Edition 19 August 07 2020 #TogetherLeeds Coronavirus community and voluntary sector bulletin

Photo by Nara Aged 5

Stay alert. Control the virus. Save lives #TogetherLeeds

Introduction Week 19

Welcome to our latest bulletin.

In this edition: Our city may be reopening – but you still need to STAY SAFE. COVID-19 testing arrangements across . Where you need to wear a face covering from this weekend. New help for potential diabetes patients. Celebrate Leeds Pride remotely. Are you a telly addict missing out on your chance of a free licence? Remember your NHS is still here for you.

We hope you find it an interesting and useful resource.

Was your health and care paused over Lockdown?

Staying Informed About Your Care & Treatment Under Lockdown During the pandemic, many people in Leeds have seen their health and care treatment paused. If this is the case for you, we'd be really grateful if you could answer the following questions about how this has been, so we can feed back your experiences and help shape the city's response to coronavirus in Leeds. Fill in the survey here

Stay safe, protect others, and stop the spread

As you’ll know from media coverage, there are additional COVID-19 restrictions in a number of areas including Kirklees, Bradford, Calderdale, Greater Manchester and much of East Lancashire. This means that people in these areas can’t meet with other households (other than their support bubble) in private homes and gardens or pubs/restaurants etc.

Leeds isn’t included in the restrictions, but given our proximity to Kirklees, Bradford and Calderdale, we all need to remain vigilant. Whilst there are signs of the city gradually reopening – we recently told you about the website featuring essential information for visitors to the city centre - our local rate of infection continues to increase. #TogetherLeeds

It’s now more important than ever to protect ourselves and others by following the key guidance of: frequent handwashing maintaining social distancing wearing face coverings (see story below) when required get tested (see story below) if you experience any symptoms What are COVID-19 symptoms.

How to get tested

If you have one or more COVID-19 symptoms, then you should book a free test for coronavirus at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by ringing 119 (translations available). There are lots of ways to get tested. These include: Drive-through testing Walk-in testing A home testing kit posted to you.

This week Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) are also available at the following locations:

Kirkstall Leisure Centre Car Park, Lane, LS5 3BE, 10am to 4pm, Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August. Fearnville Leisure Centre Car Park, Oakwood Lane, LS8 3LF, 10am to 4pm, Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August.

No one in your household should leave home if any one person has symptoms. If you need to stay at home and have no family or friends for support, ring our helpline on 0113 378 1877.

Face coverings update

From Saturday 8 August face coverings – already mandatory in shops, supermarkets, on public transport and in healthcare settings – will become mandatory in a wide range of other indoor settings. You can find the full list here.

A key consideration with face covering is knowing when, and how, to dispose of them. Read this useful disposal guidance. #TogetherLeeds

Anyone entitled to a face covering exemption card can get one here. The Lullaby Trust is reiterating Public Health ’s advice that children under three do not need to wear a mask. There is a risk of suffocation and other hazards if babies wear masks.

Translated COVID-19 Materials

This week launched a new webpage which will act as a repository for a wide range of translated images and graphic materials. Please feel free to share these on social media.

Please feel free to share these on social media. Meanwhile, the Government has published newly- translated mental health guidance to support: children and young people public

NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme (NHS DPP)

NHS England has launched a new self-referral process for people who may be at risk of developing type 2 diabetes onto the NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme. The programme includes education on lifestyle choices, healthy eating and physical activity, all of which help reduce the risk of someone developing Type-2 Diabetes. This is more important than ever as people with diabetes face a significantly higher risk of becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19.

Leeds Pride

This Sunday would have been the 15th Leeds Pride, the annual event that recognises and celebrates LGBT+ people across our city. The event, which brings over 60,000 people into the city centre, was cancelled earlier this year due to COVID. Instead of the parade through the city centre and events taking place across the city on Sunday, this year organisers are asking people to still celebrate Leeds Pride but at home and share photos using #LeedsPrideAtHome. In recognition, Leeds City Council buildings will be lit up in the colours of the rainbow as well as flying the Pride, Bi and Trans flags. #TogetherLeeds

Pension Credit – if eligible, you’ll still qualify for a free TV licence We estimate that there’s over £30 million of unclaimed pension credit in Leeds. On 1 August, the free TV licence for over 75s became means-tested and only available to people receiving Pension Credit. If you, or someone you work with, are state pension age and finding it hard to make ends meet each month, or worrying about how you’re going to pay an unforeseen bill, there may be ways you can get some extra money through Pension Credit.

Check your eligibility by calling the claim line on 0800 991 234 (Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 6:00pm). You can also apply online through the gov.uk website.

Remember, your NHS is here for you

Help the local NHS by backing ‘Your NHS is still here for you’ campaign. You must seek medical care when you need it, particularly for life-changing and life-threatening illnesses.

pssssst! We need a favour from you

We need a quick favour. Can you fill in this short survey about this newsletter we send you. https://surveys.leeds.gov.uk/s/TPPRKG/ Each week since the Lockdown began we have been sending you the Together Leeds Newsletter, we want to know if you are finding the information you require. Is there something missing that you need for your membership?

Active Leeds Activity Packs

Active Leeds has developed two activity Get Set, Get Active, packs to inspire families to have fun by for older children being active at home. Ready Set Rainbow, for under-8s

can be found via the Healthy at Home hub. The packs include active challenges and games, as well as puzzles, colouring sheets and mindfulness activities, and a leaflet with key health-related information for families. The leaflet is also hosted on the Child Friendly Leeds website, as part of a feature showcasing ‘Ten tips for families to stay healthy and happy at home’. #TogetherLeeds

Useful contact numbers

· Leeds Directory is the council’s online source of information about a range of local community care and support services, activities and events. During the COVID-19 pandemic the directory provides an important link to essential services, such as trades that can help with urgent repairs in the home to keep residents safe and well. Please take a look at the easy-to-use website, try it out and spread the word.

Are you helping a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem? If you have any questions or concerns, call Carers Leeds on 0113 380 4300. Or visit the website

Call the Leeds City Council helpline on 0113 378 1877 if you're self-isolating and don't have friends or family nearby who can help. Our volunteers can help you with shopping, transport to medical appointments, or a call to check how you are.

MindWell has a coronavirus information hub with the latest information and resources to help people in Leeds take care of their mental health and is at this time. It’s also helpful if you’re concerned about someone or if you’re a professional supporting others.

MindMate is a trusted Leeds-based website specifically for children and young people, their families and the professionals who support them.

Cruse Bereavement Care offer a range of support and resources and have a free helpline 0808 808 1677. Opening hours Monday-Friday 9.30-5pm (excluding bank holidays), extended hours on Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday evenings, until 8pm.

West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health & Care Partnership Grief and Loss Support Service FREEPHONE 0808 196 3833 or visit https://www.griefandlosswyh.co.uk/ - a live chat function is available on the website. The service is available 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm.

Carers Leeds Are you helping a friend or family member due to their illness, disability, mental health issue or a substance misuse problem? Yes? – Then you are one of 74,000 unpaid carers in Leeds and we are here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, call our advice line Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm on 0113 380 4300. #TogetherLeeds

Useful contact numbers

Cancer Support Helpline for patients and/or their carers if they are worried or have any questions about COVID-19 following receipt of a letter from the hospital about changes to their appointment or treatment. The helpline 0800 923 0014 offers a 7 day a week (including bank holidays) telephone support service from 9am - 5pm.

Leeds Domestic Violence Service helpline on 0113 246 0401. If calling is unsafe, a web-chat service is now being offered from Monday-Friday between 1pm-3pm via https://leedswomensaid.co.uk/. If you’re in immediate danger, call 999 (press 55 after the emergency number if you’re in danger and unable to speak).

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help but it’s not an emergency. A trained advisor will help you access the best service to meet your need. You can also go online www.111.nhs.uk

Previous issues

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