Qualifying Criteria for PPE

Carers can now access FREE Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplies provided by Tower Hamlets Council. The Carers Centre will help you access PPE if you are eligible in the following ways:

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

You will be given a 2 week supply of PPE and every 2 weeks you will need to contact us so that we can allocate a collection time and date for you to collect another 2 week supply.

The PPE scheme will continue for the foreseeable future so please do take advantage of this great opportunity.

For those who are extremely vulnerable or housebound there are some delivery slots available however these are reserved only for those in need.

Please see the above Carer Centre contact details if you want help with PPE.

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

10th July 2020

We want our Carers to be fit, healthy and happy….

So another week draws to a close and I wondered how people are managing with their health?  You may have noticed there was not a blog entry for Wednesday, this was due to me having to take the day off sick.  I really felt terrible and needed sleep and rest.

I wondered how your health and wellbeing is?  Has it got worse, improved, or remained the same over the last four months?

The Carers Centre wants carers to feedback about what is important to them about their health, what would you like to improve, do you feel that you want to get fitter due to the pandemic, do you worry that your health, activity or caring role disadvantages you?

Pleased click on this link and complete our survey – it will only take 5 minutes.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DK5HNLL

Carers Forum – Tuesday 14th July 2020 2pm to 3.30pm

Topic – Adult Social Care Charging Consultation

If you are interested in attending the forum to have your say and find out more on the proposed charging options: Looking at the maximum amount people may be asked to pay towards the cost of their care, changing the utilities allowance and stopping charging for respite and carer relief.

Email: tony@ccth.org.uk

Reminder on latest shielding guidance

What changed on 6 July

The government has made some changes to its guidance for people who are shielding because the transmission of COVID-19 in the community has gone down.

The changes from 6 July are:

• you no longer need to socially distance from people you live with
• if you want to, you can meet in a group of up to 6 people outdoors, including people from other households
• you may also form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household if you want to, but one of the households in the ‘support bubble’ should be a single adult household (either an adult living alone or with children under 18 only). You can all spend time together outside and inside each other’s homes, including overnight, without needing to socially distance
• the government support offer has been extended: you can still get a food box, care and/or medicine delivery until 31 July if you want them, and have registered onlineby 17 July. If you have been recently advised to shield there is more information on the page below outlining on the support available to you below
• the latest evidence indicates that the risk of serious illness for most children and young people is low. All children and young people should continue to shield until 31 July. A clinical discussion with your paediatric specialist or GP will be needed before any child or young person is removed from the shielded patient list. Health services will be in touch with children and their families over the summer, ahead of the new school term, to discuss what the new evidence means for them personally in the longer term. Families, carers, and young people do not need to make immediate contact.

What will change from 1 August?

From 1 August, the government will pause shielding unless the transmission of COVID-19 in the community starts to rise significantly.

This means:

• the government will no longer be advising you to shield
• the support from the National Shielding Service of free food parcels, medicine deliveries and care will stop
• NHS Volunteer Responders will carry on delivering the food you buy, prescriptions and essential items to you if you need it
• you will still be eligible for priority supermarket slots (if you have registered by 17 July)

You may still be at risk of severe illness if you catch coronavirus, so stay at home as much as you can and continue to take precautions when you do go out. You can do this by washing your hands regularly, avoiding touching your face and keeping 2 metres away from people outside of your household or bubble wherever possible.

From 1 August, you’ll be advised you could go out to more places and see more people, for example, the advice is:

• you can go to work, as long as the workplace is COVID-secure – but carry on working from home if you can
• children who are clinically extremely vulnerable can go back to school (when the rest of their class goes back)
• you can go outside to buy food, to places of worship and for exercise – keeping 2 metres away wherever possible

COVID 19 – Symptoms

Just a reminder of symptoms and making sure you remember to keep socially distancing where possible, wash your hands regularly, do not touch your face and wear a mask if possible when outside, unless you are medically exempt.

Virtual Pride closing party – celebrate in style

If you have enjoyed our earlier events, or missed out so far, don’t miss your last chance to participate in Pride 2020.

Our virtual Pride celebrations conclude this Friday with a special party featuring a combination of live performances and DJs for you to sing and dance along to from the comfort of your own home. Tune in from 7.30pm on Friday 10 July.

Just wishing everyone a peaceful, safe and happy weekend and remember if you need information and advice from the Carers Centre just email enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

6th July 2020

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

3rd July 2020

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

1st July 2020

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

29th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

So we are coming to the end of June and entering official Summertime. So how is everyone  feeling, are you still observing lockdown, have you changed your routine?

Life is changing on a weekly basis and it is hard to keep up sometimes, if you are unsure of any aspect of the Coronavirus and social distancing please email me and I can research and inform you. tony@ccth.org.uk

Rudderless in Residence

By Tayo David

I feel like a boat, with no rudder, no oars, no working engine. Just floating with nowhere to go, no passengers on-board and no timetable. Just going wherever the waves take me.

My son is/was my sole responsibility as I am a lone parent, my ex could not cope with the responsibility of difference. My purpose in life is to take care of him. I took good care of my boy for many years, as best as I could. Until, as all parents of non-verbal, severely (that took a while to sink in) autistic children, and other more challenging disabilities; I realised that he was growing up, getting taller and that I am growing older and weaker, and that I cannot always cope on my own, especially as I have no family support.

The school’s Educational Psychologist and Social Worker convinced me to send him to respite. I wanted 8 days a year, they laughed at my naivety. Anyway, I gave in and let him go to local respite after school, eventually he got weekends and half-terms further afield. He liked going, always came back smiling and I got used to more free time. He also got the chance to socialise and ‘play’ with other young people, which was good for him as an only child.

Then came the incidents, which changed the state of play. He skipped (ran) off, while we were out in our local area, and I had to call the police twice. They were very nice, and found him, he was pretty hard to miss (although I couldn’t see him); and he doesn’t answer to his name or let them touch him. The first time they sort of corralled him in Columbia Road; the second, they took me to him, he gone into a local gym (the owner had called the police) and fed him chocolate while he just sat down and waited.

The dreaded word ‘residential’ was then suggested. That meant, I was giving up, being irresponsible or just being weak. Soon, a series of major tantrums changed that thinking. We had gone shopping together, (yes, I still took him out by myself) and to cut a long story short, found myself being thrown into the clothes rails, dragged, and jumped on me. He then had a break, while onlookers asked whether they could help – they couldn’t. Someone even suggested calling the police, how was that going to help? Another suggested giving him some air. He was on top of me! The poor security guard looked terrified. Anyway, he finally got up, pushed/dragged me to the exit; once we were outside, he then threw me against the stone column. We sat down to recover, and a nice young autistic guy who had a stall, came over bringing the boy a drink. I still have hip problems until today (that was 7 years ago).

When inside the house, his tantrums seem to revolve around the stairs. Throwing things down them, sitting on them and trying to sled down? Then he got his lovely mum and decided to use me as padding. Not fun. The injuries, on top of my health issues (and the GP) persuaded me, that I was not going to win the war, I would not be able to cope long-term realistically. Residential was now on the cards.

I was advised by a local disability charity, not to leave it too long, as the older he is, the harder it may be for him to settle into residential. So after months of searching and visiting various places, for the right accessible (easy to visit), and appropriate place in terms of curriculum, space and facilities/resources; we found the right place for his needs. When I took him for his ‘suitability’ stay, they assess over-night. He kissed me on the cheek, as if to say ‘Mum, you got this right’. This was the right place, the staff were reassuring, open, experienced, with a nice wide range of ages across the board. They answered questions honestly, and didn’t bang on about awards. They oozed a quiet confidence, that he would be fine. He loves it, he’s got his own room and an en-suite, although he does not like showers, so uses the shared bath instead. Still, he also loves coming home to ‘London’.

He takes holidays with us and is happy to go back there to his ‘world’. Staff keep us up-to-date with what he’s up to, and any behaviour issues. He is starting to speak a bit more (to them!). His housemates are all different (some verbal, others not, some more able), and that difference makes for a wonderful mix. They learn from and accept each other. He even likes watching Frozen. My boy is now a 20 year old young man and has thrived in this community; and this is what residential is all about. Living and thriving in a supportive environment.

Back to his lonely mother, I’ve had to adapt, find new things to do with my time. I‘ve  had to learn to cook for just me, that’s not fun. I miss him ever so much, his quirky noises, and CBeebies on TV. Our phone calls are frustrating, but we sing together, and he joins in. Still, he has flown the coop like any other young person of his age. The only thing is, he cannot tell me what he has been up to, I have to rely on others, and trust them. It was hard to start with. I know he is happy there. We’ve built good relationships with the teaching and support staff who are caring and friendly (the bad ones usually can’t hack the job).

Corona has changed things for now, we only seen him twice for 1½ hours, and that was definitely not long enough, and incredibly frustrating for him and us. Then, he went off with his key-worker happily, once he realised, we had to go. Whereas, I was heartbroken, over an hour to get there, for a very weird get together. But he did say ‘Mummy’.

Current Advice & Information

Please Download the above if you need an exemption card https://i1.wp.com/disabilitypartnershipcalderdale.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/mask-exempt.jpg?ssl=1

Crackdown on unlicensed landlords

We’ve helped tenants claim back more than £100,000 from rogue landlords in the past year.
The money was recovered using rent repayment orders that allow the council and tenants to get back up to 12 months’ rent from landlords who fail to license properties when they are required to do so.
Landlords caught letting unlicensed properties can face prosecution, a criminal conviction or an unlimited fine. Unlicensed landlords are also severely limited in their ability to take eviction proceedings against tenants.

Exercise for Women & Children

Asma is a Development Officer (Tower Hamlets) of London Tigers.
We are running are running online aerobics sessions for women and children on every Saturdays (11 am to 12:30 pm) and Mondays (12 pm to 1:15 pm). Its open for any women and children. We have people from different boroughs as well as beyond UK. We have 1 person from Bangladesh 1 from Canada. I usually send the zoom link to my group 1 day before the session. They sometimes send the link to their family and friends. I am sending you my Saturday session link in separate email.
Asma Pathan – Mobile: 0750 2222 730 Email: asma@londontigers.org

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

24th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Yesterday we had a great get together with Mayor John Biggs and Deputy Mayor Rachel Blake.  The virtual meeting took place as a result of John asking to meet with carers and introduce Rachel.  Many carers attended and asked a range of probing questions about Tower Hamlets Council’s, commitment to carers.  We are pleased to welcome Rachel and look forward to seeing her at the Carers Forum.

If any carer wishes to attend the Carers Forum, it is always the second Tuesday of every month.  The next one is July 14^th, 2020, 2pm to 3.30pm.  Please email tony@ccth.org.uk for an invite.

Stay safe in the heatwave – severe weather update

Temperatures are set to soar in London and could reach as high as 30 degrees this week. While many people may enjoy the hot weather, high temperatures can lead to serious health consequences, especially for people in vulnerable groups.

There’s also an extra challenge of keeping cool indoors for those who are staying inside as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.

For information about how to stay safe in the heat, updates on our services and how to get support, please read on.

How to stay well in a heatwave

We know there’s nothing like taking in some rays in the park when the weather is fine, but there can be health risks if you’re too hot for too long. The main risks are dehydration (not having enough water), overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people with breathing or heart problems, and heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn.

The NHS advises that people should:

• Stay out of the heat between 11am and 3pm, when temperatures will be hottest.
• Cool yourself down by having plenty of cold drinks, wearing loose clothes or taking a cool shower or bath.
• Look out for others who may be more vulnerable in the hot weather. Please ensure you are doing this safely and following coronavirus guidance, including maintaining a safe distance. If someone is unwell, call a doctor as they could be suffering from heatstroke.

For more information on how to stay well and help others during the heatwave, visit the NHS website

Stay cool at home

Many people will be spending more time at home than usual this summer, whether that’s because you’re shielding, self-isolating, or working from home instead of an air-conditioned office.

Make sure that you keep your home cool during a heatwave as this will mean you’re more comfortable and can get a better night’s sleep, as well as protecting your health if you have an existing health condition.

Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside your windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed. Metallic blinds and dark curtains can often make the room hotter.

You can also keep your home cool by only opening windows when the temperature is cooler outside than inside.

I will keep you informed as soon as find out more.

Everyone who can, must wear a face covering when using public transport to help protect against the transmission of COVID 19.

Exemptions to this rule include:

• young children
• people with breathing difficulties
• people living with a disability

Reflecting our history in a way that champions our modern day values

We’re inviting you to contribute to the ongoing conversation about how issues of race and equality are represented in the borough’s public spaces. From today, until Sunday 12 July, you can tell us about monuments, plaques, buildings, roads or other representations of history, in Tower Hamlets, that you feel should be reviewed. We also want to hear about issues or individuals that you feel are under-represented.

Your suggestions will be reviewed with a range of possible outcomes, including relocation, the addition of explanatory information at an existing site, renaming or removal. In some cases, it may be decided that no action is necessary at all. In the coming weeks, more details will be made available about how we will ensure genuine community involvement in reaching those eventual decisions.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

22nd June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

How are we doing this week?  Make sure you look after yourselves this week as we have a heatwave coming.  Personally, I cannot stand the really hot weather, but I know a lot of people do.  Enjoy if you do but be careful, plenty of sunscreen, keep hydrated and plenty of ice cream.

I just wanted to share some facts and figures from the recent Carers UK survey.

1 in 8 adults (around 6.5 million people) are carers

• Every day another 6,000 people take on a caring responsibility – that equals over 2 million people each year.
• 58% of carers are women and 42% are men.
• 1.3 million people provide over 50 hours of care per week.
• Over 1 million people care for more than one person
• As of 2019 there could be as many as 8.8 million adult carers in the UK.

Carers save the economy £132 billion per year, an average of £19,336 per carer

• 5 million people in the UK are juggling caring responsibilities with work – that’s 1 in 7 of the workforce.
• However, the significant demands of caring mean that 600 people give up work every day to care for an older or disabled relative.
• Carer’s Allowance is the main carer’s benefit and is £66.15 for a minimum of 35 hours, the lowest benefit of its kind.

People providing high levels of care are twice as likely to be permanently sick or disabled

• 72% of carers responding to Carers UK’s State of Caring 2018 Survey said they had suffered mental ill health as a result of caring.
• 61% said they had suffered physical ill health as a result of caring.
• 8 in 10 people caring for loved ones say they have felt lonely or socially isolated.

Remember the Carers Centre is here to help you so either call 0207 790 1765 or email enquiries@ccth.org.uk

To the carers who requested chocolate I hope you have enjoyed the chocolate and I received this great picture with a Thank you from Sandra and Charlie.

Coronavirus support line – update on opening hours

The opening hours of our coronavirus support phoneline (020 7364 3030) will be changing from Saturday 20 June. From this date, the phoneline will be available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. It will no longer be open at weekends or in the evenings.

Until then the phoneline will remain open Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Breathing Space Is launching their first 5 day toolkit next week to help people with low mood and anxiety, that is no doubt increasing in the current crisis.

They’ll all be free to the public, and the first one is with our founder, former NHS consultant psychiatrist Dr Groves (here’s a video of him introducing it). He’ll give a short talk, lead a meditation, and answer questions over zoom.

You can find out more and sign up on our homepage: breathingspacelondon.org.uk.

BikeWorks runs the inclusive cycling programme through our All Ability Clubs, at both Vicky Park and the QEOP. 

We’re back up and running, with full health and safety, including PPE, in place. We’re so happy to see our members and their carers again during this really difficult time, it’s been really hard on our members and carers as you’ll be more than aware of.

Owing to the lack of day service provision currently operating, we want to make sure that our carers are aware of the All Ability Clubs, as this is one of the few places people can go, feel connected, get physically active, and enjoy the outside. A real pick-me-up, after being confined to the great indoors over all these weeks.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

17th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

15th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Another week begins and the social distancing rules have changed yet again.  So how are you feeling about the new changes, are you happy and pleased that you are able to get out and do some shopping or will you continue to stay at home, are you anxious about the ever changing rules?

Please let me know your thoughts and if you need support to understand the new rules?  Email tony@ccth.org,uk

Don’t Forget to Reserve your Place

Friday 19^th June 2020

Coronavirus & Lockdown – Understanding Benefits

Do you need help understanding benefits? Has there been changes to your work or self-employed work? Come and learn what is new with benefit entitlement for carers, working and self employed carers.  You will also have benefit information about the people you care for.

With Abdul & Ruhela

New coronavirus advice includes face coverings

This week, the government announced a number of updates to the coronavirus advice and restrictions.

This included that face coverings must be worn for the full duration of journeys on public transport from Monday 15 June. People using taxis and private hire vehicles should use a face covering for the duration of all journeys to help reduce the chance of infecting others.

Please remember that avoiding public transport, where possible, remains key. You should also avoid busy stations and peak times (5.45am – 8.15am and 4pm – 5.30pm).

Face coverings should also be used by people in enclosed or busy spaces, such as shops.

Other important changes include that from Saturday 13 June:

• If you live alone or are a single parent with dependent children, you can form a ‘support bubble’ with one other household.
• You can attend a place of worship for individual prayer where buildings can be made safe.

And from Monday 15 June, you can visit shops and some outdoor attractions such as drive-in cinemas, zoos, and safari parks.

Coronavirus support line – update on opening hours

The opening hours of our coronavirus support phoneline (020 7364 3030) will be changing from Saturday 20 June. From this date, the phoneline will be available Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. It will no longer be open at weekends or in the evenings.

Until then the phoneline will remain in open Monday to Friday 8am – 8pm, Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.

Test and Trace: How to spot a scam

Cyber security experts and charities are warning people not to be tricked by scammers posing as contact tracers.

Test and trace employees will never ask for financial details, PINs or banking passwords over the phone, and tracers will not be making any home visits.

Elderly or vulnerable people could be especially at risk and so it is important everyone knows how official contract tracers will reach out.

Let’s talk adult social care charging

We are now consulting on proposals that will change the way we calculate how much our residents pay towards the cost of community-based adult social care services. These services include care provided to a person in their home, care provided in day centres and care purchased with a direct payment from the council.

Like all other councils, we are facing significant financial pressures. The changes we are putting forward will help us make savings to ensure we are able to continue providing a sustainable social care offer.

Learning Disability Week 2020

Learning Disability Week 2020 will take place online from 15 to 21 June.

The theme of the week is the importance of friendships during lockdown.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, we have all been living in lockdown. This means that many people with a learning disability are feeling isolated, as they have been unable to see their friends and families.

We know that people with a learning disability already experience high levels of loneliness and social isolation and that this will only have been made worse by the lockdown.

We want to show the importance of friendships to help with tackling isolation, as well as exploring the different ways of maintaining friendships during this unusual time.

https://www.mencap.org.uk/get-involved/learning-disability-week-2020#:~:text=Learning%20Disability%20Week%202020,all%20been%20living%20in%20lockdown.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

12th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Does anyone have that Friday feeling?  Has your week been a good one?

Thursday 11th June, we had a wonderful Zoom Session ‘Carers Lockdown Stories’.

The session was a mixture of poetry, chat, story telling and ended with singing from an adapted song.  Carers discussed there has been an increased workload, isolation, and anxiety.

However, the group decided to discuss the positive side of Lockdown for Carers.

Carers highlighted they had time for self -care, time to enjoy the Arts, enabled them to start a sourdough starter dough (takes 10 days), appreciated being at home, was able to sit back and had an increased awareness of nature, birds and birdsong,.

What the carers are unified about is that the Lockdown, Zoom meetings and interaction has highlighted that carers need and want services to be more carer centred and not always with the emphasis on the cared for with carers as an add on.

Tower Hamlets News

Reminder: It’s time to talk coronavirus and you

What are you most worried about as lockdown starts to ease? Have you noticed some positives to staying home? Or maybe you’re planning to change how you travel in future?

We are running a survey to help us understand the specific ways you and your family have been impacted. This is to help us support you on the road ahead.

Sign up to Let’s Talk Tower Hamlets and tell us your thoughts by Wednesday 17 June.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

10th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

So Carers Week continues and its been busy, exciting, inventive and different.  As I mentioned we had a great interactive virtual pamper session on Monday 8th June.

Tuesday 9th June, we had our monthly Carers Forum, the second virtual forum and ten carers attended, thanks to all of you that made it a productive and lively session.  We were joined by Mayor John Biggs who explained how Tower Hamlets Council and community have been managing during the Pandemic.  John highlighted his admiration and thanks to the carers of Tower hamlets and he has promised to attend another forum in the future with Rachel Blake.  We look forward to welcome both of you.

There are still places available for Carers Lockdown Stories.

You are welcome to tell your story of what it has been like caring for your loved one under lockdown.  You can do this either by writing a short story, just telling your story on the day, a poem or if you are feeling adventurous a painting or interpretive dance LOL.  Please email tony@ccth.org.uk

If you still want chocolate – please email enquiries@ccth.org.uk stating your name and address

Further News

Fighting injustice and reviewing historical links to slavery

This evening, continuing our proud history of fighting injustice, we removed a statue of a slave trader in West India Quay, as pictured above. You can read a statement from Mayor John Biggs on this issue, including the wider conversation that’s now needed to confront this part of our history.

We are encouraging everyone in our community to stand up to racism and injustice. Tower Hamlets is No Place for Hate and you can make your pledge online if you haven’t already.

Earlier today, Mayor John Biggs welcomed the Mayor of London’s commission to review and improve diversity in landmarks across the capital. The commission will look at murals, street art, street names, statues and memorials, and focus on increasing representation among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, women, the LGBTQ+ community and disability groups.

Special coronavirus issue of Our East End out now

The June special edition of our quarterly council publication will be landing on your doorstep this week.

We look at the impact of the virus, pay tribute to key workers and volunteers and highlight a host of resources to support your health and wellbeing at this time. It’s also a celebration of the borough’s incredible community response, which has helped us all get through this crisis together.

Free bike safety checks and security marking

It’s also Bike Week, and we want to help and encourage more residents to travel by bike – avoiding public transport, where possible, remains key.

You can get a free bike safety check and a police security marking for your bike at Middleton Green on Saturday 13 June. Staff will have hand sanitiser and social distanced queues in place.

Please note, if you’d like to register for the security marking, you’ll need to email your name, address and phone number to StepneyGreen.SNT@met.police.uk before you arrive.

Diabetes support for residents

Do you want to take control of your diabetes this Diabetes Week? Whether you find carb counting confusing or need advice on lifestyle or medication, there’s support available on all aspects of living with diabetes.

New research shows that people with diabetes are more at risk from complications due to coronavirus, so now it’s more important than ever to take action and get your blood sugars in range. Diabetes UK has a dedicated helpline and online tools to help people with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes manage the condition effectively.

You can also continue to access your usual local diabetes support for advice through telephone or virtual appointments.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

8th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Well it is finally here ‘Carers Week’, it is definitely going to be a different week for the Carers Centre. Unfortunately, we cannot do our usual trip to the seaside, have our in-house pamper day and have our Health & Wellbeing day.

Looking on the brightside we have a week of events and this morning we had Pamper Day with Casey. What an amazing session it was too, we had to come ready with a bowl of warm water, sugar, olive oil, towel and a cuppa of our favourite drink. Casey then spent an hour teaching us how to massage our hands and arms and then our faces. Absolutely brilliant and already I have had fantastic feedback from carers on their experience.

We will definitely be repeating this again.

Don’t forget Thursday – we are joining up together to chat and tell our ‘Caring under Lockdown Stories’ if you want to join there are still some places left. Please email tony@ccth.org.uk

Please See our Carer Photography Exhibition REFLECT – Carer Visibility on our website https://ccth.org.uk/new/reflect-carers-visibility/. Thank you to Heritage Lottery Fund

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has recorded a special message of thanks and support for unpaid carers to mark this year’s Carers Week.

Please click on this link to hear this great message: https://youtu.be/Dl0j6zN45ug

Updated advice for ‘shielding’ residents

The government has now updated its advice for people who have been told to self-isolate (those with serious underlying health conditions and who are at increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus). This extra precaution is called shielding.

The updated advice now says people who are shielding can go out once a day, either with members of their household, or if they live alone, they can meet one other person from outside their home. This should ideally be the same person each time.

We’ve worked with local health partners to provide more detail on how people who are shielding can follow the updated guidance safely.

Always keep up to date with the latest NHS advice if you are in this group and remember, shielding is working and remains the most effective way of protecting yourself if you are at increased risk.

Freedom Pass changes for older residents

From Monday 15 June, holders of an older person’s Freedom Pass, 60+ Oyster photocard or English National Concessionary Scheme pass will not be able to use those passes on weekday mornings (Monday – Friday, 4.30am – 9am).

Theses passes will continue to be valid at all other times on weekdays, all day on weekends and bank holidays. Passengers with a disabled Freedom Pass are unaffected.

These temporary arrangements will help reduce the risk of crowding at peak times, which makes social distancing more difficult to maintain.

Don’t Forget to Reserve your Place

 Friday 19th June 2020

Coronavirus & Lockdown – Understanding Benefits

Do you need help? Has there been changes to your work or self-employed work? Come and learn what is new with benefit entitlement.

With Abdul & Ruhela

 24th June 11am to 12noon

Relaxation Day Come stretch with Casey

Feeling a little sluggish, aching and full of tension? Come stretch with me and learn a 10 minute routine you can use every day to bring some balance back into your body. Let’s Stretch out those niggles together, open up and release that tension. This routine is suitable for absolutely everyone. It’s performed seated so you can also do it anywhere

24th June 5pm to 7pm

What is a Young Adult Carer?

This workshop is for young carers and will discuss the issues facing young carers and how peer support is essential.

 Please email tony@ccth.org.uk

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

5th June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

So how is it going Carers? I hope you are enjoying this blog and thank you to all the carers who have contributed, your stories have ben fascinating and appreciated.  Always looking for more, so please contact me on tony@ccth.org.uk

Don’t Forget it’s Carers Week

 8th  June – 11am to 12noon

Virtual Health – Pamper Day with Casey – Would you like to learn how to make a wonderfully moisturising hand scrub with things from your cupboard? learn a how to give yourself a little me time with a facial massage routine that will boost your energy, release some tension and rebuild a little internal connection?

9th June – 2pm to 3.30pm

The Monthly Carers Forum – The forum this month to celebrate Carers week, will have a guest speaker Mayor John Biggs, he will join in the Zoom/virtual forum to have a chat with carers and thank carers for their excellent ongoing care for family and friends.

11th June – 2pm to 3pm

Carers Week Lockdown Stories – As part of Making Carers Visible Week, we are holding a Zoom group to tell stories of our Lockdown experiences. Just because we are socially distancing, we are still visible.

 If you would like to join any of these events, then please email tony@ccth.org.uk

Calling on all young carers and young adult carers to take a survey on how you’ve been affected by Coronavirus

The Carers Trust has launched a survey to find out how young carers aged up to 25 have been affected by Coronavirus, and what support they need.

The findings of the survey will help influence the government to give young carers and young adult carers the support they need.

Can you help young carers and young adult carers by adding your voice and filling out the survey? And please spread the word with your friends who are also young carers to make sure as many people as possible take the survey.

The survey is live and will run up to 23 June. 

Carer Health & Wellbeing

This section is a collection of local and further a field ideas for looking after carer health and the people they care for.


Supporting Breathlessness

‘Supporting Someone with Breathlessness’ is a source full of help and advice made for family and friends of people with breathlessness (sometimes called “carers”).

To make sure it is as helpful to you as possible, it has been carefully made with a range of experts including health professionals, health researchers and people just like you, who have cared for someone with breathlessness. Please click on link:

https://supporting-breathlessness.org.uk/

British Sign Language – YouTube Exercise Class

Below is a link to an exercise class on YouTube – BSL Sign | Work Out with Jack please check out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpk8FUrV_CE

Free Online Exercise Classes for Carers

Don’t Tone alone are bringing a range of Zoom classes and they are free.  First come first served, all you need to do is click on email link and get your place…

For more information contact Don’t Tone          Alone CIC on info@donJonealone.co.uk .

 Featured Artist

South African Textile Artist – Danielle Clough

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

3rd June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Today I just wanted to highlight our commitment to our Black and Minority Ethnic Carers and their loved ones.  Everything you do matters.

Carers Week

Next week is Carers Week and we have a great timetable of events taking place.

8th June – 11am to 12noon

Virtual Health – Pamper Day with Casey – Would you like to learn how to make a wonderfully moisturising hand scrub with things from your cupboard? learn a how to give yourself a little me time with a facial massage routine that will boost your energy, release some tension and rebuild a little internal connection?

9th June – 2pm to 3.30pm

The Monthly Carers Forum – The forum this month to celebrate Carers week, will have a guest speaker Mayor John Biggs, he will join in the Zoom/virtual forum to have a chat with carers and thank carers for their excellent ongoing care for family and friends.

11th June – 2pm to 3pm

Carers Week Lockdown Stories – As part of Making Carers Visible Week, we are holding a Zoom group to tell stories of our Lockdown experiences. Just because we are socially distancing, we are still visible.

 If you would like to join any of these events, then please email tony@ccth.org.uk

Featured Carer

This week I was lucky enough to interview Mr. Abu Shaid, he is a carer for family members and has been engaging with the Carers Centre for some time.

Abu explained enthusiastically how he felt it was important to volunteer during the lockdown to help out the best he could through the awful Coronavirus pandemic.

Abu used his car and spare time from his caring role, to support the endeavours of Aishah Help in delivering food parcels to the vulnerable.  This service is essential, and many residents have needed their support and in Tower Hamlets there has been a local coordinated effort to make this happen.

Abu talked about how it was important for him to help others.  I have known Abu for a number of years and he is very generous with his time and resources for his fellow carer, I believe his need to volunteer is an extension of the kind, good natured person he is, or it the trait carers seem to have?

Thank you, Abu,

Feedback from ‘The Tuesday’s’ Social Club

Yesterday was our second social club event the theme for discussion was ‘what/who is your favourite Artist, Musician/Band, Poet or dancer’.  As I have already come to appreciate the discussion were lively, varied and educational.

We had a very poignant hero discussed for one carer – Maya Angelou is a writer, artist and poet.  Please see link below to ‘still I rise’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qviM_GnJbOM

We had carers discussing how their favourite artists are varied and eclectic, Monet, Jazz, JW Turner, Nat King Cole, Kaffe Fassett (textile artist), we even had someone stating their love for ‘The Backstreet Boys’, another standout person highlighted was an Artist Malika Favre.

Join us on Tuesday 16^th June for the next Club event 2pm to 3.30pm email tony@ccth.org.uk for an invite.

Activities for Carers and the loved ones they care for who have Dementia

‘Singing for the Brain group’

The details for the link will remain the same every Tuesday 2- 3:30pm, which can be seen below. I would like to note that you can also dial in via landline / mobile (if you have the minutes at very low / no cost) by using the “one tap mobile” or calling using the number under “dial by your location”.

Zoom link below:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://alzheimers.zoom.us/j/69275078063?pwd=MDZHZENTVUl4ZXV3aTFEcStTdndGQT09

Meeting ID: 692 7507 8063

Password: 1234

One tap mobile

+442034815237,,69275078063# United Kingdom 442034815240,,69275078063#

+United Kingdom

Dial by your location

+44 203 481 5237 United Kingdom

Also some people may want to view the session on a bigger screen like on their television or laptop. For those who can, please follow the quick guide below on how to connect to the device (T.V or Laptop)

All TVs should have HDMI so for laptops and tablets just connect with a cable – standard, mini or micro on the device side . . .

But iPads – what a surprise – may need an adaptor . . .

Then use a standard HDMI cable – that is general advice because all devices are different, and it would be a long email to cover them all.

Looking forward to seeing you all and please let us know if you need more assistance in joining the group.

Museum of London

The Museum of London are delighted to be able to share the first of the Museum of London’s Memories of London: Creative & Connected activity packs with you!

The below resources are designed for people living with dementia and vulnerable older adults sheltering from covid-19. We really hope these packs will bring a quick burst of joy and keep people connected to the Museum of London while our doors are closed.

Here are the 4 parts to our digital offer:

1. Creative & Connected activity pack

• It is attached to this email
• It includes suggestions for quick, independent creative activities
• More information & a pdf download of the pack, ready for you to print, is available on our website here.
• Additional content is also available
• Please do explore our website for further resources.

2. London Lives podcast

• A musical, storytelling podcast with real people’s experiences of London’s history.
• You can listen on any device with internet access here.
• We are also inviting people to contact memories@museumoflondon.org.uk if they would like their voices on the next podcast or if they would like to tell their stories.

3. Our videoed singing and object discovery session

• Available to watch here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UQH1U84PqII
• Interactive, informative, sensory and light-hearted
• 30 minutes, but you can watch at your leisure.
• For you to enjoy and participate in from the comfort of your own home.
• This includes a sing-along.

4. Chat with our musician

• Via Zoom on June 10th 10:30-11:30am.
• Please find details of how to join in the activity pack.
• We will be chatting and having a sing-along

We also encourage you to download the free My House of Memories app onto your phone or tablet. We have partnered with National Museums Liverpool to add some of our unique collections to the app and hope that you are able to enjoy reminiscing with your loved ones.

You can download the museum’s Creative and Connected Activity Pack here

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

1st June 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

So as I mentioned on Friday’s blog, new restrictions come in to force from today. Below is a guide from Tower Hamlets Council and it is measured and reasonable.

What I really want to know is how do you feel about the new rules, will they work for you, will they work for the person you care for – if you have any concerns or questions then please email me tony@ccth.org.uk if I cannot answer them, I will get someone who can.

REMINDER – Managing Challenging Behaviour in Lockdown

Are you finding your loved one’s behaviour more challenging under lockdown? If so, then this workshop will help you to discuss and understand the pressures you are facing and find techniques to manage

This Wednesday at 11am to 12.30pm in partnership with Talking Therapies

Please email tony@ccth.org.uuk for a place

Message from Mayor John Biggs

Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the next steps towards reducing lockdown restrictions in England – you can read or watch the announcement for full details.

• From Monday 1 June, up to six people will be allowed to meet outside, provided those from different households continue to stay two metres apart. These new guidelines will also allow families or friends to meet in gardens and private outdoor spaces, as long as social distancing is observed.
• From Monday, some of the limits on retail will start to ease, including outdoor markets. In Tower Hamlets, we are taking a staggered approach to ensure safety measures are in place and we can operate safely.
• Similarly, many nurseries and schools will begin to open for more pupils soon, however most will not open immediately and they will only consider increasing numbers of pupils when it has been agreed that it is safe to do so.

While these steps will bring relief to many of us and signal a step in the right direction, please remember the threat remains and we must not be complacent.

With sunny weather forecast for this weekend, many people will be heading out to enjoy our borough’s wonderful parks and green spaces. I urge you to continue to be considerate of others, stay two metres away from anyone you don’t live with, and wash your hands with soap and water as soon as you get back home.

Stay safe,
Mayor John Biggs

I Urge Carers of Tower Hamlets to complete, so that the Council gets a better understanding of the issues facing carers

Please share your thoughts and experiences by Wednesday 17 June.

Support for those who are ‘shielding’ at home

The government is currently still asking people to ‘shield’ until the end of June. If you’ve had a letter from the NHS advising you to stay at home and avoid all face to face contact, it’s important that you continue to follow this specific advice.

We understand this is a very difficult period and there is support available to help you manage staying at home. This includes help with getting essentials, medication, staying active and looking after your wellbeing.

If you’ve been identified at high risk by the NHS, please ensure you are registered with the government support website.

Featured Artist

Christo – Bulgarian born artist – Rest In Peace died 31st May 2020

He will be sadly missed.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

29th May  2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Hello everyone and I hope you are in good spirits?  It seems that the restrictions are gradually lifting for some people.  Don’t forget if you or the person you care for is deemed as extremely vulnerable then you must remain shielding for your own/cared for’s safety.

That aside it seems the upcoming weekend is going to have great weather so make sure you distance appropriately and safely but HAVE FUN.

Keeping our parks open and safe for all

We are lucky to have some of London’s most loved green spaces right here in the borough. As part of our response to coronavirus, we’ve always tried to balance the desire to make our parks available for residents to enjoy, with the need to keep staff, volunteers and visitors safe.

From tomorrow, Victoria Park will be open for longer each day. The west side of the park will open at 7.30am and the east side at 8am. The park will close at 8pm.

If you’re planning a trip to any of our parks this weekend, please remember these rules:

• Visit on your own or with members of your household
• Meet one person only from a different household while maintaining social distance
• Always stay two metres away from others

I hope you have all seen the new E-Newsletter brilliantly edited by Danielle our Carer Services Manager.  In the newsletter it gives you an insight to what activities are on the monthly timetable for carers.  Please check it out or look on the calendar for what’s coming up.

Don’t forget Carers Week is coming up and this year’s theme is……

Carers Visibility

We have a timetable of activities planned so check out the calendar and please email tony@ccth.org.uk if you want to attend.

Coping with Coronavirus

Free picture stories and illustrated guides to support people with learning disabilities and autism through the coronavirus pandemic. It is called.

Beating the Virus – illustrated by Lucy Bergonzi

A short wordless story, that will help people to understand what to do if you have Coronavirus and how to keep yourself and those who you care about safe. The story also shows how to safely help others who may be self-isolating.

https://booksbeyondwords.co.uk/coping-with-coronavirus

Christopher Biggins – Great story on Carers and caring

http://caringforcarers.careradiouk.com/episodes/cfc-week-3-christopher-biggins/

Featured Artist

Mexican Artist – Frida Kahlo

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

27th May  2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Hey how is everyone doing?  Sorry for the gap in blog entries but I was on annual leave last Friday and of course it was bank Holiday on Monday.  Talking of, how was your holiday weekend, it was Eid for some carers and Eid Mubarak, and I hope you had a wonderful day.

I am sorry I missed Eid in the way I normally celebrate with my colleagues and the carers at our annual Eid party.  Hopefully, next year things will be back to normal and we can all have a great Eid celebration?

‘The Tuesdays’ Social Club

Yesterday on Tuesday 26th we had our first virtual social club.  It was really good fun catching up with carers and sharing stories, gossiping and putting the world to rights.

We had a great theme ‘When the Pandemic is over … I am treating myself to’?

Some of the answers and discussions were as follows:

• Run onto grassy hill and start singing.
• Going to Claridge’s for afternoon tea.
• Hear some live music – while social distancing.
• See my mum.
• I’d like to hug someone.
• Just getting back to normal.
• Visit Barnard Castle.

Next weeks topic is who is your favourite person/s from the Arts, Music, Poet or Dance?

If you are interested in joining the social club then please email tony@ccth.org.uk for a Zoom invite.

3rd June 11am to 12.30pm Managing Challenging Behaviours During Lockdown – are you finding your loved one’s behaviour more challenging under lockdown?  If so, then this workshop will help you to discuss the pressures you are facing and find techniques to manage.

Please look out for June 2020 timetable of virtual events including Carers Week.

CORONAVIRUS Advice

To assist carers with advice as well as this blog please check out this link:

https://www.carersuk.org/help-and-advice/coronavirus-covid-19

Supporting pupils to return to school safely

In recent weeks and months, our teachers and school support staff, parents and young people have shown common sense and great resilience in challenging circumstances. There has been an increase in discussion nationally about when it will be safe for more pupils to return to school.

The mental and physical health and safety of all those at our schools – both pupils and staff – will continue to be the council’s priority. We are not expecting schools to start admitting a significant number of pupils on 1 June, beyond children of key workers and those who are vulnerable straight away.

Mayor John Biggs has written an open letter to residents setting out our approach on this issue.

Top tips to travel safely

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, please avoid public transport if you can and only travel when it’s essential to do so. If you do have to travel, try to wear a face covering, stay two metres away from others, wash your hands before and after your journey and use contactless cards to pay for your travel.

Transport for London is asking commuters to avoid travelling at rush hour if they can. The busiest times are from 5.45am – to 8.15am and from 4pm – 5.30pm.

Please stay out of the water at Shadwell Basin

With the warm weather we’re having and another bank holiday weekend ahead, it’s important to remind everyone that swimming in Shadwell Basin is not only forbidden, it’s also extremely dangerous. The water is deep, cold and there are underwater obstructions not visible from the surface. Sadly, in recent years, two people have drowned.

Our enforcement officers regularly patrol the area to help keep people safe but we need visitors to do their bit by paying attention to the signs and staying out of the water.

There is a further problem with the absence, in some cases, of social distancing. This remains essential while we continue to fight the virus.

Featured Artist

American Artist & Nun
Sister Corita Kent.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

20th May  2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Just highlighting again that it is Mental Health Awareness Week.  How is your week going?  Are you having any difficulties with your caring role and lockdown? Do you need additional support? Are you enjoying your lockdown experience?

As you know we have had some submissions by carers of their lockdown and caring experiences.  I really welcome more stories and Ideas anytime so email me tony@ccth.org.uk

Disappointed that no one has signed up to the Talking Therapies group next Wednesday 27th May 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing with Self-Isolation as a Carer’, Please email me if you would like to join?  I will need to know by 10am Friday 22nd May.  I will have cancel if no subscribers sorry.

Tuesday’s Social Group – Taking place on Tuesday 26th May 2020 2pm to 3.30pm.

If you are interested please Email tony@ccth.org.uk for your Zoom invite

Young people’s self-care tips for self-isolation

Please see link to a great resource that could benefit both young and older carers about looking after yourself during lockdown and maintaining good mental health.  Click here https://youngminds.org.uk/blog/young-peoples-self-care-tips-for-self-isolation/

Keep your distance to stop the spread

We hope you’re enjoying the sunshine if you can, but please remember to respect the government guidelines when you’re outside.

Keeping two metres away from others outside your household remains vital to stop the spread of coronavirus, although you can now go outside more often and meet one person in public as long as you keep your distance.

Don’t forget to stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun and when you get home, wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

BBC presenters share messages in many languages

To support some of the country’s diverse communities, TV and radio presenters have recorded messages in multiple Asian languages to help people protect themselves and others from coronavirus.

The videos aim to support people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds by informing them of the latest guidelines. So far, messages have been released in Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Sylheti, Guajarati and Tamil.

If you know someone in Tower Hamlets who may feel more comfortable hearing these messages in their mother tongue, please do share.

Photo taken by Richard Palmer on one of daily walks – Carer from Bethnal Green

He has more photos and both Richard and I are keen to have feedback from fellow carers if you like this, would like more from Richard? Would you like to take your own photo’s – please email me and let me know tony@ccth.org.uk

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

18th May  2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

 So last week we were very lucky in having two stories from carers and their experience of caring under lockdown.  I found it very inciteful and moving and I was told by a carer that she was tearful reading one of them.  I would very much like more lockdown carer tales so please if you want to tell your story please email me tony@ccth.org.uk

So this week is Mental Health Awareness Week, so I will highlight projects, support and groups that could help carers with their caring role under lockdown.

This year’s theme is focused on Kindness – there is research that says people who are kind and compassionate see clear benefits to their wellbeing and happiness. They may even live longer. Kindness can also help reduce stress and improve our emotional wellbeing. Below is a link to a kindness guide:

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week/kindness-matters-guide

I came across this statement and thought it was excellent:

• people with depression aren’t lazy.
• people with anxiety aren’t rude.
• people with OCD aren’t all obsessed with cleaning.
• people with PTSD aren’t all from the military.
• people with mental illness aren’t crazy.

As carers stress, anxiety, isolation, loneliness and vulnerability can be part of daily life.  This can have an impact on mental health and your caring role, at the Carers Centre our role is to support you to maintain your mental and physical wellbeing, if you need support please contact on us on 0207 790 1765 or  enquiries@ccth.org.uk

We can signpost you to Mental Health support services, encourage you to join a upcoming virtual social group or one of our Carers Academy training sessions.  We just want to hear from you.

Please see upcoming sessions:

27th May 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing with Self-Isolation as a Carer’,

The session will discuss self-care, self-compassion, the difficulties that self-isolation and shielding can bring in particular as a carer, and how to manage it better.

3rd June 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing Challenging Behaviours’,

The session will discuss what the purpose and function of challenging behaviours are and what tools we can use to better manage and cope with them.

If you are interested in attending then please email me, giving me permission and your name and contact number to give to talking Therapies.  tony@ccth.org.uk

Speaking up for carers – Carers UK

Please click below for an up to date message from Helen Walker CEO of Carers UK.

https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/features/speaking-up-for-carers-may-2020

Today’s Artist

 Linocuts by UK Artist – Vanessa Lubach

If you are a carer of someone with Dementia this maybe for you?

The Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List are looking for judges for 2020. The Leaders’ List is a partnership between Dimensions, Learning Disability England and VODG.

They are looking for judges with a learning disability. They are very keen to have judges who represent the whole of the learning disability community. This includes people with more ‘complex’ support needs who may not use verbal communication.

They are also looking for judges with lived experience, as a family member or friend for example.

https://www.learningdisabilityengland.org.uk/news/leaders-list-2020-are-looking-for-judges/

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

15th May  2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

So the weekend is upon us and it is getting a little warmer, well that is a relief.  What are your plans – mine is stay in LOL, as I mentioned I am shielding.  Had great feedback from Wednesday’s blog with the inclusion of Richard’s lockdown tale.

Today we have another submission from one of our Young Carers giving us an incite in caring under lockdown as a young carer.  If you are 16 to 25 and this story resonates with you then please either email enquiries@ccth.org.uk or ben@ccth.org.uk

As a young person, taking care of a parent who suffers from serious mental illness is a struggle but especially during Covid-19 – and even more so if you have been separated by lockdown.

Having to explain why I am unable to visit them as often as I would like and why they should be self-isolating when they already suffer from paranoia is even harder when it’s someone I love who has put all of their trust in me. It’s difficult to even explain what Covid-19 is and the devastating impact it could have on them and the whole family.

Daily phone calls and text messages just aren’t the same as personal contact because you can’t get the same sense of how someone really is.

I’ve been trying to balance things but it’s hard. I think it’s important to acknowledge that sometimes things do get overwhelming and it’s ok to feel like that. It’s important to speak to someone. Carers need care too!

Tower Hamlets Young Adult Carers has helped me to connect with people who are going through similar issues and has given us all an opportunity to tell our stories. Most importantly for me it has shown that we can battle our individual struggles together.

Thank you to our Young Carer – you know who you are!!

The Carers Academy is pleased to announce from Tuesday 26th May at 2pm we will be having our new social group. It has been named by carers as ‘The Tuesdays’.

This group enables carers to connect with their peers, offload about caring under lockdown but most importantly carers can have fun, a laugh, tell stories, tell jokes, there will be quizzes and competitions.  Suggestions from carers are always welcome as we encourage the group to be carer led.

Please email for an invite tony@ccth.org.uk

I have been approached by a Carer wanting to share positive and informative images of various Artists which could brighten your day.  If any other carer would like to suggest or send me details of creative arts, please email me.

Rotterdam based artist Stephen Brusche repurposes bananas.

More to come

The threat remains – please keep staying home

The government recently announced small steps towards easing some of the lockdown restrictions in England, which included some changes that are in place from Wednesday 13 May.

While this signals a step in the right direction, it is very clear the threat is not over, and we must not be complacent. 

Please read the latest government advice, including frequently asked questions on what you can and can’t do. This includes advice for vulnerable groups – such as those that are shielded due to being at high risk of becoming seriously ill from coronavirus – and guidance on going to work, public transport, schools and childcare, enforcement and more.

The threat of coronavirus hasn’t gone away, and we are working with other London councils as well as Public Health England to keep our residents safe as the response moves into its next phase.

Support for people affected by dementia

We understand that this is a worrying time for families looking after someone with dementia. The national Dementia Action Week, which usually takes place in May, has been postponed until later in the year, but plenty of support is still available at this time.

The Alzheimer’s Society provides advice for people affected by dementia and their families, as well as support for their carers. There are also online resources and publications in other languages and audio or video formats.

Remember as a carer you can advice, support and information from the Carers Centre.

If you need support, you can call Dementia Connect, run by Alzheimer’s Society on 0333 150 3456, or contact Dementia UK on 0800 888 6678. It’s important to look after yourself and the person with dementia during this challenging time.

Explore endless books and activities with Idea Store online

While our Idea Stores remain closed during the coronavirus pandemic, you can access a fantastic range of resources and library services online.

Membership is free and can provide you and your family with hours of entertainment, including e-books, audio books and magazines. We’re also running daily virtual story and rhyme time sessions for children to enjoy from home.

Our residents have accessed almost 14,500 of our e-books and audio books while staying safe at home – so why not join them?

Breaking the silence on discrimination

Sunday 17 May is the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia.

This year’s theme is Breaking the Silence, and campaigners will be speaking up in a special online event against the violence, discrimination, and repression of LGBT+ people, around the world and more locally.

To take part in this event from 5pm – 6pm this Sunday, email lgbtforum@elop.org for instructions on how to join.

A virtual candlelit vigil will be held to show respect and support to those whose lives been affected by any form of hatred.

The NHS have released an updated Special Covid-19 message for parents.

Please see the guide for parents on which NHS service to use below and on the PDF version attached.  The NHS also want to remind parents and carers that health services are “still available and open”.

Download the guide here

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

13th May  2020

Qualifying Criteria for PPE

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

The first virtual Carers Forum took place yesterday and we had nine carers Zoom in and join.   As usual it was a lively event, with serious points made but great fun and a lot of laughter.  I want to thank the carers who attended, and it was great see your lovely faces, I miss seeing you in person.

Looking forward to Carers Week and our Visibility project.  Do not forget we are starting our weekly social group with quizzes and competitions, with suggestions for example what is your favourite chair.  If you are interested in joining any event advertised, please email: tony@ccth.org.uk

I am very pleased to include in today’s blog a submission from Richard one of longstanding carers about his experience of being a carer under lockdown.

I initially found lockdown daunting as I didn’t know what it entailed or what was expected of me and by whom. This feeling was made profound as I have an Autism Spectrum Condition called Asperger’s Syndrome. This made me feel overwhelmed and confused which resulted in a tension headache for the first three weeks.

However, I have now accepted and have come to terms with the situation and have found what best works with me while sticking to the official recommendations and the law around Covid-19. I go out once a day for a stroll and/or shopping and now where a mask and disposable gloves. The only time I use public transport is when I visit Mum’s nursing home once a week to deliver some shopping for her. Although, I am not allowed to see her, I can leave the shopping in reception. However, I am in contact with Mum by email and social media every day and her nursing home has been free of Covid-19.

Lockdown has told my body and mind that it needs a much needed break. It’s enabled me to do tasks that I have wanted to do for many years such a simple baking.  I have also got round to doing some housework but ensuring that I pace myself each day. I miss family and friends but being in contact via social media has been the next best thing. I also miss seeing live music, eating out and travelling around. Sometimes I follow short mindfulness meditations online and follow gentle exercise from Ability Bow of which I am a member.

I have enjoyed catching up with watching my pre-recorded TV programmes too.

In order not to feel overwhelmed with conflicting information, I keep watching and listening to the news and radio phone-ins to a minimum while keeping up to date with the basic headlines about Coronavirus.

Thank you, Richard you are a star.

Health & Wellbeing

Have a safe and healthy Ramadan

We hope that those who are observing Ramadan are having a happy and safe fasting period. We understand that as a result of the pandemic, this year’s Ramadan has been a significantly different experience.

Please remember that it is vital that you continue to follow social distancing guidance throughout Ramadan to protect yourself and others.

Information and advice can be found on our website with links to resources from the Muslim Council of Britain, as well as online talks and live prayer broadcasts from the East London Mosque.

Exercise for older people

• NHS has a range of exercise plans for older people
• Joe Wicks “The Body Coach” has created workouts for older people
• British Heart Foundation has some useful exercises and tips
• Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have resources and information staying active as you age.

Mental health and money

• Money and Mental Health has put together support and guidance on mental health and money during the coronavirus pandemic. Including a budgeting tool.
• Citizen’s advice have information for those who can’t pay their bills because of coronavirus

Carers of People with Learning Disabilities

I have tried to find accessible information for carers and the people they care for who have a learning disability.  I have found this poster and a link to a YouTube information film that presents in clear easy access format.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKMRsUkc0eA&feature=youtu.be

Would welcome feedback or ideas of where to search for further information.

Keeping in Touch

Keep in touch with friends and family

A great way to manage feelings of loneliness is to keep in contact with family and friends. Or if you think someone you know may be feeling isolated and lonely please reach out:

• How to make a facetime call
• How to make a Whatsapp video call
• How to receive a video call without apps

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

11th May  2020

Qualifying Criteria for PPE

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Hi everyone, I hope your weekend went well and was restful?  The weather was great for most of it.  Did you manage to get outside and have a walk or other forms of exercise?

Just reminding you that the first Virtual Carers Forum takes place tomorrow at 2pm.  If you are interested in joining please email today tony@ccth.org.uk

I am pleased to announce that we are working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies to deliver to all carers the following

27th May 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing with Self-Isolation as a Carer’,

The session will discuss self-care, self-compassion, the difficulties that self-isolation and shielding can bring in particular as a carer and how to manage it better.

3rd June 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing Challenging Behaviours’,

The session will discuss what the purpose and function of challenging behaviours are and what tools we can use to better manage and cope with them.

If you are interested in attending then please email me, giving me permission and your name and contact number to give to talking Therapies.  tony@ccth.org.uk

Talking Therapies

If you, a family member or the person you care for is in need to mental health support please click on the poster below to see if any of the sessions are for you?

Click here to download

Services for Children in Tower Hamlets

Registration for childcare now open

The integrated early years’ service can help key workers and parents of vulnerable children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, to find childcare places for their children during the pandemic.

Applications are now open and can be submitted using a straightforward online form.

Summer 2020 healthy holidays scheme

Applications are open until 9am on Tuesday 26 May 2020 for any organisation that wants to participate in the Tower Hamlets healthy holidays scheme, which runs from Wednesday 22 July to Monday 31 August 2020.

The scheme will fund schools and community organisations to deliver holiday clubs to school-age children. These must provide healthy meals, physical activity and nutritional education, while preparing children to return to school in September.

Funding is available to any organisations that run a free holiday scheme for a minimum of four hours per day, four day per week and for four weeks between 22 July and 31 August.

Clubs must be targeted to children eligible for free school meals and extra funding is available for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Health & Wellbeing

Helping those with hearing loss

Did you know that one in six people in the UK experience hearing loss? During Deaf Awareness Week, we thought we’d remind you that our sight and hearing service is here to support any Tower Hamlets residents who are deaf or who have a hearing or a dual sensory loss.

We provide general information and advice and you may also be eligible for practical support and specialist equipment following an assessment. We can also put you in touch with NHS services as well as local community groups that work with adults who have a sensory loss.

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

6th May  2020

Qualifying Criteria for PPE

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

The Carers Academy is launching a series of virtual/Zoom learning and Social get together sessions over the coming weeks and months.

I hope everyone is well and keeping safe?  So as I have mentioned Tuesday 12^th May at 2pm is the first virtual/Zoom Carers Forum.  I would really like you to join in, so if you fancy catching up with your fellow carers please email me to get your invite  tony@ccth.org.uk

I am pleased to announce that we are working in partnership with Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies to deliver to all carers the following

27th May 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing with Self-Isolation as a Carer’,

The session will discuss self-care, self-compassion, the difficulties that self-isolation and shielding can bring in particular as a carer and how to manage it better.

3rd June 2020 11am to 12.30pm ‘Managing Challenging Behaviours’,

The session will discuss what the purpose and function of challenging behaviours are and what tools we can use to better manage and cope with them.

If you are interested in attending then please email me, giving me permission and your name and contact number to give to talking Therapies.  tony@ccth.org.uk

Health & Wellbeing

 The Government has now included unpaid carers in its list of essential workers and those prioritised for testing in England. You can find out more at:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested#essential-workers

Quit smoking for good

We know some people are using this time as an opportunity to give up smoking. New research has shown that as many as 300,000 people in the UK have successfully quit during the coronavirus crisis.

If you smoke, now is the time to quit so you can stay as healthy as possible. Smoking damages your lungs and weakens your immune system, which could increase your risk of developing complications from coronavirus.

There is plenty of help available to get you on track. Quit Right Tower Hamlets provides local support and advice for anyone hoping to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. For more information, visit its website or call 020 7882 8230.

#QuitForCovid >

Free online membership to our Idea Stores

While our Idea Stores remain closed during the coronavirus outbreak, you can access a wide range of resources and activities by becoming a member online. Membership is free and can provide you and your family with hours of entertainment, including e-books, audio books and magazines.

Idea Stores are also moving some of their much-loved activities for children online, including art club and story time, where you can see staff sharing some of their favourite books or nursery rhymes from their homes.

More info >

What parents and carers need to know about schools, colleges and other education settings during the coronavirus outbreak?

Topics include current government information for parents and carers on:

1. The closures of schools, childcare and other educational settings
2. Exams
3. Admissions
4. Transport
5. Free school meals
6. Vulnerable children
7. Critical workers
8. Resources and support

Click on link:  

www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers 

Celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day from home

On Bank Holiday Friday 8th May 2020 will be VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, which marks the end of World War II fighting against Nazi Germany and the war in Europe. This year also marks the 75th anniversary.

While many of the pre-planned community events have been postponed or cancelled, the nation can still celebrate in a variety of ways from home.

How to mark VE Day >

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

4th May  2020

Qualifying Criteria for PPE

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Being the nerd I am, I just wanted to say ‘Happy Star Wars Day & May the 4th be with you’.

 I Hope your weekend went well and where possible you had some rest and time out?

Reminding you that the Carers Forum is back on Tuesday 12^th May from 2pm to 3pm this will take place via Zoom and you will need to email tony@ccthorg.uk

 Emergency Planning for Carers

The Carers Centre wants to encourage carers to start planning in case of an emergency, especially during this crisis but also in the long term.  What arrangements have you put in place if you become ill or you are hospitalised?

The Carers Centre is supporting carers to complete the plans as the purpose of the plan is to identify who can step in from their family, friends, or local community and what they would need to do.

Additionally there is a guide produced by Together Matters which is helpful.  It is aimed at carers of people with Learning Disabilities, but the principles and suggestions work for most carers.

https://www.togethermatters.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Emergency-planning-for-family-carers-during-Coronavirus-outbreak.pdf

if you are interested in completing an Emergency Plan then email: enquiries@ccth.org.uk

 Send a message to your loved one

Do you have a family member, friend or loved one currently in hospital?  If so, please click on the link below to find out how you can send a message to your loved one.

BARTS Health understand that with visitor restrictions it can be a anxious time, so they have come up with ways to communicate with people.

https://www.bartshealth.nhs.uk/news/send-a-message-to-your-loved-one-8119?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn

Non-coronavirus NHS support continues for all

The NHS is making it clear that despite the crucial focus on treating those with coronavirus, you should not feel that you cannot get in touch if you’re concerned about another worrying health issue.

So although how we access our GPs will have changed, such as to online or telephone consultations, our fantastic health professionals remain ready to support us to stay fit and well.

You also can find out more about this from local GP and Tower Hamlets Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) Chair, Dr Sam Everington.

Stay well at home >

Please look after yourself and in any emergency dial 999

Your immigration status shouldn’t stop you seeking help

We’re proud that our residents come from countries right across the world. Some have become UK citizens, some now have permanent residency, but there are many who have a more temporary immigration status that might mean they wouldn’t normally be able to access financial and other support from the government or the council.

This virus doesn’t discriminate and neither do we. As we respond to the pandemic, visit our website to find out about support available no matter what your immigration status.

Find out more >

Celebrating community cohesion as we remember Altab Ali

On Monday 4 May we will remember Altab Ali, a young Bengali man whose brutal murder in Whitechapel in 1978 mobilised the whole of our community to take a stand against racial intolerance.

To keep alive the vital messages about community cohesion and Tower Hamlets being No Place for Hate, we announced in 2015 that we would mark Altab Ali Day annually.

This year, we are commemorating this important moment online. This includes the launch of a free new resource for young people called The Fight for Equality, as well as a short film to watch at home called Altab Ali and the Battle of Brick Lane.

We are also urging people to sign our No Place for Hate pledge.

More on Altab Ali >

To the Carers who have lost family members, friends and loved ones recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk 

Qualifying Criteria for PPE

• Carers who provide personal/close contact care to loved ones/cared for’s who live in a different property to their own
• Carers who live with their loved ones/cared for’s and one or both are classed as having to be shielded and are extremely vulnerable due to a long-term health condition and/or are over 70 years old

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• webinar

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

The Virtual Carers Forum is taking place on 12th May 2pm to 3pm via ZOOM.

If you are interested in taking part, then please email for your invite.  You must be registered with the Carers Centre.

How is everyone doing?  Are you looking forward to the weekend?  Do you feel there is a difference between weekdays and weekends or is just the same?  I would really love to hear from carers about their Lockdown caring experiences, good or bad, if you are interested in sharing.

Please email me if interested in any of the above  tony@ccth.org.uk

Keeping Well Mentally & Physically

Bereavement Service – Information and Guidance resource

It offers people information about bereavement, local services as well as information about practical help people may need.

https://view.pagetiger.com/bereavement-support-services/1

Don’t ignore cancer symptoms – the NHS is still available

Cancer referrals have dropped significantly across the UK, which means some people may not be following up concerning symptoms or seeking medical help if they need it.

If you have any symptoms of cancer, you may be worried about how coronavirus impacts things like getting tests, treatment and care.

Please be assured that the NHS is still there for you and you should still contact your GP straight away if you are worried. 

From online consultations to COVID-free cancer hubs, NHS staff have worked hard to make sure people can get cancer checks and treatment safely, so there is no need to delay.

Macmillan Cancer Support has put together helpful information for anyone worried they have cancer.

The NHS has also published advice on how to access health services at this time. If in doubt, please contact your GP as soon as possible.

Cancer advice and support >

The Great Get Together – ‘More In Common’ Virtual Iftar!

This Saturday 2nd May, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm, we’ll be holding our first ever Virtual Iftar. We’d love you to join us!

An ‘Iftar’ is a special meal to mark the end of the fasting day during Ramadan. It is often a time of celebration, when families and communities come together. Since our annual Batley Iftar, in Jo Cox’s constituency, can’t go ahead in its usual way this year, we’ve teamed up with the Naz Legacy Foundation to organise a ‘Virtual Iftar,’ in celebration of the work keeping communities strong during the Covid-19 crisis. The event is open to people of all faiths and none and will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate community spirit and our ‘More in Common’ ethos, while simultaneously marking a special time of year for our Muslim communities.

The programme will include specially written poetry from the Batley Poets, and a showcase of artwork from children across the country, on the theme of ‘celebrating everything we have in common’ and ‘my favourite meal for breaking the fast’. We’ll also be joined by guest speaker Baroness Diana Barran, Minister for Loneliness, and an expert panel to discuss their experience of community building in times of crisis.

Register Here

 Housing – Private Renters

Are you a private renter? Have you received an eviction notice? All housing possession action is suspended until June 30th – this means no evictions can currently take place.

If you need help, e-mail housing.advice@towerhamlets.gov.uk or

call 0207 364 3558

Bookings open for holiday childcare in May

If you are a key worker or have vulnerable children and need childcare for the next school holidays in late May, look no further than our Holiday Childcare Scheme.

It’s Ofsted registered and provides fun activities for children aged 3 – 13 years old at locations in Bethnal Green and Shadwell.

Bookings are accepted on a first-come-first-served basis and close at 1pm on Tuesday 19 May, or sooner if we reach full capacity.

Find out more >

What do I do if my child is ill and it isn’t coronavirus?

While it’s important to follow government and NHS guidance to stay at home during this period, it can be confusing to know what to do if your child is unwell or injured.

Doctors have developed a one page guide for parents to use at this time to recognise where to go for medical help.

Remember that NHS 111, GPs and hospitals are still providing the same safe care that they have always done for those who need it.

When to get help >

The Skills Toolkit

Free digital and numeracy courses to build your skills. Want to learn a new skill while at home? Find free, high quality digital and numeracy courses in The Skills Toolkit.

https://theskillstoolkit.campaign.gov.uk/?utm_source=Online%20Centres%20Network%20main%20list&utm_campaign=4784c4f2e3-Members%20news%20Thursday%2030%20April&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fc825d0e1c-4784c4f2e3-110135787

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk  

Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

29th April  2020

PPE Guidance for Carers

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser
• Webinar

REAL giving disabled people real choices:

Please click on link below to see information from REAL on coping with the Corona Virus:

http://www.real.org.uk/information-and-support-on-coping-with-corona-virus-pandemic/guidance-for-people-with-pas-carers/personal-protective-equipment-ppe/

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

 As you can see above the Carers Centre is here to help carers access masks, aprons and gloves if you are undertaking specific caring conditions such as caring for someone in another property or the if anyone is classed as extremely vulnerable and needs to be shieldin   The Carers Centre is here to provide information and advice so please contact us.

I wanted to ask if you managed to observe the one minutes silence for the frontline staff who have passed away? How did it make you feel? Did you get time?

I would really like to know how you are getting on under Lockdown, what is working and what is not? Please email me tony@ccth.org.uk

 Need help from a Volunteer Responder?

 NHS Volunteer Responders can support you, or the person you care for, with shopping, collecting prescriptions or a friendly chat.

Please note, you should only get in touch if you fall into one of the following categories:

• People aged 70 years and older with underlying health conditions
• If you are in the ‘extremely vulnerable’ to COVID 19 group and have been sent a letter asking you to shield from the virus
• People who are pregnant
• If you are newly socially vulnerable as a result of COVID 19
• People who have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010
• Others with high-risk conditions could include:
  • People with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
  • People with serious heart conditions
  • People who are immunocompromised including because of cancer treatment
  • People of any age with severe obesity e.g. body mass index (BMI) over 40
  • Certain underlying medical conditions, particularly if not well controlled, such as those with diabetes, dementia, renal failure, or liver disease might also be at risk

https://volunteering.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/nhs-volunteer-responders-portal/isolating?fbclid=IwAR2K95Q3VZXeHmEFhmpqK1HkhhbbAyHOrB3_gD8dDHTHh6gZugR_KYsg5YM

Help for Children

Gruffalo illustrator helps explain coronavirus to kids

A free digital book has been released explaining coronavirus to primary school age children.

With drawings by Gruffalo illustrator Axel Scheffler, the book answers key questions in simple language aimed at five to nine year olds:

• What is coronavirus?
• How do you catch coronavirus?
• What happens if you catch coronavirus?
• Why are people worried about catching coronavirus?
• Is there a cure for coronavirus?
• Why are some places we normally go to closed?
• What can I do to help?
• What’s going to happen next?

Importantly, the book ends in an uplifting and positive way to help inspire hope in children and reassure them that things will get back to normal.

Download for free >

 Advice for Parents on Home Learning

 Need help or support with home learning? Want to connect with qualified teachers and parenting and education experts?

Then please click on this link:  https://www.starline.org.uk/?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn

Carer Health & Wellbeing

 ‘Don’t Tone Alone CIC’ are bringing a series of exercise classes for Carers.

• Tuesdays 11am Circuits for long-term conditions.
• Wednesdays 12.30pm Enerchi – mindfulness and breathing
• Thursdays 11am Circuits for long-term conditions
• Fridays 3pm Boxfit

Exercise classes hold up to 15 people at once and it is first come first served. If you are interested and want more information please contact info@donttonealone.co.uk

National Singing for the Brain Live – Alzheimer’s Society

 Join us Thursday 30^th April 2020 at 3pm, on Facebook, for our nationwide, virtual ‘Singing for the Brain’ singalong! ??

The theme is ‘classic hits’, so get ready to belt out some classics, from Frank Sinatra to The Beatles, plus many more.

Have fun when you have to stay in.

Sign up on our event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/224767148793291/

Working for Carers

Would you like to receive support on improving your Well-Being? Do you care for someone or have recently stopped caring for someone and you are seeking support with accessing employment, volunteering, and training opportunities in the future?  Attend our next workshop.

Zoom Resilience and Confidence Building Workshop  

 Thursday 30th April 2020 at 3pm 

 Zoom Meeting ID: 910-3366-9883 

 To be eligible: Must be a carer or a recent former carer   Not in any form of paid employment, including zero-hour contracts & self-employment 25 years and over and have right to live and work in the UK. If you would like to attend the workshops, please sign up by clicking on link:

https://us19.list-manage.com/survey?u=f3e7d87efdff502f0c6057e19&id=809f23bf0b

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk  

Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families, or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Any carers need to talk to anyone or reach out due to domestic abuse, they can call Victim Support on 0207 364 2448/7957 or the Domestic Violence Duty Line on 0207 364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

If you need to contact me then email: tony@ccth.org.uk

How is everyone after the weekend? How is fasting going? I hope everyone is well and keeping safe?

I just wanted check in with carers and see how your lives are going as we enter week 6 of Lockdown. Carers UK have released some statistics from their recent survey concerning carers during the COVID 19. I urge you to have a read of the survey as it states the following  “carers told us they are providing more care as well as spending more money than usual, on top of worrying about what might happen to the person they care for if they get ill. Issues such as difficulties accessing food and medicine, the impact of local services closing and not feeling their role is recognised were also key challenges for carers.

Read the Report

Tower Hamlets

PPE advice for Carers who do not live with their cared for’s

Tower Hamlets Council has asked the Carers Centre to pass on new and up to date information and advice for carers that care for loved ones who live in another property. I urge you to check out the advice as it could prove every useful. Please click on the links below:

• PPE guidance
• Hand wash guide,
• Putting on PPE (donning)
• Taking off PPE (doffing)
• Hand sanitiser

There is a webinar scheduled on Monday 27^th April at 18:30 (6.30pm) for unpaid and paid carers on PPE; led by health and social care staff this will include how to put on and take off PPE, when PPE should be used etc. This will be recorded, so carers who are unable to join the webinar can view the video at their convenience.

The Carers centre will support Carers to continue with essential care by ensuring that they can access PPE supplies provided by Tower Hamlets Council.

We ask carers requesting PPE to e-mail: enquiries@ccth.org.uk or Call 0207 790 1765

Tower Hamlets Talking Therapies

Talking Therapies are open as usual and offering 1:1 and group therapy remotely.  They continue to accept new referrals and patients can continue to self-refer via our website: https://towerhamletstalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/

They are offering COVID- 19 specific live webinars on:

• Coping with social distancing
• Managing health anxieties related to COVID-19
• ‘Shielding’ patients coping with social isolation

You can find more information about these webinars and resources on our COVID19 specific webpage:  https://towerhamletstalkingtherapies.nhs.uk/coronavirus-covid19/

If you need the Carers Centre Staff to make a referral on your behalf then please let us know, we would be happy to help.

Share your experience about health services

NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during this crisis but there might be things that can be improved.

What is affecting care for you and your loved ones? Healthwatch Tower Hamlets wants to hear your experiences and views and will share with those who can do something about it. Over 200 people have already taken part. Please help make services better in your community by completing the survey.

Have your say

Watch your speed on the roads

With more people rightly staying at home, most roads are empty. Unfortunately, the police have reported that some drivers are seeing that as an excuse for unacceptable speeding, including someone driving at 97 mph in a 40-mph zone.

No-one should be travelling on the roads unless they are a critical worker or are making an essential journey. Breaking the speed limit is dangerous at any time but during a time of national emergency, the emergency services need to be focusing on the coronavirus, not car accidents.

Police officers are undertaking enforcement activity at locations across Tower Hamlets and they have our full support.

Housing providers pledge to be there during tough times

Housing associations from across Tower Hamlets have come together to renew their commitment to residents with a united pledge to do the following:

• To keep critical services going during the coronavirus pandemic.
• To look after the welfare of our most vulnerable residents.
• To offer support and advice if you fall behind with your rent or service charge
• To keep estates clean – including sanitising and wiping down touch points.
• To keep you informed when things change.

Read the pledge

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk  

Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

24th April 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families, or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Any carers need to talk to anyone or reach out due to domestic abuse, they can call Victim Support on 0207 364 2448/7957 or the Domestic Violence Duty Line on 0207 364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

As some of you may know I manage the Carers Academy and my role is to develop training for carers to assist them with their caring role. I also develop peer support groups as well as facilitate the monthly Carers Forum. I like to work in partnership with carers when developing services making sure our services are coproduced.

I am now looking to set up a weekly social online group for carers, who would like to chat with their peers and myself, this will include the monthly Carers Forum. If you are interested then please email me tony@ccth.org.uk and then I will start setting up the online group.  Once we are up and running, we can have fun, discuss topics important to you and look positively to the future.

Hate Crime

Today marks the 21^st anniversary of the Nail Bomb Attacks in Brick Lane.

The 1999 London nail bombings were a series of bomb explosions that took place over three successive weekends between 17 and 30 April 1999.

Nail bombs were detonated in Brixton, south London, Brick Lane and in The Admiral Duncan pub in Soho in the West End.

They killed three people, including a pregnant woman, and injured 140 people.

Through this short video, John Biggs, Mayor of Tower Hamlets and elected member Cllr Asma Begum wanted to send out a message to the community that we stand together united against all forms of hate crime and to reaffirm our commitment  to Tower Hamlets being a No Place for Hate borough.

The video will be published on the Council’s Facebook & Twitter sites.

The video can be downloaded here: https://towerhamlets.box.com/s/vlgkjuk1bpzhpu261varlsl41y0rsz1a

Due to the current Covid-19 lockdown, the vigil for the Brick Lane Act of Remembrance this year will be held via Zoom.

Details for tonight’s Act of Remembrance;

Below is the log on details for Zoom – where we will be holding this evening’s Brick Lane Act of Remembrance at 6 pm.

April Acts of Remembrance Archive on our website;

https://nationalhcaw.uk/april-acts-of-remembrance

17-24-30 NationalHCAW Facebook page;

https://www.facebook.com/172430NationalHCAW/

Our YouTube Channel where all videos have been uploaded.

https://www.youtube.com/user/172430notohatecrime

Topic: Acts of Remembrance – Brick Lane
Time: Apr 24, 2020 06:00 PM London

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/151104780

Advice for Ramadan 2020 by BARTS NHS Trust

In 2020 the Ramadan will take place between the evening of Thursday 23 April and end on the evening of Saturday 23 May.

The practice of fasting is an important part of Ramadan. This involves the complete abstinence from food, drink and smoking between sunrise and sunset over the month. It’s also a time for self-reflection and evaluation.

The Covid-19 pandemic will mean what is traditionally a communal time when families can come together will be different this year. Such congregational acts of worship have been suspended this year to combat the spread of the virus. Please spend #RamdanAtHome and see the useful advice provided by the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB).

It’s important to remember that there are several exemptions allowed to fasting. Those with increased risk of contracting COVID-19 should consider alternative options. These include those who are unwell due to conditions including diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, or those who are on medication, pregnant or elderly.

NHS services are still operating both online or over the phone instead of face to face.  Please don’t hesitate to contact NHS 111 online or over the phone if you are a member of your family are unwell.  It’s important that you don’t delay seeking treatment.

Speak to your clinical team if you or a member of your family is receiving treatment at this time and you have any questions.

Click here for a video on this from Yunus Dudhwala, head of chaplaincy at BARTS NHS Trust.

See DIABETES UK guide to Diabetes and Ramadan (English and Bengali)  Just click on the  language you require to download the pdf.

Advice and support for families

The parent and family support service, as well as the family information service, are still available to assist and support families in Tower Hamlets.

Due to coronavirus, the service is currently only available by phone or email. Appointments can also be made using video call. Where possible English, Bengali, Somali and Turkish speaking practitioners are available.

Services include:

• Advice, guidance and practical support for parents, carers and guardians.
• Information, advice and support for parents, carers and guardians of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Information, advice and support for young people with SEND.
• Parenting advice and access to online parenting programmes and support.
• Information and advice for school transition and appeals.
• Childcare brokerage, particularly supporting critical key workers and vulnerable families.

If you need to speak to us please call 020 7364 6495 / 6398 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm) or email fis@towerhamlets.gov.uk

Coronavirus: Post Office to deliver cash to the vulnerable

The Post Office has redesigned its overnight travel money delivery service to get cash to the most vulnerable people in England.

Some shielded individuals who must stay at home during the coronavirus outbreak are being contacted by the government to ensure they have access to cash.

Those with Post Office Card Accounts can have cash delivered to their door by the following day.

It is one of many schemes to ensure people are not financially isolated.

A range of supermarkets have introduced volunteer cards, which operate in a similar way to gift cards, allowing people to shop for a neighbour without having access to their bank card.

High Street bank NatWest is also introducing a “companion card” – allowing people in extended isolation to give trusted volunteers a way to pay for their essential goods.

The card can be topped up with up to £100 and is associated with the customer’s existing bank account but kept separate on the bank’s systems. It does not share a PIN or long card number with the customer’s existing debit cards and cash machine withdrawals are restricted to £50.

The Post Office has already extended a single-use voucher scheme, with allows volunteers to withdraw cash from post office counters for vulnerable people.

Following criticism, it has now ensured all post office counters are fitted with protective glass to reduce the risk of infection between postmasters, postmistresses and customers and volunteers in branches.

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

21st April

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families, or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Any carers need to talk to anyone or reach out due to domestic abuse, they can call Victim Support on 0207 364 2448/7957 or the Domestic Violence Duty Line on 0207 364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.

 Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Hello to everyone, sorry there has been a gap in the blogs, I had organised a weeks leave before the crisis was upon us and I thought I will still take it.  To be honest it was not to different from the previous weeks, I just did not use my computer (Bliss). Like a lot of people, I spent my time clearing out cupboards, gardening, a little exercise but a lot of eating.

I hope you are keeping safe and that the Lockdown is not having to much of a negative impact on your wellbeing? Please email me if you have any information, advice or stories you wish to share with your fellow Carers tony@ccth.org.uk

The Carers Centre wishes all our carers a Happy Ramadan Mubarak.

Messages from Tower Hamlets

Have a safe and healthy Ramadan

Many of our residents will start observing Ramadan this week, but the coronavirus pandemic means that the holy month will be quite different this year.

While Ramadan is a time for togetherness and community, it’s important that everyone continues to follow government advice to stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary. Mosques will remain closed until the restrictions are lifted, but you can still pray in congregation at home with those you live with.

We would urge anyone with an underlying health condition that makes them more vulnerable to coronavirus to speak to their GP to make sure it’s safe to fast. If you develop symptoms of coronavirus, we will strongly advise you to consider breaking your fast to avoid dehydration.

Guidance and resources have been published by the Muslim Council of Britain, the East London Mosque and Open Iftar, which can offer support on how to engage with your community while staying at home during Ramadan.

Technology will play a key role in overcoming the challenges of lockdown, with Ramadan prayers and the nightly recitation of the Qur’an moving online. You can also use video calling platforms such as Zoom to host Iftar parties.

Stay safe while shopping for essentials

A reminder to our residents to please stay safe while out shopping for essentials like food.

You should only be leaving your home as infrequently as possible and you must always follow social distancing guidance, including while queueing.

In the bigger supermarkets, there are queueing systems in place to help people stay a safe distance apart, but we are still seeing people far too close together when waiting outside of smaller shops.

For the safety of yourself and others, please try to visit shops at quieter times of day, stand two metres apart while queueing and keep your distance when you’re walking through the aisles. Sticking to the rules could save lives.

Bereavement and funeral support for families

We have been working closely with local partners to ensure that families who lose a loved one due to COVID-19 are given the support they need at such a difficult time. We have updated our website to include practical information based on government guidance.

A key part of this ensures that close family members can continue to attend funerals and that the funeral wishes of those who have passed away are provided for, where they can take place safely.

The update also includes details on the new teams supporting families, how to register a death in the borough, alongside bereavement and financial support available.

Find out more

Message from Charlie

I hope you are staying well in these unusual times. I am writing to you to inform you about our offer for carers during this time. As you know we usually run a weekly group, day retreats and residential retreats, but have had to suspend all our activity. However, we have moved some of our offering online, and based on feedback from carers on our database we now have the following up and running:

• Every week we post on our YouTube channel and send out to our mailing list a guided meditation to listen to anytime.  Here’s the meditation from last week: https://youtu.be/qSeTQPLo_Fs
• Every week we host a live session on zoom every Tuesday from 11.30-12.30.  We do a brief meditation together, followed by a discussion and a chance to check in. Here’s the link for the weekly meeting: https://zoom.us/j/173262999(Meeting ID: 173 262 999).
• We also post meditations and videos on our Whatsapp group, which you can join here:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVWFLzGJvvF2ohwbfdvuq0
• And finally we have a Whatsapp group to connect with other carers in the area, share helpful posts etc here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/G23oTNGbYWG18KQHgZ725S

We are also happy to send guided meditations on CDs out in the post if carers prefer to listen in that way, we would just need a postal address. We are planning to run yoga classes and possibly a day retreat in the upcoming future too.

Our social support groups are going online!

If you or someone you know is struggling with how to fill their day at home during lock-down or feel cut off from their LGBT community this is a great place.

These weekly social online meet ups will provide the LGBT community in Tower Hamlets with a safe place to meet other people and be themselves.

It is a great place to make new friends and get to know other people in the community.

The meet ups will feature chats and discussions, fun and interesting workshops led by a group facilitator and activities that will delve into LGBT issues and topics and help create a fun, supportive community that we would love for you to be part of. We will nature our creativity and imagination, learn coping techniques like mindful breathing and much more together.

Mondays 1-3pm: over 50s LGBT support group

Mondays 3:30-5:30pm: LGBT support group for those experiencing  feelings of isolation, perhaps have low confidence/low self-esteem,  experience of living with a disability, mental health need or a learning disability or anyone who wants to have more contact with the LGBT community during these unprecedented times.

Please email  lgbtforum@elop.org to receive a link and instructions on how to join.

You will need a laptop or a smartphone and internet connection.

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk  

 Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

9th April 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

 Any carers need to talk to anyone or reach out due to domestic abuse, they can call Victim Support on 0207 364 2448/7957 or the Domestic Violence Duty Line on 0207 364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Well it is the Bank Holiday/Easter weekend and for some it is a significant religious time and for others it might just be having a long weekend at home, with friends and family after working extremely hard.   Whatever way you spend this upcoming weekend, make sure you stay safe as well as your loved ones.  tony@ccth.org.uk

Clapping for Carers – this is now going to be a regular weekly initiative.  Every Thursday at 8pm and this means everyone is clapping for you as well as the keyworkers doing an amazing job.  As I have said many times you do a remarkable job day in day out, all year round.   Tower Hamlets Carers Be Proud of Yourselves.

Carers UK

Carers UK has launched a new survey to quickly capture carers’ experiences of the coronavirus outbreak. The closing date is Monday 13 April, so that we can use the findings to support carers speedily.

Carers UK want to understand what impact this national crisis is having on carers’ lives from the broadest number of carers or former carers, whether negative or positive, and what their experiences are in these challenging times. This will not only shape the advice and support we provide, but also ensure that local and national government hear directly from carers.

Answering these questions should take a maximum of 10-15 minutes and we appreciate any time people can give.

Take the survey

Carers Trust

Shopping for Carers

Gareth Howells, our CEO, has written to the big four supermarkets, to ask them to include unpaid carers in protected shopping times and for online deliveries. We are in regular contact with NHS England and DHSC and will bring this issue to their attention. We will keep you updated on progress.

Tower Hamlets

Free hot meals for families with school aged children over Easter

The following locations will be serving hot meals to take away starting on Wednesday 8 April until Friday 17 April – excluding Saturday 11 April and Easter Sunday. Each location will be serving a maximum of 300 meals each to ensure social distancing etiquette can be followed.

Meals will be free to any family with school aged children who are struggling to afford, or find, food during the current situation. You should only take what you need for your family for one day.

Monday to Friday only.

• Brady Centre 192 Hanbury Street E1 5HU open 12noon to 2.30pm
• Harford Multicentre115 Harford Street E1 4FG open 12noon to 2.30pm
• St Paul’s Way83 St Paul’s Way E3 4AJ open 12noon to 2.30pm
• Gayton Classroom 1Gayton House, Chiltern Road E3 4BY 30pm to 4pm
• Spotlight30 Hay Currie Street E14 6GN 30pm to 4.30pm

Guidance on hospital visits

To help stop the spread of coronavirus, many hospitals have stopped or significantly limited visits. People should check the hospital’s website before visiting to find out the latest advice.

BARTS Health NHS Trust has published details about visiting its hospitals.

Along with checking information online first, residents can also call the ward ahead of visiting to discuss individual circumstances. You can find contact details for BARTS hospitals on its website.

We understand restrictions may cause disappointment or distress in some situations, but they are vitally important and are in place to help protect the vulnerable and stop the spread of the virus.

The NHS has published guidance on how to safely visit someone in hospital during the coronavirus pandemic

New teams support families dealing with the loss of a loved one

New specialist teams made up of healthcare and emergency services staff across London are being trained to respond to instances of someone passing away when it is believed to be as a result of COVID-19. They will support families by arranging their loved ones to be collected by an undertaker to take them to a funeral home or mortuary, ahead of a burial or cremation.

The aim of the new units, called pandemic multiagency response teams (PMARTs), is to ensure a safe and sensitive response to COVID-19 deaths in the community at home, in a care home or hospice and therefore reduce demand on the London Ambulance Service.

Families of those who have sadly passed away will not be required to visit register offices to notify the death of their loved one in person. The borough’s PMART will take care of that process and people can book an appointment online for a telephone death registration

General Advice

Online safety and well-being for children in isolation

Schools and workplaces are closed, but nobody is actually on holiday. Homeworking parents will be expected to put in an 8-hour day, whilst home-schooling and supervising their children, in addition to maintaining a home. Parents have got a lot on their mind.

Some parents will have been laid-off which brings additional stresses and worries.  We are all having to re-negotiate house rules and carve out space and quiet time. It would be understandable to relax some of the house rules.

Children are likely to be using social media platforms to stay connected with friends. But they will also be using the internet for schoolwork, gaming, boxsets and chatrooms – there is going to be an increase in their online presence too.

16 TOP TIPS FOR KEEPING CHILDREN SAFE DURING LOCKDOWN:

1. Start as you mean to go on, keep your child’s day as structured as possible.
2. Limit smartphone time as if they were at school.
3. In downtime, engage with your child. Ask them about messages from school friends and show interest in their news
4. Plan family time such as a film or walking the dog.
5. Don’t let your child withdraw with their smartphone without checking in on them.
6. When a laptop is not in use for video chat, cover the camera.
7. Ensure children are dressed appropriately for video chat, in a suitable space within your home.
8. The bedroom or bathroom are NOT appropriate places for video chat.
9. Be aware of what others can see in the background of your video call.
10. Ensure that you and your child log out completely after any video calls and if in doubt switch the laptop off after use. Do not leave your microphone, or camera switched on.
11. Switch your devices off at night and leave them in a box in downstairs.
12. Be wary about your children communicating with their headphones on – if your house environment allows it, ensure their speaker is audible to you.
13. Go to the https://safetonetfoundation.org/ website: It’s packed with advice and guidance and app risk assessments for both parents and children.
14. Become Cyber Curious: Ask your child to teach you how to play video games or how different Apps work. The reason for this is to.

• Learn about your child’s cyberlife and how they use the internet
• Keep pace with your child’s rapidly changing world
• Keep yourself up to speed on the latest Apps so you can identify risks ahead of time
• Make conversations with your child about their online activities a natural and normal everyday occurrence.

15. Agree a family Contract: These are extraordinary times and to get through the lock-down there needs to be some re-negotiation of rules. This is the perfect time to come up with a contract / house agreement which are a great way to foster and encourage positive, responsible behaviour in an atmosphere of mutual respect and responsibility. Teenagers engage enthusiastically in this process, so be warned, you may get some interesting feedback and gain insights into your child’s view of the world. Providing you stick to whatever is agreed and enforce it, the family contract can strengthen the parent / child relationship.  There are some great examples of contract templates you can use but be sure to make it fun.
16. During this lock-down phase, parents can download the SafeToNet App and install it on their child’s devices for free for 30 days. It won’t show parents what your child is doing, who they are talking to or what they are saying because it respects their child’s right to privacy, but it will show parents an indication of their child’s risk levels in relation to their online behaviour.

LGBTQ+ Support & Information for Carers

Is there something on your mind? We’re still here if you need to talk to someone. You can call us on 0345 3 30 30 30 or email helpline@lgbt.foundation

Step-Forward Free & confidential services for all young people aged 11-25, living in & around Tower Hamlets, East London which includes LBGTQ+ support

LGBT Switchboard – LGBT Switchboard is an information, support and referral service for lesbians, gay men and bisexual and trans people – and anyone considering issues around their sexuality and/or gender identity

Positive East – Info and Advice around HIV related issues, including benefit advice, housing issues and employment law. Peer and Group support, health and wellbeing programme, counselling and psychotherapy service. HIV/STI testing 020 7791 2855

London Friend – Services to improve the health and mental well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people. Counselling, social & support groups, drug & alcohol use, domestic abuse, sexual health, LGBT refugees & asylum seekers.020 7833 1674

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Keep Well & Stay Safe

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

6th April 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

 Any carers need to talk to anyone or reach out due to domestic abuse, they can call Victim Support on 0207 364 2448/7957 or the Domestic Violence Duty Line on 0207 364 4986 between 9am – 5pm.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

 How was your weekend?  I would love to hear from carers about their experiences of self-isolating, what did you think about the Queens speech?  If you have opinions or stories to share, then please email:  tony@ccth.org.uk

Clapping for Carers – this is now going to be a regular weekly initiative.  Every Thursday at 8pm and this means everyone is clapping for you as well as the keyworkers doing an amazing job.  As I have said many times you do a remarkable job day in day out, all year round.   Tower Hamlets Carers Be Proud of Yourselves.

 Tower Hamlets

Food packages for vulnerable residents

Boxes containing food and grocery supplies for extremely vulnerable people have begun to be distributed across Tower Hamlets.

Supplied by the government, the food was delivered to Bethnal Green where our staff and volunteers prepared and packed it for delivery. The council supplemented the boxes with some additional fresh food to ensure they were nutritionally balanced.

The boxes are for residents who the NHS has identified as extremely vulnerable and are advised not to leave home at this time. Delivering boxes directly to these vulnerable residents is vital, as many will have no other way of accessing food supplies.

As well as the extremely vulnerable, we are helping provide food to people with other urgent needs and who may not be able to access food, either because they are self-isolating due to illness or because they have other health conditions that put them at high risk.

Anyone who needs support with food supplies can contact the council by phoning 020 7364 3030 or by completing our online form.

Weekly worship services now on air

BBC local radio is helping to support faith communities unable to visit places of worship due to the current coronavirus outbreak.

As of this morning, Muslim reflections will air every Friday at 5.50am on BBC Radio London.

A Christian service is also being broadcast every Sunday at 8am.

We will keep you updated as we become aware of other similar initiatives to help support our faith communities at this time.

Coronavirus and claiming benefits            

If you’re in work and not claiming benefits

 If you cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay you will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of your illness. This applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020.

Statutory Sick Pay will be payable if you have coronavirus or are self-isolating on government advice.

If you are a carer who is getting Carers Allowance and you cannot provide care to person you cared for because either you are self-isolating or the person you care for, your Carers Allowance will not be affected.

If you’re in work and not claiming benefits

 If you cannot work due to coronavirus and are eligible for Statutory Sick Pay you will get it from day one, rather than from the fourth day of your illness. DWP intends to legislate so this measure applies retrospectively from 13 March 2020.

Statutory Sick Pay will be payable if you have coronavirus or are self-isolating on government advice.

If you are a gig worker and/or on a zero hours contract, you may be entitled to sick pay. Check your eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay

If you need to provide evidence to your employer that you need to stay at home due to having symptoms of coronavirus an Isolation Note can be obtained from NHS 111 online. If you live with someone that has symptoms, an Isolation Note can be obtained from the NHS website.

If you are not eligible to receive sick pay you can apply for Universal Credit and/or apply for New Style Employment and Support Allowance

You can also apply for these if you are prevented from working because of a risk to public health.

If you’re already claiming benefits

Changes to jobcentre appointments

 People receiving benefits do not have to attend jobcentre appointments for three months, starting from Thursday 19 March 2020.

People will continue to receive their benefits as normal, but all requirements to attend the jobcentre in person are suspended.

You should not attend the jobcentre unless directed to do so for an exceptional purpose.

People can still make applications for benefits online if they are eligible.

If you apply for Universal Credit you will need to make an appointment for your new claim interview. This interview will take place by telephone with a work coach. You will be given the number to call to book this appointment when you have submitted your claim.

If you’re already claiming Universal Credit and think you may have been affected by coronavirus, please contact your work coach as soon as possible. You can do this using your online journal

Changes to health assessments

 Considering the current coronavirus outbreak, the Department for Work and Pensions has taken the precautionary decision to temporarily suspend all face-to-face assessments for health and disability-related benefits. This is aimed at reducing the risk of exposure to coronavirus and safeguarding the health of individuals claiming health and disability benefits, many of whom are likely to be at greater risk due to their pre-existing health conditions.

If you already have an assessment appointment arranged, you do not need to attend. Your assessment provider will contact you to discuss your appointment and explain the next steps to you.

If you have made a claim for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) but do not have a date for an assessment appointment, you do not need to do anything. You will be contacted shortly by telephone or letter to let you know what will happen next.

If you are already receiving PIP, ESA, Universal Credit or IIDB you will continue to receive your current payments as normal.

If you have made a new claim or wish to make a new claim, DWP will continue to take claims for all benefits.

Changes to how much you’ll get

 From 6 April the government is increasing the standard allowance in Universal Credit and the basic element in Working Tax Credit for one year. Both will increase by £20 per week on top of planned annual uprating. This will apply to all new and existing Universal Credit claimants and to existing Working Tax Credit claimants.

This means that for a single Universal Credit claimant (aged 25 or over), the standard allowance will increase from £317.82 to £409.89 per month.

From April, Local Housing Allowance rates will be increased to the 30th percentile of market rents. This will apply to all private renters who are new or existing Universal Credit housing element claimants, and to existing Housing Benefit claimants.

If you’re self-employed

 If you are self-employed and claiming Universal Credit, and are required to stay at home or are ill as a result of coronavirus, the Minimum Income Floor (an assumed level of income) will not be applied for the period of time whilst you are affected.

From 6 April the requirements of the Minimum Income Floor will be temporarily relaxed. This change will apply to all Universal Credit claimants and will last for the duration of the outbreak. New claimants will not need to attend the jobcentre to demonstrate gainful self-employment.

The Self-employment Income Support Scheme (SEISS) will support self-employed individuals (including members of partnerships) whose income has been negatively impacted by coronavirus. The scheme will provide a grant to self-employed individuals or partnerships, worth 80% of their profits up to a cap of £2,500 per month. Read more about eligibility for SEISS

You should not contact HMRC about accessing SEISS now. HMRC will use existing information to check potential eligibility and invite applications once the scheme is operational.

The Self-employment Income Support Scheme will be treated as earnings in Universal Credit. Your Universal Credit payment will adjust in response to changes in your earnings.

If you need financial help whilst waiting for SEISS, check your eligibility for Universal Credit

Changes to your earnings

If you are in work and already claiming Universal Credit, and are staying at home on Government advice, you should report this in the usual way via your online journal. If this means you are working fewer hours, the amount of Universal Credit you receive will adjust as your earnings change.

If you’re making a new claim

Don’t delay making a benefit claim, even if you think you may be affected by coronavirus.

You can apply for Universal Credit online. If you are eligible you will need to make an appointment for your new claim interview. This interview will take place by telephone with a work coach. You will be given the number to call to book this appointment when you have submitted your claim.

The appointment booking line is exceptionally busy, therefore your local jobcentre will call you if they’ve seen you’ve applied online but haven’t been able to get through to get an appointment yet. They will use your online journal to let you know they’ll be calling and will contact you as soon as they can.

You should continue to try and book a new claim interview until you have been contacted.

Universal Credit users are experiencing extended waiting times for GOV.UK Verify. We appreciate how frustrating this is and we are working to improve the situation as quickly as possible. Not everyone will be able to verify their identity online. Don’t worry if you can’t – call the number provided once you have submitted your claim, to book a new claim telephone interview with a work coach.

If you need to claim Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) because of coronavirus, you will not be required to produce a Fit Note.

If you are affected by coronavirus you will be able to apply for Universal Credit and can receive up to a month’s advance upfront without physically attending a jobcentre.

If you are suffering from coronavirus or are required to stay at home and want to apply for ESA, the usual 7 waiting days for new claimants will not apply. ESA will be payable from day one.

If you need support or need advice email: abdul@ccth.org.uk or ruhela@ccth.org.uk

I will be signing off every time now with this message.

To the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently, The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk

 Keep well & stay safe

Tony Collins-Moore  – Carers Academy Manager

4th April 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

How is everyone feeling?  I received a letter from my GP yesterday telling me that I am considered extremely vulnerable and that I must begin shielding immediately.  This is due to my Asthma and Diabetes; I have to say it did shock me how vulnerable I am right now and that I must adhere to the instructions prescribed in the letter.

As carers for family and friends have you or the person/s you care for received a letter?   If you have I would love to hear from you tony@ccth.org.uk as you may have questions about support, information and advice and ways to manage this extraordinary situation?

What does shielding mean:

• Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Do not leave the house for 12 weeks.
• Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gathering of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
• Do not go out for shopping, leisure or travel and, when arranging food or medication deliveries, these should be left at the door to minimise contact.
• Keep in touch using remote technology such as phone, internet and social media.

Then the letter highlights the importance of reaching out when in need.  This leads me nicely onto getting in contact with the Carers Centre if you need support collecting medication or food.  The Carers Centre will signpost you or make referrals to organisations working within Tower Hamlets that can assist you or the person you care for.

Keep in contact with your friends and family by phone (I know lots of carers have a shared group WhatsApp, that they keep in touch and check on their peers).  There seems to be lots of different video calling Apps such as Skype and Zoom that will allow you to see the person you are talking to. Don’t forget social media like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that could prove useful.   I know how important keeping in touch with people is and I am chatting to my Mum and Dad as much as I can.

Young Carers

As you know I have been asking for carers to contribute any information, guidance or example of good practice and fantastically a Young Carer called Sanyu emailed me asking if she could write something for this blog.  Please read below Sanyu’s contribution and thank you Sanyu for your words.

With no fault of our own, we are all living in a pretty crazy time.

Digesting all that is going on can be scary, especially with all the numbers of cases rising every day and even worse, deaths from covid-19.

As a young carer it is important to remember that you are an essential participant in the care and health of others, alongside the doctors and nurses and key workers, so for that you are held highly. You are incredible! While taking care of yourself and your loved ones can be a anxious time, it is very important that in your down time, whether it’s before bed or early in the morning, take a moment to breathe.

If you have internet access, watch your favourite Netflix show. Perform a Tick Tok to the latest dance trends, read a book or video call friends and family. Maybe even go for a quick jog by the local park, (2 metres apart remember!)

It is vital that your mental health is supported and taken care of during this time, so please take time for yourself.

Until next time!

Sanyu 

Tower Hamlets

Flexibility for residents who receive care packages

We are working with partners organisations, including PeoplePlus, REAL and the NHS, to ensure that people with a direct payment and/or a personal health budget continue to be supported during these challenging times. These partnerships have allowed us to respond quickly and make changes where needed. These include:

• Increasing all direct payments by 10 per cent to allow for a contingency budget.
• Additional flexibility to amend support packages if this is required and meets the person’s needs. This includes the option to employ family members where appropriate.
• Support to get personal protective equipment (PPE) to direct payment recipients.

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/health__social_care/longer-term_support_and_person/direct_payments.aspx

Reminder: please watch out for scams 

A reminder that government, police, the National Crime Agency (NCA) and others are urging the public to be aware that criminals are using coronavirus to scam people.

Some websites, emails or phone numbers can look like they’re part of an official government service – but they can be fake. If you’re unsure, please do not respond.

Nearly a third of all fraud is committed over the phone, and so the Met Police is asking people to read its booklet of phone scams to raise awareness of the different ways scams can be carried out over the phone.

Government guidance on access to green spaces

The government has released new guidance on access to green space, which complements the existing guidance on social distancing.

In addition to only leaving your home when necessary – you must:

• Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily.
• You should only go outside alone or with members of your own household.
• Always keep at least two metres (six feet) apart from anyone outside your household.
• Gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this.
• Take hygiene precautions when you are outside and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors.

Parks in Tower Hamlets currently remain open, except for Victoria Park.

Don’t forget, all our outdoor gyms, playground equipment and skate parks across the borough are closed and must not be used. To help make this clear, we’ve added signage and wrapped the facilities where possible. Coronavirus can live on hard surfaces for three days and can be spread by people who have no symptoms. These measures really are to help protect you and the health of others.

Condition Specific Information

Autism

The National Autistic Society has online support and information on the Coronavirus for people with Autism as well ideas when caring/supporting someone with Autism.  Please use this link:  https://www.autism.org.uk/

Asthma

Asthma UK have support and information relating to Asthma and the Coronavirus.  They have tips about the importance looking after yourself, using inhalers and a Asthma attack checker.

As a lifelong Asthmatic I strongly advocate getting the best advice, use your prescribed inhalers and medication and if deemed extremely vulnerable stick to the self-isolating guidance.

https://www.asthma.org.uk/

https://www.asthma.org.uk/coronavirus

I just wanted to end today’s entry by saying to the Carers who have lost family members and friends recently that The Carers Centre Team sends their heartfelt condolences and if you need any advice or support then please email us on enquiries@ccth.org.uk

Keep well & stay safe

 Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

1st April 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030.

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Well it is a new month and life is going to remain the same for some for the next few weeks/months.  So I thought I would pass on more information that could help fight the boredom, understandable carers might have little time to get bored as your caring role continues and if you have your children home from school you have more to do than ever.

If you have any information or good news stories you wish to share please email:  tony@ccth.org.uk

Tower Hamlets Council

Free School Meals:  The Council has information on the provision of free school meals during coronavirus outbreak, please visit linked page below for the latest news and information.

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/education_and_learning/school_finance_and_support/free_school_meals.aspx

Council Tax: The Council has a page on their website explaining your council tax bill, the easiest way to manage and pay your bill and how to claim council tax reduction if you are eligible.  Please visit the page if you need further information.

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/council_and_democracy/council_tax/Your_Council_Tax_bill_explained.aspx

Outdoor Gyms: The council has closed all outdoor play, sports and gyms and are requesting that they are not used.  They have wrapped the equipment making it unusable for the time being.  I know this is difficult as you might want to exercise but it is for you own health and the health of others.

Benefit Advice

I have been chatting with my colleagues Abdul and Ruhela who are the carers Centre Benefit advisors, you have probably met them at the centre and had excellent advice and support?

They have asked me to pass on some details that are helpful during this time.

If you need information about Universal Credit claims and the Coronavirus, then click on this link:   https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/

If you are a registered carer and need support with your benefits then please email Abdul@ccth.org.uk  or Ruhela@ccth.org.uk

Health & Wellbeing

I am looking at ways to inform you of initiatives o n maintaining good mental and physical health and wellbeing.  This will include links to supporting your mental health while dealing with self-isolation as well as ideas for physical exercise.  I am hopeful that I can examples to cheer you up and make you smile.

The link below is guidance from the Government, stating the following:

‘During this time, you may be bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried, anxious, or be concerned about your health or that of those close to you. Everyone reacts differently to events and changes in the way that we think, feel and behave vary between different people and over time. It’s important that you take care of your mind as well as your body and to get further support if you need it’.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-public-on-mental-health-and-wellbeing/guidance-for-the-public-on-the-mental-health-and-wellbeing-aspects-of-coronavirus-covid-19

Sport England has an online advice called Stay in, work out, it gives you Tips, advice and guidance on how to keep or get active in and around your home.

https://www.sportengland.org/stayinworkout

The National Theatre Home is streaming a variety of productions such as ‘One Man, Two Guvnors’, ‘Jane Eyre’, ‘Treasure Island’ and ‘Twelfth Night’ which you will be able to watch over the next four weeks.  This may give you some much needed distraction, so check it out.

https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/nt-at-home?queueittoken=e_safetyevent25mar20~q_00000000-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~ts_1585746956~ce_true~rt_afterevent~h_08e2161003de933359c96267e3c4725fdc1813eab7a874abadad8054c4dff1dd 

Advice for Specific conditions

The Alzheimer’s Society are providing information and advice on a range of issues relating to Dementia and COVID 19 virus such as information directly for people with Dementia, for carers supporting people in the same home, carers supporting people from a distance as well as activity ideas.  Please use the link provided.

https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/coronavirus-covid-19

Diabetes UK are also doing something similar and are providing information about how to manage your own Diabetes as well as the person you care for while self-isolating.  As a diabetic myself I found it very useful and there is a lot of information that covers exercise, insulin usage, checking your bloods daily and how to keep hydrated.

https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about_us/news/coronavirus

Take Care and Keep Well

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

30th March 2020

Contact us for help – 020 7364 3030

Tower Hamlets Council has set up a new phone line to support residents that have been identified as being extremely vulnerable and at the highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19 caused by coronavirus. This number is for Tower Hamlets residents, their families or their carers to let the council know if they have any urgent requirements.

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

Continuing with this blog, I continue to hope that everyone is safe and well?

How was your weekend?   Anyone have anything they wish to share about keeping well and filling your precious time when not undertaking your caring role?   Have your caring tasks increased?  Have you come across new problems that you need support with?

Please let the Carers Centre know and we will do our best to try and help.

So, my attempt at keeping well is that I have downloaded the Couch to 5k App, I did my third run early this morning, did not see anyone (following Government advice/correct distancing) I wheezed my way round my local park for 30 minutes.  I have not really exercised properly for years; I am overweight and have Diabetes, so I am determined to do something positive during this crisis.

I urge you to do some form of daily exercise if possible, this could be jogging, in door Zumba or armchair yoga.  Do what suits or interests you the most, you could think of it as time out from your caring role, easier for some I know.

Feeling Anxious and Stressed (Coronanxiety)?

During the weeks of self-isolating and being housebound you might become anxious and stressed, you may need to help with this, and I have come across this service that could be useful. https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

They have a dedicated COVID 19/Coronavirus online support.

You will find easy access to a range of information, resources and support for helping you understand how to deal with your anxiety during these difficult times while Coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting on our lives.

I really recommend checking it out as there is helpful blogs, webinars and links that can support you and your loved ones.

Hate Crime & Carers

The Carers Centre ethos upholds the ‘Tower Hamlets No Place For Hate’ campaign and principles led by Tower Hamlets council.  We promote the carer agenda and issues; we have trained Hate Crime Champions both carer and staff and are represented on relevant forums within Tower Hamlets.

I have been sent information form the forum with information/video’s on how to report hate crime in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese.

Please click onto this link:

https://mps.box.com/s/e7jgq9kuda4svqdvibj8vep4bq2a1rhe

Bereavement

I came across this service that hopefully carers will not need but I wanted to give you every piece of information I could that would support your caring role.

The Good Grief Trust is a national online service that provides you with useful information, advice and encouraging stories from others to help you in this most difficult of times and to make the future that bit brighter.

They have a dedicated page on Bereavement and COVID 19 and the link is:

https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/need-know-info/coronavirus-bereavement-advice/

I will be writing this blog every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until we are over the worst and when the Government gives us the all clear and we can all meet up at the Carers Centre.

Keep Well

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

27th March 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

This is my second instalment for this blog, and I hope everyone is keeping well and safe?

Wasn’t Thursday nights ‘Clap for Our Carers’ and ‘clap for NHS’ amazing.  It was very moving and admirable how this country is standing in solidarity for health care professionals and carers.  I just wanted to shout out to all the carers of Tower Hamlets you do an amazing job all year round and please keep yourself safe and those you care for.

I have some more information from Tower Hamlets Council to pass on to everyone.

Stay at home to stop coronavirus spreading

Everyone must stay at home to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

You can only leave the house for one of the following reasons:

• shopping for basic necessities – for example food and medicine, which must be as infrequent as possible.
• one form of exercise a day – for example a run, walk, or cycle – alone or with members of your household.
• any medical need – or to provide care or to help a vulnerable person (this really applies to carers)
• travelling to and from work – but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home.

Important:

• These four reasons are exceptions – even when doing these activities, you should be minimising time spent outside of the home and ensuring you are two metres apart from anyone outside of your household.

Shielding our vulnerable Carers and the people you care for.

Certain groups of people with existing illness and underlying health conditions are considered extremely vulnerable and at risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

You may be considered extremely vulnerable if you:

• have had an organ transplant
• are having certain types of cancer treatment
• have blood or bone marrow cancer, such as leukaemia
• have a severe lung condition, such as cystic fibrosis or severe asthma
• have a condition that makes you much more likely to get infections
• are taking medicine that weakens your immune system
• are pregnant and have a serious heart condition

If you’re at high risk, you will be contacted by the NHS by Sunday 29 March 2020. Do not contact your GP or healthcare team at this stage – wait to be contacted. If you haven’t received a letter by this date, you can discuss any concerns with your GP or a hospital clinician.

Here is a link to an easy read version of advice about staying home:

https://easy-read-online.co.uk/media/53210/free-document-on-the-lockdown-easy-read-lo-res_v1c.pdf

Support from energy suppliers

Working with the government, energy suppliers are in the process of putting in place new measures to help customers who need support around prepayment metres, or for people who are in vulnerable circumstances and may be unable to pay their bills.

You can find a summary of how prepayment suppliers are helping customers along with helpful contact information on the MoneySavingExpert website. This information will be continually updated as more information becomes available.

Please watch out for scams 

The National Crime Agency (NCA) is urging the public to be aware that criminals are using the coronavirus pandemic to scam the public.

Criminals are experts at impersonating, they spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment.

• Do not give out private information (such as bank details or passwords), reply to text messages, download attachments or click on any links in emails if you’re not sure they’re genuine.

The NCA reports current scams include online shopping (for protective face masks, hand sanitiser and other products) where goods never arrive, and fake COVID-19 testing kits being offered for sale.

Criminals are also using government branding to try to trick people, including impersonating HMRC to make false offers of financial support through unexpected emails, phone calls and text messages.

Some websites, emails or phone numbers can look like they’re part of an official government service – but they can be fake. If you’re unsure, please do not respond.

The advice is that you:

• Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
• Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
• Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it.

So just to remind carers if you want to pass on any information or advice for your fellow carer please email me tony@ccth.org.uk and I will do my best to get the message out, supporting Tower Hamlets carers to keep safe and continue their amazing work.

Have a peaceful weekend.

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager

COVID-19 – Update and Information for Carers

26th March 2020

Hello Carers of Tower Hamlets

I am writing this blog to share some information I have been sent while I am working from home due to being deemed ‘high risk’ because of my Diabetes.  I hope you are all observing the ‘Self Isolation’ where possible and applying this to the family and friends you care for.

I know from my nine years of working at the Carers Centre how well you all look after your loved ones and hopefully we can all get through this unscathed.  The centre is here to help with telephone support and signposting.

National Plans

Currently there is emergency legislation that will go through Parliament very quickly.  It is scheduled to go through all Common stages on Monday 23 March and Lords stages on Weds 25 and Thurs 26 March, and it is expected to receive Royal Assent shortly after that.

The Government’s aims with the Bill are to: 

• Increase the available health and social care workforce
• Ease the burden on frontline staff
• Containing and slowing the virus
• Managing the deceased with respect and dignity
• Supporting people.

 Most crucially the Government expects Local Authorities, working with providers, to do everything possible to maintain services over the coming period.”

I have attached a link that is for carers:

https://www.carersuk.org/images/News_and_campaigns/Coronavirus/Coronavirus_Bill_as_at_22.3.2020_detailed_on_health_and_care_provisions.pdf

Here is another link if you or the person you care is deemed vulnerable and you need to get some help:

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus-extremely-vulnerable

Tower Hamlets Council

 https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Home.aspx

Closer to Home

 I have been sent some up-to-date information from our Local Metropolitan Police force who are doing an amazing job in keeping people safe in these extraordinary times.

The Following statement was sent by Supt. Martin Rolston, A/BCU Commander.

“This is a very serious time for the country and for our city. We all have a key role to play in encouraging our communities and businesses to adhere to the new measures. At this difficult time, our relationships with our communities matter more than ever. As we do every day, we, alongside you, will be treating the people of London with respect, kindness and courtesy.

We fully anticipate the public and businesses in London will want to adhere to the new restrictions to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In helping people to understand and comply with this new guidance, we will of course not be expecting officers to stop everyone in the street. We do not at this stage have additional powers to enforce these new measures, but these will follow. We will be applying our common sense and experience, taking a sensible and graduated approach to the situation. For example, if people are on their own or in a household group there will be no need to speak to them. If, however officers see a group of more than two people who do not appear to be a household, they will speak to them and talk to them about the new guidance. They may then need to ask them to go their separate ways and play their part in protecting the NHS and saving lives. If a business is open which should not be then we will remind them of the need to follow government advice.”

Rumours of threats against NHS Staff

There continue to be rumours of NHS workers being victims of robbery at hospitals.

Our medical and health colleagues are working tirelessly to protect the public from COVID-19, and the police are continuing to support and assist them during this time.

I would like to reiterate that we have no knowledge of such crimes taking place at this time and I ask that if you do hear of rumours or speculation please let me or a member of my team know and we will be able to provide some clarity.

Supermarkets

Whilst we are aware of rumours and speculation about looting and rioting in supermarkets, the Met has no information to say that this has taken place in London.

Over the weekend, we were called to a small number of minor incidents at supermarkets across the capital. It transpires that these calls were mainly for overcrowding and not crime related. No action needed to be taken by our officers.

The Government advice for shoppers remains the same; that the public should be sensible when buying food and groceries and there is no need to panic buy.

Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, Tower Hamlets Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop at Whitechapel Idea Store is currently suspended.

We are sorry that we unable to support you face to face.  Please be assured that you can still access Violence against Women & Girls (VAWG) services.

In an emergency please call 999

Tower Hamlets Victim Support Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA), 020 7364 7957/2448, Mon-Fri 9-5pm

24-hour National Victim Support Line 0808 168 9111

For legal advice relating to domestic abuse and family law, such as non-molestation orders, child arrangements, or divorce, please contact Bowling & Co solicitors: family@bowlinglaw.co.uk /  0208 221 8000 and in case of emergencies 07464 925 083

Homelessness 0207 364 7474, after 5pm emergency line 0207 364 4079

National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hour 0808 200 0247

Tower Hamlets Crisis Intervention Service 020 3222 4027 Mon-Fri 9-5pm & weekends 10-6pm.

LBTH VAWG Team, Domestic.Violence@towerhamlets.gov.uk

LBTH duty line, 0800 279 5434, Mon-Fri 9-5pm

Women’s Aid online help: https://chat.womensaid.org.uk/

Religious funerals

Government ministers have assured Jewish and Muslim communities that their religious burial rights will be respected during the coronavirus outbreak, after concerns were raised over forced cremations.

We are working with our Independent Advisory Groups (IAG’s) to support these communities.

Isolation and being alone

The Carers Centre understands that we are being asked to self-isolate and this could be lonely for some carers and the people they care for so I have got a few suggestions that might be of use:

Facebook has a Tower Hamlets page see link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/2740546326063053/

If you ever wanted to join a choir then here is a link to an online national choir, this would keep you busy and improve your lungs:

https://decca.com/greatbritishhomechorus/

Finally, if you have any other suggestions that can help your fellow carer, then I would love to hear from you?

Please email me tony@ccth.org.uk

Keep well and look after yourselves

Tony Collins-Moore – Carers Academy Manager