1. Winter Heroes from Wakefield Council

The winter months bring with them a range of health issues and it’s inevitable that bugs will spread. That is why Wakefield Council has put together a guide on how you can champion your winter health by following a few simple steps:

• Get vaccinated against COVID-19 and flu if you’re eligible
• Wash your hands regularly and catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue
• Keep warm, especially in your own home
• Look after your mental health and wellbeing

There is a booklet available with more information, and an Easy Read version and several translations are available, to ensure messages reach as many people as possible. You can find these resources here and please do share: www.wakefield.gov.uk/winter-heroes

If you would like any of the resources in hard copy, please email charlotteparker@wakefield.gov.uk

2. 'Together We Can’ West Yorkshire’s winter campaign 2023/24

The ‘Together We Can’ campaign is running once again across West Yorkshire this winter.

The campaign launch in early November and helps people access health and care services at the right time and place. It also encourages people to choose well and to opt for convenient self-care, where safe to do so during the winter months.  

As health services will be extremely busy this winter, everyone is asked to play their part and to be better prepared during the cold and flu season.  

During winter and times of significant pressure on local services, the public are still encouraged to come forward and not to delay if they need help or are concerned about their health, but we want to ensure they’re using the right services and they know when to go to a pharmacy, use NHS 111 or their GP practice.

The campaign has an easy to navigate website. Here you will find help and advice and tips for keeping well this winter, as well as other useful information on how to stay healthy. For campaign resources, visit the Partnership website.

3. West Yorkshire Healthier Together

Not just relating to the winter months, but might be helpful for your organisation! The West Yorkshire Healthier Together programme has launched a newsletter and the first edition is available to view.

4. WeatherReady Campaign

The Met Office has recently launched their WeatherReady winter campaign which focuses on weather challenges and tips for the public.

5. Health services are here to help during the winter months

A range of health services are available in Wakefield District over the winter months to ensure people get the most appropriate care for their needs. Information about different services can be found on the Partnership website.

6. Winter vaccinations from 15 December

From Friday 15 December, the national booking system, NHS App and 119 phone service will be closed for flu and COVID-19 vaccination booking. Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership encourage you to book now so you are protected in time for the winter holidays and whilst it is most convenient to book. 

After this date you can book a COVID-19 vaccination directly with a local vaccination service, such as a pharmacy or visit a walk-in site.  

You can book a flu jab by contacting your GP surgery or find a pharmacy. 

Information about local vaccination sites is also available on the Wakefield District Health and Care Partnership website.

7. Welcome Space around the District

Welcome Spaces are open to you as a free warm, safe place where you can enjoy a hot drink and some company. Everyone has a right to be warm, so expect a warm welcome when you visit.

You can find information on what your local welcome spaces has to offer, as well as a link to find your nearest space, on the Council's website.

8. Christmas Events and Activities 2023

Members of the Positive Mental Health Network have kindly provided the following information about events and activities for your use and sharing. They hope this information is useful, particularly for people in our communities who are socially isolated or lonely over the holiday season.

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Note: We will keep adding resources to this page, so check back soon! Please send any content suggestions to info@nova-wd.org.uk