Hello Everyone – Sometimes you just have to make the effort ..

I woke on Saturday still feeling rough, my first thought was ring Mum and tell her I cannot come and see her and go back to sleep.

But, you know what I didn’t and I could not, so off we went and took the dog to the vets for his yearly check up and besides being slightly overweight he is in tip top condition.  Then we hot footed it to the nursing home and had a brilliant time, Mum was so pleased to see us (us being Phil, Albus the Dog and myself) and we had a really peaceful and productive time.

The Mini Christmas tree my sister and I got for my Mum turned out to be a gem and really brightened up Mum’s room, it was a tree that when you pulled it out of the box, it came with lights. baubles, ribbons and decorations and suits my Mum.

I always take Mum a custard tart and any other goodie I can find as well as what she has sked for.  So I really felt I had done the right thing and made the effort and these things really pay off both practically and emotionally as I felt lighter and knew that cancelling would of been the wrong thing to do.

So, I have not heard from anyone yet about their Christmas or Eid memories so far but I really would love you to send me some stories if possible.

How about another from me…

I told you last week about getting jumpers from my Nanna and what about this memory.  Has anyone ever tried to use their pet dog as a husky to pull your sledge when it snowed? Of course I did, so my lovely family pet dog ‘Miss Muffet’ (named by my sister), and she was a beautiful Welsh Springer Spaniel and she made a wonderful husky pully my sledge in the snow but of course not for long.  Of course I will not be trying this with my little corgi but below is a memory of the snow, sledge and Albus.

I am hoping that these stories inspire or jog wonderful memories and please come and share with me.

 

 

---

Don’t forget your physical wellbeing …  Weekly Ramble Group 12.30 to 1.30pm

 

---

 

 

---

Child due to start nursery or primary school in September?

The primary school application deadline is 15 January 2023, and the nursery school application deadline is 16 February 2023.

For free information and advice about the application process, pop along to one of our drop-in sessions. No booking is necessary, just turn up.

• 6 December, 10am – 12 noon – Isle of Dogs Children and Family Centre, Stebondale Street, E14 3BX 
• 13 December, 10am – 12 noon – Mowlem Children and Family Centre, Mowlem Street, E2 9DL 

Find out more >

---

Share your views on substance misuse

We are currently looking to understand more about the impact of drug and alcohol misuse within Tower Hamlets.

Please share your views and any concerns you have about the misuse of drugs and alcohol in our short survey.

Take survey >

---

East London Mosque Health Fair

Next Friday 9 December, 11am to 5pm, you are invited to attend the East London Mosque Health Fair.

This is an opportunity to speak to health and wellbeing champions as well as access free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. There will also be both Urdu and Bengali speakers there.

Flu and COVID-19 can be life-threatening and spread more easily in winter when we are crowded together inside. The best way to protect ourselves from these viruses is to get vaccinated. Other vaccine centres are also available by clicking the link below.

Vaccine sites >

---

---

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

---

 

 

What’s New …..

 

---

---

---

Don’t Forget to Get your Jabs – it makes sense to protect yourself so you can protect the person/s you care for……

 

---

---

 

The 50 + programme provides paid work experience and strives to remove barriers for long-term unemployed older residents which will allow them to gain access to the labour market. Additionally, participants will obtain necessary skills and confidence during work placements which is needed to overcome challenges upon returning to work.

The Open Day will take place on Wednesday 7th December 2022 at 10.30AM.

Location: Workpath, 55 Upper Bank Street, London, E14 5GR

This is a chance for candidates to meet employers and find out more information about the programme.

Key information:

• 6 months paid placement including mandatory training
• Salary: London Living Wage (£11.05ph)
• Full-time and Part Time opportunities
• Potential start date: Mid-February 2023

(Deadline to refer clients to the Open Day: Monday 28th November 2022)

Criteria:

• Must be over the age of 50
• Resident of Tower Hamlets
• Registered to Workpath (willing to register if not already)

How to refer your clients to the 50 Plus Open Day? Please email 50plus@towerhamlets.gov.uk with details of the resident and I will contact the resident

---

Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 December – Would you like to help us do some planting in the moat at the Tower of London?

 We are looking for a maximum of 10 volunteers on each day to help 3 members of the HRP Gardens team do some planting in the moat, as part of the Superbloom legacy project. Refreshments will be provided but please be aware that we shall be planting outside, and it is quite physical work. We will provide tools and gloves, but you will need to wear tough, suitable footwear and clothing.

To learn more and to register your interest in volunteering, please email Jatinder.Kailey@hrp.org.uk by Monday 5 December with the date you would like to volunteer on.

---

Six new FOOD Stores to tackle poverty 

Six new food pantries are being launched by Tower Hamlets Council to tackle poverty and support residents through the cost of living crisis.

In partnership with national charity Family Action, the FOOD Store project aims to provide affordable quality food.

Find out more >

---

Support on offer for energy bills

All households are eligible for a £400 energy discount as part of the Energy Bills Support Scheme. The does not need to be repaid and will be given in monthly instalments until March 2023. If you pay by direct debit or directly, you will receive these discounts automatically.

If you use a prepayment meter, vouchers will be issued instead. If you have not received your vouchers, contact your energy provider.

Some households can get £150 off their energy bills under the Warm Home Discount Scheme. You will need to check if you are eligible.

All residents in receipt of state pension will automatically receive a Winter Fuel Payment between £250 and £600 to help with heating costs.

Find out 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.

---