The latest Leeds update is below:
Welcome to the last planned bulletin for 2024 with news and updates from across the city. I hope you have a chance to celebrate and relax over the break. There is news on the Christmas & New Year arrangements, Applications for revenue grant funding to develop wraparound childcare places, Money Information Centre, Food Aid Network, Inclusive Growth Partnership, Healthy Holidays Leeds and Free winter vaccines, along with local developments and social media messages to share.
Leeds continues to be firmly on the national map with the government choosing to launch the Integrated National Transport Strategy at the end of November and the English Devolution White paper this week in the city, both important policy approaches for the future growth and ambitions for of our city. The Chief Medical Officer's annual report 2024: Health in Cities, published last week includes a case study from Leeds, highlighting the range of partnership work taking place across the city to address health inequalities. The HomeFirst programme which is seeking to change how intermediate care services are delivered in our city, continues to host government visits. As the programme moves to the next stage of its journey, hear in a new video from programme leaders, staff and patients as they discuss some of the challenges faced and what has been achieved: HomeFirst - Intermediate care transformation in Leeds
Christmas and New Year arrangements:
From Wednesday 25 December 2024 to Wednesday 1 January 2025 inclusive, many council buildings are closed. Detailed arrangements are in place for services over the Festive period to maintain essential services and respond to genuinely urgent and important issues of an emergency nature, whilst other services are closed to enable colleagues to take their annual leave and have a break. Civic Hall can still be accessed over this period if absolutely necessary and details of building closures can be found here. Below are details of webpages and numbers you may find useful if there is an emergency over this period.
Our general enquiries line is 0113 222 4444 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm, except Wednesdays when lines open at 10am).
Housing Leeds, including housing repairs can be contacted on 0800 1884000 or 0113 37 60410.
You can find all our out of hours lines here and details on our Christmas opening hours.
Flooding advice is here and Leeds Floodline can be contacted on 0345 988 1188 (24 hour service). Live updates from Twitter: (LCC) @LeedsCC_News @LeedsFAS @leedsemergency @EnvAgencyYNE
Applications for revenue grant funding to develop wraparound childcare places
To support the expansion of wraparound childcare, the government announced in 2023 that it will be providing all local authorities with revenue grant funding to expand wraparound provision. The aim is for all parents/carers of primary school children who need it to be able to access childcare in their local area from 8am – 6pm during term-time.
As part of this process, we are inviting a second round of applications from childcare providers in Leeds, including schools, to apply for some of this funding and want to make sure that you are aware of the arrangements for this. Please note that the closing date for applications is 5pm on 31 January 2025.
If you have any questions about the process, please send them by email to [email protected]
Money Information Centre
The new Money Information Centre website is now live. Improvements have been made to the look and navigation of the site and there is now a page hosting resources, so please take a look and share as you feel best.
Food Aid Network
Leeds Food Aid Network have produced a document (attached) listing food and homeless provision over the Christmas period
Healthy Holidays Leeds
School-aged children and young people eligible for income-related Free School Meals can take part in amazing, free activities with a healthy meal from 20 December to 6 January. Activities vary and can include sports, outdoor activities, dance, arts and crafts, as well as visits to attractions like Temple Newsam and Lotherton Hall. Every child and young person will receive a tasty nutritious meal that meets their dietary requirements. There are over 90 Healthy Holidays clubs across Leeds. Find out more and register for Healthy Holidays Leeds now
URL: https://bit.ly/4g2oh3v
Winter Vaccinations against Flu and COVID-19
Free winter vaccines for eligible Leeds residents are available now
For some, flu or COVID-19 can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. People who are eligible for free vaccines include those with long-term health conditions, people aged over 65 and pregnant women. Vaccinations are available from GPs and community pharmacies. Visit the NHS website or go to a pharmacy for more information and to book.
URL: http://www.nhs.uk/wintervaccinations
Quit smoking campaign
While smoking rates have declined in recent years, smoking remains the single biggest preventable cause of ill health and death. The key message is that it’s never too late to stop smoking and with the right support you’re up to three times more likely to quit for good. The health benefits are immediate and if you smoke 10 a day you’ll save over £50 a week. Information about the free support in Leeds is available here or by phoning 0800 169 4219. A toolkit of assets for social media is available here.
Local developments:
- Children who might otherwise go without this Christmas will benefit from tailored gifts and experiences thanks to the generosity of businesses in the city. Leeds City Council’s Child Friendly Leeds (CFL) team is once again running a ‘Christmas Gifting’ campaign to help thousands of children and young people in need in Leeds. The annual drive sees the council working with community and public sector services to identify vulnerable families who may be struggling with the cost of Christmas and linking up with businesses to donate presents in their honour. Further info can be found here.
- With a higher footfall than the rest of the year expected in December, Leeds is launching a new safety initiative. Night Safe Leeds aims to raise awareness of how to stay safe and shine a light on the support that’s available in the city centre. Further info can be found here.
Wishing you, your families, friends and communities a very Happy Christmas and Happy Hanukkah, and all the best for a healthy and happy 2025.
