Hello Everyone – New Exciting Things …
July 5th, 2024
Some of you might of read July’s E Bulletin, some of you might of checked the new look website and if you have not read or looked then I urge you to check out both the bulletin and the website.
I really want to urge you to come to our Get Savvy With Scams training sessions where you can learn how to avoid scams on the internet, your mobile phones and look at ways to look after your money and believe me there are plenty of scammers using sites such as incontinence pads, care aids and if you think this offer is to good to be true, it probably is.
So, if you are interested please and want to book your place email me or Christine@ccth.org.uk
It’s on Wednesday 10th July 11am to 2pm – check out the information below
So, think about your wellbeing, connect with other carers who can support you, be proactive and try not to put off activities that help maintain better health and relax when you can.
Worried about your internet safety?
What on earth is SMISHING?!!!
A SMISH is a fake text from a scammer to get you to click on a link . It might look something like this:
If you ARE expecting a parcel, don’t click on a link in a text. Instead go back to the website where you ordered the item (e.g. Amazon, Argos) and check the delivery details there.
You might be thinking that going to the shops is the best option, rather than having things delivered to your home. But it really can save you time and money. Sharron Currie says shopping online can be a great way to find supplies for hobbies. She sources all her wool online and has some trusted websites that she uses to get the right yarn for her projects. Hobbies are great for wellbeing, especially something like knitting, which you can pick up when you have a free moment. Her favourite sites are:
If you’d like to hear more about how to spot dodgy text messages and other scams, join our next scams workshop on Wednesday 10th July
email christine@ccthorg.uk to book your place
Watch out for scams
We have been alerted to a scam where people are pretending to be from Telecare and asking for money for personal alarms over the phone.
We do not charge for Telecare and would never ask for bank details over the phone.
We would encourage you to always be vigilant if people are asking you for personal details over the phone. If you receive a call from Telecare and are unsure if it’s genuine, hang up and call the team on 020 7364 4827.
Scam alert >
Next Shared Reading – Monday 24th June from 11.15am to 12.15pm
Shared reading is a popular group where carers are read a story and they then have the chance to debate the characters, storylines and how the story makes them feel. So, come along and have a little mental respite.
Don’t for get Sharron is rambling for better mental health as mentioned last week this years Mental Health Awareness is movement as it has been proven that exercise, walking and as we know being with others improves wellbeing so, either come for the shared reading and carry on afterwards and ramble or just join the ramble at 12.30pm and this all takes place at the Carers Centre and off you go.
Carers Forum – Wednesday 17th July 11am to 2pm in person or via Zoom –
We have two presentations 1. on End of life training for nursing staff and how they should treat carers 2. What do carers want from a social offer, our website and social media
Topic: Carers Forum
Time: Jul 17, 2024 11:00 Universal Time UTC
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7339417664?omn=88455716595
Meeting ID: 733 941 7664
Arts, Crafts & Conversation – every Thursday from 11am to 1pm
Come and learn a new craft like sewing, knitting and much much more but a great part of the experience is meeting other carers where you can have a good long natter
Next Week’s Activities – check out https://ccth.org.uk/health-wellbeing/events-activities/
Work for us
We are recruiting to 30 new jobs in the housing options and homelessness services. You can find out more about the roles at two jobs’ fairs being held at the Town Hall on Tuesday 9 July from 3pm until 8pm, and Tuesday 16 July from 9.30am to 11.30am, as well as a webinar on Monday 8 July from 6pm-7pm.
Our employability service, Workpath will also be at the jobs’ fairs to provide advice on the application process and consider people for other roles that are currently available.
Find out more >
Bike ride to mark Srebrenica Memorial Week
Srebrenica Memorial Week (11-19 July) commemorates the genocide of 8,000 Bosnian men and boys in 1995.
To commemorate the victims and promote unity, our Hate Crime Team has organised a 10km/8mile bike ride open to all residents on 15 July leaving Vicky Park at 9.15am.
Sign up >
10 Medications You Should Never Mix With Coffee
Studies show that coffee may stimulate your stomach, changing the time is takes for food to make it through your digestive system.1 However, your morning cup of coffee can also interact with medications you may be taking, and alter how fast those are absorbed into your bloodstream, too.
That means that drinking coffee at the same time you take your medication may affect how well they work for you. In 2020, a group of researchers reviewed numerous medications and how they were affected by coffee. They reported that coffee “significantly affects the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of many drugs.”2
However, not all medications are affected by drinking coffee. Read on to learn which medications to not mix with coffee, and what to look for.
Thyroid Medicine
If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland-a butterfly shaped gland at the front of your neck-is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This can cause weight gain, dry skin, joint pain, hair loss, and irregular menstrual periods.3
Many people are prescribed levothyroxine or other thyroid medications to help balance out their hormones. Studies show that drinking coffee at the same time as taking your thyroid medication can reduce how much of your medicine is absorbed by your body, making the medicine less effective for you.4 And it’s not a small effect: Patient case reports show that coffee can even reduce the absorption of thyroid medicine by more than half.2
Cold or Allergy Medication
Medications for colds or allergies are used by millions of people, and they often contain central nervous system stimulants like pseudoephedrin.5 Coffee is also a stimulant, so washing your allergy med down with coffee may increase symptoms like restlessness and the inability to sleep.
Some allergy meds, like fexofenadine should not be taken with coffee as it can overstimulate your central nervous system, increasing the symptoms of restlessness.6 It’s always a good idea to ask your healthcare provider for advice regarding the combination of coffee and cold or allergy medicine.
Diabetes Medication
If you mix your coffee with sugar or milk, that could lead to a spike in blood sugar and impact how well your diabetes medication works. In addition to that, studies show that caffeine may worsen symptoms for people with diabetes.
Drinking anything with caffeine, like coffee, could raise your insulin and blood sugar levels, according to study published by the American Diabetes Association.7 The study was small, so more research is needed, but the researchers warned that drinking too much caffeine could make it more difficult to manage blood sugar, and eventually raise the risk of diabetes complications.
Diabetes and prediabetes are very common in the U.S. and other Western countries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 37 million Americans have diabetes, and nearly 100 million have prediabetes.8 Most people don’t know they have it. With those numbers, it’s no surprise that millions of people take diabetes medications daily.
Alzheimer’s Medicine
Alzheimer’s disease is the seventh leading cause of death in America and mostly affects people over the age of 65. It is a disorder of the brain that results in a loss of cognitive function, making it difficult to think, remember, or go about your daily tasks. Millions of Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease and take medication for the condition.9
Alzheimer’s medicine, like donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are affected by caffeine. The caffeine in coffee tightens up the blood-brain barrier and can decrease how much of the drug makes it to your brain. Alzheimer’s medications work by protecting the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, and drinking high amounts of coffee has been shown to impair that protective effect.10
Asthma Medication
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects your lungs, making your airways inflamed and irritated. This results in difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing, and a tight feeling in your chest. Millions of Americans, both adults and children, live with asthma and take medications for it.11
Many people with asthma take bronchodilators during a flare-up, like aminophylline or theophylline. Bronchodilators work by relaxing the airways, making it easier to breathe, but they come with side effects like headache, restlessness, stomach pain, and irritability.12 Drinking coffee, or other drinks high in caffeine, can increase your risk of these side effects.13 Coffee can also reduce how much of the medication is absorbed and useful to your body.2
Osteoporosis Medication
Osteoporosis makes your bones thin and fragile, increasing your risk of bone fracture. Millions of people have osteoporosis and it’s most common in women, especially women who have already gone through menopause.14
Drugs like risedronate or ibandronate prevent and treat osteoporosis and should not be taken at the same time as coffee because it makes the drug less effective. It is recommended that you take these medications before eating or drinking anything, and only wash the pill down with plain water. This will allow your body to maximize the full amount of the medication. When you drink coffee with these types of medications, their effectiveness can be reduced by more than half.15
Antidepressants
According to the CDC, one in 10 teens and adults take antidepressant medications daily. They are the most prescribed drugs for adults in their twenties and thirties, and their use has increased dramatically over the last few decades. They can help with depression, a mood disorder that affects how you feel and function.16
Coffee can affect how your body uses antidepressant medications. Some drugs, like fluvoxamine, amitriptyline, escitalopram, and imipramine can be metabolized differently if you drink coffee at the same time, especially large amounts of coffee. Coffee can reduce the amount of the medicine that is absorbed by your body.2
Studies show that fluvoxamine in particular has been found to enhance the usual side effects of caffeine. This can cause symptoms like insomnia and heart palpitations. It’s best to take your medication and hold off on the coffee for a while.17
Antipsychotic Medicine
Antipsychotic medicines are helpful for people who live with schizophrenia, mania, major depressive disorder, and other mental health problems. Nearly four million Americans use these medications each year. Antipsychotic medications work by inhibiting certain neurotransmitters or blocking receptors in the brain.18
Medications that treat psychosis include: phenothiazine, clozapine, haloperidol, and olanzapine. Coffee can make your body absorb less of these medications than you normally would if you waited a while to enjoy your morning cup of coffee. Studies show that many of these medications are metabolized or broken down by the body differently in the presence of coffee. To get the full effect of your medicine, take it with water instead of coffee.2
Blood Pressure Medicine
According to the CDC, tens of millions of Americans live with hypertension-high blood pressure-and for many, it’s not well controlled. Hypertension increases your risk for heart disease and stroke. It’s a common, but silent disease, since it rarely shows symptoms.19
Many people take blood pressure medications, like verapamil or propranolol, which work by slowing down your heart rate. That means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to pump blood to all of your body’s cells.
However, drinking coffee at the same time as taking blood pressure medications like felodipine can cause less of the medicine to be absorbed by your body. You may not get the full benefit of the medicine. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to time your pills and your morning cup.2
Melatonin
Melatonin is a natural hormone that your body makes, which helps you feel sleepy at night. The hormone is triggered by the sun going down, signaling to your brain that it’s time to rest. Melatonin is also sold over-the-counter (OTC) in supplement form, and is used as a sleep aid.20
By contrast, coffee works as a stimulant, making you feel more awake. The caffeine in coffee does the exact opposite job that melatonin does. It can make you more alert and can make it hard to fall asleep. Drinking coffee can inhibit melatonin production in your body and make the hormone less effective. If you take melatonin at the same time as drinking coffee, they could cancel each other out.2
When To See A Healthcare Provider
If you take any of these medications, and especially if it’s recommended that you take them first thing in the morning, try delaying your first cup of coffee.
If you take more than one medication, talk to your healthcare provider about how to balance out your pills and your coffee. If you are experiencing any unpleasant side effects, like restlessness, jitteriness, or insomnia, your healthcare provider can help you find a solution
Sign up to give blood or plasma
Friday 14 June marked World Blood Donor Day. Every minute, the NHS needs three lifesaving blood donations for anything from emergency surgery to keeping people with sickle cell healthy.
Sickle cell is more common in people of Black heritage, so the NHS particularly needs donors of Black heritage to sign up. There is also currently an appeal asking for O negative and O positive donors to book an appointment.
Can you help?
Save a life >
What is a hate crime?
Hate crime is any criminal offence where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their:
- disability
- race or ethnic identity
- religion/belief
- gender or gender identity
- sexual orientation
- age
- immigration status or nationality
- or any other actual or perceived difference.
Hate crime behaviours can include
- physical attacks – pushing and shoving to serious assaults
- verbal abuse – using derogatory or insulting words
- threatening behaviour, bullying and intimidation
- damage to property – including offensive graffiti
- harassment
- malicious communications – threatening or offensive mail, texts or emails
- damage to property and violence
- hate can also be directed at whole communities – for example, vandalism of places of worship, or offensive graffiti in public places.
Hate incidents
Are incidents that do not constitute a criminal offence but cause alarm, distress or harassment where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender/gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other actual or perceived difference.
For more information and how to report hate crimes visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/hatecrime
Our Hate Crime Manual with a Directory of support services is available via this link Tower Hamlets Hate Crime Manual.
Remember an attack on one section of our community is an attack on us all.
The importance of a break
We know all too well how challenging a full-time caring role can be, so a few days away with a partner or a friend can work wonders. It may seem like a small thing but our experience shows us that it can make a huge difference. Read a book, go for a walk, or simply catch up on some sleep. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll return home with a whole new outlook on things, refreshed and rejuvenated.
How it works
There are hundreds of potential breaks away listed on Carefree’s Breaks Hub. After registering with us, unpaid carers can browse available options and submit a request for a specific hotel on specific dates. If available, a confirmation email will be sent to you and you’re all set to go!
If the break request is rejected, we’ll give you access again to the Breaks Hub and you can select a different option.
New hotels and dates are added all the time, so if you can’t quite find what you’re looking, check back in in a few weeks.
ACCOMMODATION
Our hotels donate 1-2 night breaks, plus breakfast where possible for a carer and their companion (adult or child). Twin or Double room.
We are currently seeking new partnerships for longer stays that will become available in due course.
COSTS
There is no charge for the accommodation, but you are responsible for all other costs (transport, food, travel insurance etc.) and there’s a £33 admin fee to help with the cost of operating our charity. This payment is for one break per year.
CARE-FREE
The short breaks initiative is designed to give you some time away from your caring responsibilities. You are welcome to take a companion with you but not the person that you care for. If you want to travel alone, that’s fine too.
MAKING A BREAK REQUEST
After you have selected a break of your choice and paid the admin fee we will do a final booking confirmation check with the hotel. Occasionally a hotel will reject a booking request. When this happens we will let you know, and then you will be able to request another break.
ELIGIBILITY
To qualify for a break you must be:
- Aged 18 or over
- Full-time unpaid carer (30+ hours per week)
Please note: in order to take a break with us, carers must be able to arrange interim care and pay for extras (admin fee, transport, food, travel insurance etc.)
Good mental health and wellbeing starts with you
Everyday Londoners are doing what they can to support themselves and others with good mental health – whether checking in with a mate at the school gates, inviting a neighbour over for a cup of tea and a chat, or bonding with a customer at the barber shop.
But conversations around mental health are difficult. The Mayor of London has launched a campaign in support of Londoners who champion positive mental health – in their families, places of work or their communities.
By signing up Londoners will get access to training opportunities, tools and other offers straight to their inbox to help them navigate these conversations with confidence and compassion.
Mental health and wellbeing support in London | London City Hall
Domestic Abuse & Violence Numbers
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
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.
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.
