Author Archives: Caring Together

Could you be paying less for your fuel bills?

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Ofgem recently announced an increase in the energy price cap from 1st October 2021.

All the major energy firms confirm massive price hikes from October – act now to avoid huge bill shock

The price cap puts a limit on how much companies can charge per kilowatt hour of gas and electricity.  The increase in October is 12% and it means the ‘average’ household cost for both fuels would rise to  £1,277 a year or £1,309 a year for a prepayment meter.  NOTE: this is an average cost – you could be paying more or less depending on how much you use.

The price cap only applies to you if you’re on a default or prepayment tariff:

You’re likely to be on one of these tariffs if you haven’t switched energy suppliers before or you’ve automatically rolled on to the standard variable rate after a fixed rate tariff came to an end.

If this applies to you you may be able to switch to a cheaper tariff and save a considerable amount on your bills.

You could ask your existing supplier if there is a cheaper tariff for you – this is the easiest option and you may be able to save money without switching supplier.

However, may be able to save more by switching to another supplier.  There are a number of comparison sites who can look at your energy costs and show you cheaper options, for example http://www.uswitch.com/  or http://www.moneysupermarket.com/  (these are both ofgem accredited but others are available).

If you want some help looking at options to save on energy bills, we might be able to assist you, call Valerie on 0748 3333 115 or email valerie@caringtogether.org.uk 

Note: before switching supplier there may be other things than just price to consider – for example if you get warm home discount you may need to check whether switching will affect this.

Headingley Farmers Market and Heart Centre both celebrating birthdays tomorrow

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Headingley FarmeMay be an image of one or more people and outdoorsrs Market is on tomorrow and is celebrating it’s 15th birthday.

9am – 12.30pm – Rose Garden North Lane Headingley LS6 3JJ

For a full list of all the stalls for this month as well as details of entertainment here

 

And on the same day the Heart Centre in Bennet Road is celebrating turning 10.

All the details of what they have going on can be found here

 

 

 

 

Heritage Open Days 2021 starts today

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Heritage Open Days 10-19th September 2021 – In person and online events

Heritage Open Days

Heritage Open Days is England’s largest festival of history and culture, bringing together over 2,000 local people and organisations, and thousands of volunteers. Every year in September, places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – and it’s all FREE.

The events this year are a mix of in-person and online events – many are both so you can choose between getting out and about in the local area or taking part in something further afield without needing to leave home.

Leeds Inspired have pulled together a selection of what is happening in Leeds: https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/collection/heritage-open-days-2021 

All the events can be found here https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/visiting

Age Proud Festival 6-17 September

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The very first Leeds Age Proud Festival starts today.

The Festival will run between 6th and 17th September at a range of venues across the city as well as lots of virtual events from the comfort of your own living room. An opportunity to try something new, embark on some self-improvement or just watch something that interests or entertains you.

The festival aims  to showcase the city of Leeds as a great, community focussed city with lots to offer older people.  A place where people can feel involved and valued.

Information about all the events can be found here: https://www.ageproudfestivalleeds.org/events.

It will be updated with new information throughout the festival so is worth checking back to see what’s new.

 

Shared Moments: ‘On turning a light green’ written by Lynne Fordyce

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Dear all,

I have taken up litter picking. It would be wrong to call it a hobby and was not on my bucket list of things to do in my retirement years but litter picking is now one of my pleasures.

As a young person I was somewhat oblivious of the effects of litter on the environment and as a smoker had no qualms at throwing fag ends into the wilderness, or the gutter, with a sense of self righteousness, believing, honestly, that they were bio-degradable. I was once stopped in the street by a man who told me I’d dropped something pointing to a match, and with a sudden sense of guilt, I apologised, picked it up and pocketed it.

Perhaps it was part of my awakening although it’s difficult to know what contributed to the process. David Attenborough in Zoo Quest was definitely part of my weekly childhood pleasures; all those lovely furry creatures; but I rather forsook him later in pursuit of the finer things in life like work and children and a little pub culture.

Litter picking, as I’ve discovered, need not be a lone event. About twenty years ago my partner joined a group of others on a Sunday morning to clear a piece of wasteland. The group, organised in the local pub, had a highly entertaining time and returned full of stories of their finds alongside a new camaraderie. Litter pickers united.

Anyway I joined a similar group on Woodhouse Moor, of  which I have been a “Friend of” for a long time, a task which has involved attending meetings three or four times a year at a co-Friends’ house eating, sharing wine, and agreeing to some proposals. This litter picking event was organised however by young people full of “green credentials” never having discarded as much as a bottle top in their lives. I was provided with a large plastic hoop thing not unlike a giant bubble wand, a black bag to attach to it and a stick with a claw on the end to pick up litter with and set off to fill my bag, which I did, far too easily.

I’ve changed tactics now though and palled up with Cate another late litter picker and every other Sunday morning we circle our local area. We have our own equipment. Personal litter pickers and black bags. No bubble-blower shaped thingy though. Our general finds are mundane, pop-cans; masks; wrappers; plastic bits; and an odd sock. However, last Sunday was different.

My eyesight is not brilliant, I have bi-focals and developing cataracts but there under an overhanging hedge I spied the monarchs head. A tenner. £10 !

“This one’s mine” I said to Cate rather greedily, but as I clutched it between the claws of my picker- upper  there was another one  “and that one’s yours” I added as a magnanimous gesture . Twenty quid for an hour of conversation, fresh air and a saunter. Becoming  a light shade of green has its rewards.

image sourced from Leeds University Union

Coronavirus Update from Leeds City Council

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Header NEW

Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – September 3, 2021

Dear resident,

We hope you’re safe and keeping well.

This week we have an update for you about the latest infection rates in Leeds, back to school information and Vaccine information for 16 and 17 year olds.

An update on infection rates in Leeds

The Leeds infection rate is 329.1 per 100,000 (down 7% in last 7 days) and test positivity is 10.4%. The Y&H rate is 340.4 and England rate is 302.7.

Cases in Leeds continue to be highest in ages 17-18 and 11-16, and lowest in over 80s. There has been an increase in case rates in ages 60-79 (the over 60s rate is 219.5 per 100k, up 16%). Testing rates in the city remain high.

Covid patients in hospital remain high but relatively stable. Hospitals are also experiencing high levels of norovirus. There are pressures on all aspects of the health and social care system.

Return to school

As children and young people return to school next week, in line with new government guidance, the following COVID-19 measures are now relaxed:

  • Bubbles and staggered start and finish times are no longer advised
  • Children can again have break times and lunch together and take part in practical lessons and sports with other classes and year groups
  • Face coverings are no longer required for staff or visitors
  • Pupils and students identified as a close contact of someone who tests positive will not need to self-isolate

All schools are advised to continue with regular handwashing, cleaning regimes, and to keep spaces well ventilated. Schools should also have plans in place on what to do if there are several positive cases of COVID-19, or if measures are needed to be reintroduced for a limited period.

Although no longer a legal requirement, wearing a face covering is expected and recommended for young people aged 11 and over on public transport and dedicated transport to school and college.

Secondary schools

All young people returning to secondary school are encouraged to participate in the on-site school testing at start of term, and then twice a week at home through September/

To find out more about what to expect when pupils return to school or college in September visit www.gov.uk/backtoschool

If you are 16 or 17 years old, get vaccinated as soon as possible – ideally before you go back to school or college.

Vaccinations

Sixteen and seventeen year olds in Leeds can now get their COVID-19 vaccine ahead of going back to school or college in September. Dates and times are available at www.leedsccg.nhs.uk/covid-19-vaccine-information/walk-in-clinics/

You do not need to be registered with a GP or have an NHS number.

16 and 17 year olds

Saturday 4 September 10am – 4pm & Sunday 5 September 11am – 4pm, (1st dose, Pfizer)

  • 338 Trinity Shopping Centre, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT

Saturday 11 September 10am – 4pm & Sunday 12 September 11am – 4pm, (1st dose, Pfizer)

  • 338 Trinity Shopping Centre, 27 Albion St, Leeds LS1 5AT

18+

Every day, 7:30am – 5:30pm 

  • Leeds COVID Vaccination Centre (next to Elland Road LUFC site), Bobby Collins Way, Leeds, LS11 0EB (1st & 2nd doses Moderna, 18+)

Grab a Jab

Reading Challenge with Leeds Libraries

Although children and young people have missed out on a lot of education and other opportunities over the past year, children and their families are being encouraged to get involved with reading whilst learning about the importance of the environment.

The challenge helps to develop new skills and confidence with reading and thousands of children across the city have already signed up to take part. The Summer Reading Challenge ends on 18th September, Find out more on the Summer Reading Challenge website.

Libraries

Leeds’ Local Plan Update: Have Your Say

Our communities and neighbourhoods have become even more important to people during lockdown. Leeds City Council wants your views on the new draft ‘Your Neighbourhood, Your City, Your Planet’ Local Plan Update. This plan sets out the authority’s approach to planning policy and new development across the district over the next decade and beyond.

It is based around five topic areas, including carbon reduction, green infrastructure, place-making, flood risk, and sustainable infrastructure.

Find out more and have your say, visit www.leeds.gov.uk/lpu

Local plan

Free BikeRegister events at workplaces in Leeds

As Covid-19 restrictions continue to ease, many of us are returning to the office after a year of working from home.  This is a great opportunity to shake up your daily routine and get to work using sustainable transport to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 one of the topics raised in the ‘Your Neighbourhood, Your City, Your Planet’ Local Plan Update draft.

To encourage more people to cycle to work, we’re offering FREE BikeRegister pop-ups at workplaces in Leeds. BikeRegister will protect your bike from theft and help the police locate stolen bikes, so you can cycle to work without any worries. Click here to learn more.

Let us know if you’re interested in hosting a free BikeRegister event at your workplace: travelplanning@leeds.gov.uk

Connecting Leeds has also launched a newsletter focused on journeys to work, with the latest offers and support available for commuters in Leeds. If you’re interested in receiving this, you can Click here to subscribe.

Bike register

World Suicide Prevention Day

The last year has seen large increases in the numbers of people struggling with their mental health and wellbeing.

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place every year on 10 September. This year it will take place on Friday 10 September 2021. This year, the international theme is ‘Creating Hope Through Action’.

The theme is intended to be a reminder that there is an alternative to suicide and that people’s actions, no matter how big or small, may provide hope to those who are struggling.

You can get involved with World Suicide Prevention Day in several ways, including:

  • Sharing on social media – including using the official hashtags, #WorldSuicidePreventionDay, #WSPD, #bethelight or #WSPD2021 to join the conversation and help spread awareness of suicide prevention
  • Light a Candle – Light a Candle is an act of acknowledgement demonstrating support for suicide prevention, to remember a lost loved one, and for the survivors of suicide. Individuals from all over the world light a candle at 8pm on 10 September.

Anyone can contact Samaritans free at any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit or you can visit the Samaritan’s website for more information.

Your chance to join major citywide future skills conversation

A citywide conversation to help identify skills needed now and for the future of the Leeds economy begins next week.  Starting on Tuesday 7 September, the ‘Future Talent Leeds’ conversation is open for anyone over 16 to give their views along with all businesses, organisations, sectors and industries in the city.

The business and employment landscape in Leeds has changed dramatically following changes to national government policy, extra devolved powers plus the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19. As a result, the council recognises the need for a skills and talent plan that is agile and works to support people and businesses across Leeds to thrive in the face of change.

Share your thoughts around support and skills needed in the city’s employment and business sectors to better prepare Leeds and help shape the Future Talent Plan at the online discussion Future Talent Leeds

Future Talent Leeds

One support programme we already have in place is the Stronger Families programme. It helps and supports families in Bradford and Leeds who have barriers to accessing education, gaining skills for work or finding employment even more so through the pandemic. The programme is delivered by experienced organisations in your community.

For more information on the service and support they offer you can go to: www.barca-leeds.org/service/strongerfamilies , call 0113 386 9900 or email strongerfamilies@barca-leeds.org

World Alzheimer’s Month – Know Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s

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September is World Alzheimer’s Month, and includes World Alzheimers Day on September 21st.  The theme for World Alzheimer’s Month in 2021 is ‘Know dementia, know Alzheimer’s’.

Alzheimer’s Society UK say “This year we are talking about the power of knowledge. By learning more about dementia and understanding changes in memory and behaviour, you and your loved ones can feel empowered to reach out for the help and support you need.

This month, we’re encouraging everyone to know the signs and symptoms of dementia so they can get the right diagnosis and support as quickly as possible.”

There is lots of information on the Alzheimer’s Society website: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month including publications that you can download or order paper copies if you prefer.

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‘New Bereavement Support Group’

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Thanks to support from Leeds Bereavement Forum and Carers Leeds, Caring Together will be hosting a ‘New Monthly Bereavement Support Group’ at our new Caring Together premises. Come and meet other bereaved people for group support and understanding. A warm welcome, cuppa and biscuits will also be on offer too.

Our first get together will be Monday 13th September 2021 @11am – 12noon

Thereafter it will then be on the 1st Monday of the month. So for October the date will be: Monday 4th October 2021 at 11am – 12noon

If you are interested, or just want to know more the please do get in touch. Call Lisa 07436 530073, or email if  you wish: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk

 

From the virtual to the reality….

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From the virtual to the reality….
 
Following the lock down some of us embarked on a journey of learning together. This led to frustration as well as elation as we got to grips with the world of zooming. We have met online ever since and from April 2020 and have clocked up 65 zoom sessions in total. We joined the sessions one at a time and supported each other as we navigated this new way of being together.
 
Two weeks ago our virtual world became more of a reality gathering. Most of us met in Pat’s beautiful garden, with Denise and her grandson joining us virtually. We have heard so much about Pat’s garden over the past year it was great to get to see it for ourselves along with her fish.  We also had home made lemon balm tea and biscuits.
 
We are still going to meet online as well as in person. It will be monthly from September’21 on the 1st Thursday of the month. So this Thursday at 11am. We love our catch ups, from books, to dentists, local goings on, gardens, holidays; past and present, to films, art, music and history….. You name it, we have chatted about it. It has also been a huge support network too, with plenty of laughter along the way.
 
If anyone wishes to join us please call Lisa 07436 530073 or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk.