A group that meets to support the health of communities in Carlisle is urging residents to follow public health advice and take advantage of the support available.
The WHO Carlisle Health Forum is made up of a range of organisations. It seeks to support projects and initiatives that promote the health and wellbeing of local residents. They are urging people to:
Leave correct contract tracing details at venues.
Follow public health messages to:
- Wash or sanitise hands regularly.
- Observe social distancing rules.
- Wear face masks or coverings in enclosed public spaces.
- If you have symptoms, self-isolate and get tested.
- Follow advice to self-isolate if asked.
- Take advantage of open-air spaces such as green gyms and local parks.
- Take part in local events that support mental health and wellbeing.
Cllr Elizabeth Mallinson, Portfolio holder for Health and Wellbeing, speaking on behalf of the WHO Carlisle Health Forum said: “We’re so proud of how communities and partners across Carlisle have responded to Coronavirus. Whilst the majority of the public have been responsible, there are some who have left the wrong contact tracing details. We ask that people across Carlisle leave the correct details in order to minimise risk across the area, future lockdowns and to protect our communities. I’d also urge local residents to follow public health advice and to take advantage of local events that support community resilience and mental health and wellbeing.”
Cumbria County Cllr Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Local Communities, added: “The last few months have been a rollercoaster for all of us, and I’m immensely proud of how well our communities across Carlisle have responded to these uncertain and unprecedented times.
“I am pleased to have been involved in the Healthy Cities Carlisle group – working together to ensure local residents can access the most up to date guidance, information and support available. I’d urge everyone to make sure they’re familiar with the latest advice, and to continue their efforts to contain Coronavirus, supporting vulnerable neighbours and relatives and keeping themselves safe and well.”
A Space to Talk event will be held in Carlisle city centre this Friday (21 August) between 11am and 2pm. The event is supported by Give a Day to the City, Carlisle City Council, Carlisle Healthcare, Carlisle Vineyard Church and Carlisle Network Health and Care. Open to all, the event is a chance to have a chat with some experienced listeners and receive a Bag of Courage.
Miriam Lowe, Carlisle Vineyard Church, said: “These have been incredibly challenging months with so many difficult and uncertain experiences as we’ve face Covid-19 as a community. Each one of us will have our own stories and the impact of the pandemic and its effects on our lives. Each of these stories is important. These listening spaces are simply to create space to listen to one another, to connect, to be community, and to share our experiences and to know we are not alone in our day to day lives. This is so important for our wellbeing.”
Rachel Murdie, Carlisle Healthcare & Carol Eland, Carlisle Network Social Prescribing Leads added: “Carlisle Healthcare and Carlisle Network, the two NHS Primary Care Networks covering the city of Carlisle, are delighted to be part of developing this exciting partnership approach to support the health and wellbeing of our local communities.”
