Hello Everyone – Anniversaries are they important?
January 30th, 2026
I Wanted to Chat About Anniversaries
I hope everyone is well and dandy — and managing to dodge these relentless downpours we’ve been treated to lately. Honestly, I’m thinking of investing in a small ark.
So, anniversaries.
They sneak up on you, don’t they?
This Thursday, 5th February, marks one year since my Mum passed away, and to be completely honest, I’m dreading it. She’s been on my mind constantly. I miss her terribly, and even though life carries on (as it stubbornly insists on doing), the ache sometimes feels as sharp as the first day.
I keep thinking about how to mark the day, but I haven’t quite settled on anything. I’ll be working anyway, so whatever I do will need to be small, personal, and mindful — something just for me and her.
And that got me thinking about all of you.
How do you recognise important anniversaries?
Do you mark them, sit with them, talk about them… or do you quietly sidestep them and carry on? All options are valid. Grief doesn’t come with a rulebook — trust me, I’ve checked.
Last night I went to see my favourite musical, Into the Woods, and there’s a lyric that says:
“Sometimes people leave you, halfway through the wood.”
Well, that one absolutely floored me. Hit me like a bolt of lightning and winded me. I wept — just a little — because just when I think I’m moving forward, grief pops up like, “Hi Tony, remember me?” and gives me a good slap.
So yes… anniversaries matter. They can pull you back, but they can also ground you. And as I write this, I’ve decided that on Thursday I’ll pop in and see my sister on my way home from work. Nothing dramatic — just being together, which is often enough.
Of course, you do you.
But if grief is still sitting beside you (or sitting on you some days), I am running an Understanding Grief Workshop on February 11th, and here’s what to expect.
Our Understanding Grief & Loss workshop gives carers a gentle, supportive space to explore the many forms of grief — from bereavement to anticipatory grief, and the heavy emotional load that comes with caring for someone at the end of life. We talk about what grief really is, the myths, the five stages, and the emotional and physical responses that can surprise us. There’s open discussion, practical coping strategies, and a creative activity to help you express what words can’t always reach.
If you’re grieving, preparing for loss, or just trying to understand the emotional fog, this workshop is here to help you feel supported and less alone.
And don’t forget — our Bereavement Group meets Tuesday 3rd February, 5pm to 6.30pm at the Carers Centre. You’re always welcome.
Our first Carer Relaxation day for 2026 is taking place at the Carers Centre on Wednesday 4th February from 11am to 3pm. Why not come down and enjoy a lovely lunch, meet other carers and network, we operate a first come first served head and neck massage, we have 2 mindful meditations and Reiki sessions. Please note sessions cannot be booked in advance, you will need to come to centre to take part.
Next Week’s Activities – check out https://ccth.org.uk/health-wellbeing/events-activities/
Reminder – I would love to hear from Carers with their stories, thoughts, ideas, recipes and reviews of places to go. Really want to hear stories about the activities you attend to help us attract new carers to attend.
So, if you are interested in writing a short story then email with them tony@ccth.org.uk
Changing Diets, Changing Lives: Our Mentored Home Cooking Programme
We work with some of the most vulnerable in the UK to support them to improve their diets for the long term.
People living with multiple challenges and disadvantages often make poor and expensive food choices leading to nutritional inequalities which affect their finances, health, mental health and families. The causes of this are often misunderstood. We are experts in these social determinants of health and our programmes help participants overcome these barriers to a better diet and life.
Our Mentored Programme – Accessible, Inclusive and Flexible
The people that we work with face multiple challenges in their lives. Finances, time, families’ food preferences, lack of equipment, caring responsibilities, disability and ill health all play their part in defining the food choices open to them, and their access to services.
We are able to reach and work together with those who are farthest away from being able to access community group settings. They may feel uncomfortable joining groups, or have physical limitations that make travel hard. Parents of young children, or carers who can’t leave their relative alone. Those with chaotic lives or on shift work who struggle to show up in a particular place at a particular time.
By connecting with people on WhatsApp and over the phone, we are able to support them at the time of their choosing, and without the demands of a face to face course.
Elements of what we do reduce social isolation for many; we also build confidence, which allows participants to engage with society in the future.
We show people that healthy eating is not only good for you, but fun, tasty and even social, and help them to build their habits for the long term.
Take one small step for your health
Healthy Tower Hamlets is a new campaign that encourages residents to take small, manageable steps toward healthier habits, supported by real stories from local people.
It can be hard to know where to turn or where to start when you’re making changes to your health. Taking that one small step can make all the difference.
Whether it’s reaching out for help, trying a new class, getting support in stopping smoking, adding more vegetables to your plate or getting your blood pressure checked, these actions create healthy habits.
Find out more about how local residents have made changes to their lives at the video above.
Hello from Mind Open House,
We are partnering with NHS England to support a research initiative that aims to help with the making appointments process and the time in between making the appointment and attending. We know this can induce stress, anxiety and other emotional responses and the best way for change to happen is for your voice to be heard.
The first part is a series of 7 short surveys either online or paper form. The team at Open House can assist with this. Secondly, we will have a session to discuss internally what points are a priority and the research will conclude with a co-production session at Open House with NHS England.
Please see further details below.
Help us improve how the NHS shares appointment information and supports people before hospital appointments, so you feel more confident and prepared.
Who are we?
We are the Manage Appointments team at NHS England. Manage Appointments is part of the NHS App. It lets you see and manage your hospital appointments and care in one place after you have been referred.
Why take part?
By sharing your experiences, you can help us understand what it’s really like before a hospital appointment – what works well, what’s confusing and what causes stress. This will help us improve appointment information, reminders and support for patients.
Who can join?
You can take part if you:
- Have a hospital appointment coming up in the next few weeks, or
- Have had a hospital appointment in the last few weeks
You do not need any technical skills and you do not need to use the NHS App.
What would taking part involve?
- Short surveys: start of February
- 7 short surveys over 2 weeks
- Each takes 5–10 minutes
- Questions about a recent appointment or preparing for an upcoming one
- Complete online or on paper
- £40 for completing all surveys
- Co-design session: mid-end March
- A 2-hour group session with 3–5 other participants
- Held at Open House
- A guided discussion about how the NHS could better support people before appointments
You can choose how much you want to take part.
To express interest please contact me directly maria.vassiliou@mindthnr.org.uk
We work with two leading city law firms to deliver pro-bono legal clinics that run on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Our Wednesday clinic in Shadwell is currently open to residents of all boroughs:
- Our Wednesday clinic takes place at Sonali Gardens, 79 Tarling Street, Shadwell, E1 0AT. This drop in has the capacity to see up to 8-12 clients per night, which means clients are more likely to be seen, and focuses on housing, welfare benefits, consumer and contract issues and employment. Sonali Gardens legal clinic also offers follow up meetings with clients and a little more casework.
- Our Thursday clinic takes place at 18 Club Row, E2 7EY and has a lot smaller capacity of up to 4 clients per night. This clinic focuses on employment, consumer and housing law advice. Our Club Row clinic offers legal advice on the night and then a follow up letter outlining the advice they gave, which can take up to three weeks to process. Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham residents only.
Our clinics are a quieter evening service, so if your clinic has visitors who do not fit your criteria or if the caseload of your clinic is ever oversubscribed you are welcome to signpost/refer any relevant cases to either of our clinics.
Both clinics take place at 6-8pm and operate on a first come, first served basis so it is best if clients arrive early if they really need to be seen. I have attached posters with information on both clinics to this email.
If a client’s first language is Bengali we also run a daytime advice clinic (appointment only) and the advisor is a Bengali speaker who supports with PIP applications. If you call us on 0207 739 8066 we can arrange an appointment with the Daytime Advisor.
East London’s Friendly Disability Gym
Ability Bow is a charity providing specialist exercise support for people living with disabilities or complex health conditions. Why not click the link below and check them out as we know we all need support to keep fit and healthy.
Joint Pain Programme
Join our Nuffield Health free programme to relieve joint pain and lead a more independent life.
What is a hate crime?
Hate crime is any criminal offence where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their:
- disability
- race or ethnic identity
- religion/belief
- gender or gender identity
- sexual orientation
- age
- immigration status or nationality
- or any other actual or perceived difference.
Hate crime behaviours can include
- physical attacks – pushing and shoving to serious assaults
- verbal abuse – using derogatory or insulting words
- threatening behaviour, bullying and intimidation
- damage to property – including offensive graffiti
- harassment
- malicious communications – threatening or offensive mail, texts or emails
- damage to property and violence
- hate can also be directed at whole communities – for example, vandalism of places of worship, or offensive graffiti in public places.
Hate incidents
Are incidents that do not constitute a criminal offence but cause alarm, distress or harassment where anyone believes the victim has been targeted because of their race/ethnicity, religion/belief, gender/gender identity, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other actual or perceived difference.
For more information and how to report hate crimes visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/hatecrime
Our Hate Crime Manual with a Directory of support services is available via this link Tower Hamlets Hate Crime Manual.
Remember an attack on one section of our community is an attack on us all.
Domestic Abuse Number
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
Food Banks Information
What you need to know
With the cost of living crisis affecting communities nationwide, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have shared information on accessing your local FOOD Stores and tips on managing your food bills.
Tower Hamlets FOOD Stores
A number of FOOD stores have been set up across the borough, supporting those who are finding it difficult to afford enough food for themselves or their families.
At these FOOD stores, you are able to pick up food valued at £25-£35 in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, support is provided in other areas that you might need help with. This includes help with issues around
- housing
- benefits access
- employment and more.
To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.
Foodbanks
There are a number of food aid organisations available to help you in Tower Hamlets if you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family. Scroll down to see where your closest branch is located. Different food aid services will offer different support.
Types
- Open Access – A food bank that anyone can go to for food.
- Limited Access/referral only – A Food bank that needs someone to refer you into the service. Please contact the organisation for more details.
- School food provision – A food bank or food aid service that specifically works with students and parents who attend the school.
- Hot meals service/Hostel – Provides hot meals or pre-made goods to residents.
Underwood Road Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: 020 7247 7833 or email underwoodroad@rcdow.org.uk from Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm)
Ensign Youth Club – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 10am – 1pm
Wellclose Sq, E1 8HY
Contact: info@ensign.org.uk
Hague Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Hague primary school, E2 0BP and E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Stewart Headlam Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Tapp St, London, E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Wellington Primary School – Food bank (limited access/by referral only)
School food provision (Pupils and families only)
Opening times: Tuesday 2 – 3pm
Wellington Way, Bow, E3 4NE
Contact: admin@wellington.towerhamlets.sch.uk
St Elizabeth Pop Up Kitchen – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: 3.40 – 5pm
St Elizabeth Primary School, entrance on Waterloo Gardens, E2 9JY
For more information please visit St Elizabeth School website / Caritas Twitter page.
Bygrove School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only)
Bygrove street, E14 6DN
For more information please visit the Bygrove School website.
Langdon Park School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Bright Street, London, E14 0RZ
For more information please ask at the school office.
Dorset Community Food Hub – (Open Access – Hot meals service)
Opening times: Thursday
Ground floor, former Dorset library, E2 8QX
For more information please visit the Dorset Community website.
Olga Primary School Foodbank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 3.20 – 3.45pm
Olga Primary School, E3 5DN
Contact: 020 8981 7127
Edward Gibbons House – (Hostel)
Opening times: 24 hours
1 Parmiter St, E2 9NG
For more information please visit Providence Row website.
Globe Primary School – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 12 – 3.15pm
Globe Primary School, E2 0JH
For more information please visit Globe Primary School website.
Food for Aldgate – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Friday 1 – 3pm
Tonybee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6AB
Contact: Paul.wilson@eastendhomes.net or Twitter @FoodForAldgate.
Womens Inclusive Team – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Appointment provided after referral
Mayfield House 202 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9LJ
Contact: 07415 372 664 or email shakilaa@wit.org.uk.
William Davis Food Bank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 2 – 3pm
William Davis School, E2 6ET
Contact: 020 7739 1511
Bow Food Bank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Monday 8am – 12.30pm
Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT
For more information please visit the Bow Food Bank website.
Bethnal Green Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Wednesday 2 – 7pm
Raines Foundations School, Approach road, E2 9LY
For more information please visit Bow Food Bank website.
Bow Muslim Cultural Centre – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 11am – 3pm
246 Bow Road London, E3 3AP
Contact: info@bowcentralmosque.co.uk
SACC Food Bank – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: braziliancp@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7247 7833.
Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.
A carers guide to home fire safety
A new video resource has been launched on the London Fire Brigade website to help carers learn how to keep people that receive care safe from fire.
Sadly, around one third of those here who die or are severely injured by fire are in receipt of some form of care or support. If you are a formal (domiciliary care worker, support worker or clinician) or informal carer (family member, friend or neighbour) and are caring for someone in their own home, this new resource will help you identify fire risks and show you what you can do to reduce them. There is also more information available on the website around fire safety and prevention.
Watch the video >
WALKING ALONE? REMEMBER THESE 10 TIPS
1) Plan Your Route
Make sure you plan your route ahead of time. If you are walking in an area you are not familiar with, this can help keep you from getting lost. You will be able to walk with confidence. If you do get lost, don’t wander aimlessly, find a gas station, supermarket, or fast-food restaurant where you can ask for directions.
2) Make Sure Someone Else Knows Your Plans
Don’t go out when it is dark without telling someone, even if you are just taking the dogs out for a walk around your neighbourhood or walking home from a friend’s house nearby. It may seem paranoid, but in fact, knowing someone knows where you are can be reassuring and help you feel safe. If you fall and hurt yourself or run into trouble, and someone knows where you are, they can send help if you don’t arrive at your destination on time.
3) Always Carry Your Phone with You
Always carry your phone, but not for music or to make social calls as your walk. Your phone can be a lifeline if you see something suspicious or worse if something happens to you. Download a safety app on your phone, so you’ll be able to discreetly alert the authorities if you feel threatened or see something suspicious.
4) Avoid Suspicious People and Areas
Areas that are dark, deserted, or out-of-the-way, such as an alley or a parking lot, can be riskier than a well-lit area full of people. Stick to busy, lighted paths, to minimize the risks. Also, walk mainly in familiar places where you are known. That way, if you feel like a suspicious person is following you, you can always duck into a store you know or knock on a neighbour’s door. Avoid empty streets and pathways with thick shrubbery.
5) Keep Your Hands Free
Except for a flashlight and one of the items discussed below, keep your hands free. If you are carrying anything, put it all in one bag or backpack. This will make it easier for you to react if you notice someone following you. In a dangerous situation, carrying too many bags can keep you from moving as quickly as you can if your hands are free or if you only have one bag.
6) Carry a Non-Violent Deterrent
In addition to a flashlight, A whistle will help you alert others and call them to aid you if something is wrong. The loud noise may put off attackers, and they’ll move on to find someone else. Mace or pepper spray can give you enough time to evade a potential attacker, and in a pinch, a flashlight can be used as a weapon. Make sure you know how to use the mace or pepper spray to get its full effect.
7) Wear Reflective Clothing to Prevent Accidents
When it comes to personal safety, it’s not just about suspicious people. Areas with low visibility can be prone to accidents. Reflective clothing allows bikers and cars to see you as you walk along. A flashlight or headlight can also help drivers see you if there are dark stretches of road on your route.
8) Take a Self-Defence Class
When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favour. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defence class. You don’t have to become a black belt. In fact, it’s probably better to learn something like Krav Maga, which has been popular for self-defence. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defence will help give you those survival skills.
9) Remove Any Distractions
Keep your phone in your hand in case you need to hit the panic button on your safety app, but don’t let it distract you. When walking alone at night for exercise, music can be motivating and energizing but also distracting. You may not hear someone driving or walking up behind you. Avoid wearing headphones or talking on your phone as you walk.
10) Trust Your Gut
When walking alone at night, trust your gut. If you feel like an area or situation may be dangerous, don’t wait around to find out. Stop and scan your surroundings if you think someone is following you. If you are being followed, walk as quickly as you can to a well-lit public place. You can wait until you feel safe, or call a friend, a taxi, or an Uber to help you get safely get home at night.
Following these personal safety tips will help keep you stay safe when walking alone. Always be aware of where you are and alert to suspicious activity.
