Assertiveness
May 17th, 2024
Hello Everyone – Assertiveness – is it important for carers?
I hope you are all enjoying some warmer weather and heads up this weekend expect some rain and storms.
With this in mind caring can have it’s ups and downs and at times it can get a bit stormy (see what I did there), and my question is how assertive are you and do you stand up for yourself or do you give in, feel guilty for being assertive or made to feel bad by being emotionally blackmailed by your loved ones, professionals or friends?
This week I have had many chats with carers who find it difficult to be assertive and get their message across, carers feel that they are being taken advantage of by their cared for’s and are consistently being manipulated. It is a minefield knowing what can be done, how to get your clear message across and how to say no.
I had an issue this week with my Mum who if not getting what she wants there and then she resorts to the ‘you never do anything for me’, just an example of me doing everything for her is that I have been running around sorting out a new birth certificate for her as they need one for the sale of her house (say no more).
I had to stop my Mum and explain very patiently and as many people know patience can vary for me, that I do most things and that she needs to be more respectful when talking to me, being rude is not the right way to get people on her side and support her. This also came up at my Mum’s care meeting that she can be rude, demanding to the home staff.
I am looking into assertiveness training for carers as this seems to be a much needed area for carers to enhance their caring skills, support their caring role and most importantly maintain positive wellbeing.
I mention wellbeing because our conversations highlighted the impact that feeling guilty, being manipulated and being unable to be assertive or self advocate has on carers emotional wellbeing. This also has a impact on carers physical wellbeing as if you cannot say NO, and you are being run ragged it does take its toll.
Assertiveness Examples
1. Setting Personal Boundaries
Setting personal boundaries is key to maintaining your mental and emotional health.
This involves communicating to others what you consider to be acceptable and unacceptable behaviours.
2. Saying ‘No’ Without Guilt
Expressing refusal can be daunting, but saying ‘no’ is necessary in order to craft the life you want.
Assertiveness, in this case, provides an avenue to express this need for personal space or time without inducing feelings of guilt.
Let’s say a friend invites you to a late-night movie but you have an early morning meeting at work the next day.
Rather than struggle with tiredness, your assertive response might be: “I appreciate the invite and would love to spend time with you, but I am anticipating a busy day at work tomorrow and need a good night’s sleep tonight. Could we perhaps reschedule for a more convenient time?”
3. Expressing Differing Opinions
When societal or group dynamics lean favourably towards a particular notion but you hold a contrasting view, assertiveness encourages you to openly express your perspective without causing friction or offense.
For instance, you may find yourself in a situation where your friends strongly support a political view that you do not align with.
An assertive response might look something like this: “I understand and respect why you hold these views but, based on my experiences and understanding, I have a different perspective. I hope we can engage in a healthy discussion to appreciate each other’s viewpoints without turning it into a heated argument.”
4. Ending Dysfunctional Relationships
Whether it’s a personal or professional relationship, staying in situations that continually cause distress or harm is detrimental to one’s well-being.
Assertiveness allows you to recognize dysfunctional situations and take necessary action.
For example, breaking off a toxic friendship could look like this: “Over time, I have realized that our relationship is causing me more harm than good due to actions and behaviours such as X, Y, and Z. For the sake of my wellbeing, I believe it’s best to part ways.”
5. Standing Up Against Bullying
Bullying can take many forms, but it’s always harmful, and it requires assertive people to let bullies know it isn’t okay.
Assertiveness equips you with the courage and words to stand up to the bully without exacerbating the situation.
6. Addressing Disrespectful Behaviour
Disrespect can gradually wear down your self-esteem and mental health. If you lack assertiveness, you may let it go on too long, harming you more and more.
But assertiveness may involve asserting your right to be treated kindly and humanely.
If a friend often belittles you, assertiveness ensures you can confront them without escalating the situation: “I value our friendship, but when you belittle me, it hurts my feelings and disrespects me. I would appreciate if you would refrain from such behaviour.”
Shared Reading then followed by Ramble for Health – Monday 20th May from 11.15am to 2pm
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 22nd May – 11am to 1pm
Our monthly Carers forum is a hybrid event so either come in person or join via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7339417664?omn=86561125056
Meeting ID: 733 941 7664
Agenda
- Welcome & Introductions
- Presentation 1 – Adult Social Care – Carers Needs Assessment
- Presentation 2 – TH GP Care Group – ‘Falls’ and ‘Falls Prevention’
- Carers Centre Feedback & News
- Matters arising
- Carer Feedback & Requests
- Any other Issues
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/calendar/
We will be taking bookings for groups and activities from next week
We have six places left so if you are 60 and over and want to improve your wellbeing please let us know
please contact and click her christine@ccth.org.uk to book your place
Health Influencer Training for Carers
Purpose of Training: Provides knowledge and skills to improve own lifestyle and also to influence others to adapt healthier more active lifestyle. This really works if you care for someone with a mental health issues but is open to all carers.
we are seeking 6 to 8 carers
Format of Training:
Can be face to face. Can be on-line. As part of this project we want to work with you to ensure the format is accessible to carers and provides the confidence and knowledge to apply the learning. Two options for how the content could be covered are shown below
Training Content:
Option 1: Blended Learning: Six on-line sessions lasting approximately 2 and a half hours. All participants would need access to a laptop or tablet rather than a phone as, in our experience, the learning experience is diminished, and the assessment is really tricky to undertake using a smartphone. Online means we can negotiate the hours to fit in with the groups’ needs re childcare, work, and other care needs and responsibilities. Tony has advised that it may be possible for people to make use of computers at the Carers Centre for on-line training.
With this option we would also bolt on a face-to-face practical physical activity day. This would run between 10.30 and 2.30 and would provide the skills and confidence to participate in exercise and help others participate as well. This would include learning and teaching some basic movements that can be done pretty much anywhere and with no, or minimal equipment. We could also look to include some time within this session for a recap or support on any elements of the on-line learning that people would like to go through face to face.
if interested please email tony@ccth.org.uk
Join us on our new WhatsApp channel
We’ve launched an official Tower Hamlets Council WhatsApp channel. This one-way broadcast platform lets you privately follow people, organisations, and individuals you want to get updates from.
Follow us to receive the latest community news, event reminders, and important local updates direct to your phone. Once you’ve joined our channel, make sure to turn on notifications (by tapping the bell icon at the top of the screen) so you never miss a message.
Join us >
Covid-19 spring boosters
This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to those at highest risk from severe illness.
Protection against the virus fades over time, so all people aged 75 and above by 30 June 2023, or aged 5 and above with a weakened immune system, can now get an appointment.
Don’t get caught out. Make sure you and your loved ones get any extra protection you need this spring. Book online, call 119 or visit your local pharmacy.
Book here >
Looking for fun things to do this half term?
Look forward to an exciting week of free half term family fun, as our parks and sports teams prepare to host a variety of events from 27 to 31 May.
From adventure play, to canoeing, cycling, fishing and more, there’s something for everyone.
What’s on >
Making More Mischief:
Folk Costume in Britain.
9 April – 22 June
Making More Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain explores the vibrant world of folk costume and reflects the rich tapestry of people bringing them to life.
About the exhibition
Making More Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain is the highly anticipated sequel to Compton Verney’s 2023 exhibition, Making Mischief: Folk Costume in Britain, which was the first of its kind to explore the pivotal role of costume in folk customs thriving across Britain today and the rich tapestry of people bringing them to life.
Now, in collaboration with the Museum of British Folklore, and as part of the same project supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, LCF’s Making More Mischief builds on this narrative by zooming in with a London lens to further explore class, sexuality, ethnicity and identity to challenge preconceived ideas that seasonal folk cultures and customs need to be fixed, nostalgic or predominantly rural.
Traditions such as London’s carnivals, Doggett’s Coat and Badge Race, Swan Upping and Somali May Day traditions come together in Making More Mischief unified through the shared values of folk dress rooted in identity, non-conformity and subversiveness. Full outfits will be displayed across LCF’s three floors of public showcasing areas alongside many voices of the wearers and/or makers as written or oral testimonies. These communicate the deeply personal individual and community expressions of lives lived and desires, which permeate all folk culture.
Making More Mischief is generously supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and led by curators Simon Costin and Mellany Robinson of the Museum of British Folklore and London College of Fashion’s Amy de la Haye. Featuring commissions by NUMBI Arts and PXSSY PALACE, in close collaboration with Dr. Leila Nassereldein and Mirren Kessling, LCF’s cultural producers.
Visitor information
9 April – 22 June 2024
Opening times: Tuesday – Saturday, 10am to 5pm
Free admission.
Location: LCF East Bank, 105 Carpenter’s Road
London E20 2AR
International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBT) is commemorated annually on 17th May.
It was established in 2004 to fight discrimination against gay, lesbian bisexual, transgender and intersex people — and people with other diverse gender identities.
The theme for this year’s IDAHOBIT is ‘No one left behind: Equality, freedom and justice for all’.
It is a call for unity: only through solidarity for each other will we create a world without injustice, where no one is left behind.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ said:
“On this International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, I applaud the brave work of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) human rights defenders fighting to outlaw discrimination and secure equality before the law. Yet there is a worrying surge in the opposite direction. New laws are codifying old bigotries, exploiting fears and stoking hate.”
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.
Invitation to get involved in developing LBTH scrutiny workplan.
At Tower Hamlets council, scrutiny plays an important role on the council’s governance and decision-making arrangements. It carries out a check and balance approach to ensure decisions made by the mayor, cabinet and partners are in the best interests of the residents and that the council provides a quality service.
Each year the scrutiny develops a work programme which consists of scrutiny looking at the key issues that impact residents and the wider community. As part of the developing the work programme scrutiny considers different sources of evidence to help them decide which topics need to go on the work programme.
Scrutiny would like your help in understanding what the key resident and community issues are and what topics you would suggest for scrutiny work programme and why.
We would like to invite you to our resident engagement session to discuss your views and suggestions for scrutiny topics for 2024-25 on Tuesday 21st May 2024 from 11am to 1pm at the Council’s Town Hall, Grocers Wing, 160 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BJ.
We will have a supply teas and coffees. For those of you attend and contribute to the session we’ll also be allocating some vouchers as recognition for your participation with the session.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with us or drop us an email on scrutiny2@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Another way to have a good 2024 – have a little respite for a little cost…..
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.)
Contact a2a@limehouseproject.olrg.uk
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
ELFT, along with North East London NHS Foundation Trust (NELFT) and partners across NEL, are working together to ensure that service users experiencing mental health crises can access support via NHS 111, a freephone number that provides urgent health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to people of all ages.
From 2 April 2024, people living in the London Boroughs of the City of London, Hackney, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Waltham Forest, Redbridge, Havering, and Barking and Dagenham will be able to call 111 and select option 2, putting them through to a fully trained and qualified mental health professional team based in ELFT’s crisis hub in Tower Hamlets.
The team has a wide range of skills, including on-the-phone brief psychological support and has access to key services and organisations that can offer mental health support to people in their time of need.
Existing local crisis lines in each borough will still be running. This service will run alongside existing provision.
If service users are known to ELFT or NELFT services, they should continue to contact their service in the ways they had been doing so previously during working hours. Those wishing to contact a mental health professional outside of hours – or those who aren’t previously known to services – should contact 111 and select option 2.
Domestic Abuse & Violence Numbers
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
Help for Households Gives clear information about the exceptional payments, energy support and existing support schemes available, so the public know what is available and where they can find help. The homepage brings together over 40 support schemes that the public may be able to access depending on eligibility. Additionally, a range of online tools will help citizens quickly and efficiently check the support they might be eligible for and how to access it.
This is the link to find local councillors. You put you postcode in to find local councillor. They can deal with any housing issue if the carer/cared for is council tenant. They can also help if the carer lives in privately rented property and issue is disrepair.
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.
| 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.
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.
