Shared Moments: ‘On turning a light green’ written by Lynne Fordyce

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Dear all,

I have taken up litter picking. It would be wrong to call it a hobby and was not on my bucket list of things to do in my retirement years but litter picking is now one of my pleasures.

As a young person I was somewhat oblivious of the effects of litter on the environment and as a smoker had no qualms at throwing fag ends into the wilderness, or the gutter, with a sense of self righteousness, believing, honestly, that they were bio-degradable. I was once stopped in the street by a man who told me I’d dropped something pointing to a match, and with a sudden sense of guilt, I apologised, picked it up and pocketed it.

Perhaps it was part of my awakening although it’s difficult to know what contributed to the process. David Attenborough in Zoo Quest was definitely part of my weekly childhood pleasures; all those lovely furry creatures; but I rather forsook him later in pursuit of the finer things in life like work and children and a little pub culture.

Litter picking, as I’ve discovered, need not be a lone event. About twenty years ago my partner joined a group of others on a Sunday morning to clear a piece of wasteland. The group, organised in the local pub, had a highly entertaining time and returned full of stories of their finds alongside a new camaraderie. Litter pickers united.

Anyway I joined a similar group on Woodhouse Moor, of  which I have been a “Friend of” for a long time, a task which has involved attending meetings three or four times a year at a co-Friends’ house eating, sharing wine, and agreeing to some proposals. This litter picking event was organised however by young people full of “green credentials” never having discarded as much as a bottle top in their lives. I was provided with a large plastic hoop thing not unlike a giant bubble wand, a black bag to attach to it and a stick with a claw on the end to pick up litter with and set off to fill my bag, which I did, far too easily.

I’ve changed tactics now though and palled up with Cate another late litter picker and every other Sunday morning we circle our local area. We have our own equipment. Personal litter pickers and black bags. No bubble-blower shaped thingy though. Our general finds are mundane, pop-cans; masks; wrappers; plastic bits; and an odd sock. However, last Sunday was different.

My eyesight is not brilliant, I have bi-focals and developing cataracts but there under an overhanging hedge I spied the monarchs head. A tenner. £10 !

“This one’s mine” I said to Cate rather greedily, but as I clutched it between the claws of my picker- upper  there was another one  “and that one’s yours” I added as a magnanimous gesture . Twenty quid for an hour of conversation, fresh air and a saunter. Becoming  a light shade of green has its rewards.

image sourced from Leeds University Union

Coronavirus Update from Leeds City Council

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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

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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.

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‘New Bereavement Support Group’

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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….

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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.

Leeds West Indian Virtual Carnival 2021 – Bank Holiday Monday

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CELEBRATING EMANCIPATION THROUGH CULTURE, MUSIC & DANCE

The 54th Leeds West Indian Carnival is returning with its second year as a Virtual Carnival event, and this year is celebrating the incredible legacy!

Lockdown has eased up, but as the pandemic continues, this year’s Carnival will return as a virtual celebration. This summer, the celebrations are covid safe with the return of some of your favourite events. Still bringing the joy, vibes, excitement, our incredible legacy and much more.

Come and join in this August Bank Holiday Monday for the live streaming of the Carnival Celebrations. You can party in your front rooms and gardens.

Virtual Jouvert And Carnival
MONDAY 30TH AUGUST 2021

VENUE: Online

Start Time: 7.00AM
ENDS: 7.00PM

Book your online zoom slot here on Eventbrite.

Watch on
FACEBOOK

Watch on You Tube:

Caribbean and African Food Festival – Saturday 28th August

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Leeds Kirkgate Market Foodhall

10am – 5.30pm Saturday 28th August

The event is free but you need to register at  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/caribbean-and-african-food-fest-tickets-163291799167

Hosted by The Cultural Arts Heritage Circle (Nubian Noire), the free event promises an array of national dishes, live entertainment and wellbeing workshops.

There will be goody bags for children, live chef demonstrations and a host of independent traders serving recipes passed down through generations.

Leeds Opera Story Exhibition – at the Corn Exchange or online

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The 300 year history of opera in Leeds is brought to life through the Leeds Opera Story – the exhibiton is now open at the Corn Exchange until 30th August.  You can also see it online at http://leedsoperastory.co.uk/

Focusing on eight key events – from 1729 to 1978 – the exhibition tells the story of opera in the city, as well as the changing face of Leeds over the centuries.
If you’ve questions about the history of opera in Leeds, Artistic Director and curator, David Ward, will be present at the exhibition on the mornings of 27 to 30 August!
Feel free to pop by with any operatic queries …
Free to attend – visit the website for more information and accompanying documentary films.
You can also see details of the Leeds Opera Story walking tour:  http://leedsoperastory.co.uk/tour/4595332055

Visit 5 of the theatres (3 of which still stand) that have played an important role in the Leeds Opera Story.

This tour can be carried out on foot, or listened to from home.

These events are part of the 2021 Leeds Opera Festival.

Take Care of You as we move out of lockdown

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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……

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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