Time to Talk Day 2021

 

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A small conversation about mental health has the power to make a big difference, say city emotional wellbeing experts ahead of Time to Talk Day on 4 February 2021.

Research shows that the more conversations people have, the more myths can be bust and the more barriers can broken down, helping to end the isolation and shame and that too many people feel about mental health problems.

Time to Talk Day is when we’re all being encouraged to talk about mental health. This year’s event might look a little different, but at times like this open conversations about mental health are more important than ever.

This year’s focus is on the power of small, because however you have a conversation about mental health – whether it’s a quick text to a friend, a virtual coffee morning with colleagues, or a socially distanced walk and talk with your family – it has the power to make a big difference.

Here are some tips on how to start a conversation and help someone simply by listening and acknowledging what they’re going through.

An open ear reduces fear

Listening is often more important than talking. You don’t have to have all the answers – just listening can make a big difference. Show  you’re taking on board what they’re saying. You can do this saying something simple like “that sounds really difficult”.

2. Be a friend, don’t mend

You don’t have to fix it, just being there will mean a lot. It can be difficult to open, especially if you think the person you’re with won’t understand. Remember what they’re going through is real to them, so be the supportive friend you’ve always been.

3. It’s easy to say “that sounds tough”

Show you care and take on board what they’re saying. It’s OK to ask questions like “What kind of thoughts are you having?”, “How can I help?” Just try not to minimise what someone’s going through.

Emma Williams from Time to Change York, said: “We need your help to start the conversation this Time to Talk Day – together we can end mental health stigma. Find out more at www.time-to-change.org.uk/get-involved/time-talk-day.”

Cl(opens in a new tab)lr Carol Runciman, Executive Member for Health and Adult Social Care at City of York Council, said: “I’m delighted to see this campaign which builds on Time To Change’s ‘Ask Twice’ campaign. Simply reaching out to someone and asking how they are – how they really are – and listening to them, can make people feel so much better.

There is a range of tips and resources for better emotional wellbeing at www.livewellyork.co.uk/feelrealyork .

Coronavirus York updates; 3rd February 2021

Deaths

FIVE additional deaths were announced by the York Hospital Trust today. Three occurred on Monday and two yesterday.

Test results

THIRTY SEVEN (37) additional positive test results were announced today. Brings the cumulative total to 11,215

The rate /100k population figure has now fallen to 185.18.

case numbers in York are now down to 390 (7 day moving average). They continue to reduce at a faster rate than elsewhere in the region.

Neighbourhoods

Six neighbourhoods now have significantly lower than average infection rates (below the 100 cases rate benchmark). The 6 include Woodthorpe/Acomb Park area which, 4 weeks ago, had the highest rate in the City.

Vaccinations

National & Regional
Local

Nimbuscare say that they vaccinated over 1700 people each day on Monday and Tuesday at the Askham Bar site.

Today (Wednesday) over 1800 have been vaccinated so far.

NB. Some patients are getting same day appointment options having received their “call up” Email in the morning. Very impressive process.

Testing

During the week ending 29th January 2021 (latest figures), 5363 PCR tests were completed in York.

Of these, 8.2% were positive.

This was a further reduction on the previous days figure (8.7%)

987 lateral flow tests were also completed on 2nd February

York Stadium testing site

The York Stadium Leisure Complex is the latest facility in York to offer symptom-free testing,

as thousands of people who live and work in York continue to do their bit by getting tested regularly to stop the spread of Coronavirus.

Following an agreement between City of York Council and Better York, residents will be able to get tested at the new York Leisure Centre, part of our fantastic new facilities at York Stadium Leisure Complex at Huntington, Monks Cross, from Monday 8 February.

You can book a rapid test if:

  • you live or work in York, and are unable to work from home during the lockdown, and come into contact with other people during the course of your work (including working in early years settings, essential retail and construction)
  • you’re aged 18 or over, and you come into contact with lots of other people as part of your work in any essential sector
  • you’re aged 18 or over, and you work with, live with, or support those most at risk from coronavirus
  • you’re a pupil of a secondary school in York, and your school has advised you to be tested
  • you’re an eligible staff member, postgraduate researcher or student at university in York

It joins York St John University and the University of York in offering residents, workers, students and staff who are eligible. Since starting testing on 14 December, we have done over 20,000 tests.

Councillor Keith Aspden, Leader of City of York Council said:

“I am pleased that the council is teaming up with Better York to offer another location for residents and people working in the city to get a symptom-free test.

“This is yet another example of how we are working to expand testing capacity in the and how we are coming together to fight the spread of the virus. 

“From the very beginning of the project, it was our ambition that the York Stadium Leisure Complex would become an asset of real value to local communities and this new symptom-free testing offer shows how these fantastic facilities are being put to good use for the benefit of local people.

“We will continue to work with partners across the city to improve access to symptom-free testing, exploring how we meet the different needs of people who live and work in the city. Thousands are doing it every week and we hope more do in the coming weeks, as part of our efforts to stop the spread of the virus.”

Sharon Stoltz, Director of Public Health at City of York Council said:

“1 in 3 cases of Coronavirus have no symptoms so it is vital cases are found early to help stop the spread of Coronavirus.

“Whilst cases have fallen in recent weeks rates in York are still higher than we’d like. The early identification of cases and subsequent self-isolation if the test is positive is really making a difference in our fight against Coronavirus.

“We are hugely grateful to those who are regularly getting tested to play their part in the fight against Coronavirus.

“Symptom-free testing can help protect your work colleagues, neighbours, friends and family. We are constantly increasing capacity so would urge anyone who is eligible to get a test.”

Paul Bickle, Better’s Partnership Manager for York said:

“The York Leisure Centre provides an ideal location for Covid-19 testing, offering easy access, plenty of parking and sufficient space to ensure social distancing at all times. 

“The concept behind the stadium project was always that it would be a resource for all the community and it is fantastic to be able to play a small part in the city’s efforts to battle the ongoing pandemic.”

If you are eligible please book at https://www.york.gov.uk/SymptomFreeCOVIDTest

If you have coronavirus symptoms or you’re self-isolating, instead visit: www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or call 119