Hello Everyone

What an amazing day we had yesterday.  We had our first trip to the Tower of London and what a success.  thank you to the staff who made us feel so welcome, thank you to the carers who attend what a great bunch you are, and I look foirward to further trips in 2022.

Next Week’s Activities

REMINDER – YOU CAN CHECK THE CCTH CALENDAR – NOVEMBER Activities being posted soon..

If you want to know what activities are on each day at the centre then check out the CCTH Calendar – https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/?cid=mc-03c4653fb809aa02e303ae7a3bb5520a&month=9&yr=2021

Then email me tony@cth.org.uk to book your place.

We Need You …..

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chair to lead the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets through its next chapter of development and growth.The Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets works to enrich the lives of unpaid carers across Tower Hamlets and beyond. We ensure that unpaid carers can access the resources they need to carry out their caring role and we help them to enjoy a life beyond caring. We offer a holistic range of services, from information, advice and advocacy around statutory support available, to training, therapeutic and social activities that give carers much needed connection and respite.

Last year we supported 1,600 carers to have the right information, necessary resources and key skills to enable them to have the confidence to effectively undertake their important caring role.

The role and contribution of unpaid carers in society has never been more visible or important. An estimated 25,000 people in Tower Hamlets provide unpaid care for a friend, relative or partner with health issues and collectively our unpaid carers make a huge contrition to the community and society.

This is an exciting phase for the Carers’ Centre as we launch a new strategy and look to expand our reach, networks and resources. We are looking for a compassionate Chair with the experience to lead us through this period of growth and to provide strong strategic direction and support, alongside a committed Board of Trustees.

The Chair’s commitment will be approximately 6 – 8 hours per month. It is a rewarding voluntary position that will provide the successful candidate with interest, challenge and fulfilment. If you are looking to invest your skills and experience in a charity that tangibly makes a positive difference to individuals’ lives, and which is an essential part of the community in Tower Hamlets, then we would love to hear from you.

Closing date for applications is 31 January 2022. For more information and how to apply, please visit the opportunity being advertised on Reach Volunteering.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact the Chief Executive Graham Collins at graham@ccth.org.uk or phone on 020 7791 5561.

The Carers Centre is recruiting new trustees. As a Trustee, you will contribute to the direction of the Carers Centre and ensure its services are having a positive impact on carers in Tower Hamlets. Working closely with the Chief Executive you will set the direction of the organisation and make key decisions on how the charity operates to meets its goals.

Being a Trustee is a great way to enhance your development goals while making a difference to a cause that is meaningful to you. It allows you to develop new skills or apply existing skills to new real-life situations, meet new people and network—all whilst bringing a sense of fulfilment to yourself and those you are helping.

We have a skilled and experienced Board of Trustees but recognise we need to broaden our knowledge of income generation, organisational development and digital communications. We are therefore seeking motivated and committed individuals to join our Board.

If you have recent working knowledge in this area and are interested in making a positive difference for carers and their families in Tower Hamlets then we would like to hear from you.

It is important to us that our Board reflects the diversity of the carers we serve.  We welcome applicants from all sections of our community irrespective of age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances.

Timescales and Fees

It is expected that fulfilling the role of Trustee will require the equivalent of approximately 8 days per year.

The role of Trustee of the Carers Centre is voluntary, although reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed according to the rates agreed by the Board.

Closing date for applications is 31 January 2022. For more information and how to apply, please visit the opportunity being advertised on Reach Volunteering.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact the Chief Executive Graham Collins at graham@ccth.org.uk or phone on 020 7791 5561.

Booster vaccine rolled out to all over-18s

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has updated its guidance in response to the Omicron variant of concern.

• All over-18s in the UK will now be offered a booster vaccine, three months after their second dose. The booster will be offered in order of descending age groups, with priority given to the vaccination of older adults and those in a Covid-19 at-risk group.
• 12-15-year-olds are now eligible for a second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, three months after their first.
• People with extremely weak immune systems who were invited for a third dose will now be offered a fourth dose, three months after their third dose.

Vaccination offers the best protection

Covid-19 rates in Tower Hamlets are high. More than 8 out of 10 patients seriously ill in hospital with Covid-19 aren’t fully vaccinated.

Anyone aged 12 or over can book first and, if you are eligible, second or booster jabs online. Visit our website to find your nearest vaccination site.

Book a vaccination >

What to do when you can’t cope with caring for a relative

Working in the care sector can have its ups and downs. However, there’s no denying that it’s one of the most rewarding jobs you can ever do. This is especially true if you can combine care and empathy with the ability to adapt and respond to a range of challenging situations as they arise.

However, what about the estimated 7% of the population who provide care not as their chosen career, but out of love (and all too often necessity) for a vulnerable or elderly relative? Taking on such a huge burden can have a very real detrimental impact on an unpaid carer’s mental and physical wellbeing. Accordingly, it’s not at all uncommon for unpaid carers to find themselves overwhelmed and unable to cope.

If you find yourself in that situation, read on for some help and guidance on how best to deal with things for the benefit of your patient and you.

Coping with your emotions as well as theirs

Professional carers often have access to a wide range of training and support systems, helping them to recognise and understand a patient’s emotions and needs, and ultimately how best to respond to them.

While an unpaid carer might know their patient extremely well, that’s not the same as being able to recognise and respond appropriately to their emotional needs. This is especially true with a patient whose condition may be deteriorating, leading them to experience a whole range of negative depressive thoughts, which might be completely out of character and hard for an unpaid carer who’s not used to seeing them that way.

Ultimately, dealing with a range of emotions day in day out can quickly become a little overwhelming for carers. It’s not uncommon for carers to suffer from:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Grief
• Frustration or anger

That’s why it’s so important that unpaid carers remember to look out for their own mental wellbeing. Try to maintain friendships and relationships with other family members, talk to them about how you’re feeling and ultimately, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, speak to your GP for further guidance and advice.

Don’t beat yourself up

Nobody’s perfect and no-one is a saint. It’s absolutely normal to feel overwhelmed by the task of caring for someone – it’s a huge responsibility and one that unpaid carers often don’t feel ready and/or qualified for.

If that’s you, don’t beat yourself up – it’s perfectly normal to feel that way. Just remember, nobody’s expecting you to fill the role of a full-time professional carer. Imposter syndrome and feeling like you’re not up to it/good enough are all too common.

Try to branch out and meet people in a similar situation to you through support groups and networks. You’ll likely find that simply speaking to those in the same position as you will ease your concerns and make you see that it’s perfectly normal to feel that way.

Ask for and accept help

If you haven’t already, be sure to complete a Carer’s Assessment. This helps the local authority decide how best to help you, by ensuring you get the help and support you need in your role as a carer.

If the person you’re caring for has other family or friends, reach out to them to see how you can all work together to share some of the load. While you might be the primary carer, just having an extra helping hand once or twice a week, to give you a rest, can make all the difference.

Out with support from the local authority and other friends and family, consider reaching out to local live-in care or domiciliary care providers to see if they can offer solutions that would work for your particular circumstances.

Take care of your health and wellbeing

It might sound obvious, but it’s something that so many of us overlook and it’s particularly important for unpaid carers who deal with huge stresses and strains on a daily basis.

Be sure to:

• Get enough rest and sleep
• Eat healthily. Resist the temptation for sugary snacks and drinks
• Exercise regularly throughout the week. It doesn’t have to mean going to the gym, any form of physical activity helps – even something as simple as going for more walks and cutting down on using your car for shorter journeys
• Consider learning relaxation and mindfulness techniques – your mental health and wellbeing is just as important as your physical wellbeing

Canary Wharf Jobs Fair, Thursday 9 December – save the date!

• Over 200 potential vacancies available
• Talk to over 40 employers to find out about job opportunities, training and upskilling
• Free courses available
• Get advice and support on perfecting your CV

We’ll be joined on the day by a number of leading employers including Pret A Manger, Marugame Udon, Caravan Restaurants with many more still to be announced. There will also be an opportunity to talk to Kickstart Scheme employers about available vacancies.

Register now >

We have a series of Digital Skills training for Registered Carers – 7th & 14th December

If you want to learn more we have an 8 week course for beginners who want to have a better grasp on Apps, Emails and much, much more..

Carer Physical & Mental Wellbeing – Every Monday at 10am…

As part of ongoing carer wellbeing programme we will be starting a new weekly physical movement session every Monday from 8th November 10am to 11am, so if you want to come and have some physical activity and remember it is also good for better mental health.

This will be followed by

Did You Know we have a weekly Shared Reading Group?

How does it work?

A group of carers, one of them a trained Reader Leader, reads a great novel, short story or poem aloud. We stop and talk about what we have read. There is no need for carers to read aloud or speak – it’s fine to just listen. The idea is to create a space where people feel at ease.

Reading the literature aloud in real-time, means that everyone is involved in a shared, live experience. Carers are encouraged by the Reader Leader to respond personally, sharing feelings, thoughts and memories provoked by the reading.

Everyone experiences the text in their own way, but the literature provides a shared language that can help us to understand ourselves – and others – better.

It can even help with your ESOL needs.

If this is for you then email tony@ccth.org.uk

Suicide Prevention Consultation

We are currently drafting the Tower Hamlets Suicide Prevention Strategy for 2022-2025, in partnership with a multi-agency suicide prevention steering group. Aligning with the national strategy, the overall aims of this strategy are to:

1. Reduce the rates of suicide and self-harm, and
2. Establish supportive environments for people affected by suicide.

The strategy focuses on seven priority areas, how to address local gaps and build on pre-existing activities over the next three years.

Learn more and share your views >

The ULEZ charges come into effect today, there is a grace period until 2025 for people who claim Vehicle tax exemption, you can apply for exemption from paying vehicle tax if you get the:

• higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
• enhanced rate mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
• higher rate mobility component of Child Disability Payment
• War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement
• Armed Forces Independence Payment

The vehicle must be registered in the disabled person’s name or their nominated driver’s name.

It must only be used for the disabled person’s personal needs. It cannot be used by the nominated driver for their own personal use.

You can only have one vehicle tax exemption at any one time. For more information see here https://www.gov.uk/financial-help-disabled/vehicles-and-transport

For more information about ULEZ exemptions see here https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/discounts-and-exemptions#on-this-page-0

Don’t Forget to get your Flu Jab

I had mine last week and I am so glad I did, it was painless, no side effects and I feel better mentally equiped for the winter…

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 neighborhood 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 neighbor’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-Defense Class

When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favor. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defense 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-defense. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defense 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.

REMINDER TO CARERS

If you still need PPE for you and your loved one then Tower Hamlets are still providing PPE for Carers.

Collection and delivery is on Wednesday only from Mulberry Place, 5 Clove Crescent, E14 2BG. Carers can call or email Ayeda directly 0n 07366977103 or ayeda@ccth.org.uk to order.

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