Hello Everyone – Getting Involved …

July 25th, 2025

• As the centre is so big we are going to have a space for carers to come have refreshments and chat as much as they like and this will be over by the tea making facilities, there’s also sofa’s for a more casual, relaxing set up for conversation and fun.
• The Arts and Crafts learning sessions will remain at the big table near the resources and art cupboard for sessions to take place – it just makes it easier to get the materials you need to do the planned sessions.
• We now have a volunteer (The lovely Alan) who will devise and support carers to do arts and crafts and we really extend an invitation to new carers who have not taken part yet so, come down and have a go.
• We have our regular expert carers (Babs, Sharron and Jo) who will support you to learn knitting, sewing, croquet and so much more who are only to happy to help, you will be able to pick their brains, get tips and if you are a starter then they will help guide your learning.
• A big bravo to our carers who have got involved to help others carers
• Each month going forward we will have a new art form for carers to come and try so, watch this space to find out what it will be and August is as follows,

On another note a big shout out to the Carer Champions who came and was consulted by BARTS Health on Tech and how the new NHS 10 year plan has a strong emphasis on using technology for patients using the service.  It was great to see the champions explain how it would need to support carers and the role they play in caring for patients and how making the new technology cannot leave out such a crucial role.

Finally, some carers (10) had their photo taken asking for more respite and we submitted them to the Carers Trust and here is the feedback from The Carers Trust

After causing stir in Westminster yesterday with the Protest from Home, I wanted to thank you all for your support and give you a round-up of the day’s activities and coverage.

It is that time of year – Carers Centre Annual Survey 2025 – Closing 15th August 2025 

Have Your Say – Complete Our Annual Carers Survey

At the Carers Centre, your voice matters. Each year, we ask carers in Tower Hamlets to take part in our Annual Carers Survey – and we’d love to hear from you!

Your feedback helps us understand what’s working, what could be better, and how we can shape our services to better support you. Whether you’ve attended an event, received advice, or simply know we’re here – your experience counts.

The survey only takes a few minutes and is completely anonymous. It’s a chance to help improve support for all unpaid carers in our community.

https://us18.list-manage.com/survey?u=5d5aa8bbe5c10b954c4ac3b28&id=b8b8ed1788&attribution=false

Thank you for helping us grow and improve. Together, we can make the Carers Centre even stronger.

Don’t forget this Monday – You might want to bring the kids….

Walking & Talking Group – trip to Blackheath – Monday 28th July – meet outside Carers Centre at 12.30pm

Our wonderful Champion Sharron has planned a walking trip via Canary Wharf to Blackheath – so get your sensible shoes on, join the group and have a exciting walk to a new area,  Did you know walking can help your wellbeing.

Health kiosks launched

Residents can access free, self-service health checks and tools to help them monitor their wellbeing thanks to a network of health kiosks which have been launched at four locations in Tower Hamlets.  

Based in community locations, the health kiosks give residents information about their health, which they can use to seek lifestyle advice and reduce their chance of developing long term conditions.

Self-service health checks at the tip of your fingers

Weather permitting – Picnic tomorrow for Carers and family

Join in a Summer of Fun

From sport, crafts, shows and workshops to events in the borough’s parks, we’re planning a jam-packed programme of free activities for children, families and young people across the borough this summer as part of our Summer of Fun programme. 

This year’s programme gives residents of all ages a host of opportunities to make the most of the borough’s facilities as well as discover what there is to love about Tower Hamlets.

Join in the Summer of Fun 2025 and discover what there is to Love about Tower Hamlets

The Big Door Knock starts next Tuesday

From 29 July, we will be visiting council estates to speak with residents about what matters most – repairs, anti-social behaviour, communication, and more.

Our first stop is the Ocean Estate (Shandy Park, Harford Street, E1 4QJ) on Tuesday 29 July, 2–5pm. Council officers will carry council ID and ask a few quick questions.

If we knock, please take part – your views help us improve local services. Plus, there’ll be a community fun day at Shandy Park from 2.30pm to 6.30pm with free activities for children, stalls, and a chance to meet council teams who help look after your estate.

Your Voice, Our Action

Did you know you can learn online?

The Wellbeing Team are here to help you with your learning needs and we have partnerships with The Open University, WEA (employment skills), IDEA Stores, we have in person ESOL classes as well as hybrid training sessions on condition specific issues.

If you want to know more email wellbeing@ccth.org.uk 

You will have the opportunity to discuss with Tony what your learning needs are in a sensitive and confidential way and he will help develop a personal learning plan.

Some places left – why not add to your weekly menu ..

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.

Be Well Summer Swimming Crash Courses

Help your child gain water confidence and improve skills in just 5 days

Designed for ages 4+, Be Well’s fun, expert-led sessions run in small groups across Tower Hamlets this August. Classes are just £6.32 per session.

💧 30 minute daily lessons with qualified instructors
📍 York Hall · Tiller · Poplar Baths · Mile End
📅 Courses start: 28 July, 4 August, 11 August and 18 August 2025

Online booking

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.