Category Archives: Health & Wellbeing

Mindwell Winter Wellbeing Campaign

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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

 

Caring Together’s ‘Online Festive Get Together’ – Thursday 10th December @11am

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Although we are not able to meet as a big group we are delighted to be able to host an alternative festive get together. It will be online via zoom and is in partnership with the University of Leeds Music Society.

Come and join us for some musically entertaining fun and cheer in the company of others. Singing along is optional  There will even be some some musical bingo with prizes as well.

If you would like to join us then please email: lisa@caringtogether.org.uk or call on 07436 530073 and I will help you get set up, or if you already set up then I will send you an invite. We would love to see you.

Updated Guidance for Extremely Vulnerable People in Leeds

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Leeds City Council has updated advice as we move into Tier 3

People  who are deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable and could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus are advised to: –

In general, stay at home as much as possible but, if you can, take exercise or walks outdoors every day to stay healthy

Avoid going into shops and other public indoor places if you can – choose quiet times if you do need to go.

Limit the people coming into your home to those you live with, are in your support bubble, or provide you with care – including unpaid carers.

Take care to keep your home well ventilated

If you’re socialising outdoors with other people, stay 2m distance from those you don’t live with.

Local help is still available www.leeds.gov.uk/shielding or 0113 3760330

You can also talk to Caring Together for advice and support.

Shared Memories Audio: ‘National Are Go’ written by Maureen Kershaw

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Dear all,

Please find below a link to a video of some memories of National Holiday trips written and spoken by Maureen Kershaw. Just click on the link. You might have to click on the volume button.
Thank you for sharing this with us Maureen, until next time….
picture sourced from alamycom
British Seaside Holiday 1970's High Resolution Stock Photography and Images - Alamy

Leeds City Council says ‘Welcome Back but shop safely’

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As Leeds moves from the national lockdown measures to Tier 3 and shops re-open in the city Leeds City Council is urging residents to shop safely and plan journeys in advance

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“As we welcome you back to #Leeds – please remember that YOUR safety is OUR main priority

As shops re-open across the city please remember to #ShopSafely and try to avoid the busiest times. Maintain social distancing and wear a face covering where required”

Full information here https://t.co/9kNBcFZu5U?amp=1

Poetry Corner: ‘Back in the days ‘ by A B Wyze

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Back in the days of tanners and bobs,
When Mothers had patience and Fathers had jobs.
When football team families wore hand me down shoes,
And T.V had only two channels to choose.

Back in the days of three penny bits,
when schools employed nurses to search for your nits.
When snowballs were harmless; ice slides were permitted
and all of your jumpers were warm and hand knitted.

Back in the days of hot ginger beers,
when children remained so for more than six years.
When children respected what older folks said,
and pot was a thing you kept under your bed.

Back in the days of Listen with Mother,
when neighbours were friendly and talked to each other.
When cars were so rare you could play in the street.
When Doctors made house calls and Police walked the beat.

Back in the days of Milligan’s Goons,
when butter was butter and songs all had tunes.
It was dumplings for dinner and trifle for tea,
and your annual break was a day by the sea.

Back in the days of Dixon’s Dock Green,
Crackerjack pens and Lyons ice cream.
When children could freely wear National Health glasses,
and teachers all stood at the FRONT of their classes.

Back in the days of rocking and reeling,
when mobiles were things that you hung from the ceiling. When woodwork and pottery got taught in schools,
and everyone dreamed of a win on the pools.

Back in the days when I was a lad,
I can’t help but smile for the fun that I had.
Hopscotch and roller skates; snowballs to lob.
Back in the days of tanners and bobs.

Credit: from the book, Back in the Days of Tanners and Bobs by A B Wyze

Meanwood Valley Urban Farm

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We will be re-opening to the public tomorrow (Wednesday 2nd December) following the end of the national lockdown.
Our opening hours will be 10am-3pm, seven days a week (except Christmas Day/Boxing Day/New Year’s Day when we are closed).
Our shop/reception in the Epicentre will be open although our indoor small animal area and our playground will remain closed for the time being.
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The Barn Café here at the Farm will be offering a takeaway coffee & cake service from Saturday, watch out on their social media pages for more info.
Leeds is of course in Tier 3, so we please ask that you follow the guidelines that the government has laid out. In addition, we ask that you please continue to sanitise your hands (at the entrance to the Farm and in the Epicentre entrance), to wear a mask in our shop/reception and to social distance.
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We are also required to ask our visitors to provide their name and contact details if they have not scanned the official NHS QR code and to submit your details as part of the Track and Trace.
We are looking forward to seeing you all once again!
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‘Monday Mind Workout’ answers for Monday 30th November 2020

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Dear all,

Answers for yesterday’s ‘Monday Mind Workout’ which was multiple choice, how did you do?

1.Which of these means a speech in a play where a character talks to themselves rather than to other characters?
c) Soliloquy

2 In the Vicar of Dibley, what was the name of the vicar’s clueless friend?
a) Alice

3. How many novels did the Bronte sisters write in total?
b) Seven

4.Which breed of dog used to be sacred in China?
b) Pekingese

5.Who was the fourth Doctor Who?
(a) Tom Baker

6.Which coin was first issued on the 9th of June 1982?
(c) twenty pence piece

7. In 2005, a painting by artist Lucien Freud sold for £3.9 million pounds; who was the subject:
(b) a nude painting of Kate Moss

8. Proverbially, what is rubbed into the wound to make things worse?
c) Salt

9. What name is given to a country’s song played on official occasions?
a) National anthem

10. In fairy tales, which item is used to transport people through the air?
a)Magic carpet

11.Which of these was a successful pop star of the 1980s?
a) Adam Ant

12. ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ was a number one hit for which singer in the 1980s?
b) Stevie Wonder

13. Sandringham and Balmoral are residences of which public figure?
Queen

14.Stephenson’s Rocket was an early example of which means of transportation?
Train

15.Which animals metaphorically constitute a heavy rainstorm?
Cats and dogs

16.What is the reverse fold at the bottom of some trouser legs?
Turn up

17.If someone gets out of a difficult situation, he is said to have saved his what?
Bacon

18.Which of these symbolises the election of a new pope?White feathers
White smoke

19.Which ‘test’ was originally used to determine whether something was made of gold?
Acid test

20.If the information is from a reliable source, it is said to come straight from where?
Horse’s mouth

‘Monday Mind Workout’ – Monday 30th November 2020

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Dear all,

Today’s Monday Mind Workout is multiple choice, all the best

1.Which of these means a speech in a play where a character talks to themselves rather than to other characters?
a) Interlude
b) Revue
c) Soliloquy

2 In the Vicar of Dibley, what was the name of the vicar’s clueless friend?
a) Alice
b) Beatrice
c) Charlotte

3. How many novels did the Bronte sisters write in total?
a) Nine
b) Seven
c) Eight

4.Which breed of dog used to be sacred in China?
a) Cockapoo
b) Pekingese
c) Spaniel

5.Who was the fourth Doctor Who:
(a) Tom Baker
(b) Jon Pertwee
(c) Peter Davison

6.Which coin was first issued on the 9th of June 1982:
(a) two pound
(b) one pound
(c) twenty pence piece

7. In 2005, a painting by artist Lucien Freud sold for £3.9 million pounds; who was the subject:
(a) Marilyn Monroe
(b) Kate Moss (a nude painting)
(c) Kate Winslet

8. Proverbially, what is rubbed into the wound to make things worse?
a) butter
b) Vinegar
c) Salt

9. What name is given to a country’s song played on official occasions?
a) National anthem
b) National curriculum
c) National debt

10. In fairy tales, which item is used to transport people through the air?
a)Magic carpet
b)Magic mattress
c) Magic blanket

11.Which of these was a successful pop star of the 1980s?
a) Adam Ant
b) Billy Bug
c) Chris Cricket
d) Dave Dragonfly

12. ‘I Just Called To Say I Love You’ was a number one hit for which singer in the 1980s?
a) Stevie Marvel
b) Stevie Wonder
c) Sam Johnes

13. Sandringham and Balmoral are residences of which public figure?
Prime Minister
Queen
US President

14.Stephenson’s Rocket was an early example of which means of transportation?
Hovercraft
Bicycle
Train

15.Which animals metaphorically constitute a heavy rainstorm?
Frogs and toads
Cats and dogs
Lions and tigers

16.What is the reverse fold at the bottom of some trouser legs?
Turn on
Turn up
Turn off

17.If someone gets out of a difficult situation, he is said to have saved his what?
Ham
Bacon
Sausage

18.Which of these symbolises the election of a new pope?White feathers
White smoke
White doves

White Chocolate

19.Which ‘test’ was originally used to determine whether something was made of gold?
Reflex test
Acid test
Spelling test

20.If the information is from a reliable source, it is said to come straight from where?
Dog’s paw
Horse’s mouth
Pig’s ear

What are your views on Covid vaccines? Healthwatch would like to know

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Plans are underway to roll out a vaccination that will protect people from coronavirus.

Healthwatch Leeds  want to hear the views of people in Leeds to help with local planning.

If you would like to take part in the survey you can do so  here

And you can read the Healthwatch Leeds November newsletter  here