EngageYour FREE magazine from your local NHS Issue Five: November 2015 Hidden gem Otley Chevin Staying ahead of the competition with...

TOP TIPS to keep warm this winter on a budget Stay well this winter

PLUS! STAYING SAFE OVER THE FESTIVE PERIOD / QUIZ CORNER / RECIPES / NEWS / GARDENING / SPORTS & HEALTH... Winter is coming and a noticeable cold chill is in the air. This is why this Keeping edition contains useful tips and advice to ensure you keep well over the coming winter chills dark and cold months. and ills at bay Staying well isn’t just about battling Naturally this time of year also can stay healthy over winter and your way past the dreaded colds sees the attention and excitement you don’t even have to leave your and coughs that winter seems switch to Christmas and New Year. home thanks to 10 minute home to bring. It’s also about staying And no Christmas is complete exercise routines endorsed by warm as this can make a huge without a Christmas film. We got the NHS. difference to your health. We know help from pupils at the Morley Finally we were all saddened to that heating your home can make Academy school who reviewed the hear about the loss of Joe Maiden, a huge difference to your bank film ‘Elf’. If you’d like to help with BBC Radio ’s gardening show balance so we’ve included lots a film, restaurant or music review presenter, who our gardening guru of ways for you to keep you – then let us know by emailing met in the last edition. He was a and your house – warm. [email protected]. huge inspiration to many and our We’ve been chatting to Olympic Not everyone experiences happy condolences go out to all friends bronze medallist Jonnny Brownlee times during the festive period. and family. who gives us an insight into Avoid some of the more common Have a fantastic winter and preparing for a and his risks that shopping, public we’d love to see your snaps – friendly rivalry with his brother. transport and parties bring with whether this is of ‘proper’ snow He also talks about how his them at this time of the year. or your wonderfully decorated parents, who both work in the Cold weather and winter brings Christmas tree – send them to NHS, have helped influence about cravings for comfort food [email protected] and his healthy lifestyle. and with Christmas around the we’ll include in the next edition. We’re hoping that you’re not corner there is often excess tempted to hibernate over winter, consumption. And who really it’s best leaving that to hedgehogs. wants to go out and exercise when The Editing Team You can help all creatures great the warmth of your home or party NHS Leeds West Clinical and small thanks to some advice venue of your choice is calling? Commissioning Group from our gardening guru. Luckily there’s lots of ways you

Contents 03 Stay well this winter 09 Hidden gem... Otley Chevin 13 Gardening guru Information and advice to help you Explore the natural beauty and Tips on how to keep your stay safe and healthy this winter spectacular views that inspired garden healthy, how you 04 Jonny Brownlee the artist, JMW Turner can help local wildlife stay warm this winter and the Olympic bronze medallist talks 10 Give the gift of life passing of a gardening legend about his career, coping with Christmas is a time of giving so find injury and how his brother is out how giving blood can save a life 14 Recipes his inspiration 11 Christmas film review Check out the latest spice review which looks at cayenne 06 Staying safe over the Pupils from Morley Academy and how it’s bringing the heat give their verdict on a popular festive period to the cold weather Advice on staying safe when Christmas film 15 Quiz corner shopping, at parties and using 12 Eliminating gender- public transport at this time of year Keep you mind warm with based violence a sudoku and a word search 07 Keep warm on a budget Find out more about a campaign Top tips to keep you and your home taking action against domestic 16 Sports & Health warm without spending a fortune violence and the support available Tips on how you can keep to those who experience it your New Year resolutions 08 Spotlight on… on track Find out where you can get up-to-speed on the history of Horsforth, enjoy a nice stroll and where there’s music and If you'd like to receive a regular dance classes for children copy of 'Engage', please let us know by emailing... [email protected] 02 Intro / Contents or calling 0113 84 35470 Stay well this winter We want you to have a safe and healthy CALL NHS 111 If you need medical help fast, but it’s winter, so here’s some of the things not life-threatening or you’re unsure that can help you where to go, call 111. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Calls are free from landlines ASK A PHARMACIST SELF CARE and mobile phones. Pharmacists are highly trained If you have a common illness, healthcare experts who do more such as a cold, headache or A&E OR 999 than just dispense drugs. Many stomach upset, then you can treat They’re there for life-threatening have private consulting rooms and your condition at home by having emergencies but if you’re not sure are open late, so next time you’re a well-stocked medicine cabinet. whether it is an emergency, call not feeling well visit your local Speak to your local pharmacist who NHS 111. pharmacy. will advise you on what you should have in your medicine cabinet. All pharmacies across west Leeds offer a service called Pharmacy First GET YOUR FLU JAB to patients who are registered with If your GP practice has invited you a GP practice in west Leeds. to have your free flu jab it means The Pharmacy First service you need it. encourages patients to go to their You’re eligible for a free flu jab if local pharmacy (chemist) for self you’re aged 65 or over, or if you care advice for common health have a long-term health condition. conditions. Patients will only be Children aged two, three or four, or recommended or provided with in school years one or two are also medication if deemed necessary eligible for the free flu jab. TIPS ON HOW TO by the pharmacist. If you’re the main carer for an older KEEP YOUR HOME The following minor ailments or disabled person you may also be AND YOURSELF are included in Pharmacy First: eligible for the free flu jab. WARM THIS WINTER • Cough For advice and information about • Heat your home to at least • Cold the flu vaccination, speak to your 18°C (65°F). • Earache GP or practice nurse. • Sore throat • Keep your bedroom window • Threadworms CONTACT YOUR GP closed on winter nights. Make an appointment with your • Teething • Keep active when you’re indoors GP practice for medical advice, • Athletes foot – try not to sit still for more than examinations and prescriptions. • Thrush an hour or so. • Hay fever A number of GP practices offer • Wear several layers of light clothes. • Fever some late evening, Saturday • Blocked nose and Sunday appointments. • Make sure you’re receiving all • Sprain or strain Visit or call your local doctor’s the help that you’re entitled to surgery to find out more. – learn how to make your home For further information MINOR INJURY UNITS more energy efficient, improve about Pharmacy First visit your heating and keep up www.leedswestccg.nhs.uk They can help treat minor injuries and illnesses. So if you have with your energy bills at sprained an ankle playing sport or www.gov.uk/phe/keep-warm accidentally cut or burnt yourself, • Check your heating and cooking the city’s minor injury units might appliances are safe – contact a Gas be the best place for you. Often you Safe registered engineer to make will be treated quicker than at A&E. sure they’re operating properly. To find one near you visit www.nhs.uk Stay well this winter 03 Racing through a Q&A session with World Sprint Triathlon Champion and Jonny Leeds lad... Brownlee You’ve achieved so much from on the morning of the race I wake When you made the transition a young age, what has been the up five hours before the race and from under 23 to senior racing, highlight of your career so far? go for a 10–15 minute walk, just what was the most difficult The highlight of my career has to somewhere quiet to get away from thing for you and how did be the Olympics 2012. Winning the race. This helps me to compose you overcome this? the bronze medal in front of half myself for the race. My last food For me it was consistency, I would a million people, and my brother, is usually three hours before the have some good races as a senior Alistair winning the gold, was race and I go down to the race 90 and some not so good races, so I absolutely incredible. minutes before and do the usual kept on training and racing to keep things of checking in. I’ll do a improving. One of the things that I How do you prepare yourself warm up run of about five minutes found challenging was competing before a major triathlon before the start. After that it’s just in the heat. I didn’t change anything competition? composure, I tell myself it’s just a massively; I spent more time in My training starts in October and race and I’ve done all the training Spain so that my body could get the triathlon season starts in March so I can be on the start line and used to the hot temperatures. / April time depending on when I I have to try and enjoy it. race. I train 35 hours a week and An injury is a major setback for you, during your time of recovery apart from getting back to full fitness how do you keep occupied? It’s very difficult because I’m in a set routine every day and when I get injured I can’t train for a couple of weeks, depending on the injury. When I’m injured I spend most of my time with my family and watching various sports, depending what is on. Both of your parents work in the medical profession, has that influenced the way you look after yourself? Yes, it has in different ways. I remember coming home from school feeling a little ill and my parents would say there’s nothing wrong with me, because they’re so used to seeing people who are genuinely ill. So now I’m not so worried about coughs or colds, as I know I can self care.

04 Engage interviews... Jonny PHOTOGRAPHY (C) ITU MEDIA Brownlee From a very young age my Can you tell us about any personal NOW SOME QUESTIONS parents have always told me that experiences you’ve had of using YOU WEREN’T EXPECTING... it’s important to get fruit and veg NHS services? What was good into my diet, as it will benefit my and was there anything that Which sportsman / health in the long-term. They have could have been better? sportswoman would you also taught me and my brother that I’ve had a great experience of like to meet that you’ve if anything is hurting whilst training, the NHS and seen it first hand as not already met? it could be well a good time to stop my dad is a paediatrician and has I’d like to meet Ronnie O’Sullivan, and rest a little and not keep pushing worked at Leeds Teaching Hospitals Jonny Wilkinson and Cristiano on. Some athletes continue to train NHS Trust for around 35 years, and Ronaldo as they all seem like even if something is hurting them. my mum is a GP. I’ve seen how hard interesting characters. NHS staff work and how caring they Are there any particular What did you want to be are. I remember my dad going back when you were younger? foods that you eat before to work at midnight sometimes you take part in a triathlon? I wanted to be a vet as I liked because he was worried about animals, but sport has been a When I’m racing abroad I usually a patient. have a pizza as it’s a very simple big part of my life for so long. food and you’re not likely to get How excited are you about Since the age of 14 I knew I a stomach problem. During my Leeds hosting ITU (International wanted to do triathlon. training I tend to eat lots of meat Triathlon Union) Your inspiration? and fruit and veg. Series in 2016, and what does My brother. To see him winning it mean for the city? What is it like racing against and getting his Great Britain kit I’m very excited; I never thought for the first time and seeing him your brother Alistair, do you that Leeds would hold a World find it competitive? become World Champion made Triathlon Series and it will be great me think that I can do it as well. I’ve raced against my brother for to compete in front of a home many years now so I’m used to it crowd. It’s going to be great for Favourite film? and I actually quite enjoy it. I like Leeds as it will help to promote the Gladiator. racing against him to see if I can city and will encourage the people Best holiday? beat him and during the race itself of Leeds to get into sports, which When I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro it’s great to have him there as we will help them keep fit and active. can work together. I always feel safe in November 2013 with my dad, when Alistair is there because if You’ve accomplished so much brother and friends. something goes wrong I’ve got him at a young age how do you Guilty pleasure? to watch my back and look after me. cope with the pressure? Lots of chocolate! Although I take time out at the end of the I prefer milk chocolate to What are your top tips for any year; we take six weeks away from dark chocolate. children wanting to follow in the sport. For the pressure of day to your footsteps? day training I’ve got a great family Just go for it, don’t be scared and who support me. I enjoy racing ask your friends to join in with you. under pressure because I know I never thought that I’ve had a massive advantage having I have people watching me and Leeds would hold a Alistair there to train with and learn expecting me to win, which from, and make sure it is fun. It can means I always give my best. be hard sometimes but it’s important and it will be great to to enjoy what you’re doing. compete in front of a home crowd.

Engage interviews... 05 STAYING

The festive period is a time full of enjoyment SAFE OVER and laughter but it can also be stressful and dangerous. Stay safe THE FESTIVE to get the most out of this time of year. PERIOD

SHOPPING • Use strong passwords and make GETTING HOME AND Shopping has its own dangers, sure you have an up-to-date PUBLIC TRANSPORT antivirus and firewall program whether you’re heading down to You’ve danced the night away. You’re installed before shopping online. the stores in person or ordering your a little blurry eyed and tired and it’s presents online whilst sat on your • Be wary of too good to be true time to head home. Getting home couch in a onesie (see page seven – deals – they often are! at night comes with its own risks, top tips to keep warm). Be safe by whether you’ve been drinking or following our advice. not, but you can minimise your risk. CHRISTMAS PARTIES Out and about • Ensuring your phone is charged • Avoid carrying too many bags and Christmas is a popular time and a plan has already been made always try to have one hand free. and bars will be busier than on how you’re going to get home. usual but some people are out Where possible travel with friends • Where possible avoid taking young to take advantage of people’s and if walking always use well- children into busy shopping areas. good spirits. Protect yourself. lit routes. If you can’t, make sure they know what to do if separated such as • Know your limit and • Pre-book your cab and avoid telling the nearest shop assistant. don’t drink too much. flagging one down in the street Tell your children never to leave a • Never leave your drink – these can be unlicensed and shop without you. unattended, even to join dangerous. Always sit in the back of the cab. • Be careful where you park your the dance floor for your car, especially when it’s dark. favourite song. • If at any point you have a bad feeling about a taxi ride ask the • Park in a well-lit space as close • Avoid being on your own, driver to stop at a busy familiar to the exit as possible and reverse when visiting the loo let place and get out. into the parking space. someone know where you’re going. • If using a bus or train have your • Don’t post on social media about ticket or money at hand so your any shopping trips (and holidays) • Look after your personal wallet or purse is out of sight. you’ll be going on as you’ll be telling belongings, like a bag or Wait for the bus in a well-lit place others when you won’t be at home. coat, by keeping them in a place you can see them. near other people if possible. Online • Consider getting a personal • Stay on the lower deck of a bus • Try to use websites you recognise safety / rape alarm. and as near as possible to the and don’t click links in emails unless driver. Avoid empty train carriages they’re from someone trustworthy. and ones that have no access to • Do not enter card details corridors or other parts of the train. if the web address doesn’t If you ever feel threatened do not start with HTTPS:// or if the hesitate to press the alarm and locked padlock doesn’t make as much noise as possible appear (typically next to the for attention. web address bar or at the bottom of browser). • Always check statements at the end of the month or use online banking to check your account activity.

06 Staying safe... Top tips to keep warm this winter on a budget

1 If you can’t afford to heat all 5 Have warm porridge for the rooms, heat the main living breakfast and you can put lots room throughout the day and the of things into it from berries and bedrooms before you go to bed. If bananas to jam and peanut butter you use a thermostat you can set spread or even nuts and chocolate. the temperature to about 18–21 Try it with a cup of tea or coffee degrees in your living room and at for extra warmth. WORSE FOR WEAR, least 16 degrees in the rest of the SAFE AS HOUSES house. If you heat the living room it Buy a onesie! There are lots of 6 An innovative scheme in Leeds, is a great excuse to get all the family different priced ones and they keep Safe Space, has been running for together to play games, read books you nice and snug on those cold over four years. It helps students or snuggle in front of the television. winter nights (and lazy winter days). who need assistance to stay safe in the city. With over 250 businesses Beat the cold with a hot water 2 Exercise not only warms you and premises offering sanctuary bottle. To save money top up the 7 up but will keep the whole family fit during the day or night, students hot water bottle when boiling the and healthy and help you fight off can enjoy life at university and all kettle for a cuppa. Cuts down on any winter bugs too. Pop on some that comes with it. energy use and keeps you warm good music and get the kids up Safe Space was set up by West inside and out. and dancing or keep busy with a Police and BACIL quick burst of activity – even doing (Businesses Against Crime in Leeds). You can buy teddies filled with the housework keeps you warm, 3 If you’re a student in Leeds Safe rice and lavender that you heat in although we bet you have some Spaces gives you a place to go if the microwave for a minute or so great ways to stay active yourselves. you feel lost or vulnerable. Look as a hot water bottle alternative. But out for the Safe Spaces logo on the instead of spending £20 on a shop To stop heat escaping through windows and posters of businesses bought one, fill a sock with rice and 8 windows and doors you can buy in Leeds, and these guys will look lavender, tie the end and you have cheap draught excluders from any after you if you need help. your own hand warmer. You could DIY shop or you can use double Businesses and organisations taking even pop it under the duvet before sided tape and cling film. you go to bed to warm the sheets. part in the Safe Spaces scheme can be found across the city centre 9 Reflect the heat back into as well as in many of the student 4 Layers of thin clothing the room by putting tin foil behind hotspots such as Headingley, Hyde topped off with a cosy fleece the radiators. Park and Horsforth. So if you’re or jumper keep you really warm. planning spending the festive Start with vests and thin tops and season, or at least part of it, in Leeds We lose the most heat tights/leggings and then add on 10 remember you can find a safe space from our heads, fingers and toes. the layers. Vests and socks with should you need any assistance. pyjamas at night time keep little Whilst you may feel a bit daft ones (and you cosy). Find fleecy wearing a hat and gloves round The ‘Safe Spaces’ scheme is run pyjamas and warm clothes cheaply the house, make sure you and your by Knowledge, a partnership in discount stores, charity shops or family have cosy slippers to keep group that brings together the online auction sites. your feet toastie. Even two pairs of police, universities, university socks make a difference. You could unions and Leeds City Council. even pop on slipper socks or thick More information can be found by socks in bed too. visiting: www.luu.org.uk/knowledge

Top tips... 07 Spotlight on… Horsforth

HORSFORTH HORSFORTH HORSFORTH VILLAGE MUSEUM HALL PARK MUSIC CENTRE Before we tell you more about the Although Horsforth Hall itself was If music is your thing or you want museum we thought we’d give you a demolished in the 1950s the rather to get your children playing musical quick history lesson (really quick). The impressive grounds were preserved and instruments have a look at what’s on name Horsforth is derived from two Old are home to Horsforth Hall Park. The offer at Horsforth Music Centre. The English words meaning a 'horse ford'. park offers scenic walks, a ‘trim trail’ for centre runs over 100 classes throughout Old English was the language spoken more active souls and a taste of a far the year including music and dance by the Anglo-Saxons who seem to have flung land with a Japanese garden. for 3-4 year olds. From strumming the settled in this part of Yorkshire by the The park has a specially designed strings to beating the drum there’s a 7th century and gave their names to outdoor integrated play facility class to suit your musical taste. many places along the Aire Valley. allowing disabled and able bodied Opening times: Horsforth was once described as the children under the age of eight to Saturday: 9am – 1pm largest village in and has play together. There is a playground Address: somehow managed to retain some of for older children which now includes Horsforth School, Lee Lane East, its village-like identity, character and a new climbing feature called a Horsforth Leeds, LS18 5RF sense of community. The Museum 'Spider’s Web'. aims to reflect this heritage in its Phone: Address: 07545 603953 interesting exhibits which are drawn Hall Lane, Horsforth, LS18 5JE from all aspects of life in and around Email: Horsforth and have great nostalgic Phone: [email protected] and educational value. Leeds City Council Parks and Countryside main reception – Web: Opening times: 0113 395 7400 (8am – 4.30pm Monday www.horsforthmusic.co.uk Saturdays 10am – 4pm and Sundays to Thursday and 8am – 4pm on Friday). 2pm – 5pm, open from the last Saturday in March to mid-December. Address: 5 The Green, Horsforth, Leeds, LS18 5JB Phone: 0113 281 9877

08 Spotlight on... Horsforth PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HORSFORTH VILLAGE MUSEUM Hidden gem… Otley Chevin We asked our gardening guru to unearth a hidden gem in Leeds, here’s what we’ve had back…

In 218 BC Hannibal and his soldiers Great accessibility makes Otley struggled across the Maritime Alps, Chevin the perfect day out for battling against both the forces of walkers and people eager to tire nature and local tribes. The image out their children. There are regular was depicted by JMW Turner in buses along the A660 Otley Road his 1812 painting ‘Snow Storm: that stop right on the edge of the Hannibal and his Army Crossing Park. It’s literally all uphill from there the Alps’. though, so be prepared. For those of you who want a more gentle Having visted our hidden gem walk, you might be better parking we shouldn’t be surprised that this at Surprise View on York Gate Road painting was inspired by a view and strolling along Beacon Hill Moor. from our very own Otley Chevin. Check out www.chevinforest.co.uk It isn’t hard to imagine this snowy for a map so you avoid getting lost. scene as you look out over Otley from Surprise View; you can There are plenty of places to rest almost imagine a storm rolling tired legs with a number of pubs, tea in from the west. rooms and restaurants in the area. You won’t find a more beautiful ‘Friends of Chevin Forest’ is an place in Leeds, of that you can be organisation dedicated to the sure. It’s very much open to the protection and enhancement of elements though so wrap up the park and there’s loads of ways You won’t find warm, you’ve been warned. you can get involved and support them. It’s a great chance to meet a more beautiful Yet come rain or shine, the footpaths new people, keep fit and learn around Otley Chevin offer lots new skills, so why not get in touch? place in Leeds, of spectacular views. The rocky Visit www.chevinforest.co.uk outcrops also provide a surface for of that you can local climbers to test their endurance Turner famously said “I did not against boulders scattered around paint... to be understood. I wished be sure. It is very the park. The rocks of the Chevin to show what such a scene was much open to the area are about 315 million years like”. You don’t need to visit the old. During the last ice age, called Tate Gallery to see this scene, you elements though the Devensian, it would have been just need to pop over to Otley. possible to stand on the Chevin and so wrap up warm, look over glacial valleys. This rugged you have been history makes the Chevin one of only 70 Local Geological Sites (LGS) warned. in the county.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DAVID HOLLOWAY Hidden gem 09 Give the gift of life this Christmas

DUCHESS OF YORK SUPPORTS THE BE A HERO CAMPAIGN

Christmas is a time for giving and your information online? No the gift of life after you have passed what greater gift can there be than problem you can give the team away make sure you have signed up the gift of life. Read on to find out a call on 0300 123 23 23. to the organ donation register and how you can be a lifesaver. let your loved ones know by sharing LEAVING A LEGACY your decision. DONATE THE RED STUFF… Organ donation is giving an organ Find out more about being One of the most convenient ways you or tissue to help someone who needs an organ donor by visiting can help save a life is by giving blood. a transplant. Transplants can save, www.organdonation.nhs.uk At present, less than 3% of people or greatly enhance, the lives of other or call 0300 123 23 23. across the country do this but we people. But this relies on donors and are sure the good folk of Leeds will their families agreeing to donate their #BeAHero help to change this. organ or tissue. A campaign has been launched by The reason for donating blood is There’s sometimes a myth about organ Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust simple; you can save lives. Donated donation which means people think giving Yorkshire people a chance to blood is a lifeline for many people that we can only use organs from #BeAHero. They are urging people to needing long-term treatments, not people who have died. This is not the sign up to the organ donation register just in emergencies. case you can donate small organs while so that you can save up to nine lives. you’re alive such as a kidney or a small NHS Blood and Transplant run sessions Follow in the footsteps of Sarah section of your liver. across Leeds and you can easily find Ferguson, Duchess of York, Sir out where sessions are taking place Of course when people die they can Patrick Stewart and Sir Geoffrey by visiting www.blood.co.uk and leave a lasting legacy by ensuring Boycott and show your support for registering as a donor. Not on the they’ve made their intentions to donate #BeAHero. Find out more by visiting internet or don’t want to share their organs clear. If you want to give www.leedsth.nhs.uk/be-a-hero

Christmas card competition Children is west Leeds were given the chance to show their artistic flair when we launched our Christmas card competition in conjunction with OUR WINNING ENTRIES LEFT TO RIGHT: a local design and marketing agency, BML Creative. The winning entries Matilda Rutter (Age 6) have just been turned into printed Christmas cards, with money raised Cara Hughes (Age 12) Rosa Carr (Age 8) going to the Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal. Keep an eye out on www.leedswestccg.nhs.uk/xmascardcomp to see where you can buy the cards from and help donate to your local 10 Gift of life... / Christmas card children’s hospital. Donating money is one way, but not the only way to give back to your community. Volunteering Giving something back your time and skills can be a much more rewarding experience. to your community

A great way to do this is through Of course there are other ways to give Patient Leaders ‘timebanking’. If you haven’t back to your community and these have Here at NHS Leeds West CCG we have heard of it before timebanking become even more important these our very own volunteering scheme is quite simply an exchange of days since the economic crash of 2008. called Patient Leaders. Over the last year skills. You offer an hour of your The Volunteer Centre in Leeds helps we have recruited almost 40 patient skills or support for an hour of individuals to find suitable volunteering leaders who champion the voice of someone else’s skills or support. opportunities. The centre provides patients, carers and the wider public. Time is something everyone can advice and support to organisations It isn’t about your own experience offer and the best thing is that to set up and manage a volunteering but putting yourself in other people’s everyone is equal. Your hour is programme as well as finding suitable shoes to understand and promote the worth exactly the same as your volunteers. It’s an essential resource voice of the wider community. The role neighbour’s, regardless of what for the volunteering community really does ensure that the voice of you’re offering. and more information can be found patients is at the heart of our decision at www.doinggoodleeds.org.uk/ making process. Find out more www. volunteering-in-leeds.html leedswestccg.nhs.uk/patientleaders Film review... Elf (2003) Starring: Will Farrell, Zooey Deschanel By young cinema buffs One of the best things about Christmas surely has to be the films that never seem to age (okay some might). This is why we asked pupils at The Morley Academy to review a Christmas film. MEET OUR FILM CRITICS

‘For nearly 13 years the family delight, we expected it to be like We would recommend this classic Elf has got both adults and every other cheesy Christmas film to anyone who is lacking children alike into the Christmas film, as we’re nearly 13, however Christmas enthusiasm. It is swing! The film follows “Buddy”, we were pleasantly surprised. bubbly and bold, bustling and (played by Will Ferrell), and has buoyant. It is funny for all ages touched many across the world This film is full of humour featuring and makes people smile around with its Christmas message; it is several instantly memorable Christmas time. It also contains important to stay on the nice list quotes, the list of which is huge. many life lessons so we can all and stay off the naughty one. If Our favourites however have enjoy Christmas!! you ever feel like you’ve lost your to be ‘I am a cotton-headed Christmas spirit, put Elf on and Ninnymoggins!’ ‘We elves try to By Sophie Roper, Eleanor we guarantee you will feel happy stick to the four main food groups: Corbett, Bethany Marsden, once again! candy, candy canes, candy corns Elizabeth Ketteringham and syrup.’ ‘Have you seen these and Lucy Myers. The film is the story of an orphan toilets? They're GINORMOUS!’ crawling into Santa’s sack and is brought up as an elf. Unlike It is particularly humorous when many other modern Christmas Buddy is in the city. This is because OUR VERDICT movies, it’s original and effective. his reactions are very different The uniqueness of this film is from the ones you would regularly magnificent and explains the expect. Buddy doesn’t understand positive reviews it has received. the human way of life, which Before watching this Christmas makes for hilarious scenes! Giving back / Film review 11 16 days of action against domestic violence

What do Mark Zuckerberg, coral reefs and domestic 25% violence have in common? The answer is 25%. Mark Zuckerberg, one of the five co-founders of social networking website Facebook owns a staggering 25% of the Facebook company, making him one of the richest people in the world. Even though coral reefs cover less than one percent of the ocean floor, they support an estimated 25% of all marine life. These are astounding statistics but perhaps the most shocking is that 25% of women are affected by domestic violence in their lifetime. That’s one in four!

I have 117 female friends on Facebook. This means that 29 of them will witness domestic violence in their lifetime. That’s 29! It’s not the only shocking statistic Less than half of domestic associated with gender violence either, violence incidents are reported to the police. This means that 15 here are more for you to consider of my female friends might not be reporting incidents of abuse.

There is also growing evidence of Police receive In about half of all domestic violence against men. a call about domestic violence Statistics show that two out of every domestic situations, the children five victims of domestic violence are violence every are also being directly now male, so now I have to consider MINUTE. abused themselves. my male friends too.

It’s clear that domestic violence The campaign runs between 25 Gender-based violence undermines the is a big issue which affects large November and 10 December 2015. health, dignity, security and autonomy parts of our local community, It highlights the connection between of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in but what can we do about it? human rights and domestic violence a culture of silence. If you want to speak by including World Aids Day out about gender violence, why not Taking Action (1 December) and the anniversary support the campaign by: The ‘16 Days of Action Against of the Montreal École Polytechnique • tweeting using the hashtag Domestic Violence’ campaign is aimed Massacre (6 December). The campaign #16daysofaction at individuals and organisations to ends on Human Rights Day (Thursday support them to take action against 10 December) which commemorates • asking your organisation to sign the domestic abuse and violence. Employers the day in 1948 when the United pledge www.16daysofaction.co.uk are in a great position to challenge Nations General Assembly adopted the • getting involved in a local voluntary domestic violence, especially when you Universal Declaration of Human Rights. organisation www.leedswomensaid. think that 75% of victims are targeted The campaign website features some co.uk/get-involved while in the workplace. Joining the great resources for businesses including campaign will help organisations meet Getting Help videos, podcasts, case studies and a their legal and ethical responsibilities Leeds Domestic Violence 24 Hour social media briefing. There is also an and with almost 60% Helpline: 0113 246 0401. opportunity for organisations to sign of victims missing at the pledge to protect staff from Link to services available to people least three days of work domestic violence in the workplace. affected by domestic violence: a month, it will improve www.leedsdomesticviolenceandabuse. their performance too. co.uk.

12 16 days of action Article submitted by an Engage reader Gardening guru It’s gardening time! Other things It can’t really be three months since Just as soon as we might be getting to do now: my last gardening guru post, can bored of winter, we’ll see signs of a it? The summer flew by and we change in the season. Snowdrops • Plant tulips for a never seem to get quite enough will start peeking through the snow. stunning display of sun for my liking. We’re already Galanthus nivalis are originally from well into autumn and by the time Turkey but are now very much at colour in the spring. you read this we’ll be knee deep in home in the UK. They provide really • Feed the birds with leaves. People often complain about important food for early bees but winter but I love it despite the lack are usually planted for their nodding, suitable foods, visit of sun. My dad commented that the fragrant white flowers and their www.rspb.org.uk seasons are the perfect length; just status as harbingers of spring. for advice. as you get bored of one another one starts. Three months is just • Raise up pots and enough time to appreciate what the season has to offer and winter is the containers to avoid perfect time to catch up on those waterlogging over jobs you’ve been too busy to do. winter. • On crisp winter days wrap up warm, make a cup of coffee and sit in the garden – it’s good for your soul.

RIP Joe A couple of months ago I spoke to Joe Maiden (a real gardening guru!) about his life as a gardener and his battle with cancer. Not long after we received the news that Joe had lost his fight. He has been a huge inspiration to gardeners in Leeds and beyond and his passion and personality will be missed by many. When I spoke to Joe for our previous edition of Engage, he told me that snowdrops were his favourite flower. Their emergence next year will have At this time of year it is so tempting a new significance for me. Rest in to cut back and clear the detritus peace Joe. from the garden. But before you wage a war on leaves consider the benefits of leaving your garden, or at least part of your garden, be. What we consider leaf litter, insects and animals consider home. Those piles of leaves provide essential winter shelter for garden critters large and small. If you really want to help your friendly neighbour hedgehog and her pals, why not make a home for wildlife www.rspb. org.uk/makeahomeforwildlife Gardening guru 13 CAYENNE

scores Cayenne feel SPICE REVIEW the heat? 9/10

No we’re not talking about the Although the health benefits are CHILLI CON CARNE luxury car from Porsche* but not verified the hotness of the spice actually cayenne powder which proves there’s really no better way to Ingredients: comes from the drying and warm you up this winter. Why not • 1 tbs olive oil • 500g beef mince grounding of the cayenne pepper. try out our chilli con carne recipe • 1 large chopped onion and let us know how you find it. Cayenne is hot! The taste is fiery • 1 tsp chilli powder and is an important ingredient * More than happy to review a • 3 crushed cloves garlic in many traditional dishes across Porsche if someone would like • 2 tbs tomato puree • 1 tin of peeled tomatoes the world. It can be used in a to provide a car to test. • 1 beef stock number of ways including adding • 1 tin drained red kidney beans during the cooking process or • 1 tsp cayenne powder sprinkled on at the end – it can CHILLI CON CARNE USING CAYENNE • 1 tsp cumin even be used in drinks. Method: Not only does it enrich the taste 1. Heat the oil in a large pan and of flavours in a dish but there add the mince. Once browned are also many claimed health add onion, chilli powder and benefits. Cayenne powder has been garlic. Cook until the onion traditionally used for treatment of is soft and squidgy. arthritis, sore muscles and digestive 2. Stir in the tomato puree and problems. There are even claims cook for two minutes. that it helps with weight loss by increasing metabolism and 3. Add the tin of tomatoes, lowering blood fat levels. beef stock, kidney beans, cayenne powder and cumin. Simmer for 20 minutes.

NEWS IN BRIEF

KEEP UP TO DATE Asthma advice to stay safe CCG signs the Wheelchair Charter WITH THE LATEST The CCG is encouraging parents and The CCG made a pledge to improve FROM THE CCG... carers to ensure that children continue wheelchair services in west Leeds by to take their regular asthma medication signing the Wheelchair Charter. There during holidays and prompting parents are around 1.2 million wheelchair users Pharmacy First service and carers to remember to pack their in the UK, which is roughly two per launched in west Leeds medications before going on holiday. cent of the UK population. By signing Data shows that following school the charter the CCG has committed The CCG launched the Pharmacy First holidays there is a sharp rise in the itself to improving the quality of life service to encourage local people to go number of children and young people for every wheelchair user within west to their local pharmacy (chemist) for attending A&E and subsequently Leeds as well as across the city. The advice on a range of minor ailments being admitted to hospital for asthma- CCG will build upon existing good that they could manage themselves at related conditions. To prevent this practice already taking place in Leeds home. All 71 pharmacies in west Leeds happening this year, the local NHS is which has led to it being selected by are taking part in the scheme which raising awareness of the importance of the Department of Health as a national is available for any patients registered continuing regular asthma medication. champion site for wheelchair services. with a GP practice in west Leeds.

14 Recipes / News in brief Quiz corner SUDOKU WORDSEARCH 3 9 4 7 M U R J Z K F E N F E D E C T G D K X H O W C F X F L E C C 8 6 S M Z N E C A L O R I E H Z Q A A T A A A F O P K C O X B R 8 1 4 3 Z W F O L B R I Q U R G W M D 3 1 7 P D A E T E E C B S O W W F O V N O L H C V M F A R I E H M 9 4 7 8 Q N V N K N D O I M S N A W E E R F Z A I R Q Y T S T T G S 5 1 3 N S S O B T N D H S H E H B T 9 5 3 2 N S I S H K I G O I P R E K I E X W A B Q S O R R Z O R C C 8 5 Y W W C H E V I N H K D S X A A K H Q R O U M P C N Q Y I Q 1 3 6 4 C U F P H A R M A C Y Y E E L

CALORIE HERO CAYENNE HORSFORTH CHEVIN PHARMACY CHRISTMAS SAFE DOMESTIC TIMEBANK DONATION WALKING ELF WEATHER HEALTH WINTER

Get in touch with us

We are your local NHS and we want Call us on to hear from you so that we can make 0113 8435 470 sure that we can help plan and fund Drop us an email the best possible services. [email protected] If you have an idea, suggestion or Visit us online would like to feedback your experience www.leedswestccg.nhs.uk of using local NHS or NHS-funded services do get in touch with us. Tweet us @NHSLeedsWest Write to us at NHS Leeds West Find us on Facebook Clinical Commissioning Group Facebook.com/NHSLeedsWestCCG NHS Leeds West Clinical Suite 2– 4 See our latest videos Commissioning Group (CCG) WIRA House YouTube.com/NHSLeedsWestCCG is made up of 37 GP practices in West Park Ring Road the west and parts of outer north Leeds west and south west Leeds. LS16 6EB

Quiz corner 15 SPORTS & Health New Year, new you… Many of you will be reading this magazine in the run up to Christmas, a time when a little excess can be excused! So we’d thought we’d prepare you for your New Year’s resolutions as we’re sure many of you will be thinking about a healthier and fitter future.

Calorie counting? Hitting the gym A gentle stroll… Don’t forget the hidden Take advantage of the New Year offers Walking is great for your health calories in your drink at your local gym and you could join and wellbeing. A brisk walk can Did you know that a glass of wine up for a heavily discounted rate. Gym help burn those calories as well as can have the same calories as four routines can get tedious so why not giving you a chance to explore the cookies? If you’re looking to get rid get a friend or two to join at the same wonderful sights and scenery in of the extra pounds you’ve gained time, healthy competition among Leeds and beyond – the Yorkshire over Christmas how about taking part your mates might just spur you on. Dales are not that far away. Find out in Dry January and start as you mean In Leeds there are plenty of gyms more about the Leeds Country Way, to go on in 2016. Cutting out the drink to choose from with some catering a 62 mile-long route around the city, will reduce your daily calorie intake. for particular groups such as ladies and download a leaflet by visiting According to information provided by only or classes for those with limited www.leeds.gov.uk. Pssst… the route Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk) mobility. A good starting point could is broken down into manageable calories in alcoholic drink are be gyms run by Leeds City Council: chunks so you don’t need to extra fattening. www.leeds.gov.uk/sports conquer all 62 miles in one go.

Have you got any exercise tips you want to share with our readers, get in touch: [email protected] or tweet your ideas @NHSLeedsWest

• Take a little extra longer to warm But if you’re really not wanting to go TIPS WHEN up your muscles and don’t forget out in the colder weather there are EXERCISING IN to cool down. plenty of indoor classes and activities COLD WEATHER • Wear several layers to keep the that you can try. There is even a 10 heat in and consider wearing a hat. minute home exercise routine on Just because days are shorter and the NHS Choices (www.nhs.uk) to keep • Keep to well-lit areas and wear you active in the comfort and warmth temperature has dropped it doesn’t bright and reflective clothing. mean you have to hibernate. Exercising of your own house. will not only give you more energy to get • If you’re unwell listen to your body you through winter but it will also help but never exercise if you have a fever. keep winter blues at bay. • Avoid listening to music and where If you’re planning on exercising outdoors possible exercise with a friend. over the winter period here are a few • If rain or ice is making it dangerous things to consider: then do it another day, it’s not worth the injury.