Hello Everyone – Family Support Makes A Difference
For some carers, having family support is invaluable and mean it can be a godsend. I have mentioned before how my sister and I share the caring role of both our parents.
This week as my Mum remained in hospital (she was discharged back to the nursing home last night), we realised her teeth/bridge had gone missing. I called the nursing home and they did a search of her room and reception and could not find them. I had a look in her hospital bed locker and could not find them. I mentioned this to my sister, and when she visited she popped into the nursing home on her way, picked up my Mum’s brush, mirror, nighties and items she deemed Mum would want, went straight to the locker and found them. Apparently, I am like my Nephews, if it does not jump out at me then it is lost.
My sister is a practical, highly experienced senior care worker, single mother and carer to my parents. She is incredible and I really appreciate everything she does, she is my little sister and i am amazed at how she juggles everything and gets things done. She is the apple of my Dad’s eye and quite rightly. She does have a physical disability as one of her arms is underdeveloped due to radiation treatment as a child due to having Leukaemia.
So the point of my story today is families have difficulties, illness, disability, love, kindness, unity, specialisms but when you share and work together, you can achieve anything.
So look after each other as I know you do, be kind and have fun, because one thing my sister and I have always done is make each other laugh.
Always Check out the https://ccth.org.uk/new/calendar/ for fun, activities, workshops and treatments
Hot Weather Alert
Level 4 Heat Health Alert
The red, level 4, alert is defined on the Met office website as being reached “when a heatwave is so severe and/or prolonged that its effects extend outside the health and social care system. At this level, illness and death may occur among the fit and healthy, and not just in high-risk groups
Emergency response has been declared by Central government due to severe or prolonged hot weather affecting sectors other than health and social care.
There is a 100 % probability of Heat-Health Alert criteria being met between 0000 on Monday and 0000 on Wednesday in London.
Renewed hot or very hot conditions develop across the country during this coming weekend and into the new working week, peaking on Monday and Tuesday, with some exceptional temperatures possible in places. The hottest locations are likely to be in parts of central and eastern England. This alert will be kept under daily review and updated, as necessary.
An update will be issued when the alert level changes in any region. Alerts are issued once a day by 0900 if required and are not subject to amendment in between standard issue times. Note that the details of the forecast weather are valid at the time of issue but may change over the period that an alert remains in force. These details will not be updated here unless the alert level also changes, the latest forecast details can be obtained at the following link:
http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/#?tab=map
Advice: Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions. Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.
National guidance is available here:
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/
Next Weeks Activities …
Monday Ramble Club – Mondays @ 12.30 to 1.30pm
A weekly group uses exercise to learn about Tower Hamlets, you will walk in as a group of carers, physically distanced but near enough to chat, have a laugh and enjoy the outdoors. You meet outside the Carers Centre at 12.30pm and off you go as group. We include topical, educational, and seasonal walks.
As part of our weekly Tuesday Emotional Health Day’s – we will be starting a series of workshops on the various roles a carers takes on by being a carer
Tuesday 19th July – 2pm to 3pm at the Carers Centre.
You will have a chance to explore and learn mechanisms for all of the hats a carers uses, as well discuss ideas, tips that you as a carer use to help you juggle your caring role..
We have a CV that was devised by carers for carers and does this resonate with you.
Please email tony@ccth.org.uk to reserve your place
Did you know: That looking after your Emotional Health is an important part of overall health. People who are emotionally healthy are in control of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. They’re able to cope with life’s challenges. They can keep problems in perspective and bounce back from setbacks.
Carers Forum – Wednesday 20th 11am to 1pm
We have a presentation from the Met Police on Community Safety
State of caring of survey – please click link and complete
Carers UK are delighted to launch our State of Caring 2022 survey this week, and we would be really grateful for your help in encouraging carers to take part. All the information we get from carers helps us to build a picture of what caring is like at the moment and we are keen to hear from as many different carers as possible.
https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/state-of-caring-survey-2022
The annual State of Caring survey is the UK’s most comprehensive research into the lives and experience of carers. We want to understand carers’ priorities for the future and what support they need to help recover from the pandemic, and to create a positive legacy for the future. We will use the evidence to continue to campaign for carers to get better support. We know that our evidence has helped shaped Government policy and has helped commissioners and service delivery organisations look at practice.
Last year, we used carers’ collective voice and evidence to secure new rights for carers in the Health and Social Care Act 2022 in England, to campaign for cost of living increases in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, to provide evidence of the need for a right to Carer’s Leave and other support within the workplace, and to campaign for breaks and funding for social care – and there’s still much more to do!
North East London Learning Disability Partnership is
looking to speak to carers of people with learning
disabilities to find out more about the health needs
of the people they care for, how they think
healthcare services could be improved, and how
carers can be better supported.
If you are a carer of someone with a learning
disability living in Tower Hamlets, Newham or City
and Hackney we would like to hear from you!
WHO?
North East London Learning Disability Partnership
are working together to find out about the health
needs of people who have a learning disability living in
Tower Hamlets, City and Hackney, and Newham (East
London).
They are being supported by a not-for-profit group
of experienced public health professionals called
PHAST to complete this work.
WHY?
It is important that we listen to what service users’,
carers and family members say they need.
All the information you tell us will be used to make
services for people with learning disabilities, their
family members and carers better.
A report will be made using the information we find
out. This is called a Health Needs Assessment. This
report will be used to help plan what services there
should be for people with a learning disability in East
London in the future.
We would like to hear from all carers in East London.
If you are interested in getting involved, you can do
so in a few different ways:
1. Have a 1:1 conversation with one of our
facilitators over the phone, online (zoom) or
face-to-face.
2.Ask us to meet you at the carer groups you take
part in.
You can contact us at
Email: Simon.Bedeau@nhs.net
Phone number: 0755437161
‘Celebrating 10 Years’ Festival Site’
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Summer is well underway and we’re ecstatic to be hosting the ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ Festival Site, which will take place every day from 24 July – 8 August at Hopkins Field at the north of the Park.
This is completely free to enter and marks ten years since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games! We’re delighted to finally show you our timings and schedule for this literal once-in-a-decade event.
So, what awaits you and your friends this summer?
Accompanying the amazing range of food and drink vendors, there’s a huge line-up of free activities and live acts. We’re talking; interactive quiz games, fun workshops and performances from bands such as Thrill Collins and Friendly Fire Band, as well as DJs. Cyberstein brings you Titan the Robot, fresh off Britain’s Got Talent, who will be gracing us with his presence!
Love a bit of friendly competition? There’s loads of sport, from rowing to cycling, to the incredibly fun Tumbleator (a giant running machine) – but the stakes are a lot lower than they were at the London 2012 Games!
For those who love snapping up moments, there’ll be plenty of visually striking experiences, including a giant walk-in statue by disability rights activist Jason Wilsher-Mills. So, without further ado, here’s the official ‘Celebrating 10 Years’ Festival Site schedule!
Please note that timings may be subject to change, so don’t forget to double check so you don’t miss any special events. |
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| 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
Call us on 0207 790 1765 or email enquiries@ccth.org.uk to find out more about LPA.
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!
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.
Important Numbers:
Domestic Violence Duty Line: 020 7364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.Victim Support: 020 7364 2448/7957
Just wishing everyone a peaceful, safe and week and remember if you need information and advice from the Carers Centre just email enquiries@ccth.org.uk
Tony Collins-Moore
Carers Wellbeing Academy Manager
Opening hours
Monday - Friday – 9.30am – 5pm
Saturday and Sunday – Closed
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