Hello Everyone – Looking after your Physical Health
December 5th, 2025
Last week I discussed looking after your Mental Health and this week is looking after your physical health – yes they are intertwined but I am highlighting it this week as I write the blog with a stinking cold. I came down fast yesterday afternoon and had to cancel a night out with a good friend, I barely managed to drive home and I feel terrible this morning.
Here is something that is important
- Rising Cases: In the last week of November 2025, flu activity increased to medium levels, with hospitalisations on the rise. Some areas, like Scotland, have seen cases more than double in a week. The number of patients in hospital with flu in England has reached a record high for this time of year.
- Dominant Strain: The main strain circulating is an A(H3N2) variant that has undergone several mutations, making it slightly more transmissible and potentially less susceptible to the current vaccine for adults (though it is still effective in children). This strain is known to cause more severe illness, particularly in older adults.
- Impact on NHS: The early surge in cases is straining ambulance services and hospitals, with some NHS bosses describing the situation as an “unprecedented flu season”. There are concerns that hospitals could be overwhelmed.
- Vulnerable Groups: Older people and those with long-term health conditions are at the highest risk of severe illness and complications. Children are also a key group in the spread of flu, and they are being hit hard by this outbreak.
- Vaccination Urged: Health agencies like the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England are issuing an “SOS” for eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. It takes around two weeks for immunity to build after the jab, so timing is crucial ahead of the peak winter month
- Get Vaccinated: If you are eligible for a free flu jab (e.g., over 65, pregnant, have a long-term health condition, or a school-aged child), book an appointment immediately through your GP or the NHS website.
- Minimise Contact When Unwell: If you have flu or COVID-19 symptoms (high temperature, cough, aches), stay home and minimise contact with others, especially vulnerable individuals.
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands regularly and ensure indoor spaces are well-ventilated.
- Consider Face Coverings: If you have symptoms and need to go out, consider wearing a face covering
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
Love Tower Hamlets’ Christmas Markets
Shop local this festive season 🎄✨
This Christmas, explore the heart of Tower Hamlets and support local traders at our vibrant markets. From Christmas trees and unique gifts to fashion, homewares and street food, there’s something for everyone.
Plan your festive market trail and share your finds on social media with #LoveTowerHamlets.
Markets to visit
Bethnal Green Road – East End Trades Guild Market
Discover East End tradition at Bethnal Green Road’s EETG Market. Shop for fresh fruit and veg, stylish fashion and homewares from local traders. Everything is available here, from getting your keys cut and picking up bedding to gift ideas and East End food.
Columbia Road – Christmas trees & unique gifts
Pick up your Christmas tree with free eco-friendly delivery via PedalMe, plus plants and gifts from independent shops. Enjoy late-night festive shopping every Wednesday in December with mulled wine and mince pies.
Your festive fashion hub! From jewellery and homewares to plants and gifts, Roman Road Market is perfect for a Christmas shopping spree.
Every Saturday in Roman Road Square, find fresh fruit and veg, plants and Christmas trees. Meet the dedicated local traders whose families have been running this stall for over half a century!
From fresh produce, fish, fashion, jewellery, toys to home essentials – perfect for gifts and festive feasts. Pick up your gifts and your Christmas lunch in one trip.
A friendly community market with fruit and veg, clothing and home essentials all in one place. This community market is the ideal place to find your weekly supplies for the festive season.
The UK’s first purpose-built pedestrian shopping centre! Shop fruit and veg, fish, homeware, fashion and bedding – and keep an eye out for festive events in the square.
Weekdays mean global street food and fashion finds. Sundays transform the lane into a fashion paradise with shoes, bags, jewellery, souvenirs, and more. Sundays offer accessories, London souvenirs, children’s toys and all the joys of the weekly market in this hotspot.
For vintage treasures, fashion, books and street food, Brick Lane is a must visit. Don’t miss the Sunday buzz and famous curry houses!
Have you had your flu jab yet? – Carers are Eligible
Flu can be serious. Protect yourself and the people you care about.
If you are over 65, have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, live in a care home or are a main carer, you can get a free flu vaccine to stay protected. You can book now.
How to get a vaccination – NHS
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.
