Hello Everyone – Even carers need superheroes

So, as I mentioned last week my sister had Covid, I did what I said I would and ran around all weekend looking after everyone.

Anyway in the meantime my Dad had another fall, was on the floor for four hours and when the ambulance crew eventually came they deemed he had full capacity and off they popped.  My Dad has been confused, got Covid and has had a really bad week.  My sister found my Dad on the floor yesterday morning, he had been there all night, she donned her PPE (forever, the experienced careworker) and called the ambulance, gave them what for and my Dad was admitted into hospital yesterday morning.

She rang me yesterday afternoon to say that he had another stroke, a brain bleed and his heart was failing.  He is fragile and ICU and being isolated due to his Covid and conditions, we turned up with a bag, his teeth and off we went but I wanted to say my little Sister is my superhero, she really is amazing.  I was a mess and she took charge, she did what was needed and I love her.

When I left home at 19, she was only 11 and for many years I found it hard to see her as an adult, she’s my baby sister but I realised she is a formidable and accomplished woman.  I have mentioned before she has had a difficult life, she had childhood Leukaemia, a crap husband and a partnered that died suddenly but through all this she has cared for others as a paid worker for over 25 years, everyone of her clients loves her, their families and she has even nursed some of my old school friends parents and siblings.

We are waiting to hear about Dad so, fingers crossed he’ll get better but we are now arguing with the hospital about discharge and what is best for him – I think I will be consulting with Ayeda because she knows best.

Keep your loved ones close, have a lovely peaceful weekend and don’t get wet …

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.

---

April Fools’ Day—occurring on April 1 each year—has been celebrated for several centuries by different cultures, though its exact origins remain a mystery. April Fools’ Day traditions include playing hoaxes or practical jokes on others, often yelling “April Fools!” at the end to clue in the subject of the April Fools’ Day prank. While its exact history is shrouded in mystery, the embrace of April Fools’ Day jokes by the media and major brands has ensured the unofficial.

Origins of April Fools’ Day

Some historians speculate that April Fools’ Day dates back to 1582, when France switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar, as called for by the Council of Trent in 1563. In the Julian Calendar, as in the Hindu calendar, the new year began with the spring equinox around April 1.

People who were slow to get the news or failed to recognize that the start of the new year had moved to January 1 and continued to celebrate it during the last week of March through April 1 became the butt of jokes and hoaxes and were called “April fools.” These pranks included having paper fish placed on their backs and being referred to as “poisson d’avril” (April fish), said to symbolize a young, easily caught fish and a gullible person.

---

Don’t forget and Important News ..

I have some important news to tell you – As from April 2023 The Wellbeing Academy is pausing the massage therapies, housing advice surgeries due to reduced funding in the new financial year, I am sorry about this but myself and Graham are looking at possible funding opportunities to re-start in the future.

However, there will be new activities, groups and workshops coming up such as the Champion Training which will lead to new projects, cookery, first aid, swimming.

Open University Study Group (great to see new carers joining) – do you want to learn something new, start a new hobby or just be in a learning group.  You can take your time, fit it around your caring role and have fun.

Yoga for Carers – Wednesdays @ 2.30pm to 4pm and just drop in at the London Buddhist Centre 

---

New – Bengali Dementia Carers Group – Launch 26th April 12 noon  to 1pm

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, we would love to see you at the launch on 26^th April at 12 noon to 1pm to celebrate Eid with some Mishti.

 

The Art of Islamic Pattern – Bow E3

Is going to provide an art class for carers to learn the wonders and beauty of this incredible art form.  You will have the chance to learn the history, how to design and understand the patterns and just have with other carers.

Saturday 22nd April – 2pm to 4.30pm and to reserve your place please email: tony@ccth.org.uk

 

Why not join this group……..

 

---

---

Don’t forget that if anything happens, use the numbers below and if it is an emergency dial 999.

 

 

 

Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

---

Hop into Easter fun with free activities

Parents, looking for fun Easter-themed activities for your children during the school break? Join us for free adventures, athletics at Mile End Stadium, window box bulb planting, an Easter-themed sticker hunt at Victoria Park, and more.

Unforgettable experiences await you and your family. Come and have an eggs-citing Easter break with us!

What’s on >

---

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.

---

Next Week’s Activities – check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/

 

---

 

Carers can now sign up for Carers Active April 2023

 

Participating carers will be supported and encouraged to take part in any physical activity that works for them, whether that’s walking, jogging, yoga or simple exercises around the home and garden. By signing up to Carers Active April, they’ll receive:

• A Carers Active April kickstarter pack (quantities are limited, so encourage carers to sign up soon so they don’t miss out!)
• The opportunity to take part in our Move Into Spring movement challenge, running throughout April.
• An invitation to our free virtual Healthathon event on 29 April.
• Weekly online physical activity sessions throughout April.
• Helpful ideas, tips and links during the month.

 

---

 

Play your part in making Tower Hamlets a ‘No Place for Hate’

Would you like to contribute to making Tower Hamlets ‘no place for hate’?

 Are you able to devote some time to helping us make ‘One Tower Hamlets’ a reality by tackling discrimination, hate crime and giving back to the community?

 We are recruiting our next group of No Place for Hate Champions.

 Successful applicants will undertake a FREE training programme that will equip you with the knowledge and facilitation skills needed to provide Hate Crime Awareness training and outreach.

In turn you would be required to deliver at least three hate crime activities such as outreach events or delivering training to those living or working in Tower Hamlets.

Training will take place over two days: (could be in person and or online).

 

• Wednesday 26 April 10.00am – 4.00pm

 

• Thursday 27 April 10.00am – 4.00pm

 

 

Please complete the attached application form and return to hatecrime@towerhamlets.gov.uk  Closing date is Friday 21st April 2023.

For more information contact Benedicta 020 7364 6105/6120.

---

When times are tough, it’s important that we look after our own and each other’s wellbeing

Getting Through This Together aims to encourage Londoners to strengthen their social networks with family members, friends, and trusted others in their community.

As we enter the spring, resilience to and dealing with the economic crisis and wider threats remains a key priority and challenge for public mental health.

Support the Getting Through This Together campaign today…

You can explore our Getting Through This Together campaign toolkit and use the assets across your own digital channels, and signpost to localised services or resources.

Download and use a range of Getting Through This Together printable posters.

Explore and share the #ThroughTogether stories (see below) which tell the story of how Londoners are supporting each other.

You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok share our content.

---

Wellbeing guides for parents, carers, teachers and children

We have teamed up with Good Thinking to produce two new guides that help Londoners to look out for other people who may be struggling with their mental health.

The two guides – one to help children and young people support their friends and another to help parents and carers support children they care for – sit within a wider range of resources from Good Thinking on supporting others.

The guides contain a series of practical tips and ideas on starting a conversation, which were developed by Thrive LDN in collaboration with pupils and teachers at St Mary’s RC Primary School, Wimbledon.

https://www.good-thinking.uk/articles/children-mental-health-week-2023-new-wellbeing-guides?utm_source=ActiveCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Your+latest+update+from+Thrive+LDN&utm_campaign=Thrive+LDN+newsletter+-+28%2F03%2F23&vgo_ee=6xuMO3k86goY7qmwgOyLnNraOwjlujgg72eEFberK68%3D%3AHZ42dAvPgNar2oGgOo2OyB6ZpwLoHseJ

---

We’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

Our Board of Trustees plays a very important role in our organisation shaping and supporting our current work and future direction. We want to make sure our Board reflects the voices and diversity of people in Tower Hamlets. 

Some of our most experienced Trustees retired recently and we are looking for both experienced Trustees and younger people to develop their leadership skills and experience as Trustees.

All trustees will receive a full induction and training, so you don’t have to be an expert to join the Board!

Interested but unsure? Join us at a drop-in information session this Thursday from 1-4 pm at our offices. You can join us whenever suits you and stay as long as you want. 

For more information and how to apply, please email hello@real.org.uk or call 020 7001 2170.

Closing date for applications is 12 April. 

---

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  

Make, register or end LPA 

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.

---