Our offices will be closed over the festive season from mid day Christmas Eve until Tuesday 4th January 2022, however we will still be checking in on some members on Christmas Day and periodically throughout the week. I have also added below some useful contacts where needed.
But before we sign off to take some time to recharge for ourselves we have brought together a short video of just some of the things we have been up to in the last month together. It has been a mixture of some truly sad times peppered with some fun times along the way. It does not cover everything but we hope you enjoy it and we look forward to being back again on Tuesday 4th January 2022.
Our thoughts are with you all at this time. And we thank you all for your kindness and support throughout the Year in Caring Together. Wishing you all a peaceful and safe holidays.
Press play and turn the volume on if you wish!
Also, please see below a copy of our useful contacts for over the holidays from our recent newsletter.
A message from the leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis
Dear Resident
This month we marked the anniversary of the first Covid vaccination in the world and the start of the biggest vaccination programme in NHS history. Since then, over 1.3 million vaccinations have been delivered in Leeds, which is an incredible achievement. My thanks go to all frontline workers, volunteers, and residents for your ongoing efforts in fighting this virus.
Unfortunately, recent news has focused on the new Omicron variant of Covid, and the anticipated rapid rise in infections. Covid will continue to be a feature of our lives for some time to come so we need to continue to manage the risk to ourselves and others. Although the current position is not the one we were hoping for, particularly at this time of year, we will get through this if we keep working together as a city.
The best thing we can all do is get vaccinated and have your booster when invited. This is the most effective way of protecting yourself, your family and your friends. Please continue to follow the guidance to keep yourself and others safe. Get tested, and self-isolate if you are required to. Make sure you wear your mask and if you’re indoors try to keep the room well ventilated.
I never fail to be impressed by how the people and organisations of Leeds come together to support one another through these challenging times. With the holiday period coming up I do hope you all get the opportunity to connect with family and friends and to celebrate Christmas safely. For those who will be working and keeping vital services across the city running, I extend my thanks.
I would like to wish you all a very safe, happy and healthy Christmas and New Year. The New Year brings in new opportunities, and we have much to look forward to, so let us all look forward to a better 2022.
Cllr James Lewis Leader Leeds City Council
Top 5 tips to keep safe and well this festive season
To help reduce the spread of the new Omicron variant and covid during the festive season, here are some top tips to keep you and your friends and family safe:
We want to hear your thoughts on our budget proposals for next year
The council is currently consulting on the proposed budget for the upcoming year.
Changes to government funding, increased costs in dealing with the ongoing impacts of Covid, a loss of income, as well as increases in demand for services for some of our most vulnerable residents mean that we need to look closely at what we can do to balance our books and provide savings where possible.
We’re really interested in your views on how we spend money and set a balanced budget. We’re also keen to hear your thoughts on how we can improve the way that we deliver services, and where there might be opportunities to do things in more modern and efficient ways.
Our City Ambition looks at how partners across all parts of the city work together and embrace a successful Team Leeds approach, as we have demonstrated and done so well during the pandemic. The ambition focuses on tacking poverty and inequality and is underpinned by a continued commitment to strength-based approaches, harnessing a contribution from everyone, working across sectors with you the citizen at the centre of activity. Join the conversation and provide us with your thoughts on the Ambition.
Winter Warmth
Are you ready for Winter? There are some simple steps we can all take to stay well.
Be prepared. Keep warm, keep active, seek help if you’re struggling with fuel bills.
From the 15th December 2021 you will need to use a NHS COVID Pass when travelling abroad to some countries and as a condition of entry at large venues and events.You can get the pass digitally through the NHS App or online via NHS.UK or as a letter sent to you in the post. Find out more about the NHS Covid Pass https://www.gov.uk/guidance/nhs-covid-pass…
You are warmly invited to a festive get together at our premises this Wednesday 8th December @ 1.30pm. We are delighted to have the Leeds University Union LUU Music Impact in the Community – LUUMIC Choir coming along to bring some festive cheer. There will be hot drinks and home made mince pies and vegan cake. And some hot chocolate too.
It will be in the square just outside our offices so if you are able to join us then a coat and maybe a hat will be recommended.
Covid rules are changing again this week because of concern over a new variant of Covid19 called Omicron
From tomorrow (Tuesday 30th November):
It will be compulsory to wear a mask or face covering on public transport and in shops and other settings such as banks hairdressers, unless you are exempt. (it is recommended to do this now)
All close contacts of suspected Omicron cases will be required to self-isolate for 10 days. This is regardless of a person’s vaccination status
Anyone entering the UK from another country will have to take a PCR test by the end of the second day after their arrival and will need to self-isolate until they have a negative result. Anyone travelling from a Red List country will have to quarantine for 10 days
We are sharing this video from NHS today. Covid is still very much with us and the symptoms, if mild, could easily be mistaken for a cold or other seasonal virus so the advice is to stay at home and get a test if you have any symptoms.
Come and meet other bereaved people for group support and understanding. A warm welcome, cuppa and biscuits will also be on offer too. We are meeting together on the first Monday of each month.
.
Next one is this Monday 1st November @11am – 12noon
Are you a carer for a family member, partner, or friend? Would you like to meet others in a similar situation? Why not come along and join us on the last Thursday of each month for a friendly chat and a cuppa.
Next one: Thursday 28th October 2021
Venue: Caring Together in Woodhouse and Little London, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds 6
(opposite the Post office/Londis shop)
Time: 11am to 12.30pm
Just pop in, or call Lisa 07436 530073, or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk for more information
