Hello Everyone – Blink and your loved one has changed before your eyes …
October 25th, 2024
So, things are moving on now from last week. Mum is end of life and this week I, my sister and Niece have been hospice/nursing home shopping so to speak.
The hospital discharge team have suggested a couple and I checked the CQC website and turned them down. Can you believe it that one had an issue around safeguarding and lack of Dementia care and expertise. I have given them a piece of advice which basically said do not come with suggestions of a provide deemed in need of improvement.
Any carer who finds themselves in this situation, I urge you to always look at the CQC website and do your due diligence https://www.cqc.org.uk/
You can find homes, read reports and my advice read the bit where family have been interviewed as that gives the greatest insight.
I spoke to my lawyer friend who said because I did not sign a contract I am not obligated to pay for Mums former home but I think I have a fight on my hands.
But going back to my heading for today’s blog – I have had a bit of an emotional wobble due to me realising how frail, delicate and Ill Mum really is.
I went to visit her on Tuesday and I arrived at the hospital after battling the traffic only to find her fast a sleep she looks so different to the vibrant woman I have always known and I just stood by the door of her room and watched her breathing shallowly and I thought I do not recognise you.
I did not wake her up but just left and cried on the phone to my sister and partner, eventually got back into the car and drove home.
I cannot get over the change in her and it breaks my heart to be honest.
Of, course this is the case for many pf you out there and I am not alone with how I feel and what is going on for Mum and my family.
However, I always want to tell you about the support you can get from the Carers Centre – if you loved ones needs are changing which ultimately has an impact on you then come and ask for a review of you Carers Needs Assessment, if you are grieving in anyway come to our monthly bereavement group, if you need emotional support sign up for counselling (there is a waiting list), if you feel lonely and isolated come and join in an activity and if you need to learn about conditions then Christine and myself can help you access learning opportunities.
I wanted to share one of my favourite pictures of my Mum, this was taken eight years ago at my wedding and I think she looks smashing. It shows you how someone can change in the blink of an eye,
Look after yourselves and if you need any help with your wellbeing activities please get in touch with the wonderful Christine wellbeing@ccth.org.uk
Don’t be shy and come and drop in to one of our activities – check out the calendar to see what is on https://ccth.org.uk/health-wellbeing/events-activities/
Blankets, Bed Jackets and Gloves
We have been lucky to receive another amazing lot of small, large hand knitted or crotched blankets, beautiful bed jackets for loved ones to keep them warm and a few hates and gloves.
We will be having a come, choose and collect session on Wednesday 30th October between 1.30pm to 3pm so, come alone and it will be one item per carer and first come first choose
Worried about your internet and Online safety?
Social media scams
You’re scrolling through Facebook messaging your friends and family. It’s a really hot day and you see an advert for an electric fan. Just what you need! But did you know, scammers pay for adverts on Facebook to sell their bogus products? Check out your scam spotting skills with this quiz from Which? and come along to our Savvy About Scams workshop on 18th September to find out more.
If you’d like to hear more about how to spot dodgy text messages, emails and other scams, join our next scams workshop on Wednesday 14th November
email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk to book your place
Next Week’s Activities – check out https://ccth.org.uk/health-wellbeing/events-activities/
Next Shared Reading – Monday’s from 11.15am to 12.15pm
Shared reading is a popular group where carers are read a story and they then have the chance to debate the characters, storylines and how the story makes them feel. So, come along and have a little mental respite.
Don’t for get Sharron is rambling for better mental health as mentioned last week this years Mental Health Awareness is movement as it has been proven that exercise, walking and as we know being with others improves wellbeing so, either come for the shared reading and carry on afterwards and ramble or just join the ramble at 12.30pm and this all takes place at the Carers Centre and off you go.
Walking & Talking Group – Monday’s 12.30pm to 2pm
Why not come and have a walk in Tower Hamlets with other carers and exercise, lower your blood pressure, connect with people, have fun, and have some mental respite from your caring role. We Meet outside the centre, and we go off in a different direction each session.
Arts, Crafts & Conversation – every Thursday from 11am to 1pm
Come and learn a new craft like sewing, knitting and much much more but a great part of the experience is meeting other carers where you can have a good long natter
Woodgrange Medical Practice have been selected to host a primary care outreach team for Newham, Waltham Forest & Tower Hamlets for the Autumn/Winter Seasonal Vaccination Programme 2024/25.
On Tuesday 29th October (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm) we will be hosting a Winter Wellness Session at Tower Hamlets Town Hall. Please see the poster attached for more information.
You are eligible for both the COVID and flu vaccines if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are a frontline health or social care worker
- live in a care home for older adults
Other care home residents, carers and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system can also get the flu vaccine.
New winter fund to provide support for nearly 5,000 pensioners
Thousands of pensioners affected by changes to Winter Fuel Payment rules will be eligible for a new grant being introduced by the council.
Mayor Lutfur Rahman announced a Winter Emergency Fund at a Cabinet meeting last week to provide financial support for those who can no longer receive the Winter Fuel Payment.
‘Spooktacular’ free half term fun
It’s time to plan your half term, and our parks teams have an action-packed week of fun, creative and ‘spooktacular’ Halloween-themed activities lined up from Monday 28 October to Friday 1 November.
Join us for pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, slime making, adventure play, scavenger hunts, boating, pizza making and more.
What’s on >
Design a Christmas card competition 2024
With half term around the corner, and Christmas not far behind, primary school children in Tower Hamlets are being invited to help design the council’s corporate Christmas cards, which will feature on cards sent out by the Executive Mayor, Chief Executive, and the Corporate Director for Children’s Services.
Entrants are encouraged to be inventive and draw, paint or collage a personal card with a seasonal and borough theme.
Enter now >
Community Safeguarding Conference
We have sample Jelly Drops for carers who wish to try them for their loved ones with Dementia.
These Jelly drops are for elderly people who have difficulty eating and are at risk of dehydration. If you want to try this sample then email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk
you will be able to collect a sample, with an information leaflet where you can make your own arrangements for purchase but they are specially designed for this very purpose.
Swim well with Be Well
Be Well, the council’s leisure service, provides free swimming for women and girls aged over 16, and for all residents over 55. However, we recognise that not everyone is confident in the water, especially women.
That’s why we’re offering free swim clinics for women during female-only swim sessions. These are not structured swimming lessons.
See more >
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 & Violence Numbers
Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247
Food Banks Information
What you need to know
With the cost of living crisis affecting communities nationwide, the London Borough of Tower Hamlets have shared information on accessing your local FOOD Stores and tips on managing your food bills.
Tower Hamlets FOOD Stores
A number of FOOD stores have been set up across the borough, supporting those who are finding it difficult to afford enough food for themselves or their families.
At these FOOD stores, you are able to pick up food valued at £25-£35 in exchange for a £3.50 membership fee. At the same time, support is provided in other areas that you might need help with. This includes help with issues around
- housing
- benefits access
- employment and more.
To find out more or to become a member email thefoodstore@towerhamlets.gov.uk with your name, address, postcode, date of birth and contact number.
Foodbanks
There are a number of food aid organisations available to help you in Tower Hamlets if you are struggling to get food for yourself or your family. Scroll down to see where your closest branch is located. Different food aid services will offer different support.
Types
- Open Access – A food bank that anyone can go to for food.
- Limited Access/referral only – A Food bank that needs someone to refer you into the service. Please contact the organisation for more details.
- School food provision – A food bank or food aid service that specifically works with students and parents who attend the school.
- Hot meals service/Hostel – Provides hot meals or pre-made goods to residents.
Underwood Road Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday, 9am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: 020 7247 7833 or email underwoodroad@rcdow.org.uk from Tuesday to Friday (9am – 3pm)
Ensign Youth Club – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 10am – 1pm
Wellclose Sq, E1 8HY
Contact: info@ensign.org.uk
Hague Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Hague primary school, E2 0BP and E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Stewart Headlam Primary School
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8.40am – 3.40pm
Tapp St, London, E1 5RE
For more information please ask at the school office.
Wellington Primary School – Food bank (limited access/by referral only)
School food provision (Pupils and families only)
Opening times: Tuesday 2 – 3pm
Wellington Way, Bow, E3 4NE
Contact: admin@wellington.towerhamlets.sch.uk
St Elizabeth Pop Up Kitchen – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: 3.40 – 5pm
St Elizabeth Primary School, entrance on Waterloo Gardens, E2 9JY
For more information please visit St Elizabeth School website / Caritas Twitter page.
Bygrove School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday (Term Time Only)
Bygrove street, E14 6DN
For more information please visit the Bygrove School website.
Langdon Park School – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm
Bright Street, London, E14 0RZ
For more information please ask at the school office.
Dorset Community Food Hub – (Open Access – Hot meals service)
Opening times: Thursday
Ground floor, former Dorset library, E2 8QX
For more information please visit the Dorset Community website.
Olga Primary School Foodbank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 3.20 – 3.45pm
Olga Primary School, E3 5DN
Contact: 020 8981 7127
Edward Gibbons House – (Hostel)
Opening times: 24 hours
1 Parmiter St, E2 9NG
For more information please visit Providence Row website.
Globe Primary School – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 12 – 3.15pm
Globe Primary School, E2 0JH
For more information please visit Globe Primary School website.
Food for Aldgate – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Friday 1 – 3pm
Tonybee Hall, 28 Commercial Street, London, E1 6AB
Contact: Paul.wilson@eastendhomes.net or Twitter @FoodForAldgate.
Womens Inclusive Team – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Appointment provided after referral
Mayfield House 202 Cambridge Heath Road, E2 9LJ
Contact: 07415 372 664 or email shakilaa@wit.org.uk.
William Davis Food Bank – School food provision (pupils and families only)
Opening times: Friday 2 – 3pm
William Davis School, E2 6ET
Contact: 020 7739 1511
Bow Food Bank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Monday 8am – 12.30pm
Bromley by Bow Centre, St Leonard’s Street, E3 3BT
For more information please visit the Bow Food Bank website.
Bethnal Green Foodbank – (Open Access)
Opening times: Wednesday 2 – 7pm
Raines Foundations School, Approach road, E2 9LY
For more information please visit Bow Food Bank website.
Bow Muslim Cultural Centre – (Open Access)
Opening times: Friday 11am – 3pm
246 Bow Road London, E3 3AP
Contact: info@bowcentralmosque.co.uk
SACC Food Bank – (Limited access/by referral only)
Opening times: Thursday and Friday 10am – 3pm
St Anne’s Catholic Church, E1 5AW
Contact: braziliancp@rcdow.org.uk or 020 7247 7833.
Referrals can be discussed by email or contact number.
A carers guide to home fire safety
A new video resource has been launched on the London Fire Brigade website to help carers learn how to keep people that receive care safe from fire.
Sadly, around one third of those here who die or are severely injured by fire are in receipt of some form of care or support. If you are a formal (domiciliary care worker, support worker or clinician) or informal carer (family member, friend or neighbour) and are caring for someone in their own home, this new resource will help you identify fire risks and show you what you can do to reduce them. There is also more information available on the website around fire safety and prevention.
Watch the video >
WALKING ALONE? REMEMBER THESE 10 TIPS
1) Plan Your Route
Make sure you plan your route ahead of time. If you are walking in an area you are not familiar with, this can help keep you from getting lost. You will be able to walk with confidence. If you do get lost, don’t wander aimlessly, find a gas station, supermarket, or fast-food restaurant where you can ask for directions.
2) Make Sure Someone Else Knows Your Plans
Don’t go out when it is dark without telling someone, even if you are just taking the dogs out for a walk around your neighbourhood or walking home from a friend’s house nearby. It may seem paranoid, but in fact, knowing someone knows where you are can be reassuring and help you feel safe. If you fall and hurt yourself or run into trouble, and someone knows where you are, they can send help if you don’t arrive at your destination on time.
3) Always Carry Your Phone with You
Always carry your phone, but not for music or to make social calls as your walk. Your phone can be a lifeline if you see something suspicious or worse if something happens to you. Download a safety app on your phone, so you’ll be able to discreetly alert the authorities if you feel threatened or see something suspicious.
4) Avoid Suspicious People and Areas
Areas that are dark, deserted, or out-of-the-way, such as an alley or a parking lot, can be riskier than a well-lit area full of people. Stick to busy, lighted paths, to minimize the risks. Also, walk mainly in familiar places where you are known. That way, if you feel like a suspicious person is following you, you can always duck into a store you know or knock on a neighbour’s door. Avoid empty streets and pathways with thick shrubbery.
5) Keep Your Hands Free
Except for a flashlight and one of the items discussed below, keep your hands free. If you are carrying anything, put it all in one bag or backpack. This will make it easier for you to react if you notice someone following you. In a dangerous situation, carrying too many bags can keep you from moving as quickly as you can if your hands are free or if you only have one bag.
6) Carry a Non-Violent Deterrent
In addition to a flashlight, A whistle will help you alert others and call them to aid you if something is wrong. The loud noise may put off attackers, and they’ll move on to find someone else. Mace or pepper spray can give you enough time to evade a potential attacker, and in a pinch, a flashlight can be used as a weapon. Make sure you know how to use the mace or pepper spray to get its full effect.
7) Wear Reflective Clothing to Prevent Accidents
When it comes to personal safety, it’s not just about suspicious people. Areas with low visibility can be prone to accidents. Reflective clothing allows bikers and cars to see you as you walk along. A flashlight or headlight can also help drivers see you if there are dark stretches of road on your route.
8) Take a Self-Defence Class
When fighting off something as an assault, the element of surprise can work in your favour. If you regularly walk alone, take a self-defence class. You don’t have to become a black belt. In fact, it’s probably better to learn something like Krav Maga, which has been popular for self-defence. The idea is to disable your attacker enough for you to get to safety, and a class focused on self-defence will help give you those survival skills.
9) Remove Any Distractions
Keep your phone in your hand in case you need to hit the panic button on your safety app, but don’t let it distract you. When walking alone at night for exercise, music can be motivating and energizing but also distracting. You may not hear someone driving or walking up behind you. Avoid wearing headphones or talking on your phone as you walk.
10) Trust Your Gut
When walking alone at night, trust your gut. If you feel like an area or situation may be dangerous, don’t wait around to find out. Stop and scan your surroundings if you think someone is following you. If you are being followed, walk as quickly as you can to a well-lit public place. You can wait until you feel safe, or call a friend, a taxi, or an Uber to help you get safely get home at night.
Following these personal safety tips will help keep you stay safe when walking alone. Always be aware of where you are and alert to suspicious activity.
