Category Archives: Health & Wellbeing

Coronavirus Update from Leeds City Council

by

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

by

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.

Image

‘New Bereavement Support Group’

by

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….

by
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.

Take Care of You as we move out of lockdown

by

Leeds Public Health have asked that we share this information about keeping safe as we gradually move out of lockdown and start to resume more normal activities.

The following is from  http://www.takecareleeds.co.uk/ 

Covid-19 infection rates are rising once again in people over 60 in Leeds. People aged over 60 are at a greater risk from COVID-19, with age proving to be a significant risk factor. Even with the roll out of the vaccine underway, it’s important that we work together to keep you safe, keep you active and keep you socially connected whilst minimising any physical contact with others.

Advice for over 60’s to stay safe during Coronavirus – August 2021

As we enter a new phase of living with the virus, with very few restrictions in place we would like to share with you some key advice and messages that may make you feel a bit safer and secure, when adjusting to this new guidance. We know older people may have experienced the toughest of lock downs and we would like you to know we are here for you to help, support or guide as we all try to get our lives going again.

  • Covid-19 continues to be a feature of our lives, so this next step on the roadmap is around learning to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.
  • Rates of Covid infection are high and even after 19 July we should all continue to be cautious, help to reduce the risk of spread and protect people at highest risk of serious illness.
  • If you have not yet had your vaccine, we are here to support you whenever you are ready.
  • From Monday 19 July you will no longer have to wear a mask or social distance by law, but our advice is to continue to wear a mask in enclosed and crowded spaces such as public transport. Some organisations, eg health and social care, might ask you to wear a mask.
  • If you are still working you no longer need to work from home but if you can, but the recommendation is for a gradual return over the summer.
  • To keep yourself and others safe, try and limit the contact you have with people you do not usually live with, including keeping the number of people and the time you spend with them low, and not getting too close to them.
  • Where possible, meet outdoors and let fresh air into homes and other enclosed spaces.
  • Many people will be excited about the return to the way things were before Covid, whilst others, may be more cautious.
  • Please get both doses of the vaccine when called to make sure you have the highest level of protection.
  • It is also important to reduce the risk of spread by washing hands, getting tested if you have symptoms, and isolate if advised to do so.

Top Tips

We want to make the advice as relevant and as clear as possible. We have created these LIVING THE ‘ADVICE’ Top Tips for you to use

For older people:

  • Keep a mask handy – in a purse, pocket, the car or your bag
  • Keep washing your hands for 20 seconds or more
  • Remember to carry some hand sanitiser and use it regularly
  • Avoid busy, indoor spaces and meet outside if you can – whilst it’s warm take advantage of sitting outside when you can.
  • Take an extra step – try to keep some distance from others where you can
  • Let the fresh air in – open more windows or sit near a door. Take time to enjoy the weather or view outside
  • Take a regular Lateral Flow Test, or ask someone to help you do one
  • Please ask family members to take extra care and follow the hands, face, space guidance if you are helping out with summer child-care or going on family trips.

Advice for staying safe at home, outdoors and at work

Active

  • Staying active is important for your physical health and mental wellbeing. There are plenty of options indoors or outdoors that keep you safe and healthy.
  • If you haven’t been very active, start by reducing the time spent sitting down for long periods. You could do this by reducing the time you spend watching TV; taking regular walk breaks around the garden or street.
  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity every week – this can be broken down into 30 minutes chunks, five times a week. Moderate activity could include walking briskly, dancing or pushing a lawn mower.
  • If you can safely leave your home to exercise, you should do so while maintaining a distance of at least two metres from others.
  • For ideas about keeping active at home, you can get free advice and tips from Active Leeds by visiting their healthy at home webpage.

Connected

  • Although avoiding physical contact with others is the best way to keep yourself safe, that doesn’t mean losing touch with friends and family.
  • Talking on the phone, staying in touch via messaging apps like WhatsApp or having video calls on Skype, Zoom or FaceTime are great ways to keep in touch.
  • Reach out to friends and family if you are feeling isolated – and check that they are feeling OK too.
  • If you need support, services in Leeds are here to help you – even if it’s just a friendly voice at the end of a phone. For more information, visit leeds.gov.uk/coronavirus or call 0113 376 0330, or if you have difficulty hearing, text07480 632 471

Safe

  • We want to help you stay connected and active while reducing your risk of catching COVID-19 by limiting physical contact as much as possible
  • Plan your leisure time around quieter times of the day so you can reduce the risk of being in close physical contact with others
  • Have shopping delivered if possible, or visit shops at quiet times to reduce contact with other people
  • If you are working, your employer can help you to stay safe by ensuring COVID-19 measures are in place and you have access to protection equipment, or helping you to work from home if possible. For further information on working safely during coronavirus, please visit gov.uk.
  • Remember to wear a face covering, maintain a two-metre social distance from others and frequently wash or sanitise your hands if you are out and about.

100% Digital to your door and beyond……

by

100% Digital to your door and beyond……

As a community we are learning so much together. We have a weekly digital technology group each Tuesday afternoon at Lovell Park Hub, Little London (booking in advance only) but where one can not get to us, we come to you and we do our best together. And thanks to a partnership with 100% Digital Leeds through Leeds Libraries and Leeds City Council we have also been able to loan some items out to members as well.

If you need to know more get in touch: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk – Caring Together Mobile: 07436 530073

Community kindness…..

by
We wanted to give a shout out to our volunteers Myrna and Mary. Some of our chairs got a lovely deep clean a few weeks ago. They have come up like new and are already in use. I know all our bottoms will appreciate it.
Our humble thanks to you both for a fantastic job. I know it was not easy as they were pretty grubby. Thank you.

Free Will Service with Turn2Us

by

Turn2Us (a national charity that helps people to gain access to information and support around benefits, charitable grants and support services) has a scheme that enables you  to make your Will for free, using qualified solicitors within reasonable travelling distance of where you live.

This offers you the opportunity to make or amend a simple single or joint Will with a qualified solicitor, free of charge.

Making a Will is very personal and can be daunting initially. However, it is the best way to ensure that people and causes you care about are taken care of exactly as you wish.

Turn2Us say there is no obligation to include a donation to them in the will you make but they hope that you will consider a gift to them or a charity of your choice – after you have taken care of your loved ones

Here’s how it works
Register your interest on the Turn2Us website https://www.turn2us.org.uk/Support-Us/Ways-To-Donate/free-wills-service and tick the Free Will Service box.
Their partner, the National Free Wills Network, will then send you the names and addresses of at least two local firms of solicitors taking part in this scheme.
The solicitor draws up your Will and you don’t have to pay the bill.

There is also lots of other  information on the Turn2Us website that you may find useful

This week we took a trip up to Golden Acre…..beautiful!

by

Dear all,

Thanks to another suggestion from one of our members some of us took the bus this week up to Golden Acre, the flowers in The Demonstration Garden were beautiful as were the cakes at the cafe.
.
And if you wish to join us for other outings please do get in touch, call Lisa on 07436 530073 or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk. And please keep the suggestions coming we are slowly working our way through them.
.
We also love your suggestions on where you would like to venture. This outing was from a suggestion, so thank you. And while the weather is in our favour we are working our way through them.