Grief and the healing process following a loss, no not matter how long ago, is not something we just ‘get over’. It is different for everyone and can be an incredibly hard and deeply sorrowful experience with some days being better than others. We just learn to rebuild our life without them around the loss. It can feel like it is just there at times and can flare up out of the blue. Talking and being in a supportive space with friends, family and others for group support and understanding can help.
At Caring Together we have a ‘Bereavement Support Group’ on the first Monday of the month for anyone who wishes to come along. This space and time is for you no matter when your loss was, be it 30 years, 10years or just last year. A warm welcome, compassion, and a cuppa will be on offer.
Our next date is: Monday 10th January 2022 @11am Venue: Caring Together premises, 127 Woodhouse Street, Leeds LS6 2PY
“Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break.” William Shakespeare, Macbeth
Please just call, text 07436 530073 or email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk if you wish to come along.
Last year held some wonderful memories and at other times not. And where sadness and loss prevailed we send our deepest sympathies to you at this time. None of us know what this year will hold. Our way of connecting will likely continue to be different as we navigate the unknown. Yet as we adapt, the turning of the seasons and a New Year bring us hope as we all go on working to find our own ways for each of us to feel seen, supported and heard.
All the best for the coming year and may it be one of finding balance, a sense of peace, and contentment.
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.
If you don’t have a car, there are two walk-through testing sites for people living or working within walking distance. You can also drive to the one in Woodhouse and just park up near the testing site.
The sites are at:
The Mandela Community Centre, Chapeltown Road, Leeds LS7 3HY
Cinder Moor, Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS6 2UZ
Both sites are open seven days a week from 8.00am to 6.00pm and will be throughout the holiday season. To use the walk-through testing sites, it is best to have a pre-booked appointment which can be done through the NHS website or by ringing 119.
We had our last digital session this week. We have been having some fun. We made a mini drama along with some pictures that we took. We hope you enjoy!
If safe to do so, we look forward to being back again in the New Year to continue our learning together. If you wish to come along then please get in touch. Call: 07436 530073 or Email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk
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.
Rainbow Junktion – All Hallows Church, 24 Regent Terrace, Leeds, LS6 1NP. Christmas Lunch on a pay-as-you-feel basis:
“We are excited to (hopefully) be able to go ahead with our pay-as-you-feel Christmas lunch inside this year but it will be slightly different from previous years in order to keep everyone as safe as we can. We are asking people to book in advance using this short google form. We are asking people to choose a time slot and to stick to it so we don’t have too many people in the church at the same time. We are also asking that all attendees take a lateral flow test in the 24 hours before the event and to not come inside if they have any reason to believe they have covid.”
If you are unable to complete the form for any reason you can go to Rainbow Junktion during the opening times which are: Monday, Thursday and Friday 11.30am – 3.00pm and book there.
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…
Annual Carol concert hosted by Gateway Church Leeds including… traditional carols, a live band, short talk and a moment to reflect on the meaning of Christmas.
There will be the option of two concerts to come along to: 4-5pm & 6.30-7.30pm with FREE Christmas baps served between both
