Hello Everyone – Carers Week 2023 – Recognition and Support
This years theme is Recognising and Supporting Carers – well personally I think recognition should be a national pastime for all carers and what we do, but it is great that we have a dedicated week at least to highlight and make people think about carers.
So as you might have seen we have an action packed week planned and make sure you come down and have some fun. We have everything from a more sedate mindfulness drop in at the Buddhist Centre, shared reading at the Carers centre to a lively wellbeing day.
My advice check out our calendar, see what suits you and come along.
See Below – Carers Week Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/calendar/
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 of People with Dementia Peer Support Group
Wednesday 28th June 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 28th June @ 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 28th June @ 1.30pm to 3pm
We have a new drop in with an English-speaking worker also a Chinese speaking Admiral Nurse/Dementia specialist, so come along and you will be able to ask any questions about Dementia, resources, and local support services.
Don’t forget and Important News ..
Why not join this group……..
Starting in June
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
Ask your MP to support carers this Carers Week
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This Carers Week, Carers UK and the other charities involved are calling for greater UK Government support for unpaid carers.
To raise awareness of Carers Week and our campaign, please click the button below and take a couple of minutes to write to your local MP to ask them to support our campaign for greater cross-Government action in support of carers.
We have provided a template letter and ask that you add your own personal experience of caring to this, before sending it. Please forward any response you receive from your MP to policy@carersuk.org so that we can follow up with them, if you are happy to do so. |
Click here – https://carersuk.e-activist.com/page/129142/action/1?ea.tracking.id=cuk-aff&utm_source=Carers%20UK&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=13954962_Carers%20Week%202023%20campaign%20launch%20to%20affiliates&dm_i=74C,8B3PU,W8A2O3,Y6II1,1
Carers Trust’s annual adult carers survey was launched last Friday and the Carer Involvement team would really appreciate it if you could undertake the survey and the link to the survey: Adult Carer Survey if as many carers as possible use their voices to which is so important in shaping the Carers Trust work.
You can find more information about the survey here on our website: https://carers.org/our-social-care-campaign/are-you-an-unpaid-carer-get-your-voice-heard
The London School of Osteopathy, a student training clinic in Bethnal Green. Our senior students have their final exams commencing the week of
5th June 2023 for 2 weeks. As a part of this we are looking for patients for our students to treat which will be free of charge, this will consist of an examination/treatment and also a follow up appointment.
If you do wish to continue with treatment after the first two sessions, they will be priced at £28 per session (unless the patient is eligible for concession rates).
If you are over the age of 18 and are experiencing any pain please call us on 0208 983 7133 to see if you are a suitable patient.
Please bear in mind that we will only be able to focus on pain from one area of the body
We will need approximately 2 hours of your time for the initial appointment, the follow up will be approximately 30 – 40 minutes.
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.
Limited free tickets for the Queen’s Reading Room festival!
Date: Saturday 11 June 2023, 10am-5pm; 6pm-9.30pm
Set in the stunning surrounds of Hampton Court Palace, The Queen’s Reading Room Festival on Sunday 11th June will be a literary event like no other.
The new festival from Her Majesty Queen Camilla’s charity gathers some of the world’s best authors, actors, experts and literature lovers for a day celebrating books.
Visitors can explore the Palace on literary themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King’s Men; wander the sumptuous gardens bursting with life in summer; listen to literature read by some of our country’s finest actors, and of course enjoy a range of shows from our speakers.
The offer
Our colleagues in the Events team have given us a limited number of free tickets for the Main Stage shows to offer to you, our CAS partners! Hurry – because when these limited tickets are gone, they’re gone! Please only book your place if you definitely intend to attend, and please feel free to share the discount code with any of your members who would like to attend.
How to redeem your free ticket
- Scroll down to see the Main Stage shows, and click on the “Claim Free Tickets” link under the image of the show you would like to attend.
- On the SEE tickets website, input the discount code: READINGROOM1001 and select your preferred seats (without leaving any single seats), then press “Add to Basket”
- Press “Continue or skip” on right hand side (unless you would like to pay for any add on shows)
- Press “Continue or skip” on right hand side (unless you would like to organise parking- please note that we are unable to provide free parking for this event)
- Press “Continue or skip” on right hand side (unless you would like to make a donation)
- Click “Checkout” and enter your details
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20:00 – 21:30, Main Stage Dame Judi Dench in conversation: William Shakespeare and friends |
11:00 – 12:00, Main Stage |
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13:30-14:30, Main Stage |
Remembering Dame Hilary Mantel; with the Royal Society of Literature |
16:00-17:00, Main Stage
How does it work?
Visitors who have tickets to one or more of our sessions will have access to the ground floor of Hampton Court Palace, including the Tudor Kitchen, Orangery and ornate Privy Gardens, the elegant formal gardens and can feast and sup like Kings and Queens in our food village on the lawns. Tickets are distributed via our ticket agent SEE Tickets. Palace open 10am-5pm; then 6pm-9.30pm. Anyone with tickets to both a daytime event and the evening show may enjoy the Palace gardens while we get the Palace ready for the evening show.
Tackling misogyny and sexual harassment
We’re calling on young men to help tackle misogyny in the night-time economy. This includes any activity associated with nightlife, such as pubs, bars or music events.
We are looking for men aged 18-30 to take part in a focus group on 5 June, to help inform a new public awareness campaign to reduce sexual harassment and misogyny. Participants will receive a £25 voucher to thank them for their time.
Sign up >
Unlock the secret world of Tower Hamlets’ gardens
London Open Gardens Weekend on 10 – 11 June will unlock the doors to some unique and hidden green spaces across Tower Hamlets not normally open to the public.
Gardens taking part in this year’s event include Approach Gardens, the multi-award-winning community food garden in Bethnal Green; Prospect Walk Allotments in Bethnal Green; and Cable Street Community Gardens in Shadwell.
They join a list of historic, traditional, contemporary and experimental gardens from across the capital. These include formal garden squares and rooftop terraces with commanding views of the city skyline, as well as community allotments and wildlife havens.
Book your visit >
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.
Rethink has been consulting with Carers from the centre and the team to look at Mental Illness and sport/physical activity as a means to help with wellbeing and they would like you to take part in their survey.
This is the link to the survey questionnaire for Tower Hamlets https://forms.office.com/e/BCR4WBW5Td
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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