Hello Everyone – Enjoy the positives as they happen.

I am writing today to highlight how a positive experience can have a profound affect your wellbeing.  So, Saturday I got ready as usual, Got the dog ready and my partner (he really does not need my help LOL), and off we went o visit Mum at the nursing home and we had such a wonderful time, Mum was on point, funny, loving and very much her old self.

The week before we discussed and she remembered how we would just the two of us have a drive and stop off for a scotch egg, sit in car, put the world to rights, she would moan about Dad LOL,  I would moan about my brother and we used to just get things off our chests, we would go home and another day was another day.

I got my Mum a scotch egg, took some salt and pepper and she was over the moon.  We sorted out her room, as her life has become so much smaller and she has become quite OCD about how things should be and they cannot be a centimetre out.

I really enjoyed my time with my Mum, so did my partner and Albus loves his Nanny.

On my way to visit Dad, popped to the local shops and bumped into my Sister, we did our shopping together, caught up and exchanged information on how we are developing our united front and giving consistent support to both parents.

Dad unfortunately is not doing so well but is a little better since his hospital discharge but has a long way to go.  I am continuing to advocate for my Dad with the hospital and we are pursing a complaint and possible compensation, they have shortened his life and it was unnecessary.   However, he was on form, he does wind everyone up with his Dad jokes and sense of humour but I see that as a win and a positive.

So all in all a good weekend and there has not been many of them lately.   I am taking leave this Friday, so there will not be a blog then but I will be back on Monday .  I am taking leave to do my visit to Mum as I am busy with the village Scarecrow and Apple day.  I am showing you a little poster as this day does exist LOL

So have a positive and lovely week, look after yourselves, so you can care for others.

---

 

This Wednesday at 1.30pm to 2.30pm, I would really like carers to get behind this activity and come and join as this month we have been gifted a wonderful series of African Dance lessons resulting in a final show to celebrate Black History Month 2022.  A former carer called Patrice, as a thank you to the Carers Centre for the support we provided, is providing this wonderful opportunity for carers to come learn dance, celebrate Black History, and have an opportunity for us all to connect with each other and reinforce the incredible diversity we have in the world of caring and carers.

The dance classes are for all abilities, you can even do it sitting down.

I would like to personally say thank you to Patrice and I encourage carers to come and learn something new, get involved and the final show is for all carers and their families to attend.

What a wonderful wellbeing opportunity this is, and I hope to see some amazing dancing, you might even get me up and moving.

---

 

Mental health: this is why you feel more anxious when you’re fighting a cold.

Can catching a cold really take its toll on your mental health? We asked an expert to explain why you feel more anxious when you’re under the weather.

Check out link to article – https://www.stylist.co.uk/health/mental-health/anxiety-when-sick-ill-cold-flu/586996

---

When you’re feeling low and uninspired, these simple self-care tips are guaranteed to give you a boost.

Fed up? Struggling to get out of bed? Writer Faima Bakar explores how we can navigate the generally miserable atmosphere right now – by concentrating on our own wellbeing.

Check out this link for ideas to help lift your mood as the nights and mornings are darker – https://www.stylist.co.uk/fitness-health/wellbeing/low-mood-tips-self-care/712844

---

 

Crisis: What Crisis? 

Useful information for Tower Hamlets disabled residents

The objective of this information sheet [attached] is to give you help and advice with regards dealing with the current Cost of Living crisis

The Disabled community has been disproportionately impacted on by this crisis and we hope to alleviate the worst impacts of this as much as possible

 We hope to put out a number of these bulletins at regular intervals

Each one will deal with a new, related topic and will include previous information that will be reviewed and constantly updated where applicable.

What’s in Bulletin #1

 In this first edition, we attempt to dispel some of the confusion around the various Government grants that are currently being made available to help with the financial crisis, many specifically aimed at energy costs

Please let us know if this information has been useful to you [or not!]. That way we can continue developing our bulletins in a way that is helpful and accessible to you

If you require the booklet please email tony@ccth.org.uk for your copy 

---

The Carers Trust needs you!!!!!

A new Social care review is coming out on 18 October. This new survey  contains some hard hitting information about how unpaid carers are being pushed into poverty because of the cost of living crisis. (1 in 7 using food banks.)  Is there any carer wishing to chat to a Carers Trust reporter to tell your story?

Your Carers Trust team urgently need case studies to illustrate it.  They are looking at ideas for people who are using a food bank and/or have been forced to give up work to care for someone. Young adult and adult carers will probably be best as they are likely to have had to take complete responsibility for this tough time.  Anyone who is prepared to discuss this will need to be happy to be filmed in their own home.  The Carers Trust would of course give you as much support as they possibly can.

The Carers Trust realise how sensitive many people will feel about revealing a need to visit food banks. It is a tricky subject and if anyone is prepared to discuss it they would be careful to write up what you say – and check it with extra caution.

The Carers Wellbeing Academy would support carers to be sure that carers wellbeing is paramount.

If interested email tony@ccth.org.uk

---

Photography Course for Carers – few places remaining.

Due to popular demand, we are having another Photography course with our wonderful artistic partner CREATE.

It is a nine-week course starting on Thursday 13^th October and we will be learning techniques for better photography, exploring local places and taking pictures and we end with an exhibition of your work where you will be able to invite family.

We are also going to Kensington Palace to the Royal Photography Exhibition on Thursday 6^th October as a learning trip for carers signing up for the photography course.

Email tony@ccth.org.uk for a place as they are limited

---

Advanced Care Planning

Due to the interesting and successful presentation from the Community Health Services Tower Hamlets at recent Carers Forum, carers requested a further workshop with more detail on Advanced Care Planning.

Advance care planning offers people the opportunity to plan their future care and support, including medical treatment, while they have the capacity to do so.

Not everyone will want to make an advance care plan, but it may be especially relevant for:

• People at risk of losing mental capacity – for example, through progressive illness.
• People whose mental capacity varies at different times – for example, through mental illness.

Tuesday 11^th October – 2pm to 3pm

Email Audrey@cth.org.uk to reserve your place

---

Creative Writing Workshop

Tuesday 18^th October @ 11am to 1pm

Are you a budding writing? Could you be the new Tolkien?

We are having a workshop on creative writing with a writer from Macmillan who is going to explore writing as a form of therapy and how writing can help with imagination, mental and emotional respite. If this is for you then please reserve your place.

---

---

---

 

---

---

Stoptober is back!

Local stop smoking advisors were on hand at Whitechapel Idea Store this past Tuesday, 27 September launching our Stoptober campaign. Our free local stop smoking service provides friendly advice on the best ways to quit, along with free nicotine replacement therapy such as e-cigarettes, vapes, gum or lozenges.

Start your quitting journey today with Quit Right Tower Hamlets on 020 7882 8230, or book an appointment.

Book now >

---

Apply for help with winter fuel costs

Residents living in cold, poorly insulated homes can apply for grants worth up to £25,000 to make their homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

The grants between £5,000 and £25,000 are available from the Mayor of London’s £43million Warmer Homes programme.

Read more >

---

 

 

 

Tower Hamlets Connect/Adult Social Care : 0300 303 6070

---

 

---

When you have some minutes spare, you want to stay cool and listen to my soothing voice….

Listen to the Carers Ignite PODCAST – New One Coming Soon 

Why not listen to The Carers Centre Podcast –  This is our first podcast and we are pleased with it.  A couple of carers approached me to ask if we could broaden our social media and develop a podcast for carers, made by carers and supported by the centre.  We approached Graham our Chief Exec and he was all for it and gave the green light and thanks to Chandrika and her producer skills and the wonderful Lloyd who is the co-host with myself we developed our first podcast.

We discuss being a male carer, barriers to men seeking support, carers wellbeing while having a laugh and fun.  We will be producing further podcasts and welcome stories/themes and guests to email me tony@ccth.org.uk

https://ccth.org.uk/new/information/carers-ignite/ 

---

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, 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-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.

---