Category Archives: Caring Together

Global Online Coronavirus Response Summit (happening now) and an all star concert this evening

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Political leaders and celebrities from around the world are taking part in a global online coronavirus summit.

It’s part of the ongoing effort to raise money to develop affordable vaccines, tests and treatments for the virus.

Speakers include the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson are also set to speak at the event.

It will be followed by a concert that will feature performances from the likes of Coldplay, Justin Bieber and Shakira to name just a few

Summit is happening now and then the concert will stream at 7pm – Global Goal Unite for Our Future

A message from Leeds City Council on Armed Forces Day

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Celebrate Armed Forces Day at home this Saturday

Leeds Armed Forces Day, Saturday 27th June. How you can get involved.

People of all ages across Leeds are encouraged to celebrate the courage, dedication and commitment of the British Armed Forces, as part of Leeds Armed Forces Day on 27 June.

Armed Forces Day is usually marked by hundreds of events across the UK, however due to Covid-19 these events have been cancelled so people are now being encouraged to celebrate from their own homes.

During this week we are honouring the role of the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Air Force, Reservists, veterans, cadets and the wider Armed Forces family in society and also thanking them for their support in helping with the ongoing Covid-19 effort.

Despite not being able to hold the flag raising ceremony this year the Armed Forces Day flag will still be flying from 20-27 June from the Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall and we will still be lighting up our council buildings in red, white and blue during this week.

How will you be marking Armed Forces Day?

For resources and ideas on how to get involved, you can go to: https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/

We are also supporting the Salute Our Forces campaign. You can pay tribute to the British Armed Forces by posting a photo or video of yourself or your family, friends and colleagues saluting using the hashtag #SaluteOurForces #LeedsAFD20 and tagging @LeedsAFD and @ArmedForcesDay. For more information go to https://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/get-involved/saluteourforces/

Chapel FM will be doing a special show for Armed Forces day. This will include several veteran radio hosts introducing pre-recorded oral histories about life in the Armed Forces from people from a diverse range of ages, backgrounds and areas of service. Saturday 27th June 10am – 4pm. Tune in to the Armed Forces Day broadcast:

  • On FM radio at 94.6FM in many parts of Leeds
  • On elfm.co.uk anywhere in the world
  • And online later for listening on demand

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Eileen Taylor said:

“I’m delighted and honoured to be hosting the city’s Armed Forces Day celebrations. Unfortunately we cannot hold the usual Flag Raising Ceremony or the parade this year but we can still come together at home to acknowledge and show our thanks for the Armed Forces.

“As a city, we are extremely proud of our long and distinguished military history and of our current Armed Forces personnel who work in various deployments at home and abroad – addressing emergencies, providing security and supporting numerous initiatives in dangerous situations, with great dedication and professionalism. I would like to thank them all and especially for their contribution with the ongoing pandemic”

Cllr Jane Dowson, Leeds Armed Forces Champion said:

“Leeds Armed Forces Day is a chance for us all to say a big thank you to our service men and women. I think everyone will want to join with me in thanking Armed Forces personnel for all the work they are doing currently to help during the current Covid-19 pandemic. I would like to offer a big thank you to everyone taking part and I will be saluting them all on Saturday. I hope you will join me.

“I hope you will tune in to Chapel FM – 94.6FM on Saturday 27th June from 10am – 4pm for a dedicated day of activities including pre-recorded interviews, phone in’s and dedications throughout the day.”

Leeds City Council is most grateful to the Ministry of Defence for their funding towards this event.

Leeds Armed Forces Day to be marked with a day of festivities and excitement: Armed Forces Day salute

Lots of things to give us entertainment and food for thought from Leeds Playhouse

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Here’s a little round up of theatre performances and short videos that our friends at Leeds Playhouse have been sharing for you to see at home.

We are looking forward to the day when we can come back and visit the theatre.

Reasons To Be Cheerful

Celebrating the infectious music of Ian Dury and the Blockheads, Graeae’s Reasons To Be Cheerful is a punk rock musical and gritty coming of age tale, which leaves audiences shouting for more.  Graeae is a theatre company championing deaf and disabled actors  – a force for change in world-class theatre – breaking down barriers, challenging preconceptions and boldly placing Deaf and disabled artists centre stage.

Watch Reasons to be Cheerful

Available to watch until 3rd August. Film captioned & audio described versions also available.  Please note that this contains language and themes that some may find offensive.

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Northern Ballet’s Dracula  Returns to the Quarry Theatre…sort of.

Watch Dracula 

Northern Ballet and BBC Four have partnered to bring you this sold out show, so if you didn’t catch it last year, take this opportunity.   Step into the world of Dracula – if you dare.

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Windrush: Movement of the People

Watch Windrush

Windrush: Movement of the People is a stunning original dance piece created by Phoenix Dance Theatre. If you missed the premiere at the Playhouse in 2018, now’s your chance to catch it. With dynamic choreography by Sharon Watson and original music by Christella Litras it’s a beautiful narrative piece for dance lovers and a perfect option for drama fans too.

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Wannabe

Wannabe is a hilarious, heart-warming docu-drama about a group of women who form a Spice Girls tribute band. From Breach Theatre, the team behind It’s True, It’s True, It’s True, ‘stop right now’ and take minutes out to spice up your lockdown life with this pocket sized docu-drama.

Watch Wannabe

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Nine Lives

Fleeing from his home where a fresh wave of homophobia threatens his life, Ishmael has sought sanctuary in the UK and arrives in Leeds … can he find a place to call home again?
This powerful and intimate drama was originally commissioned at the Playhouse and features Lladel Bryant of the Pop-Up Theatre company, it’s written by Zodwa Nyoni and directed by Alex Chisholm.

Watch Nine Lives

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Strung Out – Refugee Week 2020

Phosphoros Theatre created a 40 minute film, exploring friendship, refugee identity and not giving up. Filmed and performed under lockdown by refugee actors Strung Out.  This short film takes a bold, sideways look at expectations, friendship and what it means to let go.

Watch Strung Out

COVID-19 Scam Alert issue 13 26.06.2020

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Good Afternoon

Please find attached the West Yorkshire Trading Standards Newsletter Scam Alert. This weekly alert outlines trending fraud patterns during the current COVID-19 pandemic and what we can do to stay protected. There have been further reports of scams, doorstep Crime and business complaints all relating to the COVID-19 pandemic here in West Yorkshire. This news alert will give you an indication of the current situation here in West Yorkshire.

WYTS Weekly News alert issue 13 . 26.06.2020 (1) – Copy

   

News and information on:

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Face Coverings on public transport

From June 15, Government guidelines require people to wear a face covering on public transport, with some exemptions for children, disabled people or people with breathing difficulties.   A full list of exemptions from wearing a face covering can be found here.

If you are exempt from wearing a face covering you can download an assistance card here to help communicate this to staff on bus and rail services in West Yorkshire. You can either print the card off or take a picture of it on your phone to show transport staff.

For further information and updates on local public transport, please see: https://www.wymetro.com/corporate/news/releases/bus-and-train-service-updates/

Covid-19 Transport Plans

As part of the council’s response to Covid-19, Connecting Leeds is taking emergency action to help the public safely make their essential walking or cycling trips. Enabling people to keep two metres apart will help protect the health and safety of the public.

Connection Leeds would like your ideas on these four themes

  • Creating more pedestrian space in busy public places
  • Creating more space to cycle for travel and daily exercise
  • Maintaining quieter residential streets to support safer walking/cycling
  • Creating more space for pedestrians and cyclists outside schools

There is also still an opportunity to suggest a scheme on the interactive map

You can find out more and give your feedback here.

Hospitals of the Future

Hospitals of the Future is the plan to build a new adults’ hospital, and a new Leeds Children’s Hospital at our Leeds General Infirmary site.   Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust would like your views on their  hospitals and how they could be improved.

You can find out more and access the survey here.

Hospital care since lockdown for people with dementia 

The National Audit of Dementia (NAD) is a programme which looks at the care provided to people with dementia in general hospitals in England and Wales. They would like to find out about care that has taken place since lockdown (after 23 March 2020).

Two surveys are available:

  • For people with a dementia diagnosis or memory problems who have experienced hospital care.  Click here to access this survey.
  • For people who provide care for a person with dementia. You can use this survey to provide information about a hospital admission for the person with dementia you support OR about a situation where a hospital admission would usually have happened but did not.   Click here to access the survey

Leeds Directory

  • Access to vetted and rated trades for essential  and urgent repairs
  • Helping people stay safe but socially connected

https://www.leedsdirectory.org/

 

Snapshot in time: ‘Down Town’ written by Ben Anson

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“Hello all,
I actually made it down town today the first time for months….on foot..I still feel anxious about getting on a bus even though I do carry a face mask now. As you can see (below picture), I made it as far as the canal behind the station. The swans have eight signets. You can just make out another little head poking out from behind the far swan, very cute.

I had the daunting prospect of getting home again.and getting hungry. I was tempted to get a bus but crawled all the way home…I’m out of condition. I said hello to my neighbours who are from Sudan as I passed, they were in their yard having a barbecue. I got in and sat down….phew…..what can I have to eat, then a knock on the door, they’d brought me some food round ..chicken and barbecued pork.!. Good job I’m a lapsed vegetarian..how do you say thank you in Arabic?…I won’t need any tea now…Ben”

Thank you Ben for sharing this with us. Until next time…..

Shared Moments: Day 75 – ‘Fashion’ written by Maureen Kershaw

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Dear all,

Day 75 – Fashion. As the 70s headed into the 80s we were watching “Dallas” and “Dynasty” and wanted ‘The Look’ in our lives too but pencil skirts, fitted jackets and cocktail dresses were not for me. The shoulder pads were useful though and could soon enhance a simple shirt with its turned-up collar – another fad. Jewelry was important too; I wore bold clip-on earrings until I had my ears pierced then it was studs thereafter. I felt I was “at a funny age” as my Mum would put it, young enough for culottes and velvet knickerbockers worn with frilled oversized shirts from ‘Chelsea Girl’, but far too old for the younger fashions of ra-ra skirts and leg warmers (thank goodness!).

Princess Diana was such an influence in fashion and from the moment we saw her in ‘Laura Ashley’ separates and pie-crust frilled collars, we all wanted to copy her. Her hats were copied for weddings but I don’t think many wished to wear a copy of her crumpled silk wedding dress! In the early 80s I attended three weddings in the same year and wore the same outfit to each. Cream culottes and matching blazer with a taupe-ish silky blouse which had a cream Puritan collar. Camel/taupe shoes and bag with a small ‘Diana’ style cream brimmed hat and gloves.

We enjoyed many years of elegance in the 80s and once again sleeves featured heavily from full to batwing. We were rid of the less flattering fabrics and enjoyed wearing floaty silk or crepe de chine ‘for best’ although I didn’t as I was always scared I’d spill something down it. Polyester jersey was more serviceable for me and it was available in such an array of shades from dusky pinks to jewel brights. My Designer friend Stephen Hanley had made me a beautiful mid-calf dress with matching turban in emerald and buttermilk (or cream!) for an earlier wedding and I fell in love with the fabric forever.

More dresses and stage costumes followed from Stephen. I never tired of the fabric as it adapted to many styles which fitted the years of elegance – without any lumps and bumps showing! I have three which still fit today – ah yes but wait! They were based on the djellaba style – one size fits all – but with added interest and I have promised to donate them to the Leeds Discovery Centre for their Clothing Archives.

Following the birth of my son in the mid-80s I hadn’t time to observe fashion and only discovered it again when I worked for Schofields, prior to moving into Theatre. What a contrast! From back-of-house in the Management Office where I was amongst the glamour of the store and wore their fashions too, to the move into Theatre’s front of house which converted my style to casual.

After the first day in denim skirt and white shirt, I don’t think I wore a skirt again. Out went dresses, skirts and heels and in came trousers and denims plus loafers and trainers. I did insist on dressing for Press Nights though in smart trousers with fashionable tops or jackets. It was working at the Playhouse that I noticed how fashion changed drastically in the 90s. I loved to see the audience ‘dressed for the theatre’, particularly at Christmas when we would welcome Corporate and workplace parties.

Ladies would be dressed up to the nines and the men in immaculate suits. As the years went by with fashions coming and going, smart casual and just ‘casual’ was accepted in most places and I was sorry at the change. Certainly at the Theatre, those who had ‘dressed for the occasion in the past, did so no longer and we would comment that we only knew it was Saturday because ‘best’ perfumes and aftershaves were worn! As Frank Sinatra sang “Regrets I’ve had a few…..”  my main regret of the last era covered was the SHELL SUIT!

The proud owner of a black and cerise with a second one in white, navy and turquoise, both suits being worn with trainer boots. What was I thinking? What was anyone thinking who wore them? All part of life’s rich pattern. Nowadays clothes just seem to happen around us, we buy what and when we want it. Whatever our age, in our minds we are so much younger but now it is the Classics with a twist for added style that is safe. The problem is – where are all those lovely shops of yesteryear??

Thank you Maureen, it was fun to be transported to my wardrobe of yesteryear, until next time…..

 

Happy Place Festival

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This festival of Wellbeing and creativity is back for it’s second year but this time it is online – and it is free!

Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place Festival runs until 12th July and each day has a full schedule of events and activities promoting mental and physical wellbeing, you can roam around the virtual festival grounds and find inspiration from the amazing performances, tutorials and speakers that are making this festival so special.

You can join the festival here.

Once on the site you will find a list of today’s events and you can click on each area on the map to see what’s happening and follow the instructions to join in.

 

Reggie Yates, Gary Barlow, Craig David, Emma Willis, and Clara Amfo are just a handful of names lined up.  Wellbeing will be at the heart of the festival and activities, talks, and workshops will be hosted by inspirational professionals from across TV, radio, music, sport, and wellness – including Bryony Gordon and Scarlett Curtis, Tom and Gi Fletcher, Gok Wan, ‘The Breath Guy’ Richie Norton, Alice Liveing, Dr Hazel Wallace, and The Happy Pear.

There’ll be plenty to do, watch and listen to for everyone, from music to meditation, cooking, storytelling, and craft workshops – and family-friendly activities for the whole household.

Fearne hopes that the digital festival will provide a sense of escapism, serenity, and calm that is very much needed after the events of 2020 to date and with restrictions on physical contact.

“It’s clear that community and connection is more vital than ever,” Fearne shared when she announced the virtual event. “I wanted to work out a way of making the festival happen to give people a way of experiencing helpful classes, workshops, and talks for free this summer. There’s even more content than we would have had at the live event and I’m excited for people to enjoy our month’s long schedule.”

Virtual areas at the festival include The Talk Lounge, Meditation Mountain, Family Retreat, Wellbeing Garden, Kitchen, Craft Village, and Pledge Wall. Boutique, ethical, and independent vendors will feature too in the online bazaar.

The festival is completely free but Happy Place encourage you to donate to their charity partners, Mind, The Prince’s Trust, CoppaFeel, and NHS Charities Together.