Hello Everyone – Diabetes let’s try and avoid it…

November 8th, 2024

So, I have Diabetes and I have been diagnosed for 25 years.  I cried for a week at the thought of no more cake until my friends threatened to disown me if I did not pull myself together.

Years ago I did not take much notice and continued to eat sugary things (I really do have a sweet tooth) until 7 months ago when my Diabetic consultant told me that my  HbA1c levels were dangerously high and it was imminent that I would end up with kidney failure and possibly a stroke, let alone possible amputation if I was to get into trouble with an ulcer or something similar.

This scared the bejesus out of me and I sought with help,  ways to turn it around and of course myself.  Luckily I have a great consultant and back up resources from Mile End Hospital Diabetic Team.  I now have a sensor which tells me my blood results 24/7 rather than the finger prick tests I did infrequently, I am on a new drug called Manjaro which is a weekly injection that works like a second pancreas and helps regulate your blood levels and helping you produce insulin.  I have taken up swimming which I used to do when I was younger and I have lost weight (always a good thing for a Diabetic to do).

My recent appointment with my Consultant was a different one all together and I have halved my HbA1c levels to the point that I am on the cusp of putting my Diabetes into remission.

How about that then!!

So, with that in mind I want to tell you we have an amazing event on Thursday 14th November 11am to 3pm which is World Diabetes Day we have a workshop on Diabetes avoidance and how to manage your Diabetes better if you have it and this is being delivered by my savours by Mile End Hospital Diabetes Team.  This is then followed by a wonderful event organised by our amazing Carer Champions which is an indoor healthy picnic and social event.

Come along with some healthy picnic food for yourself or to share, learn more about Diabetes and come and connect with other carers and have some fun.

Some Facts: 

For most people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes, it is recommended to aim for the following HbA1c levels:

• At least 70% of the day in 3.9-10 mmol/L (in-range)
• Less than 4% of the day below 3.9 mmol/L (below-range)
• Minimize time each day above 10 mmol/L (above-range)
• Being in range 70% of the time equates to an HbA1c of about 53 mmol/mol¹.
• HbA1c levels of between 6.5% and 7.5% are recommended for diabetics².
• An A1C level of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes³.

 

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/

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Mum Update

I thought you might like to know Mum successfully went into a new Nursing home with expertise on End of Life and Palliative care and support.  This is the home my Sister and Niece wanted so as a family we have a new lovely home (so far).

However, I did want to inform you that care homes talk to other care homes as I found out why some prospective homes said no.  It seems that because I would not pay for her charges as she was in hospital and no contract was signed the home rang other homes and said do not take Mum as you will have issues with the family.

Who would of thought that a place could be so vindictive with a dying woman, I certainly did not so be aware that if you reject the pressure of a home financially they do not like it.

So, take care and make sure you get advocacy and know your rights.

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Interested in working for the Carers Centre Tower Hamlets

We are advertising 2 new Hospital Support Coordinator roles, the advert is live now on Charity Jobs https://www.charityjob.co.uk/jobs/carers-centre-tower-hamlets/carers-hospital-support-co-ordinator-x-2/993449?tsId=8

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Remembrance Sunday

Events to commemorate Remembrance Sunday will take place across Tower Hamlets this Sunday 10 November.

Residents are invited to remember the service and sacrifice of the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, and the vital role played by the emergency services and those who have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism.

Times stated are arrival times

• 10am St John on Bethnal Green, 200 Cambridge Heath Road E2 9PA, followed by wreath laying in Bethnal Green Gardens, E2 0AT
• 10:15am St. George-in-the-East church, 14 Cannon St Rd, E1 0BH
• 10:30am The Merchant Navy Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens Tower Hill, EC3N 4DH
• 10:30am Christ Church Isle of Dogs, 151 Manchester Rd Island Gardens, E14 3DR
  • Christ Church Isle of Dogs has one of the recognised First World War memorials in Tower Hamlets.
    The church also keeps a Book of Remembrance for the civilian casualties of the area in the Second World War.
    A Remembrance service and an act of remembrance and wreath-laying will take place.
• 10:30am St. Anne’s Church, Limehouse, Three Colt Street E14 7HA
• 10:40am The War Memorial, Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park, Southern Grove E3 4PX
  • All are invited to remember the military and civilian dead.
    The event includes readings and reflection.
    To help manage numbers, please secure your free ticket on the park website. Walk-in attendees also welcome
• 10:45am St Luke’s Millwall church, Alpha Grove, Millwall, E14 8LH

Find out about War Memorials in Tower Hamlets.

Want to know how to spot a scam before it’s too late? Ever wondered what to do about cookies when you go online?

The consumer workshop covers:

• the pros and cons of going online
• How to spot the different elements that can go into a consumer scam- especially finding out how scammers play on our emotions to get us interested
• How to get out of scam if you are targeted
• What to do with cookies when you go online
• There’s also a quiz at the end of the session, using a case study based on a common scam, to have fun and try out the new ideas people have learned.

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 13th November 

email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk to book your place

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New Monthly Men’s Group Starts – Thursday 14th November – 5.30pm to 7pm @ The Carers Centre 

This new monthly group is aimed at any male carer who wishes to spend time with other male carers and see how camaraderie can help you with your caring role, you can talk if you want or NOT, chat about the issues faced by men in today’s world but you might just want to talk football?

Come along or email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk to find out more

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Adult Social Care (ASC), Care Quality Commission (CQC) Inspection​​ – Update for Carers Forum ​– 20 November 2024

If you want to be part of this come along to the forum either in person or via zoom on 20th November 11am to 1pm 

Click this link on the 20th at 11am to join https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7339417664?omn=85831682446

CQC started inspecting Local Authority ASC departments in January 2024. They have said they will inspect all local authorities before the end of 2025. LBTH adult social care have not been notified for inspection yet but we’re working hard to prepare and we want to keep our staff and partners up to date on the progress we’re making. We also want to share what we know about the inspection so far. ​​

​In this session we will aim to give you;  ​​

• An understanding of the inspection process​ and the role for carers ​
• An understanding of the key messages from our self-assessment relating to carers and the opportunity to feedback on these​​
• An opportunity to ask any questions ​​

 

Emily Fieran-Reed – Adult Social Care Transformation Programme Manager – will be presenting

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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

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Seeds of Change – Islamophobia Awareness Month Conference 2024

As part of Islamophobia Awareness Month in November, we have organised a conference with speakers from the police, council and other partners talking about what is happening around Islamophobia locally and nationally.

The free event is on Monday 18 November from 9.30am to 12.15pm in the Town Hall.

Come and tell us what your concerns are and what more we can do to make Tower Hamlets a safer and more cohesive borough.

Register >

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Black Excellence Weekender

 

A three-day celebration of Black culture, business, and creativity will take place in the borough this November and December.

The Black Excellence Festival, from 29 November to 1 December, will bring together black-owned businesses, local entrepreneurs, and creators, to create a space where the community can connect, support and celebrate one another.

Expect culture and fun, live music, entertainment, and the chance to discover and support talented Black-owned brands and more.

The Black Excellence Pop Up Fest Tickets, Sat 30 Nov 2024 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

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A Season of Bangla Drama comes of age

Themes of hope, empathy, human connection and a celebration of iconic cultural figures will be played across stages in Tower Hamlets this autumn with the return of the acclaimed Bangladeshi theatre festival A Season of Bangla Drama.

Now in its twenty-first year, the festival will run until 24 November.

The festival incorporates a fringe programme of events including exhibitions, talks and walks.

What’s on >

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Dementia Friends Workshop – November 27th – 11am to 1pm

“Alzheimer’s Society and Carers Centre, Tower Hamlets are now offering the opportunity for you to learn about dementia and how to support a person with a diagnosis through a “Dementia Friends” session.

A Dementia Friend is someone who has attended a one-hour Information Session to understand a little bit more about dementia, what it’s like to live with condition and how they can and turn that understanding into action.

The session will take place at the Carers Centre where their team will be onsite, alongside a team of Dementia Advisers from Alzheimer’s Society, to answer any questions and talk you through the local services and support available to you and your loved one.”

Email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk for a place

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Dementia Group Recommended by a Carer 

It as a safe environment and anyone who is part of a any 12 step fellowship group should feel reassured as they follow the steps and traditions as laid out in the AA big book and the meeting is in a similar format with the Serenity prayer being said.

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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 >

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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.

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Domestic Abuse Number

Refuge: 24 hours, 7 days a week – Tel: 0808 2000 247

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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.

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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 >

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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.

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