury is now encouraging everyone to take up the vaccine when they are offered it by the NHS. So far, over 9,000 in Tower Hamlets have been vaccinated, including residents and staff in older people’s care homes, people who are 80 and over, and frontline health and social care workers.

You will be contacted by the NHS when it is your turn to get the Covid-19 vaccine, but in the meantime, be ready and find out about the vaccine.

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Vaccines for those 80 and over

The NHS is inviting everyone who is currently eligible for vaccination to book their appointment.

If you are 80 or over and have not heard about getting vaccinated, you should now speak to your GP.

The vaccine is safe and effective.

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Give HIV the finger and stay safe

National HIV Testing Week runs from Monday 1 to Sunday 7 February to encourage people to take a test at least once a year as part of their routine sexual health checks.

Testing regularly means that you’re more likely to be diagnosed earlier, and in turn start treatment earlier to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Those who live, work or study in East London can do a free and confidential test at home, provided by Positive East. You can find out your HIV status from the comfort of your own home and be coached on how to use it with the support of the team on the phone.

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Important Numbers:

Unpaid carers can still access FREE PPE supplies. If you would like to receive PPE, Please contact the Carers Centre on 0207 790 1765 or Ayeda directly.

Domestic Violence Duty Line:  020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support:  020 7364 2448/7957

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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 Academy Manager