Hello Everyone – Connecting with Strangers can do you the world of good.

I write today’s blog, very much emotionally raw.  Last night I popped into the hospital to see Mum, as she had been admitted the day before with a suspected urine infection, which we know is the bane of the elderly, carers and family who support, love and care for their elderly family and friends.

I was taken aback when I saw my little Mum in a ward with four other elderly women, in various degrees of ill health.  It seems she has not had a urine infection but another stroke, she was confused, frail and my heart burst.  Of course she recognised her hazel eyed boy, she said she will always do that but it was very hard to understand her and she wanted me to know things that she did not make sense of.

I popped to the nurses station to find out what was going on and promptly burst into tears, I have to admit I am devastated and annoyed with myself that I did not act professionally.  This is when another worker came over and picked me up and took me to a side room to talk.  He happened to b another gay man, who clocked me and just was there.  He chatted, reassured me, explained what tests Mum is having today, gave me a number to call and then made me laugh.  He said lovely things about my Mum and said something that made me stop in my tracks, he said she loves you and shed had been asking if someone had rang me to let me know she was poorly.  When I got back to Mum’s bed, I explained that because she had asked for me, that is why I am here.

The smile on her face will stay with me forever, combined with her other reason she smiled when I told her, I would bring Dad first thing Saturday morning.

I left the ward, sad, tearful but knowing my Mum is in good hands with care professionals who have people at the centre of what they do.  Speaking to the male nurse helped me emotionally, as a son, as a professional and just was a positive experience when I needed it most.  Lately, I have been on suicide first aid training and becoming a LBTH suicide champion and throughout the training, a good deal was made of how a conversation can change feelings, outcomes and long term outlooks.  Yesterday, to a smaller degree had that effect on me and of course I do want to say a big thank you to the NHS who are doing wonderful work with people up and down this country.

I know, I have discussed many times how talking to someone, connecting with others and getting things off your chest is a fantastic way to maintain better emotional health, well I experienced that first had last night.

Don’t forget we have a range of emotionally supportive activities, treatments and workshops to suit, so check out our monthly calendar .. We have Counselling, Peer Support Groups, Talking Therapy workshops, Yoga, Day and Overnight Retreats, Life Coaching, Taking Back Control and Life After Caring training.

Email tony@ccth.org.uk if you want to know more.

Check out the  https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/

When you have 30 minutes spare…. listen to the Carers Ignite PODCAST

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/ 

The Carers Centre Tower Hamlets is looking for a Carers Support Advocate

Do you want to be part of a team where you can support unpaid carers to know and access their rights and entitlements?

Do you have skills that can help a diverse community of carers to understand think about themselves, identify their needs and enable them to access the support they need?

Are you able to communicate with a broad range of people either written, verbally and face to face? Are you able to keep excellent records, encourage participants to feedback their experiences and keep up to date records via our database?

We want you to uphold our policies and procedures, be part of our team and attend team meetings and contribute your thoughts, as well as be able to work flexibly both at the centre and in outreach settings.

You will be supported, line managed, and supervised by the Advocacy Team Manager and you can contribute to the direction and aims of the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets.

Please inform us if you need any reasonable adjustment when undertaking this recruitment process.

If this sounds like you then please apply and request a Job Description/ Person Specification and we require you to send a CV with an accompanying statement related to the job requirements and your experience

Click link – Carers Support Advocate | Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets | | CharityJob.co.uk

Next Weeks Activities …

GovWifi to replace Guest Wifi in Council and THH buildings

We are now part of the GovWifi scheme which will replace the Tower Hamlets Guest Wifi on Thursday 7 July. As a resident or visitor, the new GovWifi will allow you to automatically connect to the Wi-Fi in across most of our Tower Hamlets sites, including Tower Hamlets Homes and other public sector buildings.

GovWifi is free, easy to use and will mean that you will no longer have time restrictions on their access to the internet. You can see further instructions for creating an account and setting up connections on various types of devices on the GovWifi website.

Create an account >

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Do you have a story of how you connected with other carers

We need you to come and tell us your story of how you connected to another carer, friend or family member during the Pandemic or other crisis.

Did you feel isolated, lonely and need others?

Did you join a WhatsApp group?

Did/do you join an activity that made you feel connected?

If so we want to hear your stories and why not come and tell your story at our weekly Art, Craft and Conversation group?

Email tony@cth.org.uk or Audrey@ccth.org.uk for more information and join the group and if you know Lisa she will tell you about the group

Evening and weekend GP appointments

Across the country the NHS has asked local GP practices to review the times, locations and services they’re able to provide in the evenings, at weekends and on bank holidays.

The local NHS in Tower Hamlets is seeking patient views on the types of GP and nurse appointments that should be available and how they are delivered locally to ensure proposed plans meet the needs of residents across Tower Hamlets. By sharing your views, you can help provide vital feedback to shape these new plans and make sure local practices are providing the right services at the right times and locations for local people. Have your say before 20 July 2022.

Have your say >

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.