From the Square to the Troxy “It was a pleasure to be invited to this event and it has been lovely to meet so many new faces. This is a great opportunity to talk and share ideas and for residents to form new friendships.” actor ricky groves pictured left with cynthia shaw Young at heart The Zacchaeus Project works with older people and their carers. www.zacchaeusproject.org.uk Mayor Lutfur Rahman meets service users from the Tower Project Living life to the full thanked the services they have come to rely on in Tower Hamlets. Carrita Vincent, 52, from Bow, has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis. She spoke about how the debilitating condition has affected her life since being diagnosed ten years ago. Carita said: “I remember before being diagnosed my joints always felt very sore and it would hurt just to get out of bed. I knew something wasn’t quite right and the pain was getting worse so I had to give up my job as a secretary. “My doctor sent me for a few tests and I was later told I had rheumatoid arthritis. In the last ten years I have gone from walking with a stick to crutches to now using an electric wheelchair.” Carrita found a lot of support and encouragement from staff at Day Opportunities where she goes twice a week. Carrita added: “Even though it was hard at the beginning I have learnt not to dwell on the past. You have to be positive and aim for goals which you can achieve. Recently I went to the cinema with a friend for the first time in ages and it was great. I arranged the trip myself and will definitely be doing it again soon.” Mayor Lutfur Rahman was keen to speak to residents to find out how services like Day Opportunities have made a real difference to their lives. He said: “It has been wonderful to hear about residents’ experiences and how they have overcome adversity, determined to live rich and independent lives. I am very proud of the services we provide and hope residents will access the range of support which is available to them.” Cllr Abdul Asad, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, added: “I am pleased residents who took time out to come Enjoying the party The day was rounded off with residents taking to the dance floor down to the event had fun and the chance to learn new skills. “The event also helped us better understand the needs and aspirations of residents and we will continue working with them to support them to remain independent.” Ricky Groves and Irene Smith Rheumatoid arthritis sufferer Carrita Vincent enjoyed the day The day was rounded off with residents taking to the dance floor and letting their hair down. To find out about disability services in the borough visit www.towerhamlets. gov.uk Inspirational stories about how residents have overcome disabilities to lead full and active lives were heard at a disABILITY Action Day hosted by the council. Shalina Hussain reports. Photos by Rehan Jamil. NEARLY 200 residents attended the disABILITY Action Day at the Troxy in Limehouse on March 10 where they had a chance to meet new people, find out about services on offer, take advantage of free beauty treatments and try out tai chi and Zumba. Groups that attended included the Tower Project, Day Opportunities and REAL. Former EastEnders star Ricky Groves was invited to the event to talk about his East End beginnings. He mingled with participants, taking time out to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Ricky said: “It was a pleasure to be invited to this event and it has been lovely to meet so many new faces. This is a great learning opportunity for organisations to talk and share ideas and of course for residents to form new friendships.” Ricky started his career as an apprentice chef and told the audience how he took small steps to reach his goals and never lost sight of what he wanted to achieve. Inspirational speakers included Day Opportunities service users Nathan Giraudel, Carrita Vincent and Irene Smith, as well as Joyce Whipp of the Zacchaeus Project, all of whom have overcome challenges. They spoke about positivity and motivation and (Below) Jushna and Brian from Tower Project 10 NEWS FROM TOWER HAMLETS COUNCIL AND YOUR COMMUNITY 24 – 30 MARCH 2014
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