Take Care Leeds – take care of YOU this winter

If you are aged over 60 you are at a greater risk of health complications if you catch COVID-19 so it’s never been more important to  stay active and connected safely whilst also reducing physical contact with other people to lower the risk of coming into contact with the virus.

Take care of you this winter by looking at the #TakeCareLeeds website, for tips on how older people can stay well over the winter months.

Stay safe, active & connected: leedsccg.nhs.uk/health/coronav

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As You Are: A Sound Walk for Leeds

Listen to some incredible new music written specially for a half hour walk around Leeds City Centre.

Composed by South African musician Abel Selaocoe and featuring musicians from Zimbabwe, Morocco and Ivory Coast, this is Opera North as you’ve never heard them before.  Opened 12 December until 22nd December.

Supported by Victoria Leeds

12 walks per day:
10:30am, 11am, 11:30, 12noon, 12:30, 1pm, 1:30, 2pm, 2:30, 3pm, 3:30pm, 4pm

Click on the link below, tickets are pay as you feel or call 0113 2233600

https://www.leedsinspired.co.uk/events/you-are-sound-walk-leeds

Musician Abel Selaocoe with headphones around his neck, standing in Leeds Corn Exchange

Money Buddy services

Money Buddy services staff can help with Benefit see below the last sessions this year which are on

Monday 14 and 21 Dec from 9 to 12 at HEART – Headingley Enterprise and Arts Centre, LS6 3HN
Tuesday 15 and 22 Dec from 9 to 12 at Meanwood Community Centre, LS7 2QU
Thursday 17 Dec from 10 to 4 at St Paul’s Church, Ireland Wood, Leeds, Raynel Dr, LS16 6BS
Thursday 24 Dec at Welcome In Community Centre & Cafe, LS16 6DJ


Please feel free to book a slot or just drop in for advice.
If you want to book an appointment contact us on 0113 2350276 or by email to admin@egac.org
or via www.moneybuddies.org.uk/client-referral/

 

Image may contain: text that says "benefitbuddies Not sure what benefits you can claim? YOU ARE NOT ALONE Speak to a benefit buddy near you We support clients all across Leeds We don't charge, We don't tell, We don't judge Call us on: 0113 235 0276 moneybuddies.org.uk benefit buddies can help you Check your Entitlements Complete Benefit Forms With Assessments and Appeals With Support at DWP meetings"

Leeds City Council’s Woodland Creation Initiative

Follow The Arium website to keep updated with news about Leeds City Council’s Woodland Creation Initiative at www.theariumleeds.co.uk/woodland-creation

They have some Treemendous 💚🌳resources information packs and tree identification cards you can download from the Arium website.

If your interested in attending tree planting events, please contact the Woodland Creation Team at woodlandcreation@leeds.gov.uk to register has a volunteer and book a place on one of our future events, which will be taking place between December and February
#TreesForLeeds 💚🌳

Countryside Ranger Team 🦉😀👍

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature, text that says "TREE PLANTING DAY"

 

Woodhouse Window Christmassy trail with Gateway Church

For one night only it is the Woodhouse Window Christmassy trail with Gateway Church tomorrow: Saturday 12th December at 4.30pm – see map below.

🎅 If you head to St Mark’s church a socially distance Santa will greet you from his outdoor grotto!

Image may contain: text that says "Woodhouse Window Wonderland TRAIL map Saturday 12th December 4.30 6.30pm The community Woodhouse have come together create a Christmassy window and QR code trail for one night only. 058 54Delph Lane HartleyCrescent MountSch Woodhouse St DelphLan Providence Commun Christmas Window R code Woodhouse Medical Center St Mark's Church bags Head St Mark's Church where you find Santa' Grotto and goodie be given away (1 per family) StMark'sRd ServiaHill paS,HADW3S Leicester place Please ensure you are complying with current social distancing guidelines for Leeds and please respect people's property by only viewing the windows the street. gateway church"

PPE for unpaid carers

Do you look after a friend or relative who  otherwise couldn’t manage without your help?

This may be because of illness, frailty, disability, a mental health need or an addiction.  And it may be someone who you live with or someone who lives in a different household.

Leeds City Council are taking part in a 2 month pilot with the Department of Health and Social Care to provide unpaid carers with PPE.

The pilot will help the Department of Health and Social Care to better understand likely demand from unpaid carers for PPE and how best to distribute it, as well as informing decisions as to whether the pilot continues beyond the initial two months.

If you care for someone and the PPE would help you, please contact Caring Together and we can help to submit an order for this

Once the order form has been received, you will be contacted to discuss the order.  Delivery will then be within 72 hours.

The PPE will be free of charge

Covid Scam Alert – Christmas Edition

The latest Monthly 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.

This edition also includes Christmas Shopping tips and advice to help you keep safe from seasonal scams

covid19 scam alert issue 21

Covid Vaccine comes to Leeds

Leeds is one of  50 places in the country that can offer the Pfizer vaccine this week.  The first phase of vaccinations will be taking place within hospitals but GPs are expected to be able to start administering these vaccines from next week.  You will be contacted once you are eligible to make arrangements to receive the vaccine.  
There is a lot of conflicting information out there so please discuss any concerns you may have with your GP or trusted health professional.
More details on the vaccine & initial roll out nationally nhs.uk/covidvaccine
Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust said:

“Our amazing teams across the NHS in Leeds and Leeds City Council are proud to be part of the first wave of the national NHS vaccination programme.

On Tuesday, we will be starting to vaccinate people across Leeds in the groups identified as a priority by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) – patients over 80, care home staff and NHS staff who are at risk from coronavirus.
At first, we will be arranging appointments directly with people eligible to receive the vaccination. Watch this space for news about wider access to the vaccine, as soon as it can be made available.
Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr Phil Wood, said today: “Our incredible staff have been at the forefront of the response to the Coronavirus pandemic, supporting each other, saving lives, leading vaccine research, and holding hands with patients in isolation who sadly never recovered to return to their loved ones.
“We have worked committedly, with compassion and with hope towards the day we could begin vaccinating people to help prevent further tragedy. We know the struggle is not yet over but reaching this momentous point is a tremendous achievement.”

Staff from across health and care organisations in Leeds are working together to put in place plans to deliver this national vaccination programme to everyone in our community who would like to have the vaccine.”

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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

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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