In Leeds, the local NHS has teamed up with the Leeds Local Optical Committee to launch a new urgent eyecare service called CUES, which stands for COVID-19 Urgent Eyecare Service. Find out how the service works & what urgent eye problem you need to have to access CUES by watching ⬇️
Monthly Archives: December 2020
‘Monday Mind Workout’ – Monday 7th December 2020
1.True or false: Penny Lane is named after a real street in London
2. Who is the lead singer of The Who?
3.It’s Now or Never was the first 60s number one for which musical icon?
4.Who sang the title track of 60s Bond film Thunderball?
5.Which Daydream Believer band initially began as a fictional band on a sitcom?6.Peter, Paul and Mary famously sang Leaving on a Jet Plane – but who wrote and sang the original version?
7.What is the best selling single of the 1960s in the UK?
8.Which UK comedian had the best-selling UK single of 1965?
9.The Animals formed in which UK city?
10.What was the name of Tom Jones’ first number one in 1965, later popularised by Carlton in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air?
11.Which iconic BBC music show premiered on 1st January 1964?
12. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polkadot Bikini was a 1990 hit for Bombalurina, but who sang the 1960 original?
13. Which band were recording their first album at Abbey Road while The Beatles were recording Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Band?
14. How many number one albums did Cilla Black have in the 60s?
15.Which American rocker was the final performer at Woodstock festival in 1969?
16.Jim Morrison was the lead singer of which controversial band?
17.Name the song: “All the leaves are brown, And the sky is grey…”
18.How many number ones did The Beatles have during the 1960s in the UK?19.Gimme Shelter and Paint It Black were hits for which legendary British band?20.Which blonde bombshell became the face of country music in the 60s?
sourced: radiotimes
Mindwell Winter Wellbeing Campaign
December is here and Mindwell have launched the #WinterWellbeing campaign . It’s been a challenging year & now the nights are getting darker & temperatures dropping, it’s even more important to take care of your mental wellbeing.
For lots of information, including the top ten tips listed below, Mindwell Christmas Toolkit and where to find additional support if you need it visit mindwell-leeds.org.uk/winter
MindWell’s Top Ten Tips for Winter Wellbeing
TIp 1: Keep to a daily routine – this can help us cope better with uncertainty and help us keep going, especially while having to stay at home more. We usually feel better if we’re up and dressed, eating at regular mealtimes and going to bed at the same time.
Tip 2: Stay connected – a friendly natter by phone, online or at a safe distance (if we can) helps us keep connected. Ringing a helpline if we’re lonely can help us feel better too. There’s always someone to talk to. It might be useful to keep a few phone numbers handy, to remind us to stay in touch.
Tip 3: Do things you enjoy – we’ve had to live with new restrictions this year, but it’s still important to take time to enjoy ourselves each day. Whether it’s reading, watching a box set under a blanket, making handmade gifts or festive baking. It can also be fun to try something new, get creative or dust off an old hobby.
Tip 4: Get outside for some sunlight and exercise – try to get outside, according to government restrictions, for at least 20 minutes of exercise each day. Walk in a green space if you can, such as one of Leeds’ many parks. This can help you feel refreshed and more energised, especially if you’re working from home. If it’s difficult for you to get out, open a window and let some fresh air in.
Tip 5: Look after your physical health:
- Keep warm – Public Health England recommends that indoor temperatures should be between 18and 21 degrees.Eat well – eat regular nourishing, hot meals including plenty of vegetable
- Stay hydrated – drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid each day and have regular hot drinks.
- Sleep well – if you’re struggling to get a good night ‘s sleep, check out MindWell’s self-help guide.
- Keep active – it’s important to keep moving, when we’re staying at home more. Walk the stairs or try an online exercise or yoga video.
- Get a flu jab if you’re contacted – flu can be more severe in certain groups of people. If you’re in one of these groups you will be contacted to get a free flu jab.
- Stop smoking – find help to stop in Leeds.
If you’re struggling with fuel bills, contact Home Plus Leeds for advice (there are eligibility criteria), or, for a review of benefits entitlements contact Welfare Rights Advice on 0113 376 0452 or email: welfare.rights@leeds.gov.uk. You can find more details of servics in Leeds offering support around finances or benefits on our practical help page.
Tip 6: Make a plan – Christmas and other faith festivals are likely to be different this year and there’ill be less opportunity for face-to-face socialising. It can help to make a plan for days of festive celebration that are special to you. And if you don’t want to celebrate that’s OK too. MindWell has information about community events happening in Leeds this festive season.
Tip 7: Relax and unwind – 2020 has been a difficult year, with many people feeling anxious about their health, job security or money worries. Take some time each day to relax. Find what works for you, whether that’s relaxation breathing, caring for your plants, going for a run, or getting up and moving to your favourite festive tunes.
Tip 8: Drink sensibly – taking a mindful approach to what you’re drinking can have huge benefis for your physical and emotional health. Try Public Health England’s Drink Free Days app, which can be found on the Apple App Store and Google Play.
Tip 9: Write it down – keeping a journal can be a great way to explore and organise your thoughts. It can help you plan your day, express gratitude and understand your worries and feelings. Winter is also a good time to think about your future goals and prepare for the new year.
Tip 10: Ask for help – if you’re struggling, it’s OK to ask for help if you need to, there’s always someone to talk to: www.mindwell-leeds.org.uk/help
Christmas Food Bank Donation Drive


continue to do a phenomenal job for our community in keeping people fed during the Covid-19 crisis.




























42nd Street – The Shows Must Go On tonight
This weekend The Shows Must Go On brings us the multi-award winning production of 42nd Street starring stage legend Bonnie Langford!
Young Peggy Sawyer is fresh off the bus from small-town America and just another face in the chorus line on Broadway’s newest show. But when the leading lady gets injured, Peggy might just have the shot at stardom she’s always dreamed of.
Showing at 7pm tonight (Friday 4th December) and available for 48 hours
Caring Together’s ‘Online Festive Get Together’ – Thursday 10th December @11am
Although we are not able to meet as a big group we are delighted to be able to host an alternative festive get together. It will be online via zoom and is in partnership with the University of Leeds Music Society.
Come and join us for some musically entertaining fun and cheer in the company of others. Singing along is optional There will even be some some musical bingo with prizes as well.
If you would like to join us then please email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk or call on 07436 530073 and I will help you get set up, or if you already set up then I will send you an invite. We would love to see you.
Updated Guidance for Extremely Vulnerable People in Leeds
Leeds City Council has updated advice as we move into Tier 3
People who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable and could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus are advised to: –
In general, stay at home as much as possible but, if you can, take exercise or walks outdoors every day to stay healthy
Avoid going into shops and other public indoor places if you can – choose quiet times if you do need to go.
Limit the people coming into your home to those you live with, are in your support bubble, or provide you with care – including unpaid carers.
Take care to keep your home well ventilated
If you’re socialising outdoors with other people, stay 2m distance from those you don’t live with.
Local help is still available www.leeds.gov.uk/shielding or 0113 3760330
You can also talk to Caring Together for advice and support.
Shared Memories Audio: ‘National Are Go’ written by Maureen Kershaw
Dear all,
Leeds City Council says ‘Welcome Back but shop safely’
As Leeds moves from the national lockdown measures to Tier 3 and shops re-open in the city Leeds City Council is urging residents to shop safely and plan journeys in advance
“As we welcome you back to #Leeds – please remember that YOUR safety is OUR main priority
As shops re-open across the city please remember to #ShopSafely and try to avoid the busiest times. Maintain social distancing and wear a face covering where required”
Full information here https://t.co/9kNBcFZu5U?amp=1
Poetry Corner: ‘Back in the days ‘ by A B Wyze
Back in the days of tanners and bobs,
When Mothers had patience and Fathers had jobs.
When football team families wore hand me down shoes,
And T.V had only two channels to choose.
Back in the days of three penny bits,
when schools employed nurses to search for your nits.
When snowballs were harmless; ice slides were permitted
and all of your jumpers were warm and hand knitted.
Back in the days of hot ginger beers,
when children remained so for more than six years.
When children respected what older folks said,
and pot was a thing you kept under your bed.
Back in the days of Listen with Mother,
when neighbours were friendly and talked to each other.
When cars were so rare you could play in the street.
When Doctors made house calls and Police walked the beat.
Back in the days of Milligan’s Goons,
when butter was butter and songs all had tunes.
It was dumplings for dinner and trifle for tea,
and your annual break was a day by the sea.
Back in the days of Dixon’s Dock Green,
Crackerjack pens and Lyons ice cream.
When children could freely wear National Health glasses,
and teachers all stood at the FRONT of their classes.
Back in the days of rocking and reeling,
when mobiles were things that you hung from the ceiling. When woodwork and pottery got taught in schools,
and everyone dreamed of a win on the pools.
Back in the days when I was a lad,
I can’t help but smile for the fun that I had.
Hopscotch and roller skates; snowballs to lob.
Back in the days of tanners and bobs.
Credit: from the book, Back in the Days of Tanners and Bobs by A B Wyze