Category Archives: Health & Wellbeing

New service launches designed to discourage and tackle anti-social behaviour in inner north-west Leeds

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A unique service tackling anti-social behaviour and noise in Headingley, Hyde Park, Little Woodhouse and Burley launched this week, thanks to a unique partnership between the council and its two biggest universities.

The dedicated service is a national first, with Leeds Beckett University and University of Leeds funding overnight patrols, seven days a week, by council response officers.

The officers will work exclusively on noise and anti-social behaviour issues in inner north-west Leeds. They will carry out patrols to identify and stop potential issues from escalating while also providing capacity to respond to more calls, more quickly. The partnership will provide additional call-handling capacity at weekends and during peak times throughout the year, including Freshers’ week and end of assessments.

In what is a significant investment by the universities, as well as a major commitment by the partnership to improve the communities, the service is supported by a new Community Coordinator to keep the service working and improving efficiently.

The partnership will monitor and regularly share updates on the performance and impact of the service, and hold termly meetings with residents’ association leaders.

This new venture builds upon the Leeds Universities and Colleges’ long-established Neighbourhood Helpline service and Enhanced Noise Service.

Community members can also join a network of ‘key individuals’ to complete short, regular feedback surveys to help to develop the service. Please email dedicatedservice@leeds.gov.uk if you live, work or run a business in the area and can spare a few minutes every month. 

Unique service launches designed to discourage and tackle anti-social behaviour in inner north-west Leeds: Dedicated service officer

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: 

“While universities make an incredibly positive contribution to Leeds’ culture and economy, we also recognise that some issues can arise in all communities with a student population.

“While these issues are not unique to Leeds, our response is. The dedicated service is a national first, building on years of partnership and listening to communities.”

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor of Leeds Beckett University, said:

“Building and maintaining positive relations in the city is a priority for Leeds’ seven universities. We work with student unions, landlords, police and the council to support our students to live in diverse and vibrant residential communities.  

“Leeds’ 70,000 students contribute significantly to the city’s economy and the majority play a positive role in their communities. This service recognises community concerns over the minority that behave inappropriately, and strengthens the partnership’s ability to respond to and deal with that behaviour.” 

Professor Simone Buitendijk, vice chancellor of the University of Leeds, said:

“Together with our other partners across the city, we recognise the significant impact that noise and anti-social behaviour can have in the communities in which our students live.

“The introduction of this dedicated service is an important step forward for our collective approach in preventing as well as responding to these issues.

“We will also continue to work together to deliver an enhanced programme of good citizenship activities to ensure our students play an active and positive role in community life.”

Pango Simwaka, Union Affairs Officer at Leeds Beckett Student Union, said:

”Improving the relationship between students and residents in our community has always been a priority for us at Leeds Beckett Students’ Union.

“As a union, we welcome the new dedicated anti-social Behaviour and noise nuisance service and are happy to join forces with the universities and partners on this initiative.

“It’s important that we all work together to create a community which we are proud to live in, while also remembering the positive changes that the students and the universities bring to Leeds.  

“We’re keen to show that the vast majority of students in Leeds really value their time in our city and are proud to study here.”

Reporting concerns

In spite of the new dedicated patrol service, there are no changes to how anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance are reported. 

5pm to 4am every day                 0113 3760337

Between 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, or if you do not require an immediate response, call 0113 222 4402

You can also report online using the council’s web form for anti-social behaviour and noise nuisance

The Community Coordinator will provide a link between the service and local communities, working closely with a new community relations post at Leeds Beckett University and the Student Citizenship team at the University of Leeds.

From Couch to Chorus – Sing into Spring 2022

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Virtual Choir – Weekly 2nd to 24th March

For more details and how to book: https://www.operanorth.co.uk/whats-on/from-couch-to-chorus-2022

Opera North’s Virtual Choir is back. Join together with a community of like-minded singers, from complete beginners to experienced choir-goers – everyone is welcome.

From improvements in memory and pain relief, to a boost in confidence and the release of ‘happy’ chemicals… singing is really great for you! Find out a bit more about some of the benefits to both your mental and physical health. https://www.operanorth.co.uk/news/10-reasons-singing-is-good-for-you

Coronavirus Update from Leeds City Council

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Dear resident

This week the government announced its plan for living safely with Covid-19. The plan centres on vaccines as the first line of defence against coronavirus and encourages safe behaviours based on public health advice, rather than restrictions enforced by law.

The plan acknowledges that Covid-19 is here to stay and explains that the virus will be managed in future in a similar way to other infectious diseases such as flu. The prevalence of Covid is decreasing and there is great progress being made on treatments. Nonetheless, the lifting of the restrictions designed to keep us all safe may be a source of anxiety for those who feel vulnerable. As we adjust to the new normal, we can support one another by remembering the simple precautions and consideration for others that have become part of everyday life.

In this update we will outline the implications of the new approach for people in Leeds, and the support available for individuals, businesses and communities as we look ahead to the Covid recovery period.

Photo of sunrise in Leeds near canal

Living with Covid in England

The government’s living with Covid plan is being phased in between now and April and includes some key changes that will impact families and individuals.

Self-isolation is no longer legally enforced if you test positive for Covid-19. Instead you are strongly advised to self-isolate until you test negative on two consecutive days. The rules requiring close contacts to test or isolate, depending on their age and vaccination status, have ceased to apply and contact tracing has stopped.

As a result, provision for people self-isolating has ended, including support payments, nationally funded practical assistance and medicine delivery services. The Covid-19 provisions which expedited the payment of statutory sick pay and employment support allowance will end on 24 March. For help and advice if you are struggling financially visit help with food and household bills on the council website.

Testing provision will be scaled back under the living with Covid plan to focus on the most at-risk groups. Lateral flow tests will no longer be freely available after 31 March. Refreshed guidance will be issued advising people how to maintain safe behaviours and minimise the risk of infection for themselves and others.

In the spring, the vaccination programme will expand to offer an additional booster dose to those most at risk from Covid-19, including over-75s, older care home residents and vulnerable people over the age of 12.

Visit the government website for a summary of the plan for living with Covid and to read the plan in full. The plan also covers changes that impact businesses and employers.

Man receives vaccination. Caption reads Book an appointment or attend a drop-in centre if you have not had your vaccine yet

Living with Covid-19 in Leeds

The Covid case rate in Leeds has declined by 26% in the past week, to 348 per 100K. Although the city’s case rate is lower than the rate in England, the trend reflects the national position with infections remaining high despite the gradual fall in numbers.

Public health advice in Leeds is therefore to remain cautious and take whatever action you can to prevent the spread of infection. Please continue to stay at home if you are unwell, let in fresh air when indoors, wash your hands regularly and wear face coverings in crowded indoor spaces.

The Covid vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from infection and serious illness. Whether you need a first, second or booster dose the vaccine offer remains in place across the city. Visit the NHS in Leeds for details of local clinics.

The government’s living with Covid plan addresses future monitoring and management of coronavirus. Leeds City Council’s public health team will continue to work closely with health service colleagues to monitor the local position, contain outbreaks and manage any new variants of concern.

For local information and links to the latest national guidance visit the coronavirus page on the council website.

Applications invited for hospitality and leisure grants

There is still time to apply for financial support if you run a hospitality, leisure or accommodation business which was affected by coronavirus restrictions.

The Omicron hospitality and leisure grant is offered to businesses based in Leeds at premises subject to business rates. Applicants must have been registered as the current rate payer on 30 December 2021.

The grants are worth up to £6,000 depending on the rateable value of your premises. Please apply online by the deadline of Friday 18 March.

Energy bills rebate to reach households via council tax

The government recently announced that in April they will provide a one-off energy bills rebate of £150 for most households in council tax bands A to D. You will not have to repay this money, which is to help you with rising energy costs.

We will administer the payment via the council tax billing system, so if you think you may be eligible you don’t need to do anything for now. We will be in touch with more information shortly once the government has clarified how the system will work.

You may wish to arrange payment by Direct Debit if you don’t already pay your council tax this way. This will help us pay the rebate to you as quickly as possible. Find out more at How to pay your council tax.

Join our outstanding social care team

Are you looking for rewarding work as we move on from Covid-19? Could you make a positive difference to some of the most vulnerable people in Leeds? Our award-winning social care team needs you!

Visit Leeds City Council’s Jobs and careers page to find opportunities for experienced and newly qualified professionals – in social care and many other roles too.

Man at home with visiting care worker

Local theatres stage a recovery with 2-for-1 tickets

The cultural recovery is well underway after successive lockdowns forced the arts sector online during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leeds theatres are taking part in the Love Your Local Theatre campaign, supported by The National Lottery, which aims to encourage post-Covid recovery in the entertainment industry.

The campaign offers 2-for-1 theatre tickets to National Lottery players. Visit Love Your Local Theatre to find a participating venue near you.

“Living with Covid” plan – changes from today

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Earlier this week the government annouced it’s ‘Living with Covid’ plan meaning that almost all of the covid rules have now been relaxed.

From today it will no longer be a legal requirement to self isolate if you test positive for Covid 19, however the guidance is still to stay at home and avoid contact with others to prevent spreading the virus.

Covid is still around and while the legal restrictions are no longer in place the advice, from government and, emphatically, from health experts is to continue to take precautions to keep yourself and others safe

  • Get vaccinated
  • Let fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meet outside
  • Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces
  • Stay at home if you are unwell or if you test positive for Covid
HM Government logo in top left. Image divided into six parts with text and icons. How you can continue to keep yourself and your loved ones safe Syringe icon. Vaccines. Get vaccinated to reduce your risk of catching Covid-19 and becoming seriously ill, and to reduce the risk of spreading the virus to others. Window and air icon. Fresh air. Letting fresh air in if meeting indoors, or meeting outside to disperse Covid-19 particles and reduce the risk of spreading the virus. Face mask icon. Face covering. Consider wearing a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. Home icon. Stay at home if unwell. Try to start at home if you are unwell. Hand washing icon. Wash your hands regularly to limit the spread of Covid-19

From 1st April free lateral flow tests will no longer be available. In the meantime you can still get free lateral flow tests online at https://www.gov.uk/order-coronavirus-rapid-lateral-flow-tests for home delivery (note you can now only order once every 3 days) or https://test-for-coronavirus.service.gov.uk/collect-lateral-flow-kits to collect from a pharmacy. You can also call 119 to get lateral flow tests.

Also from 1st April, not everyone will be able to book a PCR test if they have symptoms. Tests will still be available for some vulnerable groups, likely to include over 80s and people who are immunosuppressed. The exact list is still being drawn up.

Landmarks lit up as city marks tragic COVID milestone

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Civic buildings in Leeds will be illuminated this week to mark the city reaching the tragic milestone of 2,000 COVID-related deaths since the start of the pandemic.

Landmarks including Leeds Town Hall, Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds City Museum will be lit up until Thursday in recognition of both those who have lost their lives and the front line workers whose tireless efforts have saved so many others.

The buildings will each be lit up in both blue, as a mark of respect for the city’s NHS and care staff, and yellow, the colour for grief awareness.

May be an image of outdoors

Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “This is a sombre milestone for the city which should prompt us all to pause and reflect on the unimaginable toll the past two years have taken on those who have lost family members, loved ones and friends.“

It is also an opportunity for us to be proud of the unity and compassion Leeds has shown throughout the darkest days of pandemic and to look towards the days to come with hope and optimism that having endured so much together, we can be closer and stronger than ever.”

Work has also begun on the transformation of the former South Leeds golf course, which will include a ‘Peoples Woodland.’ In partnership with Leeds Hospitals Charity, the woodland will be a space for reflection and peace in memorial of loved ones who lost their lives during the pandemic as well as a tribute to key workers.

Coronavirus Update from Leeds City Council

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Dear resident

In the week that the government has lifted Plan B restrictions, we look ahead to a new phase as we learn to live safely with Covid-19. Although the virus is still here, the protection offered by vaccinations is allowing us to return cautiously to a more normal way of life.

Please read on for an overview of the Covid situation in Leeds and the steps we can take to keep ourselves and others safe. We also explain the options for getting your vaccinations in Leeds, how to apply for business support grants and the upcoming changes to international travel rules.

We hope this information is useful and helps you look forward to moving on from the pandemic. We have all had different experiences during this time, and it’s natural that some of us may feel anxious as restrictions relax. We can show kindness and understanding to others by continuing with a few simple precautions to reduce the risk posed to everyone by the virus.

Leeds skyline with text that reads Together Leeds

Covid-19 and families in Leeds

The number of Covid cases in Leeds has fallen since the peak on 4 January, with a 14% decrease in the past week. However the case rate remains high in the city at 1,124 per 100K, compared with the average case rate in England of 1,000 per 100K.

Case numbers amongst school age children are significant. This age group does not yet have widespread protection from vaccination because they were the last group included in the vaccine roll-out. Work is ongoing to vaccinate children and young people aged 12 and above in schools and community clinics, so please take the opportunity to get this protection for your child and your family as soon as you can. You will find the latest government guidance for parents and carers about education and childcare settings online.

Covid-19 guidance is changing

This week the government’s Plan B measures ended, which lifts the mandates on working from home, using the NHS Covid Pass and wearing a face covering in indoor public spaces.

While many of us welcome the return of greater freedoms to our lives, we must remember that Covid-19 still has the potential to spread in our communities. The virus poses a great risk to people who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

There are a few simple things that we can all do to keep ourselves and others safe. One in three people who have Covid have no symptoms, so regular testing is important to check whether you might infect other people. Please remember to use a lateral flow test before you go to meet others and adhere to self-isolation guidance when necessary.

Covid-19 spreads easily in enclosed places, so when you meet other people it’s worth considering if you can get together outdoors. If you can’t, you can lower the risk indoors by letting in fresh air, wearing a face covering and testing before you go.

Lateral flow device

It’s never too late to get your Covid vaccinations

Wherever you live or work in Leeds, there’s a vaccine clinic near you. Across the city there is a wide choice of venues where you can book an appointment or just drop in for your vaccinations.

If you work in the city centre or are heading there for shopping or leisure in the next couple of weeks, you’ll find drop-in clinics at Kirkgate Market on Fridays and Trinity Leeds on Saturdays and Sundays. There are out-of-town options for shoppers too, with a vaccination pop-up at the White Rose Centre this weekend.

The vaccination centre at Elland Road is open seven days a week, and venues including pharmacies, GP surgeries, schools, community centres and supermarkets are holding clinics too.

The NHS publishes all up-to-date details of venues, opening hours and vaccines offered so you can easily find a vaccine clinic near you. Whether you still need your first, second or booster dose, the sooner you get vaccinated the sooner you will build up your own immunity to the virus and protect others too.

Support grant scheme opens up to smaller businesses

There’s welcome news for smaller businesses this week as a support grant scheme which helped businesses throughout the pandemic lowers the level of business costs needed to qualify.

The discretionary grant scheme offers assistance of up to £15,000 to help with overheads for Leeds-based businesses and charities from any sector. Applicants must submit a figure for their fixed business costs for the period from 1 August last year to 31 March this year.

From 1 February the qualifying figure will be reduced to £1,000 (from £2,000 previously) which opens up the scheme to smaller organisations. Please contact the council as soon as possible to apply for a grant before the deadline of 22 February.

A second grant scheme offers one-off grants worth up to £6,000 to Leeds-based businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors. The scheme has extended its deadline for applications from the end of February to 18 March.

Find out more and apply on the council website.

Business owner holds open sign at the door of her premises

New testing rules a boost for vaccinated travellers

The arrangements for travelling abroad are set to change next month, making it easier for many people to plan long-awaited holidays or visits to family and friends.

From 11 February, fully vaccinated people travelling to England from abroad will no longer have to test before departure or self-isolate on arrival. Those who are not fully vaccinated must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than two days before departure and take a pre-booked PCR test on arrival in England, at their own expense.

Everyone must complete a passenger locator form before travelling to England. If you are travelling before 11 February the current rules remain in place.

A look ahead

There’s lots to look forward to closer to home as well! Our partners at Leeds 2023 are marking one year to go until their celebration of culture takes off. Watch their One Year To Go film to see what’s in store.

Covid Rule Changes – Plan B ends today

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The Covid ‘Plan B’ rules are coming to an an end, this means that from today:

You will no longer be required by law to wear a face mask in indoor public places or on public transport. However the government and health services do recommend that you choose to wear one and venues or transport providers may choose to require you wear one.

Covid Passes will no longer have to be shown by law at venues or events – some places/events may choose to ask for them.

Covid is still very prevalent and you are strongly advised to continue to be careful and take measures to protect yourself and others from the virus

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How to help stop the spread of COVID-19 – Advice from NHS website

Do

  • get vaccinated against COVID-19
  • meet people outside if possible
  • open doors and windows to let in fresh air if meeting people inside
  • limit the number of people you meet and avoid crowded places
  • wear a face covering in shops, on public transport and when it’s hard to stay away from other people (particularly indoors or in crowded places)
  • wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day

Don’t

  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

If you do test positive for Covid it is still mandatory to isolate current rules on isolation are here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/self-isolation-and-treatment/how-long-to-self-isolate/. This is likely to be reviewed again between now and March

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Coronavirus – Support for people & communities – January 21, 2022
Dear Resident
This week we are pleased to bring you updates on the changes to the Covid-19 rules and guidance, the latest Covid data for Leeds, vaccination advice, business support grants and information on staying well this winter.
The most important change has been the government announcement that Plan B restrictions will be lifted in full in England from Thursday 27 January.
The Leader of Leeds City Council, Councillor James Lewis has issued an important and timely reminder to people that although “we know the change in Covid restrictions will have a positive impact on many residents and businesses throughout the city. It is important to remain vigilant and to be considerate to others as our lives and ways of working re-adjust.”You can read his full comment here.

Update on Leeds and Covid-19The Covid rate is falling, although it is still high. The Leeds infection rate has decreased to 1296.6 cases per 100k, which is down 35% in a week.
There are still a relatively high number of patients in hospital with Covid. Thankfully, there are fewer people with severe illness as a consequence of Covid, but unfortunately some people continue to suffer and tragically die.It’s important to remember that the pandemic is not over. Omicron can be serious for some people and the NHS is still under significant pressure.
Whilst numbers remain high we advise you to follow safe behaviours to protect yourself and others. Remember to wash your hands, let fresh air in, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces and continue with regular testing and self-isolation if you test positive. It’s also more important than ever to get vaccinated.Coronavirus bulletin
Changes to Covid-19 guidance
Following scientific advice that the Omicron wave is likely to have peaked, most restrictions will be lifted. Here is the revised government guidance.
Some changes have already taken place. You are no longer required to work from home and are advised to speak to your employer about returning to the office.
Secondary school pupils and college students don’t need to wear face coverings in classrooms, although they are still required in communal areas.
From next Thursday 27 January face coverings will no longer be compulsory in any public spaces although they are still recommended in crowded and enclosed spaces. Also from this date you will no longer need to show your Covid Pass at venues and events and restrictions on visiting care homes will also be eased. You will still need to self-isolate, but the government is continuing to review this.
Keep an eye out for the updated guidance.
More information on the changes will follow in next week’s update.Get jabbed
Get Vaccinated – boost your immunity!
Getting vaccinated offers the best possible protection against becoming ill. Have you had your most recent jab? Walk-in and pop-up vaccine sites in the city centre and shopping districts are proving very popular and there are lots of pop-up clinics to choose from. 
If you would like to book in advance, you can book your Covid vaccine here.
If you would prefer to visit a walk-in vaccination clinic, then all the details are can be found here .

National study for Covid-19 antivirals – PANORAMIC
People are being urged to sign up for the PANORAMIC study if they test positive for Covid-19.The PANORAMIC study has been set up to gather data on how well antiviral treatments for Covid-19 work in a highly vaccinated population before making these treatments available in the NHS.
Anyone aged over 50, or over 18 with certain underlying health conditions, can sign up to join the PANAROMIC study if they have received a positive PCR or lateral flow test and are experiencing Covid-19 symptoms that began in the last five days. You can sign up to the trial online at www.panoramictrial.org or through calling the freephone number 08081 560017.
Participants will be randomly offered either an antiviral medicine in addition to the current best care the NHS provides; or current best NHS care. Those selected to receive an antiviral medication will receive this in the post to take at home.
For more information on the trial, including the full list of eligible underlying health conditions, visit www.panoramictrial.org

Business support
Grants for businesses and charities affected by Covid-19 – still time to apply
Local businesses can apply for Covid-related support grants. This includes one-off grants of up to £6,000 for hospitality, leisure and accommodation businesses (open until 28 February), and discretionary grants of £1k-15k for businesses and charities whose income is being affected by the pandemic (open until 31 January). Until 28 February, eligible taxi and private hire drivers and owners can apply for a free three-year driver licence renewal as part of a scheme announced in March last year.

Further Changes to Self Isolation from today

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From today, in England, people who test postive for covid can end self-isolation after 5 full days subject to certain conditions:

  1. That you test negative on a lateral flow test on day 5 and then again – at least a full 24 hours later – on day 6
  2. And you DO NOT have a temperature.

If you meet these conditions you can end your isolation following your test on day 6.

If your tests are still showing you are positive, you must stay in isolation until you have 2 negative tests on consecutive days, or after 10 days.

If you do leave isolation early you are strongly advised to wear face coverings, limit close contact with other people in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces and generally be extra careful as there is still a small chance of remaining infectious.

Isolation graphic

Full details on https://www.gov.uk/government/news/self-isolation-for-those-with-covid-19-can-end-after-five-full-days-following-two-negative-lfd-tests

Winter Wellbeing Toolkit

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The Winter Wellbeing Toolkit on Leeds City Council’s website brings together lots of information, practical help, and advice, covering everything from coronavirus and winter flu to what to do if threatened by severe weather and flooding.

Take a look at: https://www.leeds.gov.uk/campaign/winter-wellbeing