Become a Public Health Community Champion
See the poster below and sign up here
(27.05.21)
Compassion in Dying
For our Carers Call on 24th May we were joined by Compassion in Dying for a very informative presentation on ways to prepare for end of life care.
Compassion in Dying can help you prepare for the end of life. How to talk about it, plan for it, and record your wishes.
They can support you to plan for your treatment and care, in case a time comes when you can’t make decisions. This helps you get the support that’s right for you, when you need it. When what matters most to you is known and recorded, it makes it easier for your family, friends and healthcare professionals to follow your wishes, giving everyone peace of mind.
For more information visit Compassion in Dying
If you are interested in attending future City Connections information sessions, contact info@cityconnections.org.uk
(26.05.21)
Blue and Red Badge parking schemes
The Blue Badge Scheme is a national arrangement that offers special parking provision for some people with disabilities, and enables parking for either drivers or passengers closer to the required destination. The scheme is administered by local authorities who deal with applications and assessments as well as the issue of the badges. If you are registered blind or have a mobility disability you may be entitled to a blue badge – contact your local council for details.
The City of London also runs its own Red Badge scheme. This allows residents and workers in the City with registered disabilities to receive parking dispensations within the City or Square Mile. Some of the dispensations under the Red Badge scheme are not covered by the national Blue Badge scheme – so if you live in the City of London it’s a good idea to register for both.
What is the difference between a Blue Badge and Red Badge?
The Blue Badge scheme is a national one, whereas the Red Badge applies only to City of London residents.
As a Blue Badge holder you can park for an extra hour, for free, at payment parking bays after the expiry of the purchased time. Red Badge holders can park at parking and disabled bays without paying.
Blue and Red Badge holders cannot park: in a suspended bay; on single or double yellow lines (Red Badge holders can park on a single yellow line for 30 minutes); where there is a loading restriction indicated by yellow chevrons on the kerb stone; on the pavement or footway; in a bus lane; in a bay reserved for specific users (eg a doctor’s bay); where there is a dropped kerb or raised carriageway.
As general guide, for the Red Badge Scheme, you may qualify if you receive the higher rate Disability Living Allowance, are registered blind or have a permanent disability which makes walking very difficult. From 30 August 2019, both the Blue and Red Badge schemes extend to people with hidden disabilities, including those with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions. From this date, people with non-visible medical conditions and disabilities will have the same right to access disabled parking as people with visible disabilities.
To register, download the forms from the City of London website
Telephone : 020 7332 1548 Email: Parking.Administration@cityoflondon.gov.uk
(26.05.21)
Summer in Aldgate
Please below for information regarding the forthcoming ‘Summer in Aldgate’ event.
(12.05.21)
Mental Health Awareness Week
10th -16th May 2021 is Mental Health Awareness Week, this year the theme is ‘Nature’.
The Mental Health Foundation has many ways to get involved, an FAQ sheet and a resource pack available on their website.
See our previous update below for services and resources available to City residents.
(12.05.21)
Healthwatch City of London
Healthwatch are the independent champion for people who use health and social care services: “We’re here to make sure that those running services, put people at the heart of care. Our sole purpose is to understand the needs, experiences and concerns of people who use health and social care services and to speak out on their behalf. We focus on ensuring that people’s worries and concerns about current services are addressed. We work to get services right for the future.”
To find out more about what Healthwatch do and how they can help you, go their website for a video explainer.
As part of Mental Health Awareness Week Healthwatch are hosting a Mental Health and Wellbeing Focus Group this coming Friday 14th May, 11:00 – 12:00.
Joining details: https://zoom.us/j/91874111747?pwd=N3N1eCtOTFdpU1dxbEpHaVBSYUQ4Zz09
Meeting ID: 918 7411 1747 Passcode: 276063 Dial in: 0203 481 5240 United Kingdom
(12.05.21)
Mental Health Awareness Week – Services and Resources
This week is Mental Health Awareness week. Please see below for a list of mental health and wellbeing services available to City residents. Do contact us at info@cityconnections.org.uk or call 02039579844 if you would like further information.
City Connections Befriending offers befriending services for those who are feeling socially isolated. Contact info@cityconnections.org.uk or call 02039579844 for more information.
Speak directly to NHS Volunteer Responders 0808 196 3646 (8am to 8pm, 7 days a week) Check in and Chat Service. Referrals can also be made on behalf of a resident to NHS Volunteer Responders.
Talk Changes can help you find ways to manage your mind and make changes, so you can live life to the full. We are a confidential NHS service for adults registered with a GP in City and Hackney. Website Phone: 020 7683 4278
Family Action offer a listening ear, focusing on help or guidance on family issues. They also provide longer-term support through regular Befriending or Counselling. The service runs Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm. Contact through live web chat, text, phone call or email. Telephone: 0808 802 6666 Text message: 07537 404 282 Email: familyline@family-action.org.uk Website
City Wellbeing Centre has a new Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre for City residents, offering counselling and psychotherapy. The service is open to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It is currently online due to the pandemic. Book an initial appointment via the website, telephone or email. Email: appointments@tavistockrelationships.org Telephone: 020 7380 1960 Website
City and Hackney Carers Centre offer counselling sessions on a sliding scale pricing system, starting at £5. The costs go towards covering the running costs of the service. The service is available for unpaid carers living in the City and Hackney. You can refer yourself by completing a form on the website. (Carers Only)
City and Hackney Wellbeing Network aims to build resilience to prevent the onset of mental health problems and to alleviate issues such as stress, anxiety and low mood. The network will also support people with severe and enduring mental health conditions. They can’t guarantee eligibility for 1:1 or face-to-face support. However, they will consider your referral and help to signpost you towards Digital support if that is the case. Website
East London NHS Foundation Trust All services are currently open for business and receiving both routine and urgent referrals. People who are known to the service can contact their Duty Worker, as usual. The Donald Winnicott Centre covers the City of London and their phone number is 020 7033 6100.
Samaritans are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to offer free confidential support to you, whatever you may be going through. Contact via telephone call, email or post. Telephone: 116 123 Email: jo@samaritans.org Website
The City & Hackney Mental Health Crisis Line number is changing to Freephone 0800 073 0006. The helpline is a 24-hour service for people of any age who have long term psychological issues or who have experienced sudden crisis (e.g. bereavement). They offer confidential expert advice and guidance support and referrals to local services if needed.
SANEline is a national out-of-hours mental health helpline offering specialist emotional support, guidance and information to anyone affected by mental illness, including family, friends and carers. The helpline is for supporting anyone who feels they have reached a moment of crisis. They are open every day from 4.30pm to 10.30pm. Leave a message on 07984 967 708 giving your first name and contact number, or email support@sane.org.uk and a professional or senior volunteer will get back to you as soon as practicable. Website
The award-winning Dragon Café in the City is free and open to anyone working or living in the City and provides a (virtual) space for them to release the pressure, try something new, and engage in creative activities designed to foster positive mental and physical wellbeing. The sessions are held on Wednesday fortnightly. The programme of events can be found here at Dragon Café in the City Website
The Mindfulness Association offers free daily Zoom mindfulness sessions, one in the morning and one in the evening, followed by tea and company. Website
Medito is a free app with no adverts which you can download from the App Store or Google Play on a smartphone. They have a range of short mindfulness and meditation clips to listen to, offering space to switch off and better cope with depression, stress, anxiety and other negative states of mind. They have lots of different types of clips, from helping you sleep better, to coping better with the pandemic. Website
Kooth is a free online counselling and emotional well-being support service for young people aged 11-19 years in City and Hackney. Kooth has no referrals or waiting lists and young people can access it anonymously. It’s open 365 days a year from noon to 10pm weekdays and from 6 to 10pm on Saturday and Sundays. Website
Every Mind Matters A campaign run by Public Health England giving tips and advice to help you look after yours mental health and wellbeing. Website
(11.05.21)
City & Hackney Public Health Updates
AstraZeneca Vaccine bloodcot information leaflet
Community Collect: rapid COVID-19 testing
From Friday 9 April everyone in the UK is being encouraged to get tested for Covid-19 twice a week. As national restrictions ease, rapid testing is a critical way to reduce the spread and keep us on track with the roadmap out of lockdown. Rapid Covid-19 tests are free and provide results within 30 minutes. If you don’t already access rapid testing through an educational setting, or workplace, there are a number of ways you can access rapid tests by:
Ordering home testing kits to your home
Collecting home testing kits from a collection point, such as a pharmacy, community centre, or testing centre. Use the NHS Covid-19 test and vaccination site finder tool
Visiting a rapid testing centre
(10.05.21)
Open Now – New Support for Mental Health
The brand new Mental Health and Wellbeing Centre for City residents* and workers with a workplace located in the postcodes EC1-EC4 is open.
Book here for online counselling and psychotherapy to individuals, couples and groups who are experiencing any of a range of emotional and psychological difficulties – whatever your income or circumstances
*(and those living in neighbouring boroughs, i.e. Tower Hamlets, Camden, Westminster, Islington, Hackney, Southwark and Lambeth)
How the Centre Can Help
The Centre enables you to explore and address difficulties online such as:
Depression, Anxiety, Struggles with marital and relationship issues and those relating to family and work life, Sexual problems, Self-esteem issues, Life transitions, such as moving towards retirement. If you would like to know more about our service call us:
0207 380 1960
Read the WellBeing Centre Director, Damian McCann’s article on the ways in which the services offer help to workers or residents in the City and surrounding areas. Read more >
(04.05.21)